Mom made many of our clothes: dresses, jumpers, shorts, and pajamas. The only clothes she did not make were jeans, coats, uniforms, and items for the boys, though she once made matching outfits for the four oldest children.
She barely used patterns to make our clothes. Yes, she cut out the pattern pieces. She placed them carefully on the fabric and pinned them down before cutting. But I doubt she really read the instructions. She said she had her way of putting the pieces together.
One thing she did as a short cut was to forgo facings and linings. She rolled the seams at the armhole and collars. She made simple hems she could sew on the sewing machine.
She had four daughters and made lots of clothes for them. One special time for sewing was those hours between when Dad left for work at 5 a.m. and we got up at 7. She hid the clothes away if they were to be gifts for birthdays or Christmas.
She also made doll clothes for Barbies, baby dolls, and trolls, though the clothes for trolls were made of felt and needed no real sewing.
She let us pick out patterns and material. Our favorite place was the fabric section in the basement at J. C. Penney. She tried to follow latest fashions. Maybe she saw what were shown in the many women’s magazines she bought at the grocery store.
One favorite item she made for me were two suits that were in style. I wore one at my 7th grade birthday party. Here are two shots of the suits.
I learned to sew in 8th grade home economics but I did not
like it. It was not until I was pregnant with my first born that I started
sewing. I needed outfits to wear. Later I sewed some outfits for them, but
mostly Halloween costumes. However, I was not like my mother. I followed the
instructions carefully.
#52Ancestors: Week 13 – A Family Pattern
This is my ninth year working on this year-long prompt, hosted by Amy Johnson Crow (https://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/) at Generations Cafe. I write each week in one of my two blogs, either Mam-ma’s Southern Family or My Trails into the Past. I have enjoyed writing about my children’s ancestors in new and exciting ways.
Copyright © 2011-2026 by Lisa S. Gorrell, My Trails into the Past. All Rights Reserved.
Your mother had a real knack for sewing and fitting, as shown in the photos. I'm with you...I had to follow instructions carefully to avoid sewing a sleeve inside out!
ReplyDeleteLove this story. It really made me think about all the women in the family and their sewing and fiber arts skills. My grandmother was a fantastic knitter. She had 29 grandchildren and everyone got sock, mittens, and a sweater at Christmas. My Mom taught me to sew, and I sewed for my daughter when she was little, and later I became a quilter. As a historical re-enactor (Mayflower Society) I really appreciate sewing skills!
ReplyDeleteYour mother had some natural talent! I love the photo of the four of you in your matching outfits. You're all adorable.
ReplyDeleteMy mother was not domestically inclined at all, and she was thrilled when I showed an early interest in sewing. She was happy to put me in charge of mending immediately. She never sewed a piece of clothing in her life, so I am quite jealous of your family's clothes. My maternal grandmother knitted and my paternal grandmother crocheted, though, and they both influenced me to have an interest in all sorts of crafting and sewing.
ReplyDeleteWith six kids, it was also a way to save money, plus we handed down the clothes.
DeleteI love this! My mother loves to sew and made many outfits for me as a child, all the way through high school, including all of my prom dresses!
ReplyDeleteI great skill to have! Sadly I do not have it or any domestic skills whatsoever. ;) My grandma used to make all our clothes, matching outfits as well. Your post brought bak memories for me; thanks for sharing. :)
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