Deanna at My loves, my life got me to thinking the other day about how long I've been sewing. I too, started at about 12. I loved 7th grade home economic class. We either sewed or cooked, both of which I loved to do. From that point on I made most of my school clothes.
Mom used to say I probably would have made my winter coats, had she bought the fabric. I remember one time she took me to the woolen mills in California Missouri. There we bought yards of 60 inch herringbone black and gray wool for a $1 a yard. How I wish I still had the poncho with fringe, or the A-line skirt, or the lined skinny leg pants, that I made from that wool.
I made my prom dress my Junior and Senior year. I also made my formal when I was a sophomore and went to prom with a Senior. (Don't worry I married him!)
I made not only my wedding dress, but the 2 bridesmaids and 2 flower girls dresses too. Oh, I also made my light blue polyester going away dress.
Shortly after we were married, we got into muzzle loader rifle shooting. Back then a lot of the competitions required period dress. I got out my Necchi machine and started making outfits.
Here is one of my first calico dresses. Jeremy shows off the calico shirt and blue overalls that I made for him. Somehow, I still have his little outfit hanging in my closet. This was probably 1979.
I remember this match very well. I took 2nd place, shooting among some great guys and a few women. Here I am throwing a tomahawk. The target was probably a playing card mounted on a big wooden block. This match was at Arrow Rock State Park. I still proudly display the hand thrown dated crock that I won, on my mantel. I also have this red calico dress hanging in my closet, and I can still get it on! I just can't breathe! LOL
And what goes around comes around. The blacksmith is doing a show this month that requires us to wear period clothing. I pulled out an old simplicity pattern. 6 1/2 yards of calico and 12 buttonholes, later this is what I came up with.
For the blacksmith, I found a Green River Forge, Ltd. pattern, that I used way back when. For the 18th -19th century dropped sleeve shirt, I used hop sacking fabric in natural color. 3 yards of fabric, 6 pleats, and 8 button holes later it is finished.
I even made the blacksmith a pair of dropped front pants. 2 1/2 yards of fabric and 16 buttonholes later they are finished.
We are now ready to sport our newly made clothes. All 36 buttons have been sewn on!
What shall I sew next?
13 comments:
As I first started reading this morning, I thought that our sewing careers paralleled each other. But you have gone far beyond me! I started out at about 12, the year I made my Easter dress out of a blue and white floral print. I made prom dresses, made flower girl dresses, and all my clothes from 8th grade on. I often came home from school one day and made an outfit to wear the next day. Our first child was our daughter, and we sported matching clothes quite often! Now I make mostly quilts, table coverings, purses, totes and bags. I keep thinking I should get back to making my clothes.
And we have decided on the end of Sept to head down your way on our Ozarks trip. I'll honk!
I so enjoyed your story, was very facinating....love the garments you made....
You are a very talented seamstress! Love it all!!
You are so talented and creative! You've got to show us pictures of you two all dressed up!
That's quite a sewing history, Patti.
I suppose the sewing machine is my true love after all.
hugs
I started sewing about that same age but never sewed garments as much as you. I think I could - I just don't have much interest in that. But oh how fun to make your costumes. That I would love! blessings, marlene
I love this! You are so talented. I took a peek at your quilt too - lovely! Do you have pics of the prom dresses?
The new additions to your costumes are fantastic - be sure and post pics of you and the Mr. wearing them! :)
Hey there, I came over from Camp and Cottage Living. I'm in the middle of a t-shirt quilt from my son's high school years. I love your clothes, there is talent there. I have taken sewing classes and can follow a pattern but it looks like I followed a pattern, I don't have the 'gift' so I stick to crafts.
Oh my goodness girl. Those dresses are awesome. I'll get to see your new one next Sunday. BT's outfits are definitely involved (as are your dresses). My big claim to fame was that I made Jim a liesure suit in 1974. I would never attempt that again.
You are talented in every way.
What a wonderful history of your sewing life. Love all the ensembles! Can't wait to see you two all duded up in person soon :D We SOooo enjoyed our visit!! See ya soon. -T p.s. how in the world did you end up with TWO lambs?!
Oh my goodness! I am so impressed. So did you just learn to sew in school or did you take other lessons?
Oh my, you are good, especially to tackle mens pants. I've sewn alot of things but probably would pass on those. Love all the period clothes though. How fun!
These are wonderful! Thanks for sharing your sewing history.
Anna
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