Homesteading: A Woman's Journey

Winter Preparations

Lately, I have been taking inventory of the kids' clothing.  I needed to see hwere things stand so that I can make certain that they have enough warm clothing for winter.   We heat only with wood, so we have to keep plenty of warm outfits on hand.

I have been drafting patterns for both of the kids.  Abbie will be needing new jumpers.  I love making her winter ones from fleece to wear over a long sleeve shirt.  Along with heavy tights and pantalettes, she stays nice and warm.  For Micah, I am making some pants from old sweatshirts and fleece.  I may go ahead and make him a couple of pair of fleece overalls to wear. 

I have been saving Joe's old jeans and have found that I can make Micah a pair of jeans from Joe's old ones.  From one old pair of Joe's jeans, I can make Micah 2-4 pair of infant sized jeans depending on where Joe's jeans are worn out.  I will be using the pant leg of the jeans to make Micah some pants.  When I get a chance, I will take pictures to do a tutorial of how I make them.

I have 2 patterns for socks & slippers for winter.  One is a simple fleece sock similar to the one Kwik Sew sells, pattern number 2725.  It is very fast and easy to put together.  The other slipper pattern is a very nice one you can buy through Candle on the Hill, it is the Homespun Slippers pattern #FAV059. 

When I look at my list of sewing to be done, it seems daunting, but I know that it will all be done before it is needed.  Basically, both kids need a complete winter wardrobe sewn up.  I am doing much of the clothing on my serger which makes the job much faster and easier.  My Beloved and I also need some winter clothing.  That too will be done in time.

I am gearing up to have a specific time each week that is dedicated to sewing for the family.  I am cutting out the fabric one day and then will be able to sew the rest of the week in the evenings.  I am finding that for some of the kids' clothing, it takes me longer to cut out the patterns than it does to assemble them. 

The other major sewing going on is in preparation of the holidays.  This Christmas will be our first real celebration since Joe and I got together.  In previous years, it was just a small celebration.  Now that Abbie is old enough to know what is going on, we will do more this year to celebrate.  So, I have to make all of the decorations for 2 small trees.  One is the Christmas tree, the other is an Advent activity called a Jesse tree.  The Jesse tree will be a nightly devotional activity where each night during the 4 weeks of advent, we read a story from the Bible and place the cooresponding ornament on the tree.  The devotionals start with the Creation and lead up to the birth of our Lord.  I am considering using a homemade clay to make the Jesse Tree ornaments.

Clothing

03:03, Friday, August 8, 2008 .. Posted by Belle

That is really neat that you can make a pair of pants for a child out of another pair of jeans.

I love wearing dresses and skirts with lots of layers underneath in the winter. I stay really warm.

Do you make all of your family's clothing?

Belle

Family's Clothing

11:36, Friday, August 8, 2008 .. Posted by oklamouse

Yes, I am trying to anyways. My husband's jeans, for example, that he wears to work are bought at thrift stores. Of the other clothing, I am making just about everything. I use patterns that are fast and easy to make. At least mine and the children's are. I wrote out a tally of everything that needs to be made and one day I may go ahead and post it to keep track and to challenge myself to get it all done by the time it is needed.

Untitled Comment

11:44, Friday, August 8, 2008 .. Posted by Sara

I wandered if you have family who buys clothing for your kids or you, and if so, how do you deal with family members who don't respect your wishes for modest dress for you and your daughter? I'm having that issue with my mother in law. Do you just give the clothes back or do you just take it and return them to the store or just get rid of it?

Blessings, sara

Immodest Clothing from Others

12:02, Friday, August 8, 2008 .. Posted by oklamouse

Yes, regretfully I also have that problem from time to time. Abbie would go for an all-day visit to my in-laws dressed modestly and wearing her little bonnet. She would come home in jeans & t-shirt with the modest clothing in a sack.

While I always appreciated the fact that they enjoyed getting her clothing, I didn't always approve of the style. They knew my feelings on this, but disregarded them and did what they wanted. Beloved said to just ignore it since Abbie is still so young (2 yrs old now) and we will deal with it later on. Right now, his mom enjoys dressing Abbie and fussing over her. In another year or two, Abbie won't need the clothing changes during the day due to diapers or potty training.
What I have started doing though is accepting the clothing, but then modify it into a modest outfit. Jeans can have the legs cut off and a piece of fabric added to make a skirt. T-shirts can be worn under a jumper or have a skirt added to the bottom. A tank top can be turned into a jumper. Eventually, the relative will get the message. If not, it is their issue, not yours.