Stitch Scandals: The Surprisingly Saucy History of the Sewing Machine
From prim petticoats to patent wars and philandering tycoons—it’s not all straight seams and straight-laced stories.
Think your sewing machine has a quiet, respectable past? Think again! Stitch Scandals dives into the unexpectedly dramatic history of the sewing machine—from fierce patent battles and courtroom showdowns to marketing breakthroughs and a scandal-prone sewing mogul with more than 20 children.
In this entertaining 45-minute presentation, you’ll meet the inventors, tinkerers, and troublemakers who transformed sewing from a slow, hand-stitched task into an industrial and domestic revolution. We’ll explore the early designs, gorgeous machines of the late 1800s, and the surprisingly juicy backstory of the Singer empire. Plus, we’ll trace how the sewing machine evolved in style and function through the early 20th century.
Packed with vintage photos, original patent sketches, and fun trivia, this talk is perfect for quilters, makers, and vintage lovers of all experience levels. Come for the history—stay for the scandals!
