The Sewing Machine

by Natalie Fergie

It is 1911, and Jean is about to join the mass strike at the Singer factory. For her, nothing will be the same again.

Decades later, in Edinburgh, Connie sews coded moments of her life into a notebook, as her mother did before her.

More than 100 years after his grandmother’s sewing machine was made, Fred discovers a treasure trove of documents.  His family history is laid out before him in a patchwork of unfamiliar handwriting and colourful seams. 

He starts to unpick the secrets of four generations, one stitch at a time.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Book Club, Scotland, Sewing

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Debbie W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction with a hint of mystery in which the Singer sewing machine connects the characters.

Natalie Fergie writes a riveting plot that tells this story of secrets within weaving timelines. The characters are well-developed, and most are likeable. The discussions about various sewing machine parts, stitching, patterns, etc. brought back fond memories of my mom at her Singer sewing machine, sewing clothes and sundry items for her family using the patterns, material and sewing notions she thoughtfully picked out at the fabric store. I especially remember the beautiful Barbie clothes she made as a Christmas gift for my sister and I, which my granddaughter still plays with today.

But I digress.

I wasn't too crazy about the character Connie, especially in her younger years (30-something). She came across as annoying and an all-round dud. How did she never know anything about her parents' wedding? Most young girls are curious about how their parents tied the knot. I did; however, come to like Connie as she grew into old age.

A couple issues with the audiobook:
1. although Ruth Urquhart does a fine job with the Scottish accents, her narration during the first 15-20 minutes sounded monotonous. Good news! I'm glad I hung in there, because it does get more enjoyable as the story goes on; and,
2. Angus King narrates for Fred's blog, but not for Fred's everyday character - very confusing for me at first!

Overall, I enjoyed the mystifying hints surrounding these characters' connections, all through the common home appliance, the Singer sewing machine. Thanks, Patricia, for bringing this lovely story to my attention!

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets are hidden in the fabric and creases of the old hospital. They turn up on a daily basis, but their importance is not always recognised by those who discover them.

Decades separate these four characters, but they are all tied together by a sewing machine:
• Clydebank, 1911: Jean (18yo) is a sewing machine tester at the local Singer Factory. The workers are about to strike and she's forced to choose between her father who demands compliance and her rebellious boyfriend who's encouraging her to strike.
• Edinburgh, 1954: After tragedy befalls her family, Connie (33yo) decides to follow in her mother's footsteps.
• Edinburgh, 2016: Fred (35yo) inherited his grandfather's property. His plans to sell everything are put on hold when he uncovers a hidden secret in his grandmother's sewing machine. Letting go of family artifacts is going to be far more emotionally difficult than he anticipated.
• The fourth character is introduced in the last third of the story, so I'll let you discover that person for yourself!

I love to quilt, so the title caught my eye immediately. My experience was actually similar to Fred's. I just decided I was going to sew one day and I taught myself with a combination of YouTube videos and blog tutorials. I was originally a graphic designer, so it's been so gratifying to make useful items that will last for decades rather than something that will most likely find its way to the trash can by the end of the week, if not immediately! Author Natalie Fergie describes the sewing machines and the act of sewing with so much love. I loved how Fred described his purchase of used bobbins: "Each one has layer after layer of different coloured threads. It’s like a geology of dressmaking." This story gave me a whole new appreciation for the invention of the sewing machine and the effect it had on peoples' lives.  It was interesting how the characters' relationships with sewing evolved over the generations: (1) Connie's mother and Jean entered the sewing industry because it was one of the few options they had to support themselves, (2) Connie had more options but chose to sew, (3) and Fred had the freedom to sew for fun.*

The notebooks were my favorite element of the story! Every time Connie's mother Kathleen finished a project, she sewed a tiny scrap to a page of the notebook and wrote a short description of the project. At first glance it's just a list of sewing projects, but upon closer look the pages tell the story of a life and a community. In between the stitches, there are tales of new beginnings, struggles, celebrations, and loss. The notebooks are a tangible record of the memories objects hold and the value they accumulate as they pass through generations. Fred slowly comes to that realization as he goes through his grandparents' possessions. Sometimes he picks up an item and it feels like he's transported back in time or like a long-gone family member is standing right next to him. He had been feeling disconnected lately, but these newly realized connections to the past make him feel grounded. Fred also learns that new isn't always better; just because something is old doesn't mean it has outlived its usefulness. It's not only the tangible items that get passed down; there are also the lessons taught, the continuing of traditions, and the ingrained behaviors. At one point, twenty-three-year-old Jean realizes that she still counts stair steps the way her mother taught her to when she was learning to count.

