Let's get it RIGHT

Q. Is this new configuration currently being manufactured ?
A. At present, expressions of interest are being invited from various groups within the industry, but the opportunity still exists, for a manufacturer to be first into the market place with this innovation.

Q. Why has this proposed change taken so long to come to the fore ?
A. There is no evidence that this proposal has ever been considered ; and had it been, manufacturers no doubt would naturally have taken the path of least resistance. The fact that the majority of the population are right-handed and would assume that any machine would have been designed to suit right-handed usage, and would therefore, not question it's orientation. Left-handers of course would not " Rock the boat " !

Q. Having been this way for 160 years, a proposal to change the existing design must be regarded as disruptive technology and surely would be resisted by the industry ?
A. To quote from the 16th century Italian writer, Niccolo Machiavelli .....
" There is nothing more difficult to handle, more doubtful of success and more dangerous to carry through than initiating changes. "
" The innovator makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old order, and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new. "
" Men are generally incredulous, never really trusting new things, unless they have tested them by experience. "
We hope to give them the opportunity to experience this change !

Q. What needs to be done to encourage the manufacture of such innovation ?
A. Producers of the domestic sewing machine would clearly need to see a profitable market for such a change. Heightened consumer awareness, interest and demand for such a choice, would greatly assist the manufacturer to determine the value of this proposal. During the coming months we should witness the anticipated interest and demand for such innovation, as global awareness is dramatically increased.

Q. How was this anomaly first noticed ?
A. On joining the industry some 40 years ago, it was essential to become familiar with the numerous actions, features, benefits, and functions of the domestic sewing machine. As a left-hander, I was naturally and pleasantly surprised to discover that the bias of the configuration, suited the use of the left hand whilst carrying out all of the " Fiddly " and awkward tasks. I queried the orientation with our instructor and the response was, " that's the way it is ".
It was many years later, whilst servicing hand machines, that I was able to determine how this bias came about. It took me another 30 years before doing anything about it !

Q. Surely both hands are employed when operating the existing domestic sewing machine ?
A. Certainly there are an abundant number of operations requiring both hands, but the majority, if not all, functions that demand dexterity and therefore the use of the natural dominant hand, are currently more ably carried out by the left-hander. For the right-hander, the bias should be off to the right.

Q. Who do you think would benefit most from such a change ?
A. Unquestionably, the new right-handed entrants to the market who are still learning to use a domestic machine.
New users from the home economics field, students at high school, people being taught by various craft and quilting groups, some wanting to take up a new hobby ; all would benefit by utilising a configuration to accommodate the natural hand when tackling the learning process.

Q. Would this choice of configurations encourage more right handers to use a sewing machine ?
A. By providing a " user friendly " bias for the right-handed sewer, the " take-up " rate would have to improve dramatically, as approximately 80% of the world’s population is right-handed.
This simple change also provides " sales and marketers " of sewing machines, a unique opportunity to stimulate the world's markets by offering a choice to all sewers.