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Friday, November 13, 2020

Gone Stringing!


This happened last night.

There was no feet up and hand quilting in the comfy chair - it was a riotous night in the Hunter household as the Boise State Broncos trounced the Colorado State Rams 52 to 21 on BSU's infamous Big Blue Field.

Extra exciting is that my brother Mike, who works at BSU was able to be in attendance - they let very FEW people in the stadium, and they all have to pass a Covid test before being allowed admittance.

Why am I writing this when I'm not a huge football fan?  Because these are the things we'll be telling our grandkids at some point.  We are history.

Now, this win does not undo the damage that was last week's game lost to BYU - that was some humble pie!


I left the hubster to the TV upstairs -

And came down to do this.

With the Sugar Loaf blocks complete, and just waiting for a day to lay them out and start the assembly, I looked around my studio to see what else has been languishing.  

YEARS!! This has been waiting YEARS to be completed.


If you are new here, you won't even remember these blocks!

Simple strings, half light/half dark.  After a reconsideration on how big I wanted to make this quilt, I figured out that I only needed 64 more little string blocks to be able to complete the remaining big blocks I need and I can set this together.

I am opting for no borders on this one at this point. Just string blocks and a strong bold binding color.

How hard can it be to get this one to finsihed?


The string bin holds boundless bounty!

There is also a cookie tin with small snips and chunks big enough for small string blocks that I keep on my cutting table - between the big bin and the little tin it wasn't long before I had 23 blocks made while watching Last Tango in Halifax on Netflix. 

(Intermittent checking on the game happened.)

That only leaves me with 41 more to go.  I got 1/3 of the way through that needed 64 last night, following up this morning with the trimming down of last night's go-round.

Evening productivity PLUS early morning sew time?  PERFECT!


Friday Funny!

I thought this was hilarious - even funnier were the comments posted to Facebook and Instagram when I posted this as a "Throwback Thursday" the jumpsuit edition yesterday afternoon.

Hands up if you ever thought this was a good idea until the first time you needed to use the restroom!
Hands up if you ever thought gigantic sailor collars with lace ruffles were attractive! LOL!
I just love seeing these things.  No jumpsuits for me - but I would still go back in a heartbeat to those big comfy school teacher denim jumpers worn over t shirts with Bobbie socks and Keds!

Looking back in your own clothing history - what was the most ridiculous thing you owned that was cool at the time?


Today is the last day to save 25% on our new Nearly Lemoyne PDF pattern!

$9.00 today, $12.00 tomorrow!  So hurry!

(No coupon required!)

I am absolutely thrilled with the response, and love seeing your blocks in progress!  You can share photos with me by clicking the email dot beneath my signature below.  Each of those dots will take you to my different social channels.


Merry's Appalachian Autumn top!

"Thanks for such a fun project helping to reduce my stash of fall colors  just a little. Pretty interesting trying to find somewhere for a pic. but the back fence worked just fine. Thank you, too, for your daily positive & encouraging attitude. You make our world a better place. Blessings for  happy & safe holidays."  

Thanks for sharing your gorgeous Appalachian Autumn finish with me, Merry.  It is absolutely gorgeous - and yes, the fence was just perfect with that sunlight peeking through!

I love the leaf print you used as an additional border - perfect!

The PDF pattern for Appalachian Autumn is available in the Digital Patterns section of the Quiltville Store.

Friday the 13th doesn't scare me!

I'm about to get out in it!  It's a bit cooler today - but the rain is gone (Oh so much rain!) and the sun is shining.  I'm unsure how muddy the trails will be up at Grayson Highlands where the ponies are, so I may settle for a mid afternoon hike up Round House Road for a good long leg stretch.

Anything interesting happening for your day ahead?


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Just keep petting the fabric, and all will be okay!

Enjoy your Friday, everyone!


 

76 comments:

  1. I have spent countless moments in search of that "perfect green" fabric that is found in that hexie quilt/background for your daily quote!! That is a sublime green (swoon) that I did manage to find years ago, BOUGHT A BOLT!!!!!!, but, as all good things do, it is down to "gone"!!!! Recent years' offerings are too yellow or blue......sigh..................

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    Replies
    1. I went to fabric.com and looked at the various Kona greens and put the closest ones on fabric.com's design wall. I ended up with blue grass, balsam, holly, fern, and kale as being the closest and ultimately decided blue grass seemed like the closest. You have perhaps already done that and thought, "Not close enough!" :)
      It was a fun exercise, though. Ooh! Now I'm going to look at Kona blues and maybe find my favorite. It's a new kind of window shopping. ;)

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    2. Its a 30's color for sure. Look up 30's fabric and see if you can't find it there. I am a lover of green as well!

