Custom Sewing for a Humble Home

Historic Museum Cabin at Cades Cove in TN., LOC.

When choosing a home, years ago, the family often looked at the land and the location rather than the house.  The men would often build the house themselves (using their own trees) or fix up an existing structure. This was done over a period of time. The most important work would have been to plant seeds in the ground to grow food to feed the family, and to have shelter to keep the family safe and warm. It was generally the mother who did the decorating and little touches of beauty to make the place cozy and restful for the family.

Many years ago, in the 1990's, I visited Cades Cove in Tennessee. I saw the rustic cabins on display. The land and the scenery were stunning and restful. It was an old-fashioned way of life.  

In 2015, we stopped at Dollywood in Tennessee. There is a little museum showing a replica of the childhood home of the park's founder. The decor is humble and homemade. Yet it is charming and cozy. It gives one a sense of what daily life was like for a homemaker, long years ago, as she made her home pretty and took care of her family.

Over the years, in different states, I have visited many museums and old homes of the poor, the middle class, and of the rich. It is inspiring to see how each managed to make their homes look pleasant.

Replica of interior of home at Dollywood in TN. (From my 2015 trip.) 

In these modern days we are exposed to a great deal of advertising for paint, upgraded fixtures, and many ways to remodel and fix up our homes.  It can make one feel overwhelmed or even discontent with one's own way of life.  It does not have to be this way.

A clean, organized home should be the goal for every homemaker.  From there, we can use our skills to rearrange furniture and make the rooms look as pleasant as possible.  I have also found that basic sewing can make things look pretty.

The goal here is to make the home look pretty without spending any money. 

Last month I found an old piece of fabric. It was floral and beautiful. I thought it would help make one of the rooms look extra nice.  I decided to make a set of decorative pillowcases and a small curtain.  The curtain would be used to hide what is on a lower shelf of a bulky old computer desk.  I have a printer on that shelf that looks unpleasant. I do not want to see these types of machines or even a computer in a room. I find it stressful. The curtain would bring beauty to the desk while keeping the printer in a practical location.

Here is a photograph of the finished curtain:

Hand-sewn curtain for my old desk.

In order to make things specifically for our own homes, these have to be custom made.  To make a basic curtain, we only need to measure the length and the width of the window or area where the curtain will be placed.  In addition to this, you would want to add about 3 inches to the top, and perhaps another inch to the bottom. Once the fabric is cut, you simply hem it all around, on all four sides. Next, the top is folded over by about 2 and 1/2 inches or so to be sewn in place. This will create an opening at the top for the curtain rod.  Be sure to make the width of the curtain much wider than necessary. This will show a plentiful look to the fabric and a "bunching up" look at the top of the curtain. 

When making pillowcases for decorative "throw pillows," which are commonly placed on chairs and couches, choose pretty fabric that will add beauty to the room.  If you do not have any fabric or are not interested in sewing, you could simply take one of your regular pillowcases for the decorative pillows to add a pretty touch to the couches and chairs. 

It is an honor and a joy to "play house" in real life as we set up our homes, clean, organize, prepare meals, and serve our precious families. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Organizing - A Home Without Clutter.

Practical Help - The Secret to a Clean House.

Peace and Simplicity - An Ordinary Life at Home.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Help For Homeschooling:

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White

Paperback, 112 pages

As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool. 

A Quiet Morning

This morning's view of the grounds at our home in Vermont.

There is a great deal of fog or haze in the air. It is blocking the view of the sky this morning. I wanted to walk outside to get a better view.  We have had air quality warnings these past few days.  I have not been feeling well lately and wondered if this has contributed to my weariness.  But as I walked out in the beautiful fresh air, I felt such a sense of peace.

Little gardens close to the bench beside our river.

It is such a beautiful day with the birds chirping and the cool mountain air for refreshment.  I am much too tired to attend church today, which is a disappointment. But I am so grateful for the opportunity to take a brief walk on the grounds before going indoors for a long rest.

Even though it seems like we are covered by some strange haze in the sky, I feel safe and protected. The sound of the birds and the gentleness of the wind bring comfort.

Yesterday, I was feeling frightened about my health. But I am no longer worried. At this moment, I can hear the church bells ringing, from down the country road near our house. All is well. The Lord is good.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Encouragement - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.

We Must Always Remember - The House Comes First. 

A Blessing to Be - Just a Housewife. (With a little history)

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

For Encouragement in Christian Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, "Homemaking For Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home."

In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.

