On the Internet Archive, I came across this treasure:
The course is supposed to be taught from Kindergarten all the way through high school in the public schools (because mothers were shirking their responsibilities to teach girls how to sew at home). As I have mentioned on many occasions, I am basically a self-taught seamstress. My grandmother and great-grandmother taught me the basics before they passed away and I had a Home Ec class where I learned to make a skirt with an elastic waist, but that is the extent of my formal training. My sewing greatly improved with the help of the fabulous people I met on the internet but sometimes I get the “what if’s.” What if I had pursued a degree in Home Ec like I had orginally planned? What would my sewing skills be like? Probably at a level that would satisfy me. Are you the same way?
And so, I give you the lessons you need to learn if you want to be an accomplished seamstress by the time you finish the course (starting at the beginning–Kindergarten).
Lesson #1
No. 1. CARDBOARD SEWING.
MATERIALS FOR PRACTICE.
CARDS.
COARSE WOOL
TAPESTRY NEEDLE.
COTTON OR LINEN.
APPLICATION Needlecase or blotter.
Designs pricked on cards and followed by the needle are often used for
the first steps in sewing. In this way a child may begin to use the tools and
gain control of her muscles. “When they are utilized, scope should be given
for simple creative thought in the decoration of the work and in the planning
for its use. This may be the foundation for the designing of simple articles
for dress or for household use, and also for cultivating taste in every-day life.
In the kindergarten this class of sewing is frequently seen. In the first
primary grade the children are generally ready for a step beyond, but cardboard
may have its use in recalling the work of the previous year. In the
kindergarten the threading and knotting are usually done by the teacher, but
in the primary grades the children can gradually learn to rely upon themselves.
Cards in varying sizes and colors are on the market already pricked,
or the teacher can prepare her own cards. Pricking pads and needles can
be purchased. Any simple design made by the teacher or the children may
be used. Running, stitching and cross-stitch are good ones on the cards. Knots
must be used to hold the thread. The teacher may have to fasten off, as this
is often too difficult for children.
PRACTICE. Take two cards with a simple design on each; carry out
these designs with one of the simple stitches. Fasten off by tying a knot
in the wool and letting it slip up to the hole ; or else put the needle through
the last stitch on the wrong side in such a way that it will tie the wool into
a knot.
SUGGESTION. Very pretty needle-book’s can be made by enclosing soft
flannel leaves between the cards. The leaves may be pinked on
the edges or finished with the blanket-stitch. Blotters, bookmarkers, bookcovers
and penwipers may be made in a similar way. The teacher should
encourage the making of original designs and plans for attractive and useful
articles. Children are full of devices and only need encouragement and
direction to express themselves adequately.
