“Yes, this sewing machine is around 46 years old.”

“Mr Goh: Yes, this sewing machine is around 46 years old. It was bought by her mother then and given to her before our marriage. Before getting married to me, my wife was a dressmaker. She made all these dresses for other people. At that time, in the 1970s, there weren’t shopping malls and not that many varieties to select from. So, all these women who wanted to change every now and then, when things are no longer in fashion, they would get people to make new dresses. After our marriage, this machine was with us so that she could make anything we needed. The good thing was when I needed some alteration to the length of my pants or pajamas, she could do it very easily. [Mrs Goh walks over and joins the conversation] They would like to ask you about the history of the sewing machine.

Mrs Goh: I don’t know. It was bought and given by my mother. I think it was bought in Xiao Bo [North Bridge Road]. It was not actually part of my dowry. It was previously bought and used by my mother. It has been in use since 1955 to about now. After my mother stopped using it, she gave it to me. It has been about 61 years. Before I got married, I have already been using the sewing machine; I used it to make clothes for other people, especially for women’s fashion. When I got married, my mother actually did buy me another Singer sewing machine. However, that machine was already gone; I sold it away. I sold that one away as it was not as nice to use as this much older Singer sewing machine.

The engine of this machine is quite special; it is concealed inside. Its table can be opened up and set up for sewing. The wood is of very good quality. It is unlike other versions of the Singer sewing machine. I do not have any plans to give away this sewing machine. I intend to keep it as much as possible. Perhaps, at a much later date, I will give it away to my daughters. However, they don’t really know how to sew, and I have also forgotten the complicated parts of dressmaking. I learned the skill long ago, around 1965. After I learned, I asked my teacher if I could help out. It was very popular to learn dressmaking then and my class was made up of a few students. At that time, many people would buy magazines and books about dressmaking. After getting married, I had very little time to continue this hobby.”