There were a few things that took me out of the story:
• I had trouble maintaining the author's vision of the characters. The two characters in their mid-30s read much younger to me, especially Fred. However, there was one aspect in which Fred actually read much older. His resistance to setting up an email account on his phone was an especially odd quirk for a 35-year-old banking sector contractor who was very modern in every other avenue of his life.
• This book is probably best read in as few sittings as possible. The story spans a little over a century and we’re dealing with four generations, but there are also major time jumps within each generation. So a character might go from single or childless in one chapter to married or a parent by the next time they appear. These time jumps were both confusing because I thought I had drifted off during a vital chapter and disappointing because I couldn’t share in those big moments with the characters I had come to care about.
• Over-explaining - The last fifth felt like a never-ending summary of the entire story: the reader is already able to put all the pieces together → a character has everything fully explained to them → that character later explains everything to another character. It also went one coincidence too far for me, but the ending was very moving! The last line made me misty-eyed.

"A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

Accepted family stories are upended and seemingly insignificant actions have the potential to change the course of a completely unrelated person's life. This book left me with an appreciation for every person "whose experience and determination paved the way for the . . . lives we have now." Decades pass and new technologies come and go—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse—but our effects on the people around us have the potential to endure far into the future. The Sewing Machine is a heartwarming and comforting tale with a touching message. I genuinely cared about the characters and I enjoyed reading it. If you like historical fiction in a domestic setting, you might also enjoy The Longest Night and A Place We Knew Well. Structurally and thematically this book reminded me of The History of Bees. It's a totally different genre, but I always love stories about how we're all connected and the ways we unknowingly affect each other.

Related:
• Singer Factories - Kilbowie, Clydebank, Scotland - Information about the actual Singer factory and strike.
• Sewing machines: Liberation or drudgery for women? by Joan Perkin (History Today, 2002) -If you have access to ProQuest through a library, this is an interesting article that takes a dimmer view of the invention of the sewing machine.
* The whole concept of "paving the way" reminded me of this great quote from a letter by former U.S. President John Adams:

"The science of government it is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation ought to take the place of, indeed exclude, in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and porcelain.” 

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Unbound is a crowdfunding publisher. You can find books that are looking for funding at this link. I received this book for free from NetGalley and Unbound. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. It's available now! The Kindle version is $2.99 as of 5/15/2018.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I did when I finished The Sewing Machine was to call my mum to tell her she HAD to buy this book. The second thing I did was to sit and wonder how on earth I was going to write a review that would manage to convey just how much this book affected me and how I would ever find the words to convince others to buy and read this stunning book! It is currently now sitting at the top of my favourite reads for 2017.

Everything about this book worked for me! I always find that the setting is just as important as the storyline and characters so for me to discover that Edinburgh plays a huge part in The Sewing Machine was a delightful surprise. I know Edinburgh very well and have a huge soft spot for it. I was fascinated to see the places I know so well, like the Old Royal Infirmary, used within multiple time frames in this novel so that I was looking at them with fresh eyes. And I also know of the Singer factory as I used to live near Clydebank where it was a well know local landmark and it was such a sad day for the town when the remaining buildings were finally demolished. So to see it brought to life again, lifted off the pages with the vibrancy of Natalie Fergies passionate descriptions of its workers and their circumstances, was a joy to experience. I learned to sew on my mum’s glossy black vintage Singer and the memories of those times came flooding back as I became involved in the fates of Jean, Kathleen, Connie and Fred.

The lives of these characters are connected by a Singer 99K and the multiple timelines are beautifully crafted, weaving together to create a family journey of nostalgia that I defy anyone reading not to be affected by it. Once you pick up The Sewing Machine you will become so engrossed in their lives that you won’t want to let them go. Even now 3 days after finishing it, I want to go back and search out those women, I need to know MORE!! I want to experience the years we didn’t get to see and follow Fred through the next phase of his life.

I have always felt that the themes of family, especially in the history and stories that we pass down the generations, are of paramount importance within our society and The Sewing Machine has reinforced my own ideas about keeping our relatives alive in our memories through photos, yarns and family heirlooms. As the threads of these family stories were expertly woven together, it evoked long forgotten memories and emotions in me and I lost touch with reality for a while as I became entwined within the past. As the richly embroidered tapestry of life brings all our characters together, I got those goosebumps again and a feeling that all was finally as it should be in the world. There is so much here that is relevant to our modern society today and I’m so glad that things seem to be coming full circle with “make do and mend”, crafting and upcycling becoming fashionable again.

