fashioning a Christian ethic of clothing
I’ve always loved hand-me-downs. As a child, I refused to wear clothes without “stories” – either the story of how my Mama made it, or the story of the person who owned and wore it before me. Having a baby has renewed my love for hand-me-downs. Recently, some friends of my husband gave us their… Continue reading Make Do and Mend: Jogging Stroller Strap Replacement
Weaving, sewing, care for the poor -- all springing from the love of Christ.
I finished it just before midnight; the final stitches were my Easter vigil. As I draped the cloth, I was forgiving my body for her failures, forgiving my God for His delay.
I found this wonderful line in a book on Mary Lee Bendolph and the Gee's Bend quilts. Like the improvisational nature of utility quilts themselves, this quote captures the tension between wanting to create something beautiful and craftsmanlike, while bearing the burden of urgent family and work needs. Where do you feel this tension? What… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: Utility Quilts
Even a little bit of sewing will make you more mindful of your clothing: its source, its fit, the value of the labor that produced it. I think that learning to sew at least one garment can be a life-changing way to change your relationship to the purpose of clothing.
Besides the absolute delight of sewing such wee frocks (because everything is cute in miniature, right?), creating these dresses was a valuable project for several reasons.
Overview Fashioned from an old curtain and bedsheet, this Simplicity 8384 shirtdress has become a staple in my wardrobe, despite some serious frustrations while sewing it. I combined the sleeveless bodice from view A with the skirt from view B. Virtues I liked this pattern immediately: it's fitted bodice, a-line skirt, and fun hemline options… Continue reading Pattern Review: Simplicity 8384
I can only hope that they will see these little gifts as signs that they are neither alone nor forgotten.
A simple a-line dress, with front and back darts, side zip, options for a gathered or pleated skirt, and bateau neckline, Simplicity 8294 is lovely to sew and wear.
spending $16 on Made by Rae's "Wash Dress" was quite a splurge. The risk was worthwhile, however: after making three versions of it, the Washi pattern has become a staple in my wardrobe.
