Yesterday, my daughter started on her 4-H sewing project. This is her first year and she has decided that she wanted to take sewing as one of her (many, maybe too many) projects. For the first year they can make a skirt with an elastic waist band - infamously known around our house as the pert skirt. This made both me and my sister start digging out our past 4-H sewing projects. There we were pulling out the beauties and laughing harder at each one! We just had to share -
This is the very fashionable 2 piece green paisley pant outfit that I made. Please notice the nice tapered legs and the nice pleated front -
I wish someone would have clued me in about being too matchy matchy with the top and bottom pieces of my outfit. But it gets better with this next picture -
No this is not a close up of the front. It is the back! There is no stop to the pleats - they circle around both sides of the pants. Very flattering, pleats in the back and a bow to boot! We were children of the 80's but I don't even know if it was in style then!
Here is the proof that I did indeed make these pants -
Outfit #2 The Little House on the Prairie dress. My sister thought it would be a grand idea to put it on so that she could take a better picture of the details. For some reason I agreed but said, "No head shots!" -
I sure hope the bottom layers looked better than that - it sure is uneven!
Nice puffy sleeves with shoulder pads -
and the gathered drop waist -
and the picture of the dress 20 plus years ago -
My sister, Lisa picked out her favorite - The nice polyester blend house coat dress that she made. This was made with both a Strech & Sew pattern and Strech & Sew fabric. I remember as a child my mom had tons of these patterns. She even made us all matching swimming suits from these patterns (not to mention the green leisure suit she made for my dad)!
She does do nice work on the buttonholes -
and we also found pictures of us at the style revue with our duds . Couldn't find a picture of Lisa in this dress but did find this picture of her modling her nice green pleated dress (we sure were into pleats!).-
So on to the next generation of 4-H sewers. I am sure in many years on down the road, my daughter will get the same laughs that we just enjoyed about our projects!
Ah, memories of the 4-H Dress Revues! Yes, my mom has one of my more labor intensive outfits tucked away in the cedar chest (along with the wool I won). It was a real trick to not outgrow the project before one had to model it!
Posted by: ChezPooh | Monday, February 21, 2011 at 11:22 PM
So fun to see your endeavors--I'm at my parent's house so the kiddos can experience the farm for a couple weeks and know I can find some photos of my 4-H sewing--the plaid dress that I wore for the state dress review. . . I know it is hiding away in my cedar chest--that one doesn't need to be worn again, but maybe my girlie will like my confirmation dress--white eyelet. just maybe. thanks for sharing! you made me smile.
Posted by: Heather | Friday, July 10, 2009 at 12:45 AM
As I read your post, I had to chuckle to myself. Why? Because I distinctively remember the Stretch and Sew way of making your own patterns and then creating your attire.
In addition, as we finish our basment, I have come across several of my former 4-H projects. I look at them now and wonder what in the world was I thinking. But, 20 plus years ago, that is what the style was. I am thankful that most of those things have changed!
Good luck on your 4-H projects with the kids!
Posted by: Beth Vondran | Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 02:34 PM
The styles are hilarious, but your sewing was amazing! Really...think about how young you were. I swear my mom made me a dress out of that green fabric with pink flowers. Thanks for the 80s flashback!
Posted by: Jeanne | Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 08:09 AM
I'm not sure what I'm more impressed by...the fact that you kept the garments and can actually find a photo of you wearing them...or the fact that you are still the same size you were 20 years ago. I may have to share with my husband - he thinks I'm the only one who wants to hold on to "stuff" from the past. What great memories.
Posted by: Karina | Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 12:41 AM
Wow,consider yourself lucky that you got to make something neat. My first 4-H project was a crummy little apron. The girls in my group were more interested in raising calves than sewing clothes. I can't believe you still have your projects.
Posted by: Alicia | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 11:54 PM
oh my- how brave you all are to be sharing though the pink dress looks pretty fashionable even to this day.
Posted by: kribss | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 08:21 PM
I can't believe it still fits! Congratulations on that score too!
Posted by: Kerry | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 07:55 PM
I can't believe you kept those outfits - way to go !!! That is too funny - yes the next generation 4H will be fun to back on as well I am sure. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Heather | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 06:01 PM
Being a former 4-H member (over 20 years ago), it was so much fun seeing your photos of the clothing dress reviews! I remember those days!!
Posted by: Kim | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 06:00 PM
I think that pink house coat dress could be cute now. I like it! Someone should try that on.
Posted by: sarah | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 04:51 PM
I can't believe you still owned this stuff! You sad sad girls!! I've no traces of the pink fluffy dressing gown, plaid pinafore, straight skirts... oh and frilly blouses...
whew!
Posted by: Deb | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Memories are such fun! I don't have any of my first sewing projects - luckily.
Posted by: Gwendie | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Oh fun! I had a couple of those projects, but I was an early 90s 4-H sewist, so I think pleats were gone by that point. I distinctly remember a pair of neon teal lycra shorts...and it couldn't have been that pretty, lycra isn't that easy to sew!
Posted by: ~Michelle~ | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 03:56 PM