I can not recommend this book highly enough and I now want to buy it in paperback so I can display it, as the work of art that it rightly is, on my bookshelf. It’s an endearing story, beautifully told and intelligently written. One of the best debut novels I have ever read!

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming debut novel about a sewing machine and those who own or come into contact with the old machine. The story of the machine starts in 1911 in Clydebank where Jean works in the Singer sewing machine factory. When a strike comes because some women are put off from their jobs, Jean and her boyfriend Donald Cameron find themselves with opposing views to Jean’s father about the strike. . When the strike is resolved Donald finds himself jobless and with no prospects. He and Jean decide to move. Decades later in Edinburgh Connie sews moments about items made by her and the machine into notebooks, as her mother before her did. More than 100 years after. His grandmothers sewing machine was made, Fred discovers a bundle of documents that relate his family’s history. Stories, connections and secrets of four generations come to be unearthed.
The novel is told in time frames from 1911, 1954, and 2016 from Jean, Connie and Fred mainly but with a few from Ruth and Annie in 1980. Fred inherits the old machine from his grandparents.
Since I am not a sewer I was surprised firstly that I pulled it down from the library shelves and secondly that I enjoyed it so much. It could be that I love stories about families and secrets, which this certainly has. I enjoyed the way the stories interwove. The characters were likeable and easy to relate to. Some were amazingly generous in spirit. I liked the way some traditional roles and activities were turned on the head at times. An engaging read even if like me you are not into sewing, but maybe even more so if you are.

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sewing Machine by Natalie Fergie is a multigenerational novel that brings together the lives of several characters connected by a sewing machine. Set in Edinburgh, the story spans from the early 1900s to the present day, following the lives of factory workers, a nurse, and a young man who inherits the machine. Through the stories, the author explores themes of family, love, loss, and legacies that are left behind. This Historical Fiction novel is full of detail and wonderfully woven together by one sewing machine.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of the book is instantly appealing. I could connect with the title, The Sewing Machine and relate to it to my childhood. When my mother and I would visit John Lewis department store on a Saturday, to pick out material for my Cabbage Patch Dolls new dress. Which my mum then made on her Singer Sewing Machine. So that was instantly appealing, then to read that Edinburgh played a part too, well that sold it completely to me. As that’s my home city.

The book is like a warm blanket on a nippy night or a delicious but not to sweet ice cream on a hot summers day. It’s characters slowly and gently grab on to your heartstrings and snuggle down. Because it flows from modern day to days gone by. It never get’s dull. There is always something to learn from each chapter. So I was very impressed by Natalie’s ability to keep me wanting to read more and definitely no skim reading with this book, you want to savour each word and the feelings that each chapter brings about.
The idea is brilliant, the life of a sewing machine and in turn, the lives and times it touches. It’s there for every life-changing event, births, deaths and marriages. But it’s also there for the machinist for the hard days when life is tough, almost a safe place when all those worries or upset, subside out of the mind and the only focus is the task at hand on the machine.

It touches on lot’s of topics, but I won’t spoil. But I can say that at its heart are the power of secrets. At a recent book launch for The Sewing Machine at Blackwells Bookstore Store, Edinburgh. Natalie Fergie said it best, she said that not all secrets have to be bad and it’s alright for them to be private.

I would love to for there to be a sequel and I have harped on and on at Natalie about it and I probably will always need to have more of these honest, raw, fragile characters. That’s how much I have emotionally invested into them. And you will too on your personal adventure with the book.

So I urge you to dive into The Sewing Machine. Make yourself comfortable and begin the fascinating journey with memorable characters.

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, start to finish.

I noticed some reviewers noted that the book "jumps around" timewise, and that is true, but I found it integral to the story. It is a deftly weaved story that spans many decades, and slowly ties families together through an antique sewing machine (in the present).

It is 1911, and employees at the Singer factory in Kilbowie, Scotland are ready to strike for equality, better pay, and better working conditions. Donald is at the lead in trying to get the employees to join a union, which, of course, does not sit well with the factory operators. It also sits decidedly unwell with his girlfriend Jean's father, who is a company man through and through and does not like Donald at all, which he makes abundantly clear. He is a hard man, without many redeeming qualities, and it costs him his relationship with his daughter.

Moving to present day, we meet Fred, a very immature man in his 30's who is a banker and who has just inherited his granda's (grandfather's) flat in the country. As he has recently chucked his job and in need of money, Fred looks around for things he can sell. He finds two sewing machines at the property. The last thing Fred thought he would be was a sewer, but, in helping his neighbor with her two active boys, a sewer he becomes. Into this soup, you can add a woman who Fred meets at a "boot sale" who salvages old sewing machines and turns all the innards into beautiful, useful things. She and Fred hit it off (eventually) and she is the one Fred turns to when family revelations rock him to the core.

