Date: 9/28/09 8:46 PM

"Create fashions with a custom-made look in your own home sewing center."



That's what the caption read for this picture in a Better Homes and Gardens, Sewing Book, 1961.

That hide-away sewing center and that sewing table for her Singer 301 [ooh, yeah!] would have to be custom made too. This dressmaker definitely has a nice set up!

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Her needlework both plain and ornamental was excellent, and she might have put a sewing machine to shame. ~James Edward Austen-Leigh, about Jane Austen

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Date: 9/28/09 9:27 PM

I love the dress. Funny, when I'm home sewing, I never wear a dress and lipstick. I'm lucky if I put a bra on!

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Ellen
http://sewlostforyou.blogspot.com

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Reply to poplin
Date: 9/28/09 10:00 PM

Notice how the sewing table pulls out on rollers? The early version of the Craft Armoire by Sauder. craft armoire

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"Having to squeeze the last drop of utility out of the land has the same desperate finality as having to chop up the furniture to keep warm" -- Aldo Leopold
http://tree-sister.blogspot.com
"Don't cry; don't be sad; make happy"--Peggy Jones. Rest your weary body, dear friend.

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Date: 9/28/09 10:35 PM

I have that book also..I really like the accordian lamp..
Note to Stashblaster..I have another book that does say that you are supposed to put on lipstick, a nice outfit, and do your hair so that you will be in a proper frame of mind to sew...times have changed since the 50's!!!

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2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012-26 January
5yds..
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

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Date: 9/28/09 10:52 PM

My favorite item in this advertisement is the fresh rose in the vase; if that was in my sewing area, it would be pictured on the floor!!

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So much to do, but having fun trying to do all of it!

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Date: 9/29/09 0:19 AM

I like the dress too. She even has pearls on! Wow! Times have changed.

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Date: 9/29/09 1:25 AM

I don't remember any home makers dressing like that in the '50's. My mom used to make fun of those ads and commercials that showed women cooking and ironing in heels and pearls.

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Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.

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Reply to jannw
Date: 9/29/09 7:55 AM

OH MY, I also have a similiar book, tell what day of the week to wash laundry, what day to clean, and when and where to wear those white gloves. LOL. SERIOUSLY, that was a different time. Mine is actually a guide for military wives way back when.

And yes, it talks about always looking your best and so on, a real hoot . Not that there is anything wrong with looking your best..its just hard to do in blue jeans and t shirts, and hard to do my work if I am in a dress with lipstick.

When I go to my garden to dump the cow manure this morning, I doubt I will be in my high heels..

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Reply to poplin
Date: 9/29/09 8:00 AM

Poplin, I found this very interesting. but must tell you that at the time of this publication, these pieces of furniture were very common. I have several older magazines and books with similar pieces advertised, I believe even Ethan Allen had one on the market. All the ladies had one of these in either their kitchen or at what was new at that time, a family room/den. Ironically most wives back then sewed on the same dining room tables most of us sew on now.

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Reply to mastdenman
Date: 9/29/09 8:03 AM

Are you implying that there is NO REAL JUNE CLEAVER..Because if you are ....well there goes my role model.

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