First Machine Brings Back Memories

6/13/2020

Machine design from Rhonda Sigrist A Stitch in Time Embroidery Designs

Did you know that the thirteenth of June is National Sewing Machine Day? It's designated as a day to celebrate the invention of the sewing machine. According to the National Days Today website, the origin is unknown but I'm happy to celebrate the day anyway, how about you?!?

How I Met My First Sewing Machine

Many of you have heard me tell the story of learning to sew in Junior High school and finding it love at first stitch! I had the chance to share this story and honor my Mom HERE in this It's Sew Easy TV segment. This super short clip also tells the tale of how I got my first, mine all mine sewing machine!

I have fond and vivid memories of the hunt for that first machine. Mom and I traveled to two independent sewing shops before visiting the machine department at Sears. You see, Mom was a savvy shopper and sought to find a machine that would be made to last and provide good value. I can't say why we settled on Sears, but I do remember my Mom being unimpressed with the other well-known brand at the time and even less impressed with the store personnel. Mom was a tough sell and I know she had my best interest at heart. Just goes to show you how important it is to trust the person helping you to select a machine. Back then Sears was staffed with well trained, knowledgeable staff. Sears won her over. I suspect their warranty and satisfaction guaranteed motto also had something to do with it.

My first machine was green, the quintessential color so prominent in the 1970's. Complete with a "jewel box" full of intriguing cams, this machine was promoted as ready to handle all the newest knits coming into vogue at that time.

Buying a Sears Kenmore, it meant I was entitled to free lessons in the classroom tucked into a corner of the upstairs section of the mall store. Mom came along with me for each of the lessons and it was a fun time together.

At that particular time in her life, Mom had pretty much abandoned sewing. Like many in that era, sewing wasn't really a necessity anymore. Being the last of five children, with a big gap between myself and my siblings, all of my sisters were married, and Mom didn't feel the need to sew for me or herself. However, the rest of the story is quite amazing! Seeing my enthusiasm for sewing, Mom decided she would give it a go again too. After installing my machine in my bedroom, remember, this one was mine all mine, she brought her old Singer out into an open space at the end of the living room. Soon, she was making many new outfits for herself too! While I happily sewed in my own space, she happily sewed in hers! Her fabric/pattern choices were mostly Stretch and Sew and double knits while I opted for the latest teen scene fashions of the day, but we encouraged each other's creativity.

I could go on with many more sewing tales and recollections of sewing stories that led to where I am now. However, what I'd really like to hear is the story of your first sewing machine. Please share your memories in the comments so we can all enjoy the tale of how you met up with your first machine!

45 Comments

Diane Joslin

6/13/2020 22:03:44

My first sewing machine was in 1970. I bought it so I could sew for my new baby daughter. I hated sewing in junior high but I was very happy making clothes for her including a flower girl dress when she was three for her cousins wedding. Boy did this 50 years go by fast and I have done a ton of sewing. Most recently machine embroidery and quilting on my Janome 15000.

Joanne Banko

6/15/2020 13:03:09

Hi Diane! Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sure your little girl had lots of pretty "Mom" made clothes! Sounds like you have a lot of precious memories :-)

Cindy West

6/13/2020 22:16:01

Got my first machine and J C Penney's. I was going to learn how to make my own Square Dance dresses. I had a great time learning how to do them. A friend and I would get together on Saturday's and learn together. I enjoy sewing and now I'm learning to do machine embroidery.

Joanne Banko

6/15/2020 13:05:46

Hi Cindy! I can only imagaine how beautiful those square dance dresses were. What a fun memory! It was great to read your story :-)

Birdie Cade

6/13/2020 22:27:40

I definitely remember my first machine. It was a Graybar with a belt that went around the flywheel. No, it wasn't new, didn't have a reverse, etc. My father didn't believe in spending much on things like new machines with fancy stitches, etc. He'd be amazed at the money I spend on sewing machines, sergers, etc. Had that machine back in the 1960's. Finally bought my first machine, a Singer, after I was out on my own.

Joanne Banko

6/15/2020 13:11:05

Hi Birdie! I enjoyed reading about your first machine. I was not familiar with that brand name but I looked it up and saw quite a few variations. Some of them are really decorative! Times sure have changed. It's amazing what we can do with machines these days. I think it's great that you have kept up with sewing over the years. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment :-)

Sonja Koons

6/13/2020 22:34:54

I submitted a word unscramble to TV Guide in late 1976 and was the lucky winner of a Dressmaker sewing machine with cams in early 1977. (My husband said I wouldn’t win it and I said it only cost a 13 cent stamp & an envelope so I wasn’t losing much.). Talk about a wonderful surprise! I got it just in time to make my maternity pants and later on my son’s pants when he was a toddler. I still have it to this day.

