Sewing From the 70’s

“In the dance of generations, each step forward is a tribute to those who came before.” ~Unknown

1977! Who remembers this great year? It gave us amazing things like this 95 cent pattern from Simplicity. I decided to make it for myself. At first glance I thought the pattern was from the early 1980’s, but the copyright on the pattern said differently. I chose this fun, sewing themed fabric, and got to work!

I turned the pattern envelope to the back to check out the fabric requirements and measurements and saw this!

It was a blouson top, which is defined as “a loose-fitting garment characterized by its gathered or darted waistline and often features a shirt-dress or blouse style top”. I did not think that I was going to like the look of it. I wasn’t sure what to do. Kira had good advice for me. She said to go ahead and make it the way the pattern says to, and if I didn’t like it, I could alter it after. I took her advice and pulled out the pattern pieces. I got them laid out on the fabric.

The sleeve was wide to accommodate for the gathered look at the bottom of the sleeve.

The shirt had a “V” neck. I had marked the sewing lines and pinned the facing. You sew along the lines, then cut it down the center. You then flip the facing to the inside of the shirt.

So it looks like this!

Pinned at the shoulders, so it can be sewn.

Pinning on the sleeves.

Once the sleeves are attached the sides of the shirt and the sleeves get sewn together.

Sewing up the hem where the elastic will go. I didn’t want to fold the fabric over twice because I was concerned that the shirt would be too short. Instead I did a zig zag stitch on the raw edge to help prevent fraying, and then ironed the hem up.

Pulling the elastic through the hem.

Almost finished, but before the reveal let’s talk about 1977. Here are some prices from 1977.

– Fresh eggs (1 dozen): $0.82 ($3.52 in today’s dollars)
– White bread (1 pound): $0.36 ($1.55 in today’s dollars)
– Sliced bacon (1 pound): $1.56 ($6.70 in today’s dollars)
– Round steak (1 pound): $1.76 ($7.56 in today’s dollars)
– Potatoes (10 pounds): $1.50 ($6.44 in today’s dollars)
– Fresh grocery milk (1/2 gallon): $0.84 ($3.61 in today’s dollars)

If you’re interested here’s a link to the top 100 singles of 1977.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1977

In 1977 I was one. A notable thing happened in 1977 in our family. Aunt Tamy and Uncle John got married that year! I’ve posted it before but here is a picture of their 1977 wedding!

Here’s my dress from their wedding. I was very fashionable in 1977! HA!

Here’s my 5 generation picture! Taken at Aunt Tamy and Uncle John’s wedding. Far left is my Great-Grandmother Nana, (Marion, but we called her Nana). Next to her is my Great-Grandmother Suzanne, then my Grandma Barbara, holding a sleepy me. Then my mom Suzanne and sister. Clearly I was worn out from the wedding shenanigans, and needed some comfy clothes and a nap! HA!

I was looking very cute in 1977!

AND here I am now, in my 1977 shirt! I actually love the elastic in it! It looks tucked in without having to fuss with tucking in a shirt!

The “V” neck turned out and is a simple but fun detail!

With this sew I learned to try a new style because I just might like it, and to listen to Kira’s sewing advice!

Reflecting back on my family’s lives in 1977 was a little bittersweet. Each one of the people that are no longer with us left a little piece of themselves with me. I am who I am today because of each one of them. I am grateful to have had such loving and special people in my family. They are always with me.

As for me, onto the next!