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