A mermaid, a lion, a griffin (or is it a leopard?), a fish, two stags, three rabbits, three different birds and what might be a dog. That’s the list of intricately stitched figures found around the border of Sarah Halsey’s amazing quilted petticoat. Continue reading
This time of year I always find myself hoping for an opportunity to attend a swanky party that requires a bit of sparkle and holiday elegance. Yet the season consistently brings casual family gatherings requiring little more than jeans and sweaters, or New Year’s plans including games and staying in with my sisters and our respective significant others. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love these holiday gatherings that have become a tradition in my life, but…if that invitation ever comes…I think I’d like to sew up my own version of one of these….
Woman’s Dress. 1950s. Gift of Nora Oakes Howard. The Connecticut Historical Society. 2012.532.14.
Do you remember Home Economics in school when you were younger? They don’t call it that any more, and boys are learning to sew and cook and girls can take shop, so I understand. I wish that had been true in the 1960s and 1970s while I was growing up. I still hammer like a girl.
When Mildred Ledgard, (born about 1910) attended Northwest School in Hartford about 1925 or so, she took a sewing class, and we have her sewing sample book. It puts me to shame when I think of my own sewing abilities! She has samples of flat felled seams,
Flat felled seam sample by Mildred Ledgard. Ms 101782.
blanket stitch and something called a catch stitch (the seam in the center),
Blanket and catch seams by Mildred Ledgard. Ms 101782
gathering,
Sample of gathering cloth with stitches by Mildred Ledgard. Ms 101782
hem stitching,
Hem stitching sample by Mildred Ledgard. Ms 101782
and an over-sewn patch.
A patch seen from the “wrong” side of the fabric for better contrast. Ms 101782
I think I was an adult when I learned what a flat felled seam was (think of the outside seam on your jeans), patches were ironed on, not sewn, and my hem stitch never looked like Mildred’s. But at least I can thread a needle and sew. In fact, if I have free time I like to quilt. My dear sister-in-law never learned to even sew on a button (but don’t let her know I told you). Good for my brother he had a mother and sister who could sew.
Mildred’s sewing sample book is available in the Research Center by asking for Ms 101782. Like many of the stories we collect, we don’t have the “rest of the story” about Mildred–did she marry, was she an accomplished sewer, did she have a career or a family? If anyone can shed light on Mildred, please let us know.
inside the CHS 