Joanne Banko

6/15/2020 13:14:28

What an incredible story Sonja! You won a machine with a 13 cent investment. What a joyful surprise that must have been! Sounds like it came just in time for some much needed sewing projects. Thanks for sharing your story!

Sharon Folkestad

6/13/2020 22:52:01

I started sewing at home as a young girl, sewing strips together for rugmaking and also hemming feedsack dishtowels. My mom was my instructor. I also made a wedding attendants dress out of red brocade for a wedding I was in in eighth grade. I took my first home economics class in 9th grade in 1966. In 1978 I was living on my own and decided I had to have a sewing machine. My mom, and my sisters went with to purchase my first machine. I purchased a used Husqvarna Viking and I have since purchased a Bernina serger and a Husqvarna Rose embroidery machine in 1998. In approximately 2010, I purchased a Husqvarna Platinum 30 embroidery machine and two weeks ago purchase a Brother 2340 coverstitch machine. I never got rid of my first machine.

Joanne Banko

6/15/2020 13:18:17

What an interesting mix of machines you've acquired Sharon! I'm sure you have produced many beautiful items over the years. Thanks for telling your story. It was so much fun to read :-)

Judy Iocco

6/13/2020 23:01:48

My first sewing machine was a high school graduation present from my grandmother in 1961.
She had taught me to sew on her old Singer, which only did straight stitches and no reverse. My grandmother had sent me to the Singer classes during the summer, and I won a third place prize of a new sewing box. for an outfit I made. The new sewing machine was a Singer, it zig-zaged, had reverse and a few added stitches.

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:05:59

Hi Judy! I enjoyed reading your sewing story. How wonderful to have gotten a machine as a graduation gift from your Grandmother!!! What a precious memory! It must have been a thrill to win the sewing box too! It was great to hear from you. Happy Sewing :-)

Mary Louise Chittenden

6/14/2020 00:16:50

I needed to make a bridesmaid's dress in 1951 and was away from home and my mother's Singer featherweight. So, I bought myself a featherweight and started in. In fact, I made two bridesmaid's dresses that summer for myself. I kept it until two years ago when it was stolen. But my sister gave me hers a couple of months ago, so it has almost been replaced, without the sentiment.
(We won't talk about how many other machines I have.)

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:13:13

Hi Mary Louise! I promise not to ask how many machines you have if you promise not to do the same :-) LOL! I understand your fondness for the Featherweight. I'm glad you were able to replace yours. Happy Sewing to you my friend!

Eileen Onder

6/14/2020 01:34:22

I started sewing in 3rd grade in grammar school on a treadle machine. (tells you how old I am), but well preserved. I continued sewing, took sewing in high school on moms machine. After I was married I bought a Singer, had Singers for years, now own Vikings and Pfaffs. Sewing is in my blood. Made my daughters wedding gown, and the attendants gowns, quilts, my clothes and love all sewing shows. Thank you Joanne.

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:15:38

Hi Eileen! You have a very interesting sewing story to tell! Sounds like you have tons of great sewing memories and have experienced the joy of sewing for many years. It was so nice to hear from you :-)

Pat Guerin

6/14/2020 05:28:24

One summer in 7th grade my dear Aunt Catol showed me hoe to layout a princess style dress, white cotton piaue, well, I was hooked. My mom had a not so good sewing machine I tried to use. It did not sew well, always breaking thread etc. move ahead three years, now in 10th grade, dated the love of my life(now married 47 years) his suster had a portable machine I used all the time. Jump ahead 6 years, received notice I passed my RN license and my husband Howard bought me a machine from sears I think it was a singer stylist? Don’t remember for sure, but it came with a cabinet! I loved it, even made him suits for work! of course have never stopped buying machines, brother and janome! Don’t know what I would do without the hobby. Have made everything from embroidered hankies to beaded wedding gownfor my youngest daughter!

