The benefits of sewing as a winter hobby activity.
We are now in the midst of one of the most unpredictable months of the year — January. We are apt to have a blizzard, sub-zero temperatures or a big thaw. Right now the temperature is 61 degrees, which is most unusual for the Rochester area of New York State. We hear that the pussy willows have swollen buds and the crocus are peeping through the ground. We can only hope not too much damage will be done. Probably in a few days we will have a blizzard. You can never tell in January!
About this time of year, I get the urge to do some sewing. It is one of my hobbies which I greatly enjoy, but am unable to find much time for. I enjoy sewing as a winter hobby. The sewing machines which are used today are far different than the treadle machines which our Mothers used. Our Grandmothers would surely be amazed to see the modern machines, which with a turn of a dial can do anything from sewing on buttons to fancy embroidery work.
Recently, I was reading about the invention of the sewing machine and thought that you folks might be interested. In 1846, Elias Howe Jr., received a patent for his lock stitch machine with eye-pointed needle and shuttle. It could sew only eighteen stitches before the cloth had to be removed for a fresh start. Mr. Howe was unable to sell any of his machines, although at a public demonstration, his machine outsewed five expert seamstresses. In the meantime, Isaac Singer perfected the machine and the first of the world’s important household appliances had been born. After a series of lawsuits, both men became rich. One of the results of this was the start of installment buying, the trade-in and advertising to sell a product to the people.
At our house, Paul has had a chance to try out his snow thrower with snow which we had earlier. It works very well, and he has definitely decided that he prefers a blower to a blade. Today, he visited an old friend whom he doesn’t see very often. (They once threshed together.) They became involved with a gas engine, so now he has to find a set of rings for it. Yesterday, he helped another friend start an old engine which is 50 or more years old. So it goes- always something going on with these “gas engine nuts”.
My Saturday work is over until next Fall, and I am not at all sorry. Now, I will have a little more time to devote to household chores, gas engine business, visiting friends, reading and other hobbies.
So until next time, a thought to remember is “the poorest person is one whose only wealth is money.”