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    3. I have a Kona swatch book. There is at least 365 colors there and it's real fabric and you don't have to rely on your computer's colors. Spent a lot of time a few years ago looking for 'that green' for a quilt I was making. Found it on Connecting Thread after talking to a very helpful operator. But that was a few years ago. Hope this helps.

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    4. I was trying to exact-duplicate a 1930's trip around the world, and the green was impossible, absolutely impossible. We have lots of aqua and turquoise in our blues and greens today, and nothing worked! I can sympathize with you.

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  2. I finished my Appalachian Autumn table topper yesterday. I will post a pic on your Facebook page soon. Now I am working on a Gyleen Sew-Along (Menswear Undercover) and trying out some Nearly LeMoyne blocks. Might as well as the scrap bin is out and overflowing! I may have been exposed to Covid by my sister who was exposed at her doctor's office. I will learn if she is positive today or tomorrow. In the meantime - quarantine time for me so lots of time to sew. The local county exec has imposed new restrictions as well due to the rising Covid numbers so I wouldn't be going anywhere annyhow.

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  3. It's funny you've had those string blocks for years, because I just pulled a basket I've had for years with a about 20 string blocks in it, and a bunch of string cut too. I'll add to the pile of blocks for a while until the next thing comes along that inspires me. I still have a denim jumper that I won't part with, I'm thinking someday they might come back around, they are so comfy!

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    1. I wish I had held onto my jumper (sewn by myself)—so I say wear yours and enjoy!!!
      Remember, we are of the age of WHO CARES whether it’s technically in style!!

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    2. Although I have never worn a denim jumper, I have always thought they look cute and comfy. I think those that have them should go ahead and wear them. Start the trend yourselves. They look much classier than people downtown in pajama pants ; )

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    3. I made a jumpsuit very similar to the one in the pattern. Mine didn't have the big collar but a dress I made did. I used to wear bib overalls but never the jumper. My daughter, 41, bought herself a pair of bib overalls a couple of years ago and loves to wear them. Go figure.

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  4. We missed that game. My Hubby is a BYU alumni so he wants to watch them. Sometimes I get the remote and say, no to football. I want to stitch!! But there is other things more needful. Hoping to work while the sun shines, then sneak home to stitch in peace. Almost the weekend. Stitch on, Bonnie!

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  5. I made myself a one-piece sailor suit dress for school. It had the large collars (no trim) and a long zipper down the front. And yes, it was a real pain in the bathroom! Nice border Merry!

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  6. Clothing history: remember feed sack jumpers? Mine is still in the way-back of my closet somewhere. My husband hated it because it was so shapeless. Bless his heart!

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  7. I had bell bottoms that were probably 16" around at the bottom plus ruffles in a giant daisy print. Thought I was really something! Ah the 60's!

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    Replies
    1. Aah, yes, and the little crop top to go with them. Weren't we something. LOL

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    2. I busted a gut on this one! I thought my purple bell bottom hip huggers with my yellow crop top was IT!! But, I think your Ruffly bell bottoms win...😂😂😂. It’s amazing how women’s fashion is all over the map, but men’s pretty much stays the same.🤔. Guess it’s cause most men could care less what they are wearing. Good memories!

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  8. Middle school in the early 70s. One piece terry cloth rompers. And they had to be worn with white thongs (shoes, not undies).

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    Replies
    1. HA! Got quite the chuckle from "shoes, not undies". I almost snorted coffee!!! *)*

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    2. I have two daughters and one day they came home from shopping in July (the temperature was very hot and humid in Minnesota) and they announced that they had bought long underwear. I said, Why would you buy long underwear this time of year? They started laughing, and amidst their giggles said, "thong underwear, Mom, not long underwear." We still laugh about that today.

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  9. My hand is up!! And I can admit now that I actually WAS a teacher in the 80s wearing the big denim jumpers, huge shoulder pads, and probably more than 1 jumpsuit.

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  10. How productive you are! You always motivate me. However, I am in chaos and can't sew yet. My youngest son and family have moved in with us and I am emptying my sewing room so they have a place to sleep. Currently moving living room furniture to storage and sewing room to living room. But, we are all happily together and my granddaughter will enjoy sewing with me, so I will carry on with it today. Enjoy your weekend, Bonnie. Thanks for your encouragement and generosity!!

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  11. When I was in junior high, my mom made me some bell-bottom hip hugger pants for a special dance. The pants were red and they had a pleat in the side with red/white striped fabric for the pleat. I'm sure Mom was rolling her eyes when I picked out that combination but I sure felt stylish at that dance!

