until you search through it for some forgotten treasure. About a month ago, I found a $100 bill in a book, and today I found something worth almost that much to me!
These are drawings showing the costumes I had to have for dance recitals when I was eight years old in 1947-8. I took dance in Charleston from Alma Britt (tap and acrobatics.)
Our mothers had to sew (or hire it done) the costumes from these drawings, some of which had patterns we could purchase, and some had to be done free-hand, so to speak.
I have previously posted photos showing me in the costumes shown in the top two. I have only a vague memory of the bottom one, perhaps because I don't have a photo of me in that.
The dance above was called "Three Little Girls in Blue, " and the one in the middle was "A Bit of Ireland." I still remember, quite fondly, the girls who were in these dances with me.
This one was titled "A Country Girl."
The last photo shows the reverse of one of the drawings, showing where the fabrics could be obtained, plus specs for the seamstress. I don't know why I got so nostalgic when I found these, but I could not imagine how they had escaped me before. I sure am glad I found them!
Here is a link to the photo of me in the Girls in Blue costume.
Here is a link to the photo of me in the Girls in Blue costume.
18 comments:
Neat!
I'm partial to country girl, myself. I'm notorious for stuffing things (like money) into books- it is a good idea to keep track of that stuff! I need to see (again?) pictures of you in those costumes...
Ohhhhh yes, Judy. In fact, when I purchase a book at an estate sale, I got through the pages right there incase the seller left something. However, if it's a professional agent, I'll keep it or try to find out the name of the family... otherwise it might wind up in the agent's pocket.
I've found many photos... lots of dollars here and there in my own books... and don't ask why I used it as a bookmark, but even an old girl scout pin of mine. lol I loved this post, as I do most of yours! Nostalgia truly does a soul good, I feel. I never just toss a book... GREAT li'l life lesson in this post for all !
I'm partial to country girl, myself. I'm notorious for stuffing things (like money) into books- it is a good idea to keep track of that stuff! I need to see (again?) pictures of you in those costumes...
Those are treasures, for sure. I've been cleaning out my closet and have come across some "treasures" too.
I did not need to follow the link to your photograph. I remembered it as soon as I saw the pattern. Always Judy the star:)
Glad you recovered your treasures. All those drawings are wonderful.
I've got some of my grandmother's books that have had addresses where she and my mom lived, addresses and full names of some of her siblings (that we did not knowof) as well as a trove of newspaper clippings.
Wow I'm glad you didn't throw those out. What memories. Lovely drawings.
What a treasure, Judy! It is so wonderful that you found those drawings and the "specs", too....And I love that you have that photo in one of the dresses!
Bless the moms that tackled those projects. That is a lost art. My mom made all of my clothes. She was an amazing seamstress. I always shake out a book before passing it on.
What a neat surprise. I vaguely remembered the post but checked it again anyway.
Aw, you were so cute and your Mom did a wonderful job on the outfit.
What a wonderful find! Makes me want to look through all our old books now. The photo of you in your tap dance outfit is absolutely adorable and priceless!
What a good find in a book! And I'm sure you looked quite sweet in those costumes!
When I buy a second hand book I always have a flip through to see if anything interesting left behind. So far I've only found bookmarks but I'm still hoping!
Oh, what a find Judy. They are adorable...as you were !!!
A great find!
O love the drawings. You should frame the set.
What a treasure.
I haven't thrown any books away but each week have sent piles to the charity shops hanging on to any of MTL's interests and special favourites of ours. There aren't enough hours in the day to vet them all.
I took tap lessons from Alma Britt too. I am so glad you shared your finds because now, I can remember my mother sewing the recital costumes from the drawings.
Post a Comment