Alan
I can assure you I’m not disillusioned.
Cutting machines may be as old as you suggest, but up until the 1920, in particular Eastern Canada, and Many other provinces and American states, the old fashioned way of making a suit was by hand. When Jewish men served their (tailor) Schneider apprenticeship in Eastern Europe they didn’t have the luxury of any machines. They sat cross- legged while working, cutting and stitching, all by hand. They unfortunately developed what is known medically as “Tailor Bunions.” Many suffered from this affliction. Look it up on google. When they came to Canada and the USA, they continued to work by creating garments by hand as they were taught.
New York was filled with Schneiders. Their lives were very difficult and conditions were poor. They either worked in a factory for 10–15 plus hours a day or at an apartment on the EastSide of New York, eeking out a living by making garments by hand. They were treated horribly until Samuel Gompers, initiated the first organized union movement. Then things changed. In the 1920s, ready made suits were introduced. One could buy a Suit “ right off the rack.”
As you know, as we all know, there are still real Schneiders around today. They make men’s suits from scratch. Do they all use cutting machines?
Not the ones I go to. They are from Italy and still sit crossed legged sewing by hand, beautiful creations that cost a pretty penny. The Jewish Schneiders are gone.
Larry Gaum