My mom, on a treadle machine (we had no electricity yet) My first dress was from a white with blue print feed sack. two would do it in the those days and she cut the pattern from a newspaper. Gathered skirt onto a bodice and cap sleeve. No finished seams. Next time I learned to do french seams. I've been sewing nearly everyday sense for65 yrs. I was 14 then. Still love it! Have taught my 6 daughters and 1 son to sew and 3 daughters earn their living that way today, as they recall living in our shop and working with their mom and dad. It has been a wonderful way to live. My mom was the BEST!