I hope it's OK to post this article that was in a monthly guild newsletter I just received. This is definitely not what I think of before I sit down to do some quilting!
... Advice from an 1954 Singer Sewing Manual, To Sew Successfully,
Physically
When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Go through a beauty ritual of orderliness. Have on a clean dress. Be sure your hands are clean, finger nails smooth - a nail file and pumice will help. Always avoid hangnails. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on with care. Looking attractive is a very important part of sewing, because if you are making something for yourself, you will try it on at intervals in front of your mirror, and you can hope for better results when you look your best.
Again sewing must be approached with the idea that you are going to enjoy it, and if you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should. Therefore, "spruce up" at the beginning so that you are free to enjoy every part of any sewing you do.