Just received a copy (printed 1941) of the vintage Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery and Lace Work, and quite honestly am gobsmacked at what could be made on vintage machines. Using only straight and or zig-zag stitches (if one's machine had the latter built in), the sorts of laces and openwork, not to mention shaded embroidery that are shown are breathtaking. Am also amending my previous statement about how easy it would have been for the average housewife to make "pretty things" for her home/family. Guess as one practiced and gained competence, some of the work such as true hemstitching, satin stitching, raised embroidery, and monogramming became easier, but just looking at the various laces, beadwork and embroidery done one wood veneer, makes my eyes tired.
Still, there are enough tips and tricks to apply when using today's machines, and will give some try when practising free hand monogramming with my vintage Elna Supermatic, but anyone waiting for Brussels or English lace ought not to hold their breath! *LOL*
Candide
"Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them down to your level. It's cheaper." Quentin Crisp 1908 - 1999 _+_+_+_+_+_+__+_+_+_+_