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  12. I had an Aussie style hat that had the one side turned up & the leather cord under the chin. It was fake leopard skin. I wore it to church every Sunday. Thought I was the coolest 16 yr old! I look back & cringe! What was I thinking! Lol

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  13. Yesterday I dug out En Provence, my first attempt at one of your Mysteries. 2016 was the date printed on my instructions. I posted a picture on Quiltville's Open Studio of what my progress had been when I stopped. 5 completed blocks. Why did I stop??? Anyway it is my next project to work on after taking my friend for a drive today.

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  14. Fashion? We're just months apart in age. Remember Elephant Bell jeans? I had a light blue pair with silver pop rivets down the side seams. AND, they were low waisted (I don't remember what the proper name is for that).

    GOOOOOOOO BRONCOS! I actually STOPPED sewing after the first quarter. After last week's sad loss to BYU, I needed to watch every catch, every TD, every special team play. Yes, I'm on team hubster ;-)

    Snowpocolyps has started in Central Idaho. I hope your Mom is tucked in safe and sound for the weekend :-)

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    Replies
    1. my mind went to Elephant pants I made them myself with matching vest! I thought I was all it.

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  15. O, lordy- let's don't go back to the disco era with gigantic shoulder pads, big hair and a silver lame jacket. Yes, I had them all and do you know the saying, "the higher the hair, the closer to god?" Oh, the hairspray!

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  16. My hand is up for the jump suit! But the strangest thing I've ever worn was the outfit my cousin chose for her wedding party. It was pink (not my favorite color) and to give you a sense of what it looked like, I used it as my Halloween costume the following October when I dressed as a genie!! All I had to do was gather the full legs in around my ankle.

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  17. I think we should all just wear our denim or corduroy jumpers ... or make new ones ... with real, functional pockets!

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  18. Proud to say that Appalachian quilt "Merry" is a dear friend of mine!!! And yes, she is a beautiful quilter! I should have know that the quilt staging was for something special! I echo her words.... Thank you Bonnie!

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  19. I had plenty of the denim jumpers, but my favorite was one made from chicken feed sacks - I wore it often, loved the comments or the looks on people's faces when they saw it. I once wore it to a county budget meeting, and it made the impression I wanted - raises were needed and warranted. I also wore it to one of our annual fall quilt shows. Not the most flattering, yet it was so comfy and fun to wear.

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  20. I took one summer school course at BSU while working evening shift at the Boise Interagency Fire Center one summer during college. Bell bottoms, really short mini skirts and really WIDE lapels make my list if odd fashions I hate to admit I wore. I finally got rid of my bell bottoms just before they came back among my then teenage daughter's friends. ;>)

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  21. Anyone remember sewing and actually wearing "granny" dresses? I remember wearing them, but forget why I loved them.

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    Replies
    1. We loved them because they were long. A girl has to get a break from miniskirts! I sewed one out of Holly Hobby fabric and just loved it.

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  22. Your picture was sooo funny....especially since I'm a seamstress who also sews lots of clothes. I was going through my pattern's last night (wildling them down and out)and came across some that were similar to your picture. Sure made me chuckle. Hope you have an amazing weekend and that you enjoy your Sunday away from technology and posting... Jean

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  23. If you turn the pattern envelope over and look at the bottom (below the recommended notions), there will be a date. I think it is a copyright date. My guess: Princess Diana era.

    I've heard of others who picked up covid-19 at the Dr's office. I'll stay home with the sewing machine, my furry pattern weights, and sew on this snowy day.

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  24. Yes my denim jumpers are in the back of my closet along with a few short sleeve and long sleeve denim shirts and one long skirt! I justify keeping them by saying they will make a great Halloween costume someday!!! Hey while we are in quarantine no one knows what we are wearing, I suggest we name one day of the week “denim day” and we don our denim and a big smile over the memories....quilters unite!

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  25. I had a pair of bell bottom pants - a snakeskin print in beige - fit me to a T. (size 5) Was crushed when I couldn't zip them up after giving birth to my 2nd child - hips had spread just enough.....

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  26. I was at a thrift store recently and bought that pattern ($0.25) just because it needs to be shared with anyone and everyone.

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  27. One thing I've saved thru all our moves is the red wide wale corduroy jumper I made in Home Ec my senior year in high school!

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    Replies
    1. In our Home Ec class, the teacher made us all make smocks as our sewing project. I have to laugh about it now, but still wonder why she ever would pick a project like that! I don't think anybody saved them!

