June brings us a number of celebration days including the unofficial National Sewing Machine Day on June 13. This day acknowledges the first patent of a sewing machine by Englishman Thomas Saint in 1790. However, machines were not immediately produced – another 14 years went by before a workable model was produced and quite a few more years before such machines were available to consumers. Another notable inventor along the way was Walter Hunt who, in 1833, invented the lockstitch machine but never got a patent. The name, though, that is most associated with the sewing machine that consumers came to know is Isaac Singer. Singer successfully put together ideas from other inventors plus a foot petal and developed a workable, affordable model for consumers. He also marketed the machines to consumers using an installment payment system which made it easier for purchase.
No doubt the invention of the sewing machine for both commercial and home use greatly changed the garment industry. Ready-to-wear became more varied and available to people. For home sewers, it reduced the number of hours spent making garments (not to mention saving eyesight!).
Sewing today has greatly changed from years past. We have many more tools, notions, and fabrics for our use. The inventors of the sewing machine would be amazed at what our modern-day machines can do! Most machines today, including some entry-level ones, are computerized. We touch screens to select our stitches rather than turn knobs. Our upper-end embroidery machines are equipped with Wi-Fi that lets us send designs to the machine from our phone or computer. If you haven’t looked at sewing machines lately, treat yourself to a trip to your local machine dealer to see what features new machines have.
Celebrating National Sewing Machine Day can involve several activities:
–Charity sewing: You or your sewing group can get together and make something for donation. Quilts and blankets are always useful. Check with local organizations to determine what their needs might be.
–Watch some videos: There are lots of videos available online that teach new techniques or explain certain stitching processes. Also check your TV listings for shows dealing with sewing.
–Stitch with a friend: I always enjoy sharing my love of sewing with a like-minded friend. Schedule a day of sewing together OR visit your local fabric/quilting shop for some inspiration.
–Give your machine some TLC: Your hardworking machine may deserve some attention! Check your bobbin case area for lint build-up and gently remove any excess. Put a new needle in your machine. For best sewing results, needles should be changed every six-eight hours of sewing time (no waiting until one breaks!). If your machine hasn’t been professionally serviced in a couple of years, treat your machine to its “spa day” by taking it to your local dealer for a thorough clean and service.
–Treat yourself to a new machine: What could be a better way to celebrate the day than by bringing home a new machine! Today’s machines have many features to make sewing more enjoyable. Hate threading the needle? Most machines will have a built-in needle threader. Do you like to personalize your sewing items? Look for a machine that has a built-in alphabet or a combination embroidery/sewing machine that gives you more options for designs. Need a machine to travel with you? Many of our customers take classes or travel and need something lighter to carry. Most machine companies offer smaller models in easy-to-carry sizes so you can take your sewing with you! Yes, it’s OK to have two sewing machines!
National Sewing Machine Day is a great time to reflect on sewing and I know I will be thinking of how much enjoyment I’ve had from it over the years. Sewing, for me, has always been a great way to relieve the stresses of the day plus I have something I can enjoy or share. Whether you are a crafter, garment-maker, embroiderer, or quilter, consider giving your machine a bit of extra love on June 13.
-submitted by The Sewing & Vacuum Center
