Helen Blanchard
Helen Augusta Blanchard was an American inventor who receivedpatents between 1873 and 1915. She was known for her numerous inventions dealing with sewing machines and sewing technology.
Blanchard was born in Portland, Maine on October 25, 1840 to a wealthy family. Her father was Nathaniel Blanchard, a shipowner and businessman her mother was Phoebe Buxton Blanchard. Helen was one of six children two other daughters Louise Phobe, and Persis E., and three sons David H., Augustus, and Albus. Helen demonstrated an inventive turn of mind at an early age, but did not receive her first patent until she was over thirty, after the fall of her fathers business. There is no indication that she received any mechanical or technical education, despite her patents being involved mostly in these subjects.
Source: Wikipedia