The earliest evidence of sewing dates back to around 20,000 years ago. Archaeological researchers believe sewing was primarily done to piece together animal skins and furs. Needles were made from bone and animal horns. Some of the earliest sewing sets have been found and dated between 202 BC and 220 AD. It is somewhere in this time period that the invention of the thimble took place as well. Sewing was done by hand for a long time. It was not until the mid 1800s, and the Industrial Revolution, that the first sewing machines were created. Sewing was done as a necessity in these days. Women all over the world had to make the clothing for their families. Some women sewed for other families as well as a way to earn extra income. Sewing was never only limited to clothing, however. Quilts, blankets, curtains, coats and other outer wear was also all sewn by hand. The invention of the sewing machine made life much easier. Instead of spending two days on a garment, it could be finished in a matter of hours. The sewing machine also allowed seamstresses and tailors to expand on a much larger scale. Dress and suit making soon became a real business for many and commercially, the fashion world exploded. Today, some still enjoy doing particular sewing activities by hand such as embroidery and quilting. However, sewing machines, and especially specialized machines such as serger sewing machines, make these tasks much easier as well for those who prefer the convenience and efficiency. | 
