Making Memories 2

Here's another one from my pattern archive, this time from the 1980s (note the big shoulders!). I don't recall the exact year I made it, but I do remember very clearly wearing this outfit to work, it was a real favourite.

I made the slim skirt in a black crepe fabric, fully lined. It was mid-calf, like the one on the left. The long sleeved top was in a golden-yellow and black houndstooth check fabric, a soft brushed cotton or cotton blend, with black buttons. The top has a fitted band around the waist, with the upper blouson part and lower peplum both pleated into it, and slanted pockets in the peplum. With my black heels, it really looked the business.

Of course, being the 80s, I accessorised it with a chunky necklace, huge clip-on earrings, and big hair!

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!