Creating a Wholesome Wardrobe

What does a homeschooling mama do on vacation? 

 That which refreshes and inspires,

 provides rest and relaxation, 

and,
the things she rarely gets to do at home.

I rarely get quality time with my daughter, Anna, who is married and lives 1500 miles away. 

 That is mostly what I am doing.  

I did, however, bring a whole suitcase of sewing along with me on my vacation.  

It is a need at the moment,
to dress the rapidly growing 7 yr old young lady at our house. 

  I really enjoy sewing, 

and it is something I usually do not take the time to do at home.

Bethany is growing tall and slim. 

 So slim that nothing that is long enough for her stays on her!

While here in New Mexico with Anna, I bought this book:

...Which has over 20 patterns in it,

 including  patterns for a peasant blouse, capri pants, and summer pjs. 

These were all items on my list, so this proved a very cost effective way to go about it. 

I bought the book at Hobby Lobby, 

with a coupon, of course.

So far, I have finished two blouses and one skirt, 

with another skirt just awaiting some trim detail.  

A third skirt is cut out and next on my list.  

The patterns are simple and take less than 2 hours per garment to complete. 

 I am so pleased with the results 

that I hope to continue to round out her new wardrobe when I get back to Idaho.

People often ask me where we (girls) find our clothing. 

 We rarely buy clothing at Walmart. 

We do look over the clearance racks in the nicer stores.  

Fred Meyer, JC Penny, L.L. Bean, Land's End are a few favorites.

I like to think of shopping as I do hunting:  

It is exciting to think what might be out there.  

Searching for it usually takes time and skill, 

but often times, the Lord just blesses, 

and we come home with bags in hand, the evidence of a great and successful hunt.

When we cannot find what our wardrobe is needing,
 we get out the sewing machine and fashion custom articles that suit our tastes.

I find both shopping and sewing enjoyable, 

plus, seeing my girls in the feminine dress we prefer 

is well worth my efforts. 

Anna lives so close to good shopping that we have been out and about several times. 

 We both found plenty of modest, feminine articles at Rue 21 in the mall.

 Rue 21 had long floral skirts, 

solid maxi skirts, 

and this lovely long romantic skirt that I quite liked.

Anna, Rose and I often find pretty blouses and great deals at this store.

Although we love to thrift shop, 

surprisingly, the mall can be a great place to find nice pieces for creating a wholesome wardrobe. 

We both liked several items at Maurices, 

one very nice long black skirt on clearance nearly came home with me.

Also,we have found Pinterest very helpful for gaining ideas

as well as helping each of us to create an individual style
which will then help us to put together a cohesive wardrobe.

This is how I plan-
For Bethany, I would like to make three basic skirts like this:




 -in Navy, Brown and Gray.
Paired with the same colors of shoes and tights,
this will form her wardrobe basics this year.
I will be shopping for lightweight cardigans of the same to extend through spring and fall.
I am sewing up several cotton blouses in a variety of colors: pale pink,
purple(her favorite) white, cream, red, light green, and peach.

Added to these will be four multi-colored skirts 
and 3 capri pants: one tan and two light denim.
To finish it all off, traditional hair bows, one of each basic color-  navy, black, red, and white and pink.
Underthings need to be thought of, several pair of bloomers,



as well as two sets of light weight PJ's and a nightgown.
(nightgown will be peasant blouse plus length).

Here is the Pinterest look I desire to create for Bethany:




Are we having fun yet?
Most definitely!