The book is rich in period details, to the point where you can almost smell the Singer factory, and you can picture the countryside of Scotland.

[Fictionophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The sewing machine has provided work in manufacture, eased work in the home and facilitated work when there was none to be had."

A well researched historical novel that alternates between several timelines.

1911 Clydebank, Scotland where we meet an eighteen year old Jean who works as a sewing machine tester at the Singer Factory. At that time, the Singer Factory was all powerful and employed thousands of workers.  It even had its own railway station and its own trains. Jean lives with her domineering father who also works for Singer.  There follows a brief and accurate portrayal of the strike that took place that year. A strike which Jean's father disapproves and which Jean's beau, Donald Cameron, helps organize.  The betrothed Jean and Donald eventually are forced to leave Clydebank and they move to Edinburgh.

"A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

1954 Edinburgh, Scotland where we meet 33 year-old Connie Baxter. She lives with her mother Kathleen, a tailor. The two women get along very well. Kathleen works on an old Singer machine. For every sewing task she completes, she writes the details in a notebook.  After a family tragedy, Connie, a typist, finds a new job as a seamstress for a hospital. This position will be instrumental in her meeting a young woman named Ruth Watkins, and her future husband, Alf Morrison.

1980 Edinburgh, Scotland where we meet Ruth Watkins.  Single and pregnant, she is trying to finish her nursing practicum before the Old Royal Infirmary realizes her condition.  She approaches a woman named Connie who works at the hospital to see if see can let out her uniforms so that they will not be so tight and camouflage her pregnancy.

2016 Edinburgh, Scotland where we meet 35 year-old Fred.  Newly single and unemployed, Fred inherits a flat (and a cat named Crabbie) from his grandfather Alfred.  A flat that has been in the family since 1890. Fred writes a private blog which he uses as a sort of diary/confidante. Fred is a very private man. He begins the herculean task of clearing out the flat, only to find himself keeping most of what he discovers. There are Marmite jars everywhere - used for keeping pens, plant cuttings, and various other things. The most important find though, is an ancient Singer sewing machine.  Within the machine he finds numerous old notebooks that tell the tale of his family history, one stitch at a time...

Surprising himself, Fred begins to use the old machine.  He finds that sewing helps him to decompress, freeing his mind of his stresses and his loneliness.  When the machine needs servicing, he meets an artistic young woman whose life is intrinsically tied to his.

MY THOUGHTS

Natalie Fergie brings the past eloquently to life. All of her characters are well fleshed out so that the reader is invested in their plight.  The narrative reminds us of a time when frugality was the norm - quite the opposite of our current disposable society. She skillfully stitches all of her characters and timelines into one cohesive whole - while at the same time describing how both tangible and intangible things are passed down through generations.

A novel of what family means, of love, loss, of hardship, and of letters lost and received. A great read that I highly recommend to lovers of literary, historical fiction, and of course.... family secrets. An emotional and evocative debut.

4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Unbound Digital via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was little I remember standing by my mom’s side watching her sew me and my sister new clothes. When I was about 10 we went to an auction and my mom bought this old Singer sewing machine, wood with little drawers on the side, I thought it was for decoration, but this was a machine for me to learn on. I am not sure what ever happened to this old machine, I am sure it was sold again on an auction. Many years later my husband would by me a new Singer, and that is what I quilt on today. But it is the thought of sitting up to this old relic of a machine when I was 10 and 12 years old, with the little knee presser, that I remember when I sew.

The Sewing Machine follows the life of a 1911 model Singer sewing machine, the multi-generational book of inspector, sewer, and later grandson. The story begins with Jean Cameron, a final inspector for Singer, in the days of 1911 when the Singer factory is about to go on strike. But on her last day she sets a secret message in her last machine. That machine is bought by Kathleen, who sews on it to make ends meet, and starts the very vast collection of books of everything sewn on the machine. It is then handed down to her daughter Connie, and then to her grandson, Fred.

The only criticism I have is the ending, of course not all books end the way you want, but this one kind of left me hanging. I wanted it to continue a few more chapters to bring all the ties together more. This was an enjoyable read, especially if you are a sewer. But not just to follow the life of one machine, to follow the life, tribulations, joys, and discoveries of these characters.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Natalie Fergie for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focusing on the lives of three characters – Jean, Connie and Fred – along with the people close to them, The Sewing Machine transports the reader from 1911 to the modern day.  In telling the stories of the various characters, the author provides a wealth of domestic detail relevant to the specific period giving a real feeling of authenticity.  On the other hand, at times the narrative skips over significant periods of and momentous events in their lives, with the gaps only filled towards the end of the book.  I had a few “When did that happen?” moments. There were some events, such as the strike at the Singer factory, that I would actually have liked to learn more about.