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:18:25

Wow Pat! I never knew your whole sewing story. You have such a talent for sewing and eveything you make is beautiful. I imagine that white pique dress was too! Thanks for taking the time to share your story :-)

Margaret Turner

6/14/2020 07:34:45

My first sewing machine was a straight stitch machine. It belonged to my mother before me. One day my husband came home from work with a surprise for me. It was a brand new sewing machine. It was a miracle machine..not only did it have a straight stitch, my goodness it also did zig zig and had other stitches, only a few but they were wonderful. I sewed many clothes with it along with curtains for the house and many other things.

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:21:54

Hello Margaret! It must have been a great day when your dear husband surprised you with a new machine! It must have brought joy to him to see you make good use of your miracle machine! What a wonderful story, thanks so much for writing :-)

brenda

6/14/2020 10:35:37

Mom drew lines on sheets of paper for my practice on her treadle sewing machine when i was in 2nd grade. That machine was the machine through 4H, home ec.What an adjustment to sit in a home ec class with electric machines; then go home to finish a project on the treadle.I was married with my first child before some family members pooled resources to purchase my first portable Singer in the green of the era. Passed it forward when i was able to get a Sears in a stand/ it was a beautiful piece of furniture that rarely presented as such as it was always being used for sewing. wore those cams out.Interesting that the sewing machine day is my late fathers birthday.

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:24:57

Hello Brenda! Thank you for sharing your sewing story. You were fortunate to get a really early start in life. I bet you have a lot more sewing stories you could tell! I'm glad you took the time to write :-)

Jill Whipple

6/14/2020 10:42:43

I lived with my Grandmother. She was a woman who would not read or right but she could sew. She had a treadle machine and added a motor to the singer. I took home economics in school and love it. I enjoyed watching her so. She worked in the Tie factory. I remember my graduation dress. Our school did not do cap and grown we wore with formal dress. She may mine from a picture I found for a magazine and part of a pattern I brought to help her. It was beautiful she made me feel like a princess .She was my roll model for sewing.

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:29:27

What special memories you have Jill! Your Grandmother sounds like an amazing woman! You painted a picture of a special bond and connection to her. I enjoyed reading this sweet story :-)

Paulette Kellerher

6/14/2020 11:34:43

Joann we must have bought our machines around the same time frame. 1071. It was a green Kenmore with a box of feet, cams and tools. I thought I was in heaven. I made everything I could with that machine. even naugahide boat cushions, baby clothes, drapes and re-apolstering couches. I still have that machine.

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:33:17

Hi Paulette! It does sound like our machies were very similar. I no longer have mine but I can picture it so well. You really put yours to good use sewing everything from baby clothes to recovering couches! My!!! I'm impressed :-) Thanks for taking the time to tell your story!

Carolyn Quinn

6/14/2020 14:29:28

Hi Joanne,
I started out in Jr. High and fell in love with the creative expression one could do. This was done on my mother’s Kenmore. When I reached 16, I worked part time and decided to purchase my own machine. It was a Pfaff automatic 260 which set in a wood cabinet. Mom thought it was to expensive for my age to take on but after thinking about It she agreed to co- sign for it. I made mostly clothes at that time.
After meeting the love of my life and two babies later, I continued to sew curtains,a bedspread and clothes for the boys. Then for some reason a pause for sewing occurred, no one wanted home made clothes. But Some years later I attended A sewing seminar and got the bug again. That when I found Alko sewing center where I purchase 3 machines, a serger, and scan and cut for the appliqué I like to do. I was introduced to quilting and spend most of my time making quilts for my family. The time I can escape all my other duties and get lost in my sewing room brings me such joy.

Joanne Banko

6/16/2020 22:39:30

Hi Carolyn! First I'd like to tell you how glad I am that you found Alko too! I loved hearing all about your sewing adventures. Your Mom made a wise decision believing you were deserving of a high quality machine. I'm sure you made many beautiful garments and had a lot of fun using it. Sewing is such a great escape, isn't it?!? Thanks for taking the time to write. I hope to see you soon :-)

Betty Wilson

6/14/2020 15:55:26

i started sewing in 1960 because my little 4 year old daughter was overweight and at that time there was no dresses available in chubby sizes, so i learned to sew at a singer sewing machine store and made many beautiful dresses for my daughter. my first machine was the Singer Touch and Sew..i loved sewing and have been sewing and doing machine embroidery since.

