I recently received an email from a friend that I would like to share with you.

The person who sent this knows that I love to sew and figured I might get a chuckle out of reading it.Below is an excerpt from a 1949 Singer Sewing Machine manual explaining the rules of sewing.1. Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisical attitude. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.2. Never sew with the sink full of dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so that your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.3. 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, fingernails smooth. A nail file and pumice will help. Always avoid hangnails. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine where you can pick it up and dust your fingers at intervals. This not only absorbs the moisture on your fingers, but helps to keep your work clean. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick should be put on with care. Looking attractive is a very important part of sewing. 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. If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you do not look neat and put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should.Say what! Wow, have things changed from 1949.Well, here were my rules when I learned how to sew.1. Wash your hands before you start. This was very important. Growing up on a farm you never knew for sure what was lurking on your hands and under your fingernails.2. Keep your fingers out from under the sharp needle of the sewing machine. Blood on your fabric is a good way to get out of the mood for sewing.3. Do not eat or drink near your sewing project. Trying to get a stain out before you even have your project completed can be a real downer.4. Turn on the radio and listen to rock 'n' roll. Listening to great music was a must and could make any project bearable.5. Sew when you are in the mood. If this means early morning and you still have on your pajamas on, it's OK.6. Did I mention keep your fingers out of the way of your sewing? Sewing your fingers together will definitely ruin the rest of the day.7. Clean up after you finish sewing for the day. Put away your sewing project along with the scissors and other things you used. Take extra care not to leave stick pins loose on the floor. You are sure to find them later stuck into the heel of your bare foot.8. Always unplug the sewing machine. This way when you come back to continue your project the machine won't turn on. Then you can take an extra 15 minutes trying to figure out why it won't start until you realize it was just unplugged.Well, I am at the end of this little this column so I guess I can say, "It's all sewed up" and I hope this has left you in "stitches."