clothing manufacturers were the first sewing machine customers, and used them to produce the first ready-to-wear clothing and shoes. in the 1860s consumers began purchasing them, and the machines—ranging in price from £6 to £15 in britain depending on features—became very common in middle-class homes. owners were much more likely to spend free time with their machines to make and mend clothing for their families than to visit friends, and women's magazines and household guides such as "mrs beeton's" offered dress patterns and instructions. a sewing machine could produce a man's shirt in about one hour, compared to 14 1/2 hours by hand.