Introduction

Sewing is an art as old as mankind. Transmitted by women from century to century, it has never lost its utility or its charm. Mother taught daughter; neighbor taught neighbor. As an attainment, it constitutes, for women and men alike, a lore all its own. The woman of yesterday, were she able to look in on methods and implements today, would be amazed at the singular progress which has been made to improve quality and artistic effect.

Though the sewing craft is well established, there are still many individuals who want to learn, or who wish to improve their present ability. For these, many facilities are available. Courses are offered by schools, department stores, and sewing machine manufacturers. Magazines frequently devote many of their pages to some aspect of clothing. Many books have been written on the subject. But, all too often, these facilities are not available in the locale of the person desiring them; they are inconvenient, too expensive, or are designed only for the expert.

The publication of this compact, inexpensive book on sewing is intended to solve the problem for such persons and should indeed be a boon to all who are interested in the subject. Here is a book which can be as useful in the hands of the novice as to the experienced sewer.

For the beginner there is a chapter on first projects. An individual can progress with confidence from less complicated problems to the more involved until she is a competent sewer. And there need be no limit to the age of the beginner. "Beginner" may or may not connote youth. Many a woman has learned to sew at an early age, as soon indeed as she could handle the sewing machine with comfort and safety. Other women have learned when they were the age of grandmothers. Fortunately, this is a skill which can bring satisfaction at any age. Therefore, it is hoped that this book will encourage many women to try their hands at this fascinating occupation.

For the experienced sewer, there is a wealth of material in this book. She has only to refer to the section in which she has a special interest at the moment, such as collars, pleats, sleeves and the like and a possible solution will be revealed to her.

A singular advantage in this book is the comprehensive coverage of all aspects of sewing. If a person is interested in the selection of a pattern for a new spring dress, how to mend a tear in a coat, the use of the buttonhole attachment on her sewing machine, or the best choice of fabric for pajamas, the information is readily available.

In connection with the extensive treatment of the subject, it is well to consider that the book does not have to be read from cover to cover to find the answer to any such problem. The index is alphabetical and so inclusive that it becomes a valuable aid in finding the answer to your question. Not only is this a book of instruction, it is a sort of sewing encyclopedia as well. Yet the book is not filled with endless repetition. Rather than repeat a process monotonously, a cross reference is made to a full description of a given process to aid the reader in turning to it.

The large number of well selected and appropriate descriptive illustrations in the book are among its most valuable features. They were especially made to assist the sewer through each step in the process, as though an expert were standing at her shoulder, explaining each move. They are a kind of security against failure. When diagrams are combined with the simple, clear-cut, step-by-step instructions, even the faint-hearted should find new incentives to learn.

The section on equipment is particularly valuable. Present-day equipment is a far cry from the bone needle and other simple implements of the primitive age. Modern sewing machines operate safely and easily and have numerous attachments for many of the complicated operations, formerly done by hand. And, there are many other tools available to the homemaker, which promote ease of construction. This book elaborates on the kinds of equipment, their use, and care. The equipment of today is truly labor-saving and has eliminated endless hours which our ancestors spent over the needle.

Methods have also changed and this book is an exponent of the latest trends. Every reasonable effort has been made to streamline construction processes. Diligent use of pressing, pinning, and sewing machine attachments, have overcome the former tediousness of sewing. Many short cuts in construction, such as gathering on the machine, are indeed a boon to the home sewer, and are well developed in this book.

Women are not only blessed with modern equipment and methods but the improvement of the fabrics with which they work is notable. Science has made many contributions to the kinds and quality of textiles to be used in clothes and home furnishings. No longer do mothers have to put in large seams and hems to guard against shrinkage. Our grandmothers were often sorely tried with fabrics that raveled easily, pulled out of shape, puckered, or faded. The array of textiles available to homemakers today is a veritable treasure chest.

This book has a section on the selection of fabrics for definite purposes, that should prove especially helpful.

With modern methods, equipment, and fabrics to serve as inspiration, what woman can find any reasonable excuse to discourage her from sewing? But if there is one, let her consider some of the arguments in favor of learning to sew and the self-improvement associated with good sewing.

There are few families today that do not welcome an opportunity to increase their income. Again and again, women have told me of the savings which have been derived from sewing for their household. This includes making clothes for various family members, according to their needs and interests, as well as making furnishings for the home.

Specific ways to effect savings are listed here. Toweling can be bought by the bolt and hemmed at home. Home alterations of a store-purchased garment are noticeably lower in cost. Slip covers, table mats, and curtains made at home are preferable to ready-made and can be much less expensive. Sewing play clothes for the children from remnants purchased at reduced prices makes for real thrift. What homemaker has not been made happy by the contrast in her budget between home-sewed and store-purchased items? The savings can sensibly be used for other useful purposes—recreation, travel, books, and the like.

But aside from the practical aspects of sewing there are the less tangible to consider. There is the deep sense of satisfaction gained from having done something useful by one's own effort. However small, or however difficult, the making of something new, such as a blouse, a playsuit, or a shirt, leaves lasting contentment. And then, to see these garments worn by family members, and to realize their appreciation, adds to the delight.

There is no doubt that satisfactions of this kind are closely related to the development of personality. For example, the high school student who can wear better clothes because she makes them herself, and has more, because of the savings she is able to achieve, can go about with more self-confidence and a deeper sense of security. At the same time she inspires admiration and respect from others. This applies similarly to the homemaker who sews her own slip covers and curtains.

Sewing can be an integral part of homemaking and by taking it in stride, rather than making it a special task to worry about, it can lend itself to improved family morale and cooperation. In visits to families, repeatedly I have heard stories which confirmed this. Briefly, here are a few of the comments I have heard. A mother of a twelve-year-old boy told me that her son was disgusted and unhappy over his "sissy-like" room. Only a small expenditure was needed for stout materials for upholstery and curtains. The removal of feminine things made the room take on a masculine look. Improved family relations resulted.

A certain Mr. Brown needed a darkroom for his hobby, photography. So his wife made inexpensive black curtains for a small room in the basement. A high school student helped her grandmother make a traveling dress for a trip to see her new grandson. Harold was interested in sailing, but couldn't afford to buy a boat. His father helped him to make a boat and his mother sewed the sails for him. A grandmother won status with her family by doing the mending for a nominal charge, which in turn contributed to her sense of independence. In other words, sewing is not only a means for less expensive living, but constantly contributes to a family's welfare and happiness.

May this book open the door to many hours of happy sewing for you.

DR. HENRIETTA FLECK,

Chairman, Department of Home Economics

New York University

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