:: January 2003 
Feature
Stepping Back in Time with Fibre
Visiting in an old home recently, CyberFibres was told by the owner that the tiny room at the top of the house was called the "sewing room" by the previous owner. The family who built the house in the early 1900's had daughters; and from time to time, a traveling seamstress would come to town on the train and live in the tiny room for a several days while she sewed clothing for the girls and their mother. Her work might also include making alterations and mending worn clothing.
The seamstress traveled with the sewing implements she would need: scissors, pins, needles, thimbles, thread, and a tape measure. The family would provide fabrics of their choice. Commercial patterns could be used, but the seamstress might be sufficiently skilled to sketch her own.
Train travel and a probable walk from the station to the house of the employer made it imperative that the seamstress travel lightly - one case for herself and one sewing case for her work. One such traveling seamstress's case is shown in the photo. It measures 18" x 36" and has two hinges, two handles, and a hook lock. The sides are made of chintz, a floral cotton, attractive to look at and light to carry.
There is nothing ornate about the traveling seamstress's case. It is a utilitarian piece of equipment, and its worn condition is a tribute to the industriousness of the seamstress who used it.
For a look inside the traveling seamstress's case, see Advice