I'm from the mid 40s and a grew up in a suburban area. So, alas, no feedsacks - my mother knitted and did needlepoint. .My grandmother had a treadle that I think was really my grandfather's because we heard stories about him being a "tailor", and my grandmother knew nothing about the machine. My siblings and cousins and I used to play on it, with no thread. My aunt sewed on the treadle and did embroidery. My aunt has it now and won't give it to me!!! I'm still working on her. She hasn't opened it in years.