Remember when? When we shopped for fabric they ran the folded edge through a machine and we loved to watch the dial turn. Next the lady would click the machine and a slit would be nicked in the fabric. She would remove the fabric and either tear or cut the fabric. When you got home, you measured it again, and there was always more than the amount you asked for. Before you could cut out your dress, blouse or curtains, it was necessary to straighten the grain. I remember trying to find one thread at each end, that was complete all the way across. Mom taught me to pull the thread then cut along the line formed by the missing thread. Now the fabric was "straight". It often would not fold evenly, but at least you knew it was "straight"!