Originally Posted by
booklady
When they had the fabric at the right spot, they would push down a handle to cut a starting spot for the clerk to cut the fabric!
I loved those machines. Mother sewed beautifully and a trip to the L.S. Good department store was a treat. She selected pattern, fabric and notions and I had plenty of time to admire (and touch) the rainbow array of quality fabric. When cutting time arrived I was always at the edge of the table, fascinated by the dexterity of the saleslady. And the decorum of the transaction. Oh, how I longed to slip a yard or two through the magic measuring machine.
One of my first projects was doll clothes for my sister's little Ginny doll. I selected the pattern, just like Mother, and then searched for tiny scaled prints. How professionally and kindly the dear lady cut my 1/8 and 1/4 yard selections. I was shy about my tiny amounts but she treated me as if I were buying yards of silk and velvet.
And she measured my bits on the machine.