Try Sewing

Does anyone remember home economics?

I think around my era was the last generation that this course was actually offered in schools.  It was middle school...in Rhode Island no less.   Schools down south weren't even offering it by the time we moved "down yonder".  In my opinion, this is a very sad thing.

Many girls have missed out on some very real, self-sufficiency skills.  I've made it a point to make sure that my girls do not fall prey to homemaking ignorance.  Course having them home allows me to do this and is a must in keeping things running smoothly around our homestead.

My eldest daughter and I have completed a couple of sewing projects this summer.  This being her first time picking out a project to sew, reading a pattern, and operating a machine.  I'll be posting hers soon, but this was something I wanted us to do together (for motivational purposes) as mother and daughter.  It's exciting to see how quickly she picked it up and with proper nurturing will be a skill she can use towards self-sufficiency.  Raising children with the end product in mind to be functional, self-sufficient adults takes a diligence that unfortunately this society does not promote anymore.  So, parents...it's up to us!

For fun, here is a showcase of the dresses and hair pieces I made for the girls.  A very simple but elegant design (no pattern though) worn by the younger two called "knotty-jumpers".  Actually made from coordinating strips in a jelly roll.  Very cool.  The button holes used  for the straps are tied in place with knots...hence the knotty jumper.  Love, love the colors and style...a rather Renaissance flair.  Anna's is just a strapless elastic dress with coordinating ruffle and halter straps (her suggestion) as I wanted her to have a more mature style dress.   The hair pieces are made from satin and beads (took me all of 10 minutes to do) and really complete the look.  Great little sundresses for church and those special outings.

We spend so much time roughing it, that it's great to have a few froo-froo outfits.  Plus, getting great deals on fabric (with coupons usually) really does make the hobby affordable.  Course nothing is going to out do clothing  mass production as far as cost, the chain stores will always come out on top cost wise for the consumer.  However, it's usually cheaply made and with the advent of GMO cotton, fibers are weak and usually fall apart or shrink after several washings.  At least with some sewing knowledge you can repair the holes, refurbish old clothes into new pieces or pick high quality fabrics that you know will out last the store bought varieties.

Besides knitting or crocheting, consider adding a little sewing here and there to brush up on old skills or learning for the first time.  More importantly, encourage your children to learn a fiber art skill (boys too) so that they may have the knowledge that perhaps you were encouraged NOT to develop as the once groomed "education generation".

Ta Da!