Vintage Christmas Sewing Machine Ads

"Every woman deserves a Singer for Christmas," says one advertisement, because "Singer gifts are as special as a woman's dreams."

Before the women's movement of the 1970s, before cheap foreign labor of fabric goods, and before the expanding demand for dual-income homes, Mom's domestic skills were highly valued and endorsed by society. Dad was most often the earner while Mom kept the household humming like well-oiled sewing machine. Day to day her role may have been taken for granted by many. In a mid-century American tradition for middle-class families, Christmas was the perfect time to make Mom feel special, really special - or at least that's the message of many magazine ads.

"Men, here's the way to become a holiday hero!" claims another ad. "Make her dreams come true with the lasting gift of a White Sewing Machine." Husbands needed to be aware that a new White would be "her doorway to fashion" and "beautiful furniture."

"When your best girl looks at her new Domestic [sewing machine]," says a 1951 Domestic ad, "and then at you... you'll be sure you're a real hero this Christmas."

The very last ad you'll see here was from Singer, with a profound prediction at the time: "Make it a present with a future."

The vintage machines we love are certainly proving the validity of those words: a present with a future. I imagine that many ladies - and not just a few gentlemen as well - have fifty-year-old machines on their wish lists this year. I hope that your "Santa" is good to you.

Enjoy these images and happy holidays!