Homemade Living

Yarn ready for crocheting project, on our table, earlier this year. 

 

As I walked about the house, doing little projects and making things look neat, I noticed a kitchen towel had developed a little hole in the center.  I got out my sewing basket and settled in the chair to start sewing.  I was thankful to have a spool of matching thread. In the quiet of the afternoon, I threaded the needle and did some mending.  It did not take long before the towel was all fixed and back in its place.

I know there are socks that need to be fixed in this house.  Sometimes I wonder why I don't do them immediately after taking them out of the dryer.  I hope to remember to take the time to mend on my next laundry day. It is always a choice of what to do with one's time.  Repairing our clothing, towels, and linens is an important part of keeping house. It is also rewarding and a pleasant way to spend our time at home.

With the passing of summer, and the arrival of cold weather, I have been thinking about the upcoming holidays.  I have not been able to do very much to plan for Christmas gifts for some of the grandchildren. Since there is no money to spare, I thought I might make a few little things myself.  The little ones would love to have homemade, pretty gifts from Grandmother. It would also be so sweet to sit quietly, each day, and work on their gifts. 

I have some pretty scrap fabric and have been considering making a tiny doll quilt for one of the younger grand-girls. I am sure she would be delighted. I have a full-size pattern for this in my book, "Gracious House Keeping," but will adjust the size to plan out a much smaller version. 

The hand-sewn quilt I made, as described in "Gracious House Keeping."

This quilt project is very simple with just little squares sewn together by hand, and then adding a backing (without a cotton filling). The hardest part will be setting up the sizing and cutting out the squares.  

I would also love to do a little crocheting, but the cost of supplies is more than I can manage at this time. I will have to wait and see. 

I might also consider doing a little drawing or painting (in little homemade books) to send along to the little ones (who live a distance away), as thoughtful gifts to bring them cheer and happiness. I will have to save up some money to pay for the postage. I remember that, years ago, my mother used to buy holiday candy and mail it to her grandchildren who lived far away. She knew it made them happy. 

I want all my children and grandchildren, whether they live close by or at a distance, to feel loved and cared about, especially during the holidays. Some little thoughtful note or gift will be greatly appreciated.

I expect to make homemade sugar cookies and fudge when December arrives. This is an annual tradition, and I give these out to all the family.  These special treats are always much enjoyed.

There is a great deal of thought and creativity that goes into homemaking when there is very little money available.  It is a style of homemade living that brings a sense of warmth and gratefulness to the giver as well as to the receiver.  

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

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

The beautiful testimony of the Mother of D.L. Moody - Poverty in the 1800's.

Ration Books from 1942 and helpful advice - Adapting to the High Cost of Living.

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Find cleaning inspiration and encouragement in Mrs. White's book, "Gracious House Keeping."

"Gracious House Keeping: Advice, Encouragement, and Cleaning Help for the Christian Housewife."

Complete with Encouragement and Work Charts to cheer you along in your homemaking!

115 pages, paperback.