Monday, November 2, 2009

Random Monday Memories ~ 1984

Bill worked for a company called Minnesota Fabrics (later called Hancock Fabrics) for over 28 years. One of the benefits of that was my opportunity to participate in the model garment program. In order to promote a particular fabric or pattern the company would offer employees the chance to make things, at no cost to them, for display in the stores. After being on display, whatever you made belonged to you. In 1984 I was able to make costumes for all four of our children ~ and for one of our dolls too! They all (some more happily than others) got to model their costumes in the store fashion show.

Here we have 7 1/2 year old Kevin (and the Cabbage Patch doll) modeling a black & white clown suit. Doesn't he looked thrilled! Nothing like the "happy little clown" in this post!

This is astronaut Joe (5 1/2) in his awesome white spacesuit. He was very happy about doing the fashion show ~ until he saw that Kevin wasn't! He was always eager to follow Kevin's lead! (see above linked "happy little clown" post! : )

Katie graduated from "nursing school" at the ripe old age of three! Don't you love the crisply starched white uniform & hat! I think she's working on her "stern" expression in this picture! Or someone in the audience wants the lollipop she has in her right hand and she doesn't want to share!

Last, but certainly not least, we have the cute little white bunny named Mandy. She's all of 14 months, very happy, and quite anxious to walk right off the runway!! "No Daddy ~ there's no holding me back!"

All these fun costumes and they didn't cost me a cent! Just a bit of my time ~ I loved this model garment program! This was the last year the company did the Halloween fashion show, but I did get to take advantage of the program in other ways. To include the fabric chain on my Christmas tree in this post,
a teddy bear with Ultra Suede paws ~ dressed in Pendleton wool and Mandy's first day of kindergarten dress.
Looking at old photos is such fun. I love thinking back to those special moments in our lives. Speaking of thinking ~ what was I thinking?? Everyone of these cute costumes was WHITE!

5 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

So, so cute, each one of them! Those were such fun days!

Unknown said...

I remember Hancocks for sure, it was all about fun! My mom and I made many trips in the store. This was so fun to see Marie...Speaking of white, I don't know what the world is coming to...I did not have one little white ghost at my door this year! What's Halloween without white ghost? I had 80 princess, and lady bugs and pirates and fairies...hmmmmm. Better luck next year!

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

What a great story...not to mention the adorable costumes. My goodness, you are quite the seamstress, Marie. I'm so glad you shared these with us. Amazing that they ended up being yours for free. But believe me, you earned it. : )

Hopemore Studio said...

Marie...wow I love those pictures. My mom made all of our costumes as kids and I have to say I'm pretty sure I wore that clown costume!!! If I can find a picture anywhere I will post it.

Angie

our shabby cottage said...

They are all just gorgeous Marie! You did a great job on them. Love the faces and poses too!