Entries are arranged by season, and include:  "Keeping a Frugal Kitchen;" "Missing the Lilacs;" "An Evening Walk in the Garden;" "At Grandmother's House;" and "Chores for Grandchildren."

You will also find a few photographs showing a little of the local landscape.

Paperback, 307 pages.

Travel Away from the Old Homeplace

A Recent view of the lake, near our home in Vermont. 

It takes a great deal of effort to travel away from home. I want the house in order, the laundry finished, and some baking to be accomplished. We pack many things to take along with us to save money.  Somehow, as I secure a few last things into my suitcase, along with my Bible and hymn book, I think about a way to bring a bit of home with us. 

Just before I leave, I make sure my bed is made, and the dishes are washed. I want to be a good housekeeper even when I am not here. 

Our recent journey to a nearby state was for medical reasons. The drive seemed to take longer than usual. Many of the highways are under construction. There was a detour that took us far out of our way.  The road was being repaired, causing our exit to be closed. We were directed to take the next exit.  I assumed there would be signs to guide us back on track. This was not the case.

It soon became evident I needed to stop at the roadside and get out the map.  I carefully found the correct route to guide us back in the right direction. The trip was tiring and difficult, but we enjoyed the scenery and made light of the situation.  We had to stop for cold drinks and refreshments. This kept up our spirits as we continued to drive longer than we had planned. Eventually we arrived at our hotel and were so grateful for a time of rest!

The next morning, I realized I had been careless with some of my clothing. I needed to iron my sweater. I am so thankful there are housekeeping tools in every hotel room. I knew just where the iron and ironing board would be and quietly set them up for use.

Getting ready to iron at the hotel. 

We headed off to see a medical specialist. Our patient's symptoms had been very unpleasant and painful.  He received excellent care as he continues to recover from this setback.  He is back on track to continue his regular treatments in a few weeks.  I will begin planning and saving up for this next trip to the hospital.  We are getting used to this being a part of our regular lives.

When we arrived home, I had much to do to catch up on housework. I had some gardening and cooking that needed to be done. I made a batch of challah bread and a cake for the weekend.  I looked forward to attending church and tried to rest up for the service. However, I never made it to the end of the sermon. I felt weary and wobbly. I thought I was going to faint. I hated to be rude and leave suddenly, but my health was not well enough to remain in the pew. After this, I had to rest for a couple of days, as I was mostly bedridden. It could have been exhaustion or simply a virus I was dealing with.  I am feeling much better today and happy to be back to keeping house and taking care of the family.

It is restful and peaceful to just stay home. But there are many things that keep calling me away. The basic errands are necessary even though all the driving wears me out.  I have to pace myself and rest and fight off the unpleasant feeling of being "lazy" so I can keep up my strength for these ongoing medical trips.  And while it is always a struggle to come up with enough money for these expenses, these trips are such a blessing. It is wonderful to know our patient is under excellent care at the hospital.  

I will enjoy every moment of being home. When I have to be away, I will take the spirit of homemaking with me. It is in my heart. This is what makes the calling away from the old homeplace a joyful act of service.  The best part of all is knowing that when the work is over, we get to go home. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Old Time Manners - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.  

Finding Genuine Happiness at Home - Peace be Upon This House.  

Overcoming Worries and Troubles - Reviving the Prayer Journal.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 Help for hard times at home - 

House Keeping in Hard Times: Essays and Encouragement from a Christian Housewife

 Paperback, 180 pages

 As you read the entries, you will get a sense of what it is like as a Christian housewife through the ups and downs of life.  Topics include motherhood, marriage, taking care of children, cleaning, living on a low income, saving money, and building up the family with faith as the foundation.

Practical and Spiritual Homemaking

A recent view of one of the lakes near our home. 

It would be very easy to go along with my own plans each day. Many of us do this without thinking much about it.  We know we must make the bed, prepare breakfast, clean the house, and tend to the family.  This is practical homemaking. It is very important.

But what might be missing is the spiritual part.  To begin the day with a prayer and a sense of dependence brings peace.  I need to go to my Heavenly Father and seek His will for the day.  I want to remember that I am placed in an honorable position of serving the Master. In order to remain close to Him, there are often a thousand prayers that go up in a day. These are praises, thanksgivings, requests, and the giving of my fears in these prayers. I am reminded not to worry. This keeps my heart at rest. I am safe. 

This week I have noticed the beautiful view of the countryside. The spring air at the nearby lakes is cold but lovely.  Looking at the scenery brings me comfort.  It is a wonderful experience to be out in nature while in prayer, while the mind is full of old gospel hymns and precious verses of Scripture. This reminds one that there is beauty in each day.

