BLANCHARD, Helen Augusta, American inventor, 1840-1922. After her father’s death she was wealthy at the age of 30. Then Helen developed and patented various mechanical improvements for sewing machines, such as an over-seaming machine, a crochet-attachment and methods of making knitwear. In 1881 she set up the Blanchard Overseam Machine Company (with her sister). By 1891 she was extremely rich from her endeavours, but still continued designing parts and accessories until having a stroke in 1916. A prolific and very successful inventor.