Classic seamstress's handbook from the true mid-century post-war era when people (usually moms and grandmas) were still sewing their family's own clothing with pride and exactitude. Published in 1947 and labeled as being produced by the Domestic Sewing Machine Co. of Cleveland, Ohio (even though that company had been out of business for a couple decades). Spiral softbound with 92 pages in an 8.5 "X 11" format. Glossy cover and copious green on white hand drawn illustrations on velum and in excellent vintage condition.

My mother was one who enjoyed sewing on her Singer (well into her 80's) and mostly made her own clothing especially focusing on suits and coats. So, I grew up surrounded by sleeves, cuffs, linings, darts, gathers, shoulders, belts, collars, and so on and so forth. Opening this book was like a time capsule for me. Words like bias, pleats, facing, cording, tucks, etc hold strong memories for me and bring forth all kinds of scenes, aromas, textures, and the words and emotions that went with them at the time. Incredible. Plus, it is so interesting to me, and rings so true, that this handbooks starts out with "Skill in Pressing" and "Good Pressing Habits" which incidentally was a skill that was passed down to me and is an unchangeable MUST DO; Need I say that is book is the exact same age as I am? Mr. Pandemonium still irons like it is the 1950's!! LOL

FIRST: WARM YOUR IRON