There were details in the book that I absolutely loved such as the entries in the notebook recording garments made on the sewing machine that often told their own sad story. The introduction of a new character later in the book cleverly brings the various stories together.   I also liked how the sewing machine is shown to represent different things to different people: a solace, a distraction, a source of employment, a symbol of frugality, a key to friendship and a source of artistic inspiration.

The author possesses an obvious gift for creating realistic characters.  I loved Jean and Connie but I have to say I struggled a bit more with Fred initially.  I was even tempted to sympathise with his girlfriend, Samantha, at one point but that quickly passed!  And the author did eventually her work her magic on me.  As the book went on and Fred is gradually drawn out of himself, particularly with the help of the family next door, I began to warm to him.  In a way, he is the character who grows the most during this charming, heartwarming book.

I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Unbound, and Random Things Tours.

[Chryssie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this beautiful story! 💖🧵📖
I love sewing just as much as I love reading so this gorgeous historical fiction book was perfectly suited to me!

The writing is simply exquisite with strong, likeable characters who I simply adored, and the atmosphere and emotion is beautifully detailed. It is a wonderful debut novel.

This is the story of 2 families who are unknowingly intertwined, spanning 4 generations and more than 100 years, with one beautiful sewing machine at it’s centre, which is the link to them all. Secrets are revealed, family history discovered and a love for sewing passed down through the generations. I loved this book so much!

It is rich in historic detail, heartfelt & sentimental. A feel good read that made me smile all the way through. I loved it!! 😍

[Linda Lpp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am loving this book. Reminders of the Singer sewing machine in our family from the late 1940's into 2005. My Mother lovingly spending "her don't bother I'm sewing" time , as she sewed dresses for her five daughters.

Interesting story spanning different generations. I admit about 2/3 of the way through for some reason I started to get confused as to who some of the characters were. Is this the grandmother or the mother or..(you get the idea). I'm not really fascinated with family trees, so perhaps that contributed to my memory lapses. But all told I did really enjoy the book.

[Paula Sealey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable enough read following the journey of a Singer sewing machine through three different eras and the tribulations of the machines owners. For me however, there were far too many leaps back and forth between characters and timelines which made it difficult to keep up with the plot and become fully immersed in the story. There is lots of period detail, including events surrounding a strike at the Singer sewing machine factory and these additions were really interesting. The conclusion left no loose ends, but maybe stretched credulity a bit far. I also found it hard to believe that Fred, a city banker, would suddenly give it all up to turn his hand to sewing. Not a bad read by any means, but would have been better with one less era to keep up with.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about this book when the author contacted me back in December last year to ask if I might be interested in reading her forthcoming novel. I was really intrigued by the idea of the story - following a sewing machine and its owners over the years - and the fact that it was set partly in Leith and other areas of Edinburgh sold it to me. I am so glad I said I would read it as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The idea of following the story of an object throughout its life is one that really appeals to me. In this case, we follow the journey of a Singer Sewing machine from when it was first built at the Singer factory in Clydebank in the early 20th century, through a few of its previous owners to the present owner, Fred, who has inherited it from his grandmother. We learn about Jean who worked at the sewing machine factory and Kathleen and her daughter Connie who kept a record of every item they sew on the machine in small notebooks.

I really enjoyed that as well as following the sewing machine throughout the years we also learned about the rapidly changing social history of the time. The author has obviously carried out her research well as she brings to life what is was like to work in the sewing factory at a time when a mass strike was being called to improve the rights and conditions of workers. Through the characters of Connie and Ruth we learn about how nursing changed through the decades. The changing role of women and social attitudes also is explored as we follow the lives of Jean, Kathleen, Connie and Ruth.

The were so many characters in this book who I warmed to but I must admit to having a soft spot for Connie and her husband Alfred. They are such a loving couple and some of their generous and kind actions brought a lump to my throat. In the present day story, their grandson Fred is also very likeable character and I liked the way we got to know him partly through his blogposts. The sewing machine is of course a rather important character in itself. As the storyline moved back and forward through the years, Natalie Fergie cleverly reveals a little of her characters' lives at a time before finally revealing a long hidden secret.

I must just mention how much I enjoyed the setting particularly the parts of the story set in Leith and Edinburgh. Although I live in Portobello now, I am a Leither by birth and it is seen as a very distinct part of Edinburgh. I could imagine my grandparents and great grandparents in the very parts of Leith mentioned in the story and visualise the living conditions described. I also had fun working out where Fred was as he walked through present day Leith.