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  28. I remember those stripe-pieced blocks! I can,t wait to see them finished.
    You were proposing a very cool layout!

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  29. When I took Home-Ec in middle school, many years ago, we had to sew an item of clothing. I made wrap around pants that must have been in style at the time. The front came around to the back with a hook and eye and the back came around the waist and tied with a ribbon. Think big, wide legs on a short, stocky girl. But I was so proud of them. Wore them only once. Our middle school was made up of different buildings that you had to access through a covered sidewalk and then into the hallway door. Walking through the doorway with my arms full of books, my ribbon chose the moment to untie. The whole back of my pants came down and gave all the students behind me a show. Luckily I WAS wearing undies. LOL Never wore those again!

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    1. Oh, thank you for sharing that chuckle in the last 3 lines of your post! So funny! Now that sounds like something that would happen to me! LOL!

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  30. In middle school Home-Ec class we a had to make an article of clothing. I chose to make a pair of wide-legged, wrap-around pants. Picture those on a short, stocky teenager. The front wrapped around to the back with a hook and eye closure and the back came around to the front and tied with a ribbon. I was so proud of them but I only wore them once. Walking through the hall at school with my arms full of books, my ribbon came untied and the whole back of my pants fell off. Luckily, I was wearing undies! LOL

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  31. Well, I have to say this has been my favorite post so far after reading your blog for years. Seeing all the crazy outfits we remember...gave me a great chuckle! Thanks!

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  32. Back in the day I made myself a pair of the big bell pants (hip huggers) from a striped material (mostly blue). It was my second sewing project after a light and medium blue knit jumpsuit.A junior high girlfriend and I use to share a bodysuit pattern back and forth. I think we must have made a dozen of those things!

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  33. I wore corduroy low rise bell bottoms (brown) with turtleneck shirts (sometimes with a fringed vest), moccasins and a kerchief folded in half holding my waist long hair back -- and it was a popular look! Every generation has something they'd rather not wear again! Deb E

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    Replies
    1. That was a super look! I bet you looked great! That would have been my style too!

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  34. White GoGo boots, a fur type hat that you combed and a “ poor boy sweater”” 😍

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  35. lol First, the quote of the day is ME! Second, the jumpsuits were the 'thing' for awhile. I didn't have one with the big collars but it was a jumpsuit and I loved it. The BEST story was when my son was about 18 mo. I was holding him at a wedding. The front was a zipper and before I realized what he was doing, he partially unzipped the zipper. No bra and I re-zipped as fast as I could. Always wondered how many saw and were too kind to say so. I still loved the jumpsuit until I had to use the rest room.

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  36. My best friend and I wore long hooded cloaks. Hers was Black and mine brown. My dad called me Fryer Tuck Ha ha We sewed them ourselves. Also the hot pants and boots. Oh my. Also had the jumpsuit too. Crazy days. Love the Nearly Lemoyne especially with Zoey. These string blocks look very interesting. Thanks for the inspiration and memories. Enjoying my Friday 13 glad to hear you are too.

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  37. I had several of those outfits! Loved them then but wonder now what we were thinking! Haven’t thought about those in a long time.

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  38. No, I don't want any of those fashions back, but if anyone knows where to buy the Bobbie socks, I would like to know. I have three pair left and they are getting threadbare. The last ones I bought were 25 years ago at JCPennys. My feet get cold in the fall and winter and the socks are so comfortable. Can find the folded ankle socks, but no Bobbie socks.

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  39. Vermont country store has denim jumpers
    Bought mine in the last 2 years

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  40. I remember trying on one (minus collar and normal trouser bottoms) but sitting down in them was another matter. Next size up looked like clown trousers, so I gave up with that idea. I never really followed fashion - I did love the Boho/prairie/gypsy type skirts with lots of broderie anglais but since then nothing really appealed apart from kilts. Nowadays it is all about the trousers, flannel shirts, wax coats and Wellington boots! LOL!

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  41. I had a full horsehair crinoline under a full circle skirt. Only one thru the doorway at a time. My Dad used to laugh at me & my sisters. Looking back I can see why.

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  42. Bonnie, So hoping your eyes fall on the Snails Trails blocks you were working on some time ago. I've looked without success for one online like yours.
    Having said that, I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your bright upbeat posts and all the motivation you provide daily!
    Thanks for all you do!
    Diana in Illinois

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  43. Loved those denim jumpers with T -shirt, Bobbie socks and Keds. I wore that outfit to work one day we my supervisor asked if I thought my outfit was appropriate to wear to work. My answer.....yup. My answer was.... when the parachute suit the receptionist wears with one strap undone became acceptable I knew my jumper would make the grade. Subject was immediately dropped. I had a red gingham denim weight jumper I wore for years. I finally cut it up and used it for a border on my first scrappy quilt. I saved the pocket and label and used it as part of my label. I still love that look.

