There is something of the age in this receipt. No modern working lady should be without her (Singer) sewing machine. It displays skill, frugality, care and a modicum of pride in making and repairing her own clothes.

My Mother had one, it was a hand turned table-top model, which was difficult to handle when holding material prior to going under the needle, and then turning the side wheel to operate the said needle. As I recall this model was an electric one, or at least was treadle operated which of course meant both hands were free to manipulate the material. My Mother was never a jealous person, she thought that personal weakness accounted for most of the sins of the world, but shall we say she was a little envious. Another example that sibling rivalry was alive and well.