Wish I Had Asked My Grandmother!

When I see pictures of my mother in her youth - and the clothes she wore - I wonder who made her dresses - and how they were made...

Sewing machines were invented in the 1700's - ones with a crank handle on the right side. But they were meant to sew leather and canvas.

Later machines were invented in the 1800's, the century my grandparents were born. 

I don't recall my mother's mother ever sewing clothing - though she did knit socks. She also had to learn how to spin and weave, to make sheets and towels for her family. I remember her telling me that.

But did they buy clothing ready-made? Or did a seamstress or tailor take their measurements and sew them by hand!

I wish I had asked.