I really wanted to think of some clever sewing imagery to sum up the book but the best I can come up with is that Natalie Fergie has skilfully drawn the threads of her story together to a very satisfying ending. Thankfully, she is much better at creating a wonderful story than I am at finding metaphors!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up from my library because it sounded interesting…. It’s actually a fascinating read that I really enjoyed very much. It starts in 1911 and goes back and forth to 2016, from different characters perspectives. It charts two families lives who are connected but the reader doesn’t understand how until the last chapters.
If you enjoy social history, you will love this. Reminds me very much of the writings of Margaret Forster.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 secrets. 27 notebooks. 4 generations. 1 blog. Millions of stitches.

The Sewing Machine is the debut novel from Natalie Fergie, a book that spans generations from the 1911 mass strike at The Singer Factory in Clydebank, Scotland to more than 100 years later to 2016 in Leith.

Natalie Fergie takes the reader on a journey with a sewing machine and it’s impact on the generations that followed.

The Sewing Machine is a book with a big heart.

Following the story of Jean, we are taken back to a time in history where workers rights were unheard of, particularly those of women. An incident in the Singer factory, involving three women, resulted in one of the biggest mass strikes of the time, when 10,000 people walked out in support in the hope of highlighting the working conditions.

Jean lives with her father who is a man of old stock, with beliefs far different to Jean. As she stands up with the masses and in support of her betrothed Donald, her life moves forward in a direction that she never expected. Jean worked in the testing department of the machines but as life gets more complicated, Jean discovers life outside the factory walls and beyond the confines of her father’s house. We get an insight into the poverty and difficulties that these workers faced at the time as they struggled to cope with impending war and rations.

Natalie Fergie then brings the reader to 100 years later. Fred is going through a few life changes of his own. After the passing of his grandfather, Fred has some major life decisions to make. He writes a blog to convey his feelings as it his way of expressing himself and the challenges he too now faces.

The book is broken up into sections where as a reader we are introduced to life in the early 1900s, the 1950’s, the 1980’s and 2016. These are all very significant times in our society’s history revolving around wars, pre and post, the recession-hit 1980s and our modern society with the focus on the internet/blogging etc.

Natalie Fergie’s book is almost an historical journal of our time, travelling through the lives of the different generations.

There is one story that I think will strike a chord with many and that is the one of Connie and Alf. For many of us they would be reminiscent of our grandparents/parents time, when life seemed to move at a much slower pace and the simple routines of life were enough.

It is through a series of discovered notebooks that unearths a history of the many lives who had the fortune to use this particular machine. The story of all the different seamstresses is expressed though the various windows opened within the pages of these books.

I was reared in an environment surrounded by buttons and thread with the hum of a Singer a constant in the background. My blog name was inspired by my own history and with Natalie Fergie’s wonderful use of bobbins and fabric, I was lucky to relive some very precious memories.

The Sewing Machine is a novel woven together using the different threads of the lives of different generations. The end result is a very warm heartfelt look at the impact of one sewing machine on so many.

Natalie Fergie’s publication of this book, in association with Unbound, displays her passion for sewing, with her love for her own machines shining through in every page. There is a wonderful attention to detail with the descriptions of each generation and the associated threads and fabric portrayed vividly.

The Sewing Machine is a delightful book filled with the wonderful tapestry of life interwoven with the magic of one very unique vintage Singer Sewing Machine.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book primarily because it had a vintage Singer on the cover. . . as an owner and user of many Featherweight machines (even painted ladies!), I really wanted to LOVE this book.

It moved from story to story from time to time and jumped to a such a dizzying degree I had to keep going back to figure out who was who and what the action was. Basically, it became an exercise, and was more about genealogy lines meeting eventually, with the common element being that beautiful old sewing machine. I did like that part of the story.

Set in Scotland, it also was a little taste of that community - would have liked more of it.

Bottomline. . .this was a 3 star read for me. Sew we go.

