The Remembrance of Something Homemade

Pink rose fabric for my sewing project.

 

I am often compelled to make something homemade out of necessity. The price of ready-made food and a variety of new items costs more money than is prudent for us to spare.  My latest need, that has been on my mind, is a Bible cover for one of our house Bibles.  I searched through the drawers and bins and found a pretty piece of pink rose fabric with a black background. But as I unfolded it, this remnant of my domestic history, I was reminded of busy days of long ago.....

I used to make pretty dresses for my little girls out of floral calico. I would make doll quilts out of scraps. I made aprons and little cases for pillows. I would mend and sew, by hand, as I fed and clothed and cared for a house full of children. My daughters and I would hand-sew in the living room as we talked and laughed.  The girls learned to mend and make simple things.  It is a skill that came out of common necessity. When there is little money, we have to find ways to make the home beautiful by our creative efforts.  It was a peaceful form of recreation to sit and sew as we visited. 

These days, ready-made garments are more conveniently available. Many prefer store-bought aprons rather than ones that are made at home. Bible covers are easy to find and easy to obtain for a price. But I would rather make my own humble style of cover than spare the money for a new one. 

Today, as I ironed the pieces for my sewing project, I looked at the pretty fabric and remembered my children when they were little. I thought of all the things we did and learned at home as I homeschooled them. We cooked and baked and cleaned. We studied and read and did math lessons.  And as we did the mending and the sewing, on quiet afternoons, I felt a sense of contentment.  How very grateful I felt to be at home! 

Over the coming days, as I do the work of sewing a new Bible cover, I will remember the happy times at home and the simple days of an old-fashioned life with the family. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Always Remember this - The House Comes First.

The Beauty of an Ordinary, Simple Life - Standard of Living.

A Blessing in Making an Effort - Peaceful Homemaking.

How to Make - An Old Fashioned Bible Cover. 


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Find detailed instruction and inspiration in Budgeting on a small income, in Mrs.White's book:

 -An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife.  Paperback, 77 pages.