Schoolclothes

What an exciting concept!  I have a distinct memory of August coming around and it being 'schoolclothes' season.  My mom and grandma would take me shopping for some dresses, undershirts, a new slip, socks, tights, 3 packs of underpants; one solid, one striped, and my favorite one -- the one with tiny yellow rosebuds.  Always tiny rosebuds.  Ahhh, so pretty.  I was always a little distressed that the undershirts didn't come in matching prints.  They were always solid white, but I reconciled it in my little head and loved them anyway.  And, the most lovely item of all -- schoolshoes!  We would go to Devitt's Junior Boot Shop and try on shoes until the right pair satisfied what Mom and Grandma thought important and delighted me.  Oh, was I delighted, delighted every time.  One year, my choice was a dark red pair of t straps with little petal shaped eyelets cut out on the toes.  Heaven.  I got to wear those red shoes to school every day!  Every day!  And, I knew they perfectly complimented all of my dresses.  Even my gold, brown and persimmon plaid swing dress with the white collar and cuffs was beautiful paired with my red shoes.
We always bought a couple of dresses but the best thing was that my mom would make some of my dresses.  She never thought she was a great seamstress.  But, what is a successful seamstress?  One who's interested enough and dedicated enough to want to take on the making of a dress, that's what.  And, she finished them, and I wore them.  And, I loved them.  I wore lots of plaid.  I loved plaid then and I love plaid now.  Plaid comforts me and challenges me.  This is one of those dresses Mom made for me.  Not a school dress -- I need to search and find a photo of one of those!
My goal for today is to make some progress on a sewing project.  Even a little bit.  I'm happily planning to be a part of Goodbye Valentino's RTW fast for 2014.  A big challenge -- I'll need some plaid to keep me inspired, comforted and challenged!

Goodbye Valentino, Hello Needle and Thread

Love Sarah's blog and am joining a blogging network who have all committed to one year of abstaining from buying Ready-To-Wear!

I'm looking so forward to it, I drove over 30 minutes today in holiday traffic to purchase patterns on sale.  I will not be heading to that store again for a long time.  It was a nightmare!  I may subscribe to the Vogue pattern catalog at home and it will be so worth the money compared to that trip!  My first project is going to be a dress, but I want to incorporate some of the fitting techniques I've been studying through online sewing classes.  I love the online learning platform -- Craftsy.  I don't really like the name Craftsy but it's a successful and thriving business, so, I guess it's just me that's a little put off by the name.  The quality of the education, and web design in both look and ease of operation are truly first class.

Cocktails in her Apron!

Mom and Dad were expecting company, perhaps the Bridge Club?  She had some lovingly crafted appetizers ready to serve and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her guests!  Enjoying a cocktail in her apron -- which she made for herself, of course!  This is such a great little girl memory for me!
Velma Dinkley, so fun!