Celebrate Women's History 🧵 Watch A Great Sewing Story

Hello Everyone! Did you know that March is Women's History Month? I love to tout the accomplishments of all the women who came before us, especially my muse, Mary Brooks Picken. As the founder of The Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences - Mary was a true pioneer in the education of the average woman. Her Woman's Institute offered a wide variety of correspondence courses to women beginning in the early 1900's and its said that her courses taught over half a million women to sew! I hope you take a minute to learn more about Mary Brooks Picken in my blog post!

I'm constantly inspired by Mary's skill, entrepreneurial spirit and grit - so much so that I have helped rediscover and bring some of her original publications to today's modern woman. The book pictured above, Dressmaking Made Easy, is a republication of the coursework and history of the Woman's Institute and is a fascinating look into the early 20th century. Its now available as both a print book or instant PDF download!

Another amazing fact about Mary Brooks Picken is that she was the first woman to write a dictionary! The Language of Fashion was the culmination of over 20 years of Mary's research and it was the first comprehensive reference book devoted exclusively to fabric, sewing and dressmaking. It was the gold standard of the 1900's and I have republished for you as a print book and as a two-part PDF download! I can't wait for you to explore the 8,000 definitions and 600 illustrations for a fun and timeless history lesson. Just look at that page about hats! Watch this video filmed a few years ago where I shared the fascinating story behind her writing the dictionary.

If you are simply looking for a little relaxation, I think you might love my Fashion Therapy Coloring Book, which has over 150 gorgeous illustrations straight from The Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences catalogs. I hope you find them as beautiful as I do! If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward it to a friend to celebrate Woman's History Month. Thanks so much!

Did someone forward you this email? Be sure to sign up for my newsletter for endless vintage fashion & sewing fun and creativity! 

Please note that this email may contain affiliate links. If you purchase with my link I receive a small commission that does not increase the price to you.