A Homemade Christmas

As we approach the end of the 12 days of Christmas, I want to share a few of my family memories with you all before I resume my normal postings.  While I was home for Christmas, I realized how truly blessed I am to have grown up in my family.  Our traditions and quirks become more treasured with each passing year.  From the cookies baked each season (this year with many wheat substitutes) to the Christmas tree and guessing presents, each moment shimmers in my mind with a warm glow.

Anna's Christmas dress.

This year was an especially homemade Christmas since several of us wore homemade dresses.  My brilliant mother sewed three separate and gorgeous dresses for my younger sisters, and I made my own dress when I got home.  These dresses were adventures from the start since each one involved various alterations to the pattern.  My mom and sister put a lot of time and thought into devising sleeves for my dress, and I was so proud of my mother's perseverance and ingenuity while she was sewing the girls' dresses.  I believe that every young girl should learn how to sew.  It teaches patience and instills a "try, try again" mentality (if you make sure that your daughter does not despair when the fabric puckers or the needle breaks.)  This sewing should definitely include a well-rounded knowledge of hand stitching, machine stitching, and the art of ironing.  So when your pants need to be hemmed or alterations need to be made to a formal dress, you won't need to pay top dollar for a professional job.  You will be able to "skip the money step" and fix it yourself with a little time and patience.  If you put your mind to it, there's no telling what you may achieve.  As a note of encouragement, here is a picture of one of the dresses my mother made for Christmas this year.


I'll post a few more pictures of our sewing accomplishments once I find the photos.  :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!  

(And I promise to write regularly once more.)