New York City was the center of the nation’s garment industry for more than one hundred years.

It began in the late 1840s, when two drivers of economic growth — new machines and eager workers — came together there.

After fits and starts, through the work of several inventors, an easy-to-operate sewing machine had at last become available.

And, at the same time, the city was awash in immigrants needing work.

Among them were skilled tailors and seamstresses who had learned their craft in their home country.

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