Buy a Sewing Machine of the Present, and not one of the Past - Get A Singer - 1898

"Singer machines are so simple that a child can understand them; they are so strong that a bungler can hardly get them out of order"

As you read this substitute the words 'sewing machine' with 'computer' and consider what a technical miracle these were. Plus they "they never get the "fits" which try a woman's patience", who can say that about their computer?

Sewing Machines of the present are very different from those of the past. Very few users of sewing-machines to-day know the technical differences; patents have expired on generic features, but " the world moves," and radical improvements have been made in sewing machines, so that the one of today shows a tremendous improvement on its predecessor. Women who have used both kinds quickly realize the difference between a cheaply made imitation of some ancient type and the modern light-running machine which is easily adjusted, does all kinds of work, and is always ready to go. The Silent Singer of to-day is the latest result of constant improvement in mechanical excellence. For practical use it compares with the old-time sewing-machines sold at Department stores much as a modern railway train surpasses a stage-coach of the last century.
Singer machines are so simple that a child can understand them; they are so strong that a bungler can hardly get them out of order. Every part is made with such scrupulous care, from the best materials fitted in its place with the utmost exactness, and tested and re-tested so many times before leaving the factory, that they never get the "fits" which try a woman's patience, destroy the fruits of her labor, and consume her time in vexing attempts to coax the machine to a proper performance of duty. Singer machines are sold directly from maker to user; they are guaranteed by the maker, always ready to furnish parts and supplies in any part of the world, and not by a middleman totally unable to render this service.

Tailor-Made Suits - $5 "When you wish the latest styles write to us"

These models don't look very happy. In fact they look like elongated Barbie dolls. And their necks hurt from holding up those hats. I don't think fashion was very forgiving in 1898.

The New Idea Pattern Company - "Guaranteed as Perfect in Fit as any Dollar Pattern"

The New Idea Pattern Company existed from 1894-1920 and then merged with Butterick. (from Commercial Pattern Archive).

I have never come across a New Idea pattern...have any of you seen one?

The Muff in Women's Costume - Cosmopolitian Magazine 1898

And some men too!

"The Most Wonderful Value Ever Offered For $3.00"

"The Famous Queen Quality Shoe For Women" "...a shoe which is a revelation to the wearer."
A trifle mannish?

The Countess of Craven- 1898

"AN AMERICAN COUNTESS"

"One of the American girls who are factors in English society is the Countess of Craven, who was Miss Cornelia Bradley-Martin. This was one of the international marriages quite untainted with financial considerations. While Miss Bradley-Martin's parents are wealthy, the young Earl of Craven was in no need of money and was quite able to marry as he chose. He is only twenty nine years old now, and his wife is about eight years younger. They met before Miss Bradley-Martin was out of the school room at her father's shooting lodge in Scotland, and after that it was merely a matter of "old enough to marry".

They are very gay young people, with beautiful homes in England. At Coombe Abbey is the famous collection of paintings, which belonged to Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, who married one Lord Craven and left him her pictures. Lady Craven is said to have all the sweetness of disposition that made Mrs. Bradley-Martin well liked in New York, added to a keen sense of humor. Nothing amused her more than her mother's famous ball last year, which she elected to find a joke instead of the serious affair that certain clergymen and political economists made of it. She and Lord Craven are members of the most fashionable set in England, which cannot be said of every girl who has married a title. She recently presented her husband with a son and heir."

What an interesting woman! Here's more about that famous party. And here's a look at the Craven estates.
"Within the village Cornelia Craven was loved and respected for taking a close personal interest in people's lives. By modern standards this might seem overbearing; if, for example, a villager failed to appear in church on Sunday morning the dowager countess would call round in her carriage and pair to find out why. However her motives were clearly warm-hearted. Employees in failing health could rely on her support for medical attention. Hampers were distributed at Christmas, and the countess financed a Christmas party and conjuror for the children in the village hall. Each could choose a Christmas present to the value of seven shillings and sixpence."

A Teeny, Tiny Sewing Machine! 1898

"Has less than one quarter the parts.." But it can do it all!