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  44. In high school for the prom, I had some beautiful white platform shoes. The heel was chunky. I thought it was so cool.....I don't know how I managed to stay upright.
    I only need to quilt my Appal Autumn quilt and it will be done. Thank you for the pattern!!!

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  45. Do you do your string piecing on a foundation? Paper or fabric?

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  46. My hot pants were black velvet with four buttons down the front, black suede boots. Oh, my....
    And I loved making those jumpers with big pockets on the skirt. I had a pink ticking fabric. I used my fancy stitching on my sewing between the lines on the bodice.

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  47. Do you need that pattern with sailor collar? I took off the collar and added a flare skirt to the top. Love the feel of that dress. Never liked the pants with this top it was terrible to use the RR. Now that was the 1980. I did not like jumpsuits. Love quilts. Love to make a jacket or will it be a laugh 40 years from now too.

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  48. Back in college days, I helped my sister with a market study of paper dresses. (really!) Cute dress! Wore it to a fraternity party. Lots of nice compliments until the music got loud and the dancing got lively. And the perspiration started. You can probably guess what happened to the underarms. It was a LONG walk back to my dorm!

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  49. I had that pattern for the jumpsuit and made it for my daughter when she was in the 5th or 6th grade. I think she only wore it a few times.

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  50. Also love the denim shifts/dresses! I remember those days. My mother had made this beautiful duster with puffy sleeves and piping around the bodice so when she went to the hospital she would have a nice robe. It was absolutely beautiful at the time! I still have several pair of bib overalls because they were so comfy! With the two, Shih Tzu puppies my sewing/quilting has been on hold. Stay safe and well! Roxy in Hudson, WI

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  51. I have to add a comment today as I did make a few of those outfits for my girls. I didn't think about how to get out of them and I think they only wore them to birthday parties, etc. Love them. I love the quilt that you comment is on for the day. You have such meaningful things to say and I am thankful to be able to read them. I guess it is time for me to try the string piecing as I have small pieces I have saved because I love the fabric. Today is my day to get back to my sewing room and do some cleaning as I never finished during the beginning of the pandemic. Life goes on and I try to do what I can to help others. Enjoy your weekend.

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  52. I had several pair of hip hugger bellbottom pants back in the late 60's to early 70"s. I made them myself with the invisible zipper, remember those. Although, those zippers do seem to be making a comeback. Love your inspirational quotes. As far as petting the fabric, that's my problem too much petting and collecting and not enough sewing. Last time I inventoried my fabric I had well over 1,000 yards. I have finished 2 ufo's this month, so that is a start. Thanks Bonnie for all you do for us.

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  53. I had more than my share of hot pants and bell bottoms, but only one jumpsuit. You are right - after one trip to the ladies room, who wants to wear a jumpsuit again. My favorite jumpsuit story happened to a friend. She and her cousin were at a club. They went to the ladies room. As they were leaving the ladies room, my friend said to her cousin "We have to leave right now." Her cousin did not want to leave until she heard the reason. The cousin was wearing a jumpsuit. When she lowered it to use the facilities, she did not lower it
    enough and accidentally peed on the back of the jumpsuit. Needless to say, they made a quick exit from the club.

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  55. Yes I maid myself a plaid split skirt jumper. Wore it a few times v using the small bathroom was a pain. I made and wore granny dresses they are comfortable. My youngest sister had all her bridesmaids in granny dresses. The wedding was lovely.

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  56. I think I might have that pattern! I made the big sailor collar with lace on my daughter's white eyelet first communion dress. It was not the little wedding gown style but a coulotte dress with replaceable collars. Much like a jumpsuit, difficult to use the bathroom without help! Fun memories, thanks Bonnie!

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  57. I still own and wear the denim jumpers. Why not? They are great for warm days when I don't want to wear pants. I just stopped wearing the ankle socks with Keds. I remember when I thought that was so darn cute!

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  58. Why did we stop wearing the denim jumpers & Keds? I loved mine and still have one. I think its time to bring it back! So comfy! I had forgotten all about sailor collars! Yes, I had a few dresses with those! What was I thinking? Thanks for the memories & laughs on a Monday morning.

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  59. I had one of those jumpsuits, but when I was in a local play, someone stole it. Hubby was more upset than I was (he really liked that jumpsuit).

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