Singer Sewing Library Nos. 1, 2 and 3 by Mary Brooks Picken is a 1930 set of three illustrated Singer Sewing Machine Company sewing pamphlets housed in a patterned orange library case.
The three manuals cover home sewing shortcuts, dressmaking, and children's clothing, with step by step instruction, period photographs and illustrations, sewing machine techniques, garment construction, bindings, hems, fabrics, fitting, and other practical dressmaking information.
Details
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Item: Set of three sewing instruction pamphlets with library case
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Title: Singer Sewing Library Nos. 1, 2 and 3
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Author: Mary Brooks Picken
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Illustrator: not confirmed from photos
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Publisher: Singer Sewing Machine Company, Inc.
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Publication Year: 1930
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Edition and Printing: 1930 issue. No. 1 is marked Rev. 9 30. Exact printing statements for Nos. 2 and 3 are not confirmed from photos.
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Format and Binding: Illustrated paperbound pamphlets in patterned hard case
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Dust Jacket: Not issued as standard hardcover dust jackets
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Pages: No. 1, 48 pages. No. 2, 48 pages. No. 3, 64 pages.
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Genre: Sewing, dressmaking, home economics
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Language: English
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ISBN: None. These publications predate the ISBN system.
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Dimensions: Each pamphlet approximately 8 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches. Case approximately 9 x 6 x 1/2 inch.
Condition Grade: Good
Positives
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Graded Good: The three pamphlets remain readable and usable with firmly attached pages and noticeable age related wear.
- Pages are clean overall, easy to read, and filled with period graphics, photographs, illustrations, and practical sewing instruction.
- No writing was found during the page by page review.
- All three numbered pamphlets shown are present, with 160 pages combined.
Issues / Wear
- The orange library case has substantial edge and corner wear and was repaired by a previous owner, including tape repair along the top.
- The case has an open worn area along one side and visible surface loss and abrasion.
- No. 3 has minor staining and soiling on the cover.
- Page 29 has a tear. No other page problems were noticed during the seller's review.
- This sale contains Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Smithsonian records describe the 1930 Singer Sewing Library boxed group as containing four pieces, so No. 4 is not included with this group.
Condition Grade Key
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Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
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Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
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Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
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Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.
Collector's Notes
Singer produced this library as practical home sewing instruction during a period when making and altering clothing at home was an everyday skill.
The Smithsonian catalogs the first three titles as 1930 publications from Singer Manufacturing Company, with 48 pages in Nos. 1 and 2 and 64 pages in No. 3.
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40 to 50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
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