Making Memories 1

Patterns are something I have far too many of - both sewing and knitting patterns.

For many years I made my own clothes and built up a huge collection of sewing patterns - from 1970s Style and Simplicity ones, to 1980s and 1990s Butterick and Vogue Designer ones (I was able to afford them back then!). I made hundreds of dresses, jackets, skirts, blouses, trousers and tops...even a few coats and bridesmaid's dresses. I did get rid of a box of patterns when I moved house - older ones, in smaller sizes that I knew I'd never use again - but I always regretted not keeping the envelopes, or at least photos of the envelopes, so I could recall the many outfits I made.

I also gave away most of the clothes I made over the years - I had far too many in my wardrobe - and often wonder what became of them. I kept a few items, special ones, but most have long gone. Every now and then I see a vintage pattern for sale online that I used to have, so I take a copy of the image and save it in a special file. I still have a few scraps of fabrics that I used as well, so I'm keeping small pieces - I plan to start a scrapbook, with the patterns and fabric scraps, to remind me of all the clothes I made over the years. I've also unearthed a few photos of me wearing items I made, although there aren't many, so I'll include those too.

This is one of the earliest dresses I remember sewing. I made the maxi version to wear to my cousin's wedding in 1970 - it was in a deep royal blue and white and I loved it! I can still recall tacking the massive frills onto the bottom of the dress the night before the wedding, with my Mum's help. We always left it a bit late to make our outfits, but always managed to complete them just in time! I also remember the blue platform shoes with chunky heels I wore with it...so stylish!