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Jody Brooks's avatar

I can relate to this story in so many ways. My relationship with a sewing machine was similar, but my favorite thing was to buy vintage 40's clothing at the Salvation Army and alter it to to look "shabby chic". I had a Joan Crawford - style Kelly green wool dress with huge shoulder pads that became a mini-dress to wear with lace panty-hose and granny boots. I took apart a deep purple sequined jacket and put it back together to fit me. I loved the old fabrics and the fact that no one else had what I had. I made things from scratch too, like a black velvet cape with gathered shoulders and a hood. Very dramatic! When I went to FIT, (for photography) they were still rolling racks of clothing down the street in the garment district. I loved wandering through the fabric stores. I even worked part-time in Gimbel's in the notions department. Does anybody even know what notions are anymore? Thanks for taking me back!

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Jan Costello's avatar

I would love to see pics if your creations, with you as model, of course. I started sewing in 4-H at age 8 and did tolerably well through the years, also feeling over-qualified in home-ec. But my mom sewed many of my clothes or had them made for me due to issues with the fit of off-the-rack garments and my body type. Later on I was able to sew outfits for my kids until they refused to wear the adorable styles I chose for them, lol.

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