Seamstresses

"Needlework and teaching were seen as 'natural' profession for women. . . Virtually all women had the necessary experience for needlework" (Beth Harris). Needlework was a very popular profession for women of all classes in the nineteenth century. Those of the upper class who could afford to learn the trade often worked as dress makers, which was more highly esteemed. For those in lower social standing, however, conditions were not as favorable. We see in Dickens' Bleak House Charley's skill with the needle. Esther is trying to teach Charley how to write. She explains that Charley is very talented with her hands (including needlework), but her progress with a pen is very slow. 

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