[Getalocalife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ένα αρκετά καλογραμμένο βιβλίο που αποτελεί ουσιαστικά ένα μωσαϊκό ανθρώπων και νημάτων που ενώνουν τους πρωταγωνιστές μέσα από τα χρόνια.
Μου άρεσε πολύ η σύνδεση κάθε ιστορίας με το ράψιμο και τη ραπτομηχανή και το πέρασμα της από γενιά σε γενιά.
Ένα αρνητικό, που κόστισε το πέμπτο αστεράκι, ήταν πως κατά τη γνώμη μου δεν υπήρχε ιδιαίτερη εμβάθυνση στους χαρακτήρες. Ο μόνος που κυρίως δίνεται λεπτομερειακά είναι ο Φρεντ του 2016 ενώ οι παλαιότερες ιστορίες και κυρίως η πρώτη της Τζιν μοιάζει να περνάει ελαφρώς βιαστικά ενώ θεωρώ πως ήταν μια ιστορία που μπορούσε να αναλυθεί περαιτέρω.
Πάντως πρόκειται για ένα βιβλίο που διαβάζεται πολύ ευχάριστα, διαδραματίζεται σε διάφορες εποχές και διαθέτει και έναν retro, σκωτσέζικο αέρα.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! My mum had an old singer sewing machine and I remember using it as a child. The story seemed to come together slowly but it was such a pleasure to read I didn’t mind.

[Elinor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this book four stars or maybe even five were it not for the dang triple timeline, as the action hopped back and forth among three generations, all of whom use the same sewing machine. Just as I felt I was getting to know one character and being very interested in his or her life, I turned the page and was catapulted into another time and place. I know this is a literary device that some authors use to great effect, but in this case it was just confusing.

On the plus side, as an amateur seamstress myself, I loved the story of the old Singer sewing machine and all the authentic details about sewing. The historical part was also fascinating, since the sewing machine was manufactured in Scotland in 1911 during a period of labour unrest. It was a great concept for a novel and I hope Natalie Fergie continues to write novels, although perhaps she could stick to a straight narrative next time!

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this because I remember my grandmother sewing all the time on her Singer sewing machine when I was a child. My grandfather even made her a wooden sewing machine table for it. This book takes place in three time frames 1911, 1954 and 2016. Don't be put off and not read it though because of this. The time frames all eventually come together in the end. Sometimes families do unconventional things that for that time period seem alright to do but are questioned by later generations. This is what happens here when secrets kept for a long time finally see the light of day and hurts and misunderstandings are talked through and wounds healed. The book doesn't give up it's mysterious secrets til the very end so it keeps you reading in anticipation.
Pub Date 17 Apr 2017
I received a complimentary copy from Unbound Digital through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Shona Kinsella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have read in this genre, it's not my go-to but this book has moved the genre higher up my list.

The first thing that struck me is the prose. Well-written throughout and at times beautiful, I enjoyed the craftsmanship and envy the skill.

The story is charming with tense and touching scenes in equal measure. Read it with the tissues handy! I was very impressed with how deftly the author wove the strands of so many lives together in a tapestry only fully revealed at the end.

I am in awe of Natalie Fergie and look forward to reading more of her work. I highly recommend this book.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. The plot was a bit scattered. I just didn’t get it.

[Niki Karaoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Γλυκό βιβλίο, διαβάζεται ευκολα και γρήγορα. Ιδανικό για όποιον θέλει κάτι ήρεμο να διαβασει, χωρίς πολλά βάσανα, κακουχίες, ιντριγκες και ήρωες που δεινοπαθούν... Στα μείον ειναι οτι κάποια σημεία θα ήθελα να αναπτυχθούν πιο διεξοδικά και σε αλλα να μην αναλύονται τοσο πολύ. Επιπλέον δεν θα ήθελα να υπάρχουν χρονικά κενά στις ζωές των ηρώων τους περισσότερους από τους
οποίους βρήκα κάπως περίεργους.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fabulous book that had me shouting at the characters when I was only 12 pages in. It’s always a really good sign to me if I’m interacting with characters in this way, because it means I can identify with them and the story.

This was a wonderful historical fiction book with multiple timelines, full of characters who all are connected somehow. I loved the weaving together, (or should that be sewing together?) of their stories through the years, with short chapters that made me race to end to discover those connections.

I felt for Jean right at the start of the book with the uncertainly of the strike and all that that encumbered. I was intrigued by Connie’s strange notebooks and I fell in love with Fred as he gets to grips with his family history.

Fred was definitely my favourite character. He made me laugh as he got to grips with living with the cat in his Granddad’s old flat, getting to know his neighbour with her small boys, popping to the corner shop for chocolate and advice, plus learning to use his Grandmother’s sewing machine.

If you love historical fiction or just books full of family secrets, you’ll definitely enjoy this fabulous story, that had me on the brink of tears as I read the final words.

[virginia king · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great first attempt

Although I very much enjoyed the characters and their individual stories, I found the whole tying up process of the families very baffling, particularly the last chapter, by which time, I no longer cared!! However, I suggest the author DOES give up her day job, as I think she has the makings of a good storyteller.

