Nostalgia for Women's Empowerment

Isaac Merritt Singer, the inventor of the iconic Singer sewing machine, stands as a complex figure in history. While his innovation undeniably empowered women by significantly reducing the time and effort required for sewing, his personal life was a stark contrast. Singer's reputation for extravagance extended to his personal relationships, where he fathered at least 22 children with multiple women during his marriage. There are even allegations of abuse against some partners.  Despite these personal shortcomings, the Singer sewing machine's impact on women's lives cannot be understated. It freed them from the constant drudgery of hand-sewing, opening doors to better employment opportunities, such as factory work or starting their own dressmaking businesses, and affording them more leisure time and independence.

Initially, skepticism surrounded women's ability to operate these machines. This was largely due to societal norms that created a climate of doubt surrounding women's intellectual abilities, impacting their confidence and opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, Singer's business success hinged on convincing the public, particularly women, that his machines were easy to operate. This was crucial, despite his own disregard for the women in his personal life. He actively demonstrated how women could use the machines, gradually dispelling the prevailing doubts about women's capabilities. Ultimately, the sewing machine became a powerful tool for women's economic and social advancement, proving that progress can sometimes emerge from even the most self-serving of motives.

Sources: 

• Paula A. De La Cruz-Fernández (2014). Isaac Merritt Singer. [online] Immigrant Entrepreneurship. Available at: https://www.immigrantentrepreneurship.org/entries/isaac-merritt-singer/ [Accessed 9 Feb. 2025].

• Harford, T. (2020, January 15). The accidental Singer sewing machine revolution. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50673541 [Accessed 9 Feb. 2025].

Isaac Merritt Singer
Artist: Edward Harrison May
Created: 1869

The Singer Story: Made in Clydebank

The Singer sewing machine, international icon and a symbol of the Industrial Revolution, helped put the town of Clydebank on the map. Over the course of a century, it employed tens of thousands of 'bankies' before its demise nearly 40 years ago. This documentary charts the story of those workers: how their lives were intertwined with the fortunes of Scotland’s first US multinational company. The programme pays homage to the Singer machine, and the huge impact it made on families and households all over the world.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00051z7

The Secret Life of the Sewing Machine

This video is part of an educational television series created in 1987. Tim Hunkin, the presenter, takes viewers on a journey to uncover the fascinating history of the sewing machine, how it works and the impact it has had on our lives. The is presented in a lighthearted and informative way, making it a fun and engaging documentary for viewers of all ages.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lwI4TSKM3Y