Today, I was pleased to provide a guest blog post for a friend I met on Twitter. Rebecca Jane is a big Jane Austen fan (yay!) as well as a fan of my novel The Darcys of Pemberley (double yay!). Her blog, called “Sewing in the Past,” combines an eclectic mix of subjects, but for my guest spot, I went with the theme in the title. So, what does Jane Austen have to say about sewing?
As a reliable source of timeless wisdom, I naturally started my research by asking her opinion on the subject, expecting to find dozens of references in answer. After all, learning needlework was part of every girl’s upbringing in Austen’s day (1775 – 1817), and I was sure I remembered it being mentioned in her writings. But when I did a search for “sew,” I came up completely empty! The term wasn’t used even once in any of her novels or preserved letters. How was that possible? A little more digging and I had my answer… (read the rest here)
As a reliable source of timeless wisdom, I naturally started my research by asking her opinion on the subject, expecting to find dozens of references in answer. After all, learning needlework was part of every girl’s upbringing in Austen’s day (1775 – 1817), and I was sure I remembered it being mentioned in her writings. But when I did a search for “sew,” I came up completely empty! The term wasn’t used even once in any of her novels or preserved letters. How was that possible? A little more digging and I had my answer… (read the rest here)
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Shannon Winslow's "Jane Austen Says..." 
I have no talent whatsoever for sewing. I learned while in school and I can sew a button on but I believe that is about it.
You’re not the only one, Amelia. Sewing seems to be (just noticed pun: “sewing seams” – sometimes I crack myself up) a dying art. I always enjoyed it, and it used to be a good way to make your clothing dollar go further. Now they don’t even teach it in Home Ec, fabric stores only cater to quilters, and all our clothes are made it Asia!
I watch Project Runway and I’m amazed at what they create. I learned in Home Ec. I made a pin cushion and even that didn’t have such a great out come.
I used to love to do needlepoint type projects, cross stitch, long stitch etc. I did several pictures for our home and it was relaxing. I however cannot sew regular things to save my skin. I can do buttons and small tears but given a large hem or something always turns out crooked. Sad thing is it was that way even when 40 years ago we did have to do it in school. I kept samples from my mothers needlework on placemats, aprons etc. Unfortunately I have to sew the grandkids clothes up or put buttons on since it takes their parents to long to mend the items.
It works the other way around for me. I’ve been doing my Mom’s mending for so long that she finally got rid of her sewing machine.