ca. 1910’s
Northern Alberta Historical and Railway Museum
The first Singer sewing was made in 1851. Its impact was considerable on the textile industry and women. It was initially feared that the sewing machine would lead to a loss of sewing skills amongst women, however, it gave them an additional one. Its time saving advantages were felt both in the home and in the industry. At the turn of the century, clothing was predominately hand made from patterns in the house or by a seamstress. As the century progressed, and advancements continued to be made with the sewing machine, more clothes became massed produced. Invaluable fixtures to homes, sewing machines were highly decorated pieces and could function as a table when put away.