My Trails into the Past

Having a large family sometimes made it tough to stay within budget. One way to keep expenses down was to shop using coupons, buy items that are on sale, cook your own food, and make your own clothes. My mother managed to do all of that. I have a few photos showing the outfits she made for us. This first shot is of her four oldest children. She made the outfits I think for the photo shoot. The photos were taken in black and white and when I tried to colorize the photo, the print of the fabric did not come out the correct color. These dresses and shirts were green gingham. Once, we took a train ride and she had us all wear these same outfits. I think it made it easier for her to spot us on the train and train platform, and it made it easier for the train conductor to see that we were all together. Mom also had a dress made of the same gingham.  She shopped at the nearby J.C. Penney for fabric, always starting at the sale bin of remnants. When I look at the prices for fabric back...