15 Stitches an Inch

Dear Diary,

I love to sew by hand.  I first learned with my mother and grandmother but it was my dear aunt that taught me the most.  I have been trying to experience my ancestor's lives, especially the women, for my genealogical work and thought I would get out my sewing basket and do a bit of hand sewing and embroidery.

Women of the 19th century prided themselves on their stitch count.  15 stitches per inch on fine cotton work was considered optimum.  I am very fortunate to get 10.  I have deconstructed a table runner my grandmother did to make two pockets to hold things when I travel like socks and lingerie and I will embroider the words on the front.

Emerson decided to play with the thread help me with the last task.  (Extra photo)  Such a kind little boy!  Embroidery is a challenge under the best of conditions for me and with a paw pouncing on the thread from time to time it  was even more so!

I can't imagine having to make all my own clothes by hand!  No wonder women had so few dresses!  Two work dresses and one "Sunday go to meeting" dress would have to do for most.  With everything else they had to do plus only oil lamps to work by it must have been quite difficult.  They sewing machine when it came out must have seemed like a miracle!