From my northern friend Martha:
If you have ever had trouble focusing at the sewing machine or been a little stressed while quilting --this may be just the help you need.
Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do. Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.
Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.
When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on. If, you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy sewing as you should.
From a Singer Sewing Manual, 1949
This is a hoot! But what the heck's French Chalk and why would you put it on your fingers?
3 comments:
What interesting advice. I admit the day I get dressed up and put on makeup and lipstick to sew would shock my husband into passing out. I had never heard of French chalk before so I quick looked it up. According to Wikipedia, "French chalk is a type of talc used by tailors for marking cloth, by cleaners for removing grease from cloth and as a dry lubricant in its powdered form."
I like the word: lackadaisically. You don't hear that anymore! :D
"When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible"
Then I read the rest of the article and I had to laugh at the above comment. I swear I'm the most unnattractive when I sew.
I'm going to have to rethink this whole sewing business....time to wash the dishes!
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