Wednesday, February 17, 2010

VTT - Mary Frances Learns to Sew



I chose this Whitney Valentine postcard to show today because it pictures a little girl sewing and is from the same era as the sewing book that belonged to my mother.



The Mary Frances Sewing Book by Jane Eayre Fryer was published in 1913. My mother's name was Mary Francis, and she received this book for Christmas in 1917.









The Mary Frances Sewing Book begins with instructions for basic sewing stitches and common sewing skills. The instructions are woven into the story which has the Thimble People teaching little Mary Frances how to sew and make clothes for her doll.

Mary Frances was staying with her grandmother for the summer while her parents were away. When her grandmother was out of the house, the grandmother's sewing bird started speaking to Mary Frances. The sewing bird spoke in rhymes throughout the book. For example, when Mary Frances asked if she could learn to sew for her dolly, the sewing bird replied:

Why, certainly, dear little Miss,
You can learn to make all this:
A pin-a-fore, some under-clothes,
A little 'kerchief for her nose;
Kimono, bloomers, little cap,
A nightie for her little nap;
A dress for morn, for afternoon,
A dress for parties, not too soon;
A little cape, a little bonnet—
Perhaps with roses fastened on it;—
A nice warm coat to keep from chill,
A dainty sack, in case she's ill;
All this and more we'll gladly teach,
If you will do and follow each—

Sewing lessons were given when grandmother was not home. Mary Frances was told to keep the lessons a secret and not let any grownup hear the Thimble People. After a few lessons, Sewing Bird revealed that she could turn into a Fairy Lady. The other sewing tools also turned into Thimble People.




After learning the basic sewing stitches, Mary Frances was given a pattern to make a cross-stitch sampler. Next came instructions for a doll's laundry bag, apron, and handkerchief.



Then the instructions for a variety of doll clothing to fit a 16-inch doll began. The book includes both traceable patterns and tissue patterns. There are a total of 33 patterns.



The Mary Frances Sewing Book has been reprinted in both paperback and hardcover editions. Companion items like a sewing bird, doll pattern, and doll are also available from Lacis.

Finished doll clothes recently made from the patterns in The Mary Frances Sewing Book are shown at Mary Frances Fashions.


I'm participating in Vintage Thingie Thursday

35 comments:

  1. This is a treasure I would love to have. How fortunate that it is in such good condition. Amazing too that your mother shares the name of the book. The story and illustrations just captures the imagination, doesn't it. Thank you for the links; I've got some exploring to do.

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  2. What a wonderful book! This a real vintage treasure! I'm off with Susan to do some exploring :)

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  3. What a wonderful book to have, since it was your mother's. It is very beautiful with those wonderful drawings. I also love your valentines from your last post. They are great. I love the ones from the 50's and 60's.

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  4. What wonderful treasures you have. They are all great.

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  5. What a wonderful,wonderful book. How very special that it was your mothers as a little girl.. I love the little book. Happy VTT..have a great weekend.

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  6. I so love this post and the information you have shared. How wonderful to have this book. I've not seen it before and I have a love for Vintage Sewing Items. I'm going to check out the link you gave and of course will watch for it in my searches for all things vintage sewing. I also love the valentine with the girl sewing. BTW...since I met you through VTT, I always think of you when I see Vintage Postcards....it's such a unique thing to collect. Thanks for visiting CIT today.

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  7. What a delightful book for beginning sewers! I love the illustrations!

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  8. You had me at sewing, but there are rhymes! How lovely, and what a treasure that it belonged to your mother. Did you ever make anything from it?

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  9. Love that book!! The illustrations are incomparable!

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  10. I loved it all. The valentine, the sewing book, the special story since your Mom's name is Mary Francis, the graphics, the links, the rhymes! Thank you!!!

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  11. WOW, I LOVE OLD BOOKS AND THAT ONE IS REALLY COOL!!!!! Thanks for sharing.

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  12. Oh my goodness, I love your book! Such a treasure :-)

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  13. I LOVE Mary Frances Sewing Book!! This was reprinted and I was able to get the book and a sewing bird for my daughter. She treasures both :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  14. what a darling little valentiine card..i LOVE it!
    and oh my i can't begin to tell you how much i love your mother's this little sewing book! it truly is a gem..thank you ssoo much for sharing! i'm gonna try and find a copy, fingers crossed!

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  15. The post card and sewing book are fabulous. It is most excellent that you have this treasure from your mother.

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  16. Isn't it amazing how some books make it through the years in such good condition. I kick myself so often for all the things I have sold, given away or thrown away over the years. Just think we oh and ah over these books and marvel at their endurance when there are people older than these things. Think of the sights they have seen over their lifetimes.

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  17. What a special treasure. It's such a sweet thing. And to think it was passed down to you. What a blessing!

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  18. I love old books, especially crochet books. Great find!

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  19. This was my most favourite post! I love old books, old sewing books and old children's books. The book is both useful and a pleasure to see and read.

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  20. How sweet! I love looking at books from generations past!

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  21. Love the connection between your Moms name and the title of the book. Since I am a seamstress, I think I just might to get a copy for myself. The pictures in the book are so sweet. Love it.
    Ann
    tin and sparkle

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  22. What a wonderful keepsake to have a book given to your mother so long ago! And what a clever storyline to help get children excited about sewing.

    Kat :)

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  23. What a wonderful keepsake in that book. I love the illustrations, they are so fun to look at.

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  24. I love the book and the vintage Valentines. It's great that the inscription is there too, and it looks to be in excellent condition. What a treasure!

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  25. LOVE that book! Such beautiful artwork. And it was your moms! Very special.

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  26. cute Valentines and what a great book. I love the sewing theme. Have a great VTT!

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  27. What a great book and a real treasure because it was your mother's. I think I will now be hunting for a copy of this book because the story sounds so sweet.

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  28. Mary Frances books are coveted by paper doll collectors--one edition has a full set included.

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  29. I think maybe if I had a bird that spoke to me in rhymes I would probably go insane.

    But it looks like a fun book. I bet it was a real treasure for your mother and it is so cool that you have it now.

    One day, years ago, when I was in an obnoxious mood I decided I was going to speak in rhyme all day. I made it all the way to lunch before my coworkers informed me that I would stop or they would make my life miserable.

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  30. that is just totally delightful and charming. I can get lost in old books.

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  31. What a charming story. How fortunate you are to have a bit of history to garnish your treasure.

    This post reminded me of my Tummy Tingles post. I think you would enjoy it:)

    Thank you so much for sharing, Postcardy:)

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