Singer was, and still is, the most ubiquitous name in sewing machines. In the 1840's, many inventors had attempted to construct sewing machines but none were truly efffective and so they did not catch on. In 1850 a man named Isaac Singer, the son of a German immigrant, decided to pursue an interest in sewing machines, mainly because of financial considerations. He frankly stated, "I don't give a damn for the invention, the dimes are what I am after." (3) Singer developed the idea of a shuttle which moves in straight line while moving up and down. Previous designs had the shuttle going around in a circle which took the twist out of the thread and made it susceptible to breaking very easily. On September 7, 1850, the following advertisement appeared in newspapers across the country:

"Several attempts have been made to produce Machines for Sewing, but they were not without many objections, and could be used to little advantage or profit.

Singer & Phelps' Belay-stitch Sewing Machine...is offered to the public as a perfect machine, and will be constructed and adpated to perform any kind of work...The needle is straight, and works perpendicularly upon the table of the machine, affording room and opportunity to adjust the fabric in any way. From 500 to 1500 stitches, according to the fabric operated on, may be taken per minute.

This machine, with ordinary care, is warranted to run one year without repairs, and will last many years. And it is so simple in its construction, and so easily regulated and managed, that any person of ordinary ability may operate it.

The price of one of these machines, which is worked by a treadle...is one hundred and twenty-five dollars, complete, with all appendages for operation.

These machines are so beautiful and neat in their appearance, and take up so little room, that they are an ornament to any lady's sewing apartment."(4)

Although the machine had undergone many changes and adaptions from this time until the years of Greenbelt, the invention of the sewimg machine proved to be a crucial development affecting the daily lives of women for years to come.

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