Since the beginning of time, the use of needle and thread have been essential for sustaining life itself. Sewing skills empowered people to stay warm and shelter themselves from the weather and animals. While women often did much of the sewing, survival was everyone's business.
Parents trained their children to sew. Tents, clothing, blankets, and other necessities were sewn together. While heavier work fell to men, lighter tasks were performed by children and women. Sewing was a life skill necessary for survival.
Archaeologists tell us that the bones, wood, and early metal needle were widely used among primitive people. They also used strips of bark, animal hides, plant vines, and other materials as thread. Animal skins were used like fabric.
During the 1840s and 50s, the sewing world changed. Up to this point, all sewing had been done by hand. Then suddenly as a result of Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, and Isaac Singers invention of the mechanical sewing machine, sewing changed forever. This new invention out performed hand sewers speed, but could work hour after hour without getting weary.
In a matter of years, families from Virginia to California considered the sewing machine a must have family tool. It liberated women from endless hours of hand sewing. Mothers taught their daughters and sewing became a necessary survival skill. Schools everywhere began teaching sewing. Sewing became an essential.
Along with the rise in use of the sewing machine came the critical need for sewing machine repair and a new profession emerged for people to repair sewing machines.
Over time, women began working outside of their homes. Sewing tasks like clothing construction have been outsourced to Asian countries. The perceived value of sewing has declined. Fewer people view sewing as an essential life skill. Most schools have reduced or eliminated the sewing instruction. On the surface, it appears that sewing and the family use of the sewing machine are soon becoming obsolete.
The winds of change, however, are in the air. The world of sewing is changing. Surprisingly, over 85,000,000 sewing machines are actively being used in America today. Some 5,000,000 brand new sewing machines are sold in the U.S. every year. More people are beginning to sew everyday.
Sewing use to be an essential life skill, but today it is becoming the hobby of choice and a great cottage industry tool. In the past sewing machines were for work. They were heavy, rugged, and often difficult to use. Modern sewing machines are easy and fun to use.
An exciting revolution is taking place right now in the world of sewing. Sewers are passionate about their creativity and self expression. Sewers sew because it is relaxing, fun, easy, self expressive, and satisfying. The modern sewing machine offers fabulous features that enable the sewer to sew with confidence, convenience, and unlimited creative potential. Advanced technologies built into the modern sewing machine make sewing easier, faster, and more reliable. Special sewing machines like sergers and embroidery machines plus the addition of convenience features have made for high demand.
The resurgence of sewing in the modern era is mind boggling. If someone had suggested in 1900 that a sewing machine like Berninas new 830 would cost $12,000, they could not have imagined it. Yet, in spite of the price tag, our stores have already sold half a dozen, and the machine has just been released. The passion of the modern sewer far exceeds the have-to mentality of ages past. Today people sew because they want to. The demand for sewing instruction has caused the creation of thousands of sewing classes, clubs, and sharing groups. Many public and private schools are to teaching sewing again. Embroidery machines have created need for embroidery designs and resulted in a new profession of embroidery designers.
If the sewing bug has bitten you, rest assured you are not alone. There are hundreds of people in your community who love to sew and quilt. They are waiting to include you in their classes, clubs, and events. So, look for your local opportunities and get sewing.
Here are a few places you can look: Yellow Pages under sewing machine dealers; local churches, library, recreation centers, schools, quilt shops, and the internet. Check out sewing and quilting books and ecourses. Sign up for classes. Remember, modern sewing is an exciting hobby that enables your personal gratification, self expression, and creativity.
Here are some online resources:
Learn to Sew and How To Sew
http://www.sewinganswers.com
Sewing Machines
http://www.sewingmachinemall.com
Repair Sewing Machines
http://www.fixsewingmachines.com
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