Dressmaking and Sewing
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Having the services of a dressmaker was essential for merchant class women in the early and mid-19th century. While men’s clothes were beginning to be mass produced at the time, women’s clothing was still made to the individual measurements of the customer. Women selected dresses from fashion plates in ladies magazines such as Godey’s Lady’s Book, and dressmakers replicated the dress from the illustration. Fashion Plate, Godey’s Lady’s Book, March 1841 |
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Like other members of their class, the Tredwell women were adept at plain and fancy needlework, considered a genteel, domestic pursuit. With the advent of the home sewing machine in the mid-19th century, it became more common for women to do most of their sewing at home, rather than hiring a dressmaker.
Sewing machine |
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Pin Box |
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Needlework box |
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Crochet Hook, Stiletto, Needle Case |
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Scissors |
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Thimble |
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Pin cushion |
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..Our Stuff, Ourselves: An Intimate Look at the Tredwells’ Private Lives.. |
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..Overview... |
..Letter Writing.. |
..Books.. |
..Personal Hygiene.. |
..Dressmaking & Sewing.. |
