Sewing clothing has become E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E

My granddaughter took a sewing class this year, her freshman year of high school.

She went with the class to Joann’s to pick out her pattern.

Note the price of the pattern. $19.95

She bought the fabric.

She bought the elastic $5.74

These are her pajama pants, featuring pockets. I am so proud of her! 

Her total cost was $27 and some change! 

So, let’s talk about what I was paying to sew, almost 54 years ago to the day.

I was a senior in high school, engaged to my high school sweetheart, who had draft #36 and we were sure he’d be going to Vietnam.

The wedding was planned for Saturday May 23, two days after I was to graduate. My senior class was gone on the Senior trip to Florida. I stayed home to save money and sew.

I purchased my fabric from Southside Dry Goods. My pattern cost .71 CENTS

My total dress, train included cost $36.16

 

The same week I made my 2 flower girl dresses and my two bridesmaids dresses.

Total for all 4 dresses was $43.19  

My younger sister Lona, and Marla, one of 5 of his younger sisters.

His oldest sister, Janie who graduated high school the same week too.

 

This was my brother’s wife, Linda.

While we’re speaking of cost, let’s talk about our reception.

 

First there’s wedding invitations, $13.95. . . I bet there are greeting cards now that’s not far from that.

Down payment to the photographer $15!

Not to mention all pages kept in the 10-cent folder too! Oh, the fun of reminiscing.

What will my granddaughter’s wedding cost in the next few years? I hate to think about it.

But one a high note, I’m still sewing and next week we will celebrate 54 years of marriage and that $36.16 wedding dress.

BAM Conference.

Another conference in the book! Number 32. Our 40th year of existence. 

The Blacksmith Association of Missouri rocks. It’s a close family for us. So many good friends.

This quilt star basket was donated to the auction by Cathy Sylvester of Tanglewood Baskets, from Independence, Missouri.

It’s mine! I bought it at the auction.

The ladies doing their indigo dying outside. I was so jealous after seeing their items that I didn’t take the class. Maybe next time! 

I took needle felting. Rhonda was an excellent teacher, with patience of Jobe. Needle felting helps you get rid of any frustrations! Unfortunately I didn’t get mine finished.

The guys loading “Vern” up for the trip to the conference.

 The boutique lady, me!

Wednesday night there is always a group of us that gathers at Kehde’s BBQ!

Unloading the hammer.

Just a shot to show the Louisiana guys, they were there in spirit.

He’s adjusting the hammer.

A tribute in the gallery to our friend Larry Lutz.

Oops, someone got a little close to our trailer. Luckily they found us and paid for a new light.

Dave always buys a BAM cup, then ask me for a little something to go in it. Next year I hope to have him a special cup!

This post vise was one of the 2 day demonstrations. Luckily my blacksmith purchased it at the auction!

Packing up to go home.

Now the hammer went to Houston Missouri for a class in June. 

HAIL Stormer April 1, not an April Fool’s joke

The side of our house. Roof will need to be replaced, siding restained, and two screens replaced.

The backside of Bernie’s home place. It knock both layers of the windows out.

In front of Pat and Larraine’s house.

Looking towards the home place.

Out our basement door.

Looking out our front door.  

 

Alex’s college graduation

From my daughter in law’s facebook page.

So incredibly proud of Alex for finding/making a path that works for him. He's always been a hard worker who is so smart, funny, joyful, thoughtful, and caring. I hope he always keeps that fun loving, happy attitude he's always had. 💙

Alex graduated summa cum laude from State Technical College of Missouri with an associate of applied science degree in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology. He will continue toward an associate of science in business degree from Central Methodist University online this fall. He starts his new job with United Mechanical Systems tomorrow. 

He completed his last shift at Pizza Haus - Wardsville a few days ago and sadly that is an end to an era, as a Tappel boy has been on the Pizza Haus payroll continually for at least 8 years! I'm sure Lizzie will be there eventually. 😁We love the Mertens family and they've been wonderful to our boys.

We've tried to give our kids both roots and wings and I can't wait to see what great things he does with his. 

We love you, Alex!

Last week Alex took grandpa fishing in his new boat. He was in need of several things. So him and grandpa went graduation shopping!

Brady’s college graduation

From my daughter in laws facebook page. 

Brady has known since he was little that he wanted to work with computers. He found a perfect fit at Missouri S&T!  

He graduated summa cum laude yesterday with a bachelors in computer science. He was a member of the Mars Rover Design Team and made great friends and memories there, including when they placed third at the international competition in 2022. He and his housemates had a wonderful dinner for their families last night and then we helped him move home.

He will move to Illinois in a few weeks to start full-time with Caterpillar, where he interned last summer. He'll be in the Engineering Rotational Development program to learn different parts of the company, including developing and testing autonomy. 

Brady has always been smart, easy-going, strong and steady. He's independent and doesn't get easily flustered. He's fun and adventurous and doesn't mind doing his own thing. I'll miss having him so close to home, but I know he will continue to do great things. I can't wait to watch his life continue to unfold. Roots & wings. ❤️

We love you, Brady!

PS - I guess he officially graduated, even though they announced him as Brian Tappel. 🙄 Out of all the crazy-hard names they had to pronounce, they swapped Brady for Brian. LOL

Brady and Alex W. were friends from grade school. They were always at each other’s birthday parties and sleep overs. Through college they were in the same dorm and the last two years, in a house Alex’s parents owned. They will be working at the same  corporation.

Alex’s parent hosting a graduation party and treated all 4 young men from the college house, along with parents, grandparents, and friends.

We couldn’t be prouder!