Sewing Machines

[CompanyWag]

Archie,

Splendid references. Thanks for posting!

[GAR]

The time chart comparing hand vs machine construction is fascinating. Were these machines in use during the war hand cranked, or did they have treadles? I'm sure like everything else, the was little purpose in doing things "the hard way", if a faster and easier way was available. Hand stitching was used only for the things that machines couldn't do as well yet, such as button holes.

The industrial revolution must have been mind blowing to all people of the day, as it occurred in a single lifetime. "What will they think of next?" was the thought of the day. Much like the technical advances that have been made in our lifetimes, almost without exception they all served the same purpose, that is, to save time. How ironic is it that most of our lives are so hectic considering all the time we should have saved up by now?

I had a good friend and mentor in NYC who died 10 years ago. His name was Tonio Selwart and he was a successful actor who lived to the remarkable age of 106. His life spanned from 1896 to 2002 and we sometimes spoke about all the progress that he witnessed. While he enjoyed all the modern conveniences, his fondest memories came from much simpler times.

Thanks for the great thread, no pun intended.

[floridawar]

The time chart comparing hand vs machine construction is fascinating. Were these machines in use during the war hand cranked, or did they have treadles? I'm sure like everything else, the was little purpose in doing things "the hard way", if a faster and easier way was available. Hand stitching was used only for the things that machines couldn't do as well yet, such as button holes.

.

The machin es of hte early 1850s were all hand cranked. It is my understanding that isaac singer designed the first treadle machine by the mid=50s. The majority of hte pouplar marchines of the early 1860s were treadle operated. INdeed, I've seen references that the introduction of the treadle (similar to the operation of the common spinning wheel) is what proved the tipping point in making the sewing machine a huge hit with the public at large...

cheers.

[crabby]

Hand stitching was used only for the things that machines couldn't do as well yet, such as button holes.

Is this your opinion or are you basing it on some research?

Also one of the great examples Mr. Marshall provided needs to be taken in context. It is the one from the CHARLESTON MERCURY, July 7, 1860, p. 4, c. 1
titled "From the Journal of Commerce"
After reading the entire quote, including the time chart it becomes evident that this is an advertisement by Wheeler & Wilson.
Advertising in the late 1850's through the 1860's is much different than what we are used to. There were no 'truth in advertising' laws and 'say anything to sell your product' was the rule of the day. In newspapers it is not uncommon to read what appears to be an article (such as the above) and think it was written by an editor or reporter when in reality it was placed by the manufacturer.
To get a better understanding of this, just read some of the claims made by the patent medicine makers.

[GAR]

Is this your opinion or are you basing it on some research?

I wrote that? I do apologize. The trip with the kids to the firework display was more taxing than I realized and that sentence was really poorly worded, but meant as a continuation of the previous thought. Strictly opinion, conjecture and pure speculation, and I thank you for the opportunity to clarify that.
What I wanted, but failed to convey, was that while the machines were an incredible, time saving device, they still lacked the ability to do it all. Hand stitching would still be required for button holes, attaching buttons, sewing in sleeve linings, clasps, and a host of other things I'm still discovering as I try to learn my way around my own sewing machines and improve my hand stitching skills.
I got a little excited. I'll shut up now so I can learn more.

[Bill52]

Here are three examples of the number of sewing machines use to make uniforms in Detroit in early 1861.

In May of 1861 E. S. Heinemann & Company (Detroit) supplied the required 1000 gray uniforms for the 4th Regiment in just eight days. Heinemann used 500 hands and 20 sewing machines to complete the task and consumed 21,000 yards of gray cloth made at the Jonesville Woolen Factory.

In May of 1861 Samuel Sykes & Company (180 Jefferson Avenue, Detroit) provided blouses and the trousers for the 5th Michigan Infantry made from dark blue army cloth made in New York state. Sykes employed 100 workers and used 20 sewing machines in this operation.

In the spring of 1861 400 workers were at work in Detroit producing uniforms and these workers were using 100 sewing machines.

William T. Carr
VFW life member
Company of Military Historians