Today, most of us take for granted how simple sewing tasks can be with the help of the sewing machine. However, the first prototype was not invented until 1844, by a man, Elias Howe. These early sewing machines were operated by hand. It was not until the automatic feeding invention by A.B. Wilson in 1850 and the foot treadle invention by Isaac Singer, around the same time, that sewing machines became close to what we have today. Before sewing machines, sewing, like all crafts, was all done by hand. If you think back to some of the very elaborate clothing of the Elizabethan and Victorian Ages, you can imagine what a task this must have been. The earliest machines were too expensive for most households, but some groups of families would split the costs and share the sewing machines. The invention of the sewing machine not only made it easier to make clothing domestically, but also gave birth to the commercial sewing market. Imagine where today's fashion industry would be without the invention of the sewing machine! Sewing, whether by hand or machine, remains a very popular hobby and passion for both women and men of all backgrounds and ages. When shopping for sewing machines on today's market, you are provided with a diverse array of choices. There are machines available in a variety of sizes and weights. You can find miniature machines that are ideal for traveling or small spaces. There are also normal-sized machines and industrial machines available. Some machines are now developed with impressive computer systems installed for the ultimate in high-tech clothing design. | 