[Amy Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for books with multiple story-lines, so when I was approached to review The Sewing Machine I immediately jumped at the chance. In my opinion, it takes a lot of talent to weave these story-lines together and when done right it can create a powerful impact. And dang, did Natalie Fergie get it right! The Sewing Machine was easy to get lost in, with great characters, and an endearing mystery. It was charming and lovely, and I adored it!

"The sewing machine has provided work in manufacture, eased work in the home and facilitated work when there was none to be had. By designing with the individual components of a discarded machine, I connect with the hands of the worker who built it in the factory, and with the people who used it in the home. In doing this I acknowledge those whose experience and determination paved the way for the working lives we have now."

The Sewing Machine takes us from the 1911 Singer Factory Strike to present day, with each chapter switching between the characters. Fergie makes it easy to follow with the names of the character and year for each chapter title. I thought Fergie did a superb job with character development with each having their own unique voice. And the book brought to life a time when love and hard work was poured into every bit of clothing and then re-purposed and re-cycled for the next owner. Something we take for granted now, with our disposable goods.

Fergie was a master at laying out all of the pieces of each story, and then weaving them seamlessly to a wonderful ending. I read the last few sentences with a huge smile on my face, and some tears rolling down my eyes. Utterly charming!

I highly recommend The Sewing Machine and I look forward to more releases from Natalie Fergie. She is a fabulous writer!

[Tina Woodbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalia Fergie has stitched a lovely story that stretches more than a century!

This story is told from the perspective of a few different characters, jumping from one decade to another. All of their storylines are interesting, but I was especially drawn to Fred. He was quite the character! He thought he had his life all figured out until the passing of his Granda, when the dominoes started to fall and he needed to re-evaluate everything.

I found it very interesting to follow the sewing machine’s journey and learn how it touched so many people’s lives. It is an inanimate object and yet it proved to be life-changing in many different ways. Of course all of these storylines are connected, and that is no easy task with such an expansive time period 1911-2016.

It is a story about love, loss, family, and perseverance. There were many heartfelt moments that I will not soon forget!

[Tracy Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start you just know The Sewing Machine is going to be a little treasure.

Set in three timeline 1911, 1954 and 2016, getting to know each of the characters was just amazing. Each timeline is written perfectly for the era. the strike in the factory and the consequences of that which affects Jean, the brilliance of the 1950's NHS where the Sister would make tea in china cups to deliver bad news and the modernity 2011.

Jean, Connie and Fred each have a history to the Singer sewing machine that Natalie Fergie has written about. You would think that a novel about an everyday item would be quite dull... but you would be very very wrong.

From the start of its life, being made and tested, to being used to make beautiful ballgowns and mending sheets to finally being used as a doorstop which folk trip over. the life of the machine is interesting, and wonderfully brilliantly descriptive.

Without giving anything away, I loved the way each story entwines and we discover the link between each part of the tale.

It's the little things with this book. The dust of the factory floor, sandwiches in grease-proof paper and the changing times which brings The Sewing Machine to life.

Everyone knows that I have a love of sewing, and this book was joy to read. Even if you have never stitched I am convinced that will be enjoyed by all who read. There is sadness, romance, births and deaths, but it is Natalie's writing that gives this an emotive and realistic edge.

I could talk about it all day. and this book will be on my recommendation list for ever. I just simply loved it.

5*/5

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Για την συγκεκριμένη στιγμη ήταν μεγάλο δώρο αυτό το βιβλίο γιατί με έκανε να νιώσω την ανάγκη να το ξαναπιασω από την αρχή, κάτι που είχα πολύ καιρό να νιώσω κ μετά τη μετριότητα των τελευταίων μηνών. Τα κεφάλαια σχετικά μικρά, εναλλάσσονται σε 3 χρονικές περιόδους, που παραδόξως δεν με εκνευρίζουν γιατί δε κόβονται πάνω στο καλύτερο όπως συνηθίζουν οι περισσότεροι σύγχρονοι συγγραφείς αλλά περιγράφουν μια χαλαρή ιστορία 3 ραπτικών μηχανών κ των κατόχων τους που καταλήγουν σε 2 .... πάλι σποιλερ κάνω😜. Αλλά κ πάλι δεν μπορείς να καταλάβεις ποια είναι η συνέχεια ποιάς μέχρι 50 σελίδες προ του τέλους όπου η συγκίνηση βγαίνει αβίαστα. Μπλόγκερ η συγγραφέας, 1ο της βιβλίο, πάθος της οι ραπτομηχανές. Ο συνδυασμός όλων αυτών είναι η ύπαρξη του βιβλίου αυτού. 4.5άστρα αλλά το μισό υπέρ για την πρωτοτυπία του._