I consider the praises and the answers to recent prayers. Our car has been in the shop and safely returned to us. Our washing machine trouble has been resolved. We have food today and are grateful for the daily bread that we ask for. As more and more needs arise, regarding practical matters of housekeeping and medical worries, I have the experience behind me to know that the Lord will take care of it all, each step of the way.

 The past few days, as I am working on the house, and in the garden, I notice our entire property is overgrown and neglected.  Our lawn mower is not working. It needs to be repaired. It has lasted many years and now needs to be fixed.  It is shocking to see our entire estate looking so bad. It looks like no one is here or that nobody cares about this place. Some may ask, "where is the keeper of that house?" Each time I falter, wondering how these miracles will be solved, I offer up one of those many prayers of the day. I know that the lack of money is exactly what keeps me dependent on the dear Lord. It has taught me to trust Him in all things. This builds up my faith. I am grateful for the provision as I quietly wait for all the needs and troubles to be resolved. This is a gracious faith that builds up the skills of spiritual homemaking.

There are difficult troubles we all must face. There are trials and storms in life as well as in the weather.  When we do the practical work in daily life, we do our part. We must do our daily duties. Yet we must never forget the spiritual side.  Our prayers, our times of family worship, church attendance, the singing of hymns, and feeding on the precious Bible is going to keep us calm and focused. 

I must keep looking up for direction. Every trouble and every blessing comes for a reason.  Why should I fear? Why must I be discouraged? It is only when I forget those precious prayers and to lean on my dear Lord that I begin to neglect the spiritual aspect of homemaking. My heart would look very much like our neglected property without the mower.  Let that not be so!   I will sing praises unto the Lord, and I will live His way every moment of my life. This is a good work that will make my journey Heavenward a joyful walk home.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Mrs. Spurgeon was one of God's special ones! - All of God's Children Have Shoes.

What it Takes - Old Fashioned Duty of a Homemaker.

Encouragement in Duty - Make an Effort.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:

"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." 

Paperback, 200 pages. 

Spring Homemaking at the Estate

Our 8-year-old apple tree is beginning to flower.

I have taken many walks over the property, here at our humble estate.  It is restful and encouraging to see all the plants and trees begin to show life after a bitterly cold winter season. 

Indoors, I have many chores that must be done at a slow pace.  I bake and clean and make things look nice.  In order to keep up my strength, I am often walking for up to an hour at a time, on purpose, back and forth in one of the rooms. This helps build up my health and endurance.  To pass the time while walking, I read a hymn book, devotional, or write notes about what I hope to accomplish throughout the day.  Sometimes one of the grown children will call me on the house phone. Talking to one of them makes the walk much more pleasant and the time goes by quickly.

The weather has gotten cold here in our mountain village with temperatures in the 40's.  Our wood pellet stove is humming along with a cozy fire in the next room.  As soon as the days warm up, perhaps this week, I will be able to open the windows once again and enjoy the beautiful fresh air in all the rooms of this old house.

I am trying to think about what I need to bake or cook to prepare for another trip.  We recently returned from one of our medical trips. The patient received treatment which was painful and unpleasant.  They have switched his care away from our local hospital back to the hospital in the next state where they are more equipped to manage his care.  A few days ago, new symptoms have developed. After a trip to the emergency room, and a consultation with his doctor, we need to head back to the next state for another medical trip next week. We hope they can make everything better and more comfortable for our patient.

In order to save money, I need to plan our meals better. We need homemade food to avoid the need to stop at restaurants, cafeterias, and stores on our trip.  I hope to find a way to make the time away from the hospital, on this journey, happy and enjoyable for the patient. We like to see the scenery and try to take walks in the beautiful countryside. This boosts his spirit and brings encouragement.  Then it will be nice to return back home again.

Our calendar is full of school events for some of the grandchildren, including spring concerts.  I have also been blessed to do some babysitting for one of the youngest of the children. He is here nearly every Friday and is such a joy to have around.  We read stories, play blocks, and enjoy the outdoors at our playground. Baby likes to go on the swings with me. He also loves to observe nature and listen to the birds.

I have been so discouraged lately but things are improving. When I dwell on the problems around me, it is no wonder it results in a downcast frame of mind. All I have to do is focus on what matters and lean on the dear Lord for comfort. All will be well.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Homemade Lessons from my Aunt - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

Practical help for the home - Peaceful Living by Rules.

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback