I am often asked WHY handsewing skills should be taught and what purpose they have today when sewing machines can do everything quicker and easier. Although I can give a long explanation, this quote from a little booklet printed in the early 1900's says it so well...and don't forget, sewing machines mass produce while something created by hand is unique from start to finish.
Dreaming dreams of love and honor and usefulness is a pleasant occupation, but making such dreams come true is the worthiest of achievements; and the Hope Chest packed snugly with pretties to wear and useful household necessitites is a step in the right direction.
A knowledge of sewing is an almost indispensible accomplishment in the home, and no girl can learn how to use the needle more pleasantly than by starting on little pieces of hand embroidery that are soon completed and that possess the charm of beauty as well as the value of usefulness.
The desire to create is strong within us all, and an outlet for the expression of ideas and ideals is practically an essential if we are to be truly happy and genuinely useful. Sewing is such an outlet for girls and women.
Poise is the most priceless characteristic a woman can possess, because it makes her mistress of herself and gives her understanding of others. Poise is the serene, steadfast condition of mind that is the result of deep thinking about ourselves, our strength and weakness. Such thinking is possible only through concentration, and sewing develops concentration, for you can't do fine stitching and let your mind do a one-step.
Behind everything that is created beautiful, useful or otherwise, there is thought. Thought may be termed the soil of the mind, from which springs inspiration, and these, coupled with concentration and skill, are the forces that create - that develop to completion everything that is made and done.
If we develop these forces as we may we will do wonderful things, and our lives and the lives of all with whom we come in contact will be better and happier because of our increased power of mind - of our more highly developed skill.
A perfect unison of heart, head and hands is what every woman should strive for. Learning to use the needle skillfully will set you on the right track toward this goal.
It is not given to all of us to express ourselves through music, sculpture, drawing or many other arts or sciences, but women may always express themselves in that wonderful handicraft - needlework.
***I firmly believe that handsewing is a unique stress-reliever that God installed into every woman's heart - though many may not have tried it yet to know it's even there! Just as most women can't pass by an old truck or chest without peeking inside, handsewing is also a truly a feminine characteristic that brightens the outlook of life simply by spending a few moments doing it. If you haven't tried handsewing before, you really should give it a try. You have no idea what you're missing if you don't! Available on this website are very simple projects to start with - kits with directions are available or you can download projects directions instantly. See what you're missing!