Joanne Banko

6/17/2020 11:29:05

Hello Betty! Sounds like you started sewing out of need and continued because you found it so rewarding. It's great to know that you are still sewing! Thanks for telling your story here in the comments :-)

Nancy Aiken

6/14/2020 20:04:16

I started making doll clothes when I was about six and I wanted the childs ele. sewing machine. My mother said I could put the needle through my finger on that as easily as on her old Singer so she finally let me use hers. By the time I was in Jr. High and had to make a project for Home Econ. I picked out a bias cut blouse. My mother got called in to discuss with the teacher as she felt it was too advanced for 7th grade. Mom explained my history and I was allowed to make the blouse. When I got out of college and moved into my own apt. I knew I could not get along without a sewing machine. Went to Sears and bought the top of the line with all the cams and fancy stitches. I still have use of that machine when my fancy electronic machines have issues. I bought that machine in 1961 and my daughter uses it for mending but if needed I am at her house.

Joanne Banko

6/17/2020 11:31:12

It's a good thing your Mother had confidence in you from the start Nancy! I loved reading your story. Thanks so much for sharing it!

Brenda Easterling link

6/15/2020 10:05:57

I had first daughter in 1962. I desperately wanted to make things for her and I was making them by hand. It was very frustrating so I saved the money and bought a Montgomery Wards sewing machine which was used and the first thing I made for Debbie was a velvet dress with a Pilgrims collar and white cuff for her to wear at Christmas. She looked adorable. My next project was a cashmere coat in tan. I then started making doll clothes for her Barbie doll and my youngest sister’s Barbie doll. Terry still has them to this day and keeps them in a closet that I bought her for her Barbie. Sewing is very satisfying for me. Now I’ve graduated to a Babylock Destiny and I’m finishing up my Latte quilt.
Thanks for all of your wonderful programs.

Joanne Banko

6/17/2020 11:35:32

I enjoyed reading your sewing story Brenda! You have some really wonderful sewing memories and a lot of special pieces that display your love of the craft. Glad to know you are still making masterpieces. Your Latte quilt is sure to be spectacular!!!

CARLA link

6/15/2020 12:45:26

The first time I learned to sew was in Girl Scouts to earn a badge. I picked a shirt. Very difficult for me to learn to do that but I still received a badge for trying to do it. I'm sure it didn't turn out well. I need to find my Girl Scout Sash as I still have my book. That was in the late 50s, then I bought a WHITE machine in or around 73 and it didn't work well, so I traded it in for a Touch & Sew II Singer and made my son PJs. Really, you would have thought that I would make something a little more simple as it had flat felled seams. I was on my way. I made palazzo pants and the cutest shirts pullover and with buttons and buttonholes and jumpsuits with attached pocket and zippers. Then around 84 I bought my PFAFF 1471 (computerized sort of) and my biggest challenge was sewing 3 sets of window drapes with rubber backing together to fit in my enormous picture window. Came out great. Getting ready to do it again with my Brother LAURA ASHLEY NV-5000 as I need to replace those drapes with some white ones along with sewing for 7 other windows that are not that large. I have the drapes from my aunts house and it is now time. I love my embroidery machine from BROTHER and because of it and my sewing center, I was able to meet you and Angela Wolf for a Embroidery, Quilting and Sewing event in 2015 in Virginia Beach Va. Wonderful time. Pandemic is keeping me home with all my stashes and I am getting ready to embroider some blocks for a baby quilt and some towels for my great-grandson who is almost 2. HAPPY SEWING DAYS TO EVERYONE and we are so thankful for all of you who do our videos weekly.
I still have my Singer, PFAFF 1471 and a PFAFF serger (that I don't know how to use circa 1990)...but I will get learning instructions from someone after the pandemic is over...

CARLA link

6/15/2020 12:49:50

Just another comment to my already long reply. I acquired a SINGER treadle in a cabinet from my son several years ago. The only electricity is a light to use to sew. I think whenever the electricity goes out again, I will try to get it working. Wonder if I need special bobbins. Guess I need to look it up on the internet to find out how it works. I think it would be fun to make a baby blanket with it. maybe....hmmmm

Joanne Banko

6/17/2020 11:40:56

Wow Carla! Your sewing machine saga was like a trip down memory lane. I remember all the machines you mentioned. Loved hearing about all the projects you have tackled. I'm so glad we met in Virginia! I have such fond memories of my trips to Tidewater Sewing and the fabulous seminars we had there. Keep in touch, it's always great to hear from you :-)

CARLA link

6/22/2020 11:46:19

Thanks Joanne, I'm glad we met too as I can't wait to get your emails every week. Even if I don't sew anything, I love to watch the videos as it is so hard to catch on my PBS channel as I usually catch it after it has finished and it doesn't play again that day. I don't know where you live but I remember being in Sioux St Marie Michigan in August 95 and it was still light after 11 p.m. as we stood in line at the local ice cream place for a late night treat. Back before my body could eat anything and not be fat. ha ha ... HAPPY SUMMER SOLTICE.

