Once upon a time I used to sew.
I made this outfit, circa 1980.
This red suit I made in the mid-eighties. This is at work on Valentines day, 1984. Atlanta, GA.
Probably the waning years of the 80s to early 90s
The skirt and this top were an outfit. I did all of that beading.
It's hung in my closet for about 35 years. It's yellowed and misshapen. I keep it because I like it, even though I will never again wear it.
This is a photo of a shadbelly, an upper level dressage coat, also used in the Arabian show ring for what are called English horses, otherwise known as saddle seat. This is not what I made, but a photo of one. I made one for Shaka's trainer at the time. She needed one to show him and did not own one nor could she afford to buy one. It is the last piece of clothing I made, 1994 or 1995.
I actually don't think about it anymore because I just stopped and got busy with other things, but I used to make at least a third of my clothes. I had champaign taste on a beer budget! I learned to sew in 7th grade home economics and I took to it. I know why I stopped, my world changed. Instead of going to the stable to see my horses, as I had done, we bought a farm and the rest is history. The most I do now is hemming pant legs.
A little something no one of you would have guessed about me, I think!
20 comments:
That makes sense. You got a farm. Think though, that you'll ever find your way back to sewing?
You are a jack of ALL trades! Whoa! A shad belly!
You were high level skilled. I'm very impressed. But, horses don't care, and farm work needs strictly functional clothes, no beading!
Ivy, no I don't. The interest just isn't there. It's enough to know I was pretty accomplished once-upon-a time. I also used to do a lot of embroidery but my arthritic hands wouldn't go for that, no way!
Lori, that shad belly was a challenge, let me tell you. I would NEVER do that again. I think I still have the pattern if you'd like to try!
Boud, no horses sure don't. My life became baseball caps, whatever comfortable things to wear and barn boots. A distance from the years before. I don't even think about it anymore. It came to mind when I was looking for something in my closet and saw that beaded outfit.
I never could do clothes like that. All my clothes projects came out awful.
However when I discovered I could make Teddy Bears, jointed Teddy's, jointed horses, polar bears,...nothing stopped me. Those were complicated items in both fur and material.
However, it fascinated me to create like that.
You did some awesome work!
Back in the day, sewing was more economical than purchasing, so I too made all my clothes and the kids clothes as well. THEN, fabric got costly and it was more economical to purchase on sale. The only time I sew now is when it's something I can't find for sale in the fabric I want (like a pair of kente cloth shorts I'm now planning) or a baby quilt to gift.
How amazing and talented you are! The top with the beading is so elegant and understated and that makes even more beautiful.
Take Care,
Kaye
You made some beautiful things! I never learned although I tried...Could never cut straight and my mother had to help. She sewed beautifully too but stopped because she did not have the patience or tact to deal with me having a different body or posture, ultimately telling me that sewing was for poor people which isn't true.
I love sewing too and every time I go back to it, I wonder how I can live without it. In the same era as your beaded top, I sewed all of our show clothes - it was that era when you had to have a monochrome look in the APHA world. I still remember a silky green fitted top where I appliqued ultrasuede to match my chaps, which I also made. I wish I'd saved that one like you have saved your beautiful top.
Val, I would not even attempt to make stuffed animals, especially jointed. We all have our talents/interests.
Boots, yes I could make nice clothes that I wouldn't be able to afford if I bought them. I also liked sewing. I haven't made a thing in decades! I don't even have a sewing machine anymore.
Kaye, thank you. There is beading on the right sleeve, too, which I didn't get in the photo.
e, thank you. I'm sorry your mother did that. Sewing is creating, sometimes because of need, sometimes for enjoyment.
julochka, I never went back. I got too busy to even think of it. Making the shadbelly was the most difficult thing I'd taken on, kudos to you for sewing your show clothes! You are a highly creative person, Julie. I have always enjoyed you company and I have some of your art on my wall!
You can sew! I never could even though I tried. You could have been a clothing designer!!
Far Side, I could sew, I'm not so sure I still can. I cannot knit or crochet. And I tried, couldn't. I could embroider though.
You created some original Wardrobe magic! My Dad used to make all our Clothes growing up, with an old trundle foot peddle Singer that was ancient. He grew up on a Reservation so they had to create everything they used. He even made all the Bridesmaids Gowns for he and Mom's Wedding. I used to enjoy picking out the Fabrics and then showing him some fashionable thing we couldn't afford and he could replicate for me. He also made Couture Barbie Clothes for my Barbie Dolls. I took Home Ec and learned how to sew on a Machine but I found Hand Work more my talent, so, most Fabric Art I created was done by Hand. I do wish I'd taken what my Native American Grandma and Aunts wanted to teach us about Tribal Beadwork, but, I was too lazy.
Dawn, sewing allowed me to have clothes I couldn't afford, too. You dad was one amazing man.
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