People started sewing as long as 20,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age.Archaeologists have discovered bone needles with eyes, used to sew together skins and furs, dating back to this time.Several years ago, I was given an antique Singer treadle sewing machine that has been passed down through my family for a few generations.I had no idea when it was manufactured or its model number.The "a" in "301a" stands for where the machine was made - Anderson, SC - and is the only difference between them.Most of us know the name Singer but few are aware of his amazing life story, his rags to riches journey from a little runaway to one of the richest men of his age.

Thanks to Singer's recent 160th anniversary celebration, I was able to pinpoint my antique machine's model year by entering its serial number into Singer's online database.

Several parts are missing, it's not in great shape, and it's basically non-functionalbut it still is a wonderful piece of family memorabilia, and I love having it in my home.

My flat screen TV usually lives on top of the Singer cabinet, so I look at it every day.

The sewing machine is also noteworthy for the marketing advances used to sell it.

Most importantly of all, how would all the moving parts be coordinated?