Cheryl

6/15/2020 21:02:07

I met my first sewing machine when I was 16 years old. I was dating a very good looking young man at that time and he recognized my love of sewing immediately.
He bought me that first machine and we ended up married for 39 years until he passed away.
Oh the memories of School dresses, prom dresses, wedding dress and baby clothes.
I am so fortunate to have those memories and to be able to pass my love of sewing to my granddaughter.

Joanne Banko

6/17/2020 11:43:31

What a special story Cheryl! I'm glad you shared your special memories with all of us here. Thanks so much for taking the time to write.

Judy

6/16/2020 00:10:58

I got my first machine from winning a contest. It was called a Dressmaker. I was so surprised to have won it but it was there just when I needed it because I had a new baby daughter and we were on a very limited income. If I wanted her to be dressed warm and pretty then I would have to sew for her because store bought was just too expensive. I sewed everything for her. When her brother came along 3 years later I didn't sew as much for him except for his rompers as we called them then. I didn't enjoy making shirts. I sewed for both my daughter and myself for many years. Then she started making her own wardrobe when she reached high school. We bought her a sewing machine for high school graduation because she was moving away for school. Last week she took that machine in to have a new belt put on it because she wants to make some face masks. She hasn't sewn in several years. I hope she begins again because she was a very talented seamstress.
Sewing machines deserve a special day (maybe even more) because they can bring such joy and they inspire the user to do lots of creative things. And boy can they do things now that just are so beautiful.

Joanne Banko

6/17/2020 11:49:30

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on National sewing machine day Judy! You have a warm and wonderful story! How exciting it must have been to win a machine. I can relate to that feeling. I won an machine many years ago. When I came off the stage from accepting my prize a gentleman approached me and said he never saw ANYONE look so happy :-) I wish you many happy times in your sewing space and hope your daughter gets back into it too. And yes, you are so right, sewing is more fun that ever these days!

Dale Stadler

10/12/2020 03:40:33

Joanne, I think my mother bought that same machine, and still has it! My parents occasionally will ask me to mend something when I next visit, so I use that machine rather than pack up one of mine.

Mark link

10/12/2020 09:10:58

Oh my goodness I know what you mean! That’s why I’m balking so hard at buying a new machine. I feel like I’m paying for a ton more stuff than I’ll use! My current Husqy crush does sew the alphabet, but it also has a 10″ throat, auto presser foot and needle down. Now to find the $1000…..

Beth H

2/22/2021 12:04:39

My first machine was not really "mine" - it was a hand-me-down from my sister, who was not interested in sewing. Her husband at the time (early '70s) worked for Sears, so of course it was a Kenmore! I know they're supposed to be good, but this one was NOT... unless, because nobody had ever taught me how to use it and set tensions correctly, I just wasn't doing it right. It's amazing how I continued to love piecing fabrics together, considering how those first experiences were so frustrating. I was about 10, and making doll "clothes" (not really!) for Barbies. Fast forward about 10 years, and my fiancee got me a machine when we moved to TX together - a step up in the world (a Montgomery Wards) but still not a great machine. I did manage to make some really cute clothes for myself, and a couple of "cowboy" matching shirts for both of us. I moved on about 7 years later to a Singer 6268, one of the first home embroidery/sewing combo machines... also a frustration, unfortunately... but I still continued to love sewing. I had also started to collect older machines by that point, and had a treadle that just amazed me. Who knew they ruffling feet in 1905 that looked EXACTLY like the ones they were making in the 1980s!! I loved playing with that first treadle, thinking of all the hands that had used it before me, and the lives those women lived. In '93 or thereabouts, I moved to my first really incredible machine, a Viking #1+... and fell head over heels for embroidery. I've moved up several times since then, and currently have a Brother Luminaire (WOWZA!!!) and feel completely spoiled. (Oh, and a bunch - don't ask - of vintage machines from 1900 to the late 1950s... seriously, don't ask how many. They're coming out of my ears at this point. Must stop.)

Author:

Joanne Banko
Brother Ambassador

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