Fort's Sewing Exhibit Highlights Modern Machine

An 1860s sewing machine is featured at a new Fort Nisqually exhibit highlighting its revolutionary impact on the daily lives of women in those times.

“Everything a family and house needed — clothes, sheets, drapery — women and girls sewed by hand,” explained exhibit curator Chris Fiala Erlich. “The sewing machine dramatically shortened the amount of time women needed to spend sewing.”

The sewing machine on display was purchased in 1862 by then-Fort Nisqually manager Edward Huggins for his wife, Letitia. Sewing machine manufacturers highlighted that, with a machine, a man’s shirt could be sewn in about an hour – far faster than the 14 hours it took by hand, Erlich said.

From the time that they could thread a needle, young girls began to practice their needlework skills, and sewing was part of the daily life of most women. 

The exhibit includes more than 40 antique sewing clamps and sewing birds, which were used in hand sewing. There is also a hands-on area for people to practice sewing skills.

“Turning Drudgery into a Pastime” is on display through April 5, 2014 and is included in the price of admission to the fort. 

For more information, call (253) 591-5339 or go online to FortNisqually.org.