A shoe that is currently available

I recently bought a pair of Merrells. They are extremely comfortable and practical. If you are a "plain" dresser you can take a permanent black marker and obliterate the Logo.

These are Mary Jane which is a favorite for me. They stay on. They are very light weight.

Shoes

Footwear is often asked about when a Christian woman first comes to obey modesty as a New Testament teaching for herself.

Many ladies come to dress wearing like I did. They think of dresses and they think of uncomfortable pantyhose and high heeled shoes. Most women find both highly unpractical. Perhaps there are times when they are useful but they are not needed for daily dress wearing.

I have attempted to describe my shoes many times and as always a photograph does the job very quickly.

I have two Birkenstock pairs and neither are sandals. I have Birkenstock boots, aka booties. I have Birkenstock Mary Janes.

I have been wearing them for a very long time and the exact styles may not be available currently.

A Bonnet I DID sew

This is from the Folkwear pattern #253 the Vintage Bathing Costume which can be found elsewhere at this blog.

I used the same cotton fabric as the bathing outfit.

You can see the bonnet tied tightly where it's supposed to be tied and there is a photo showing it tied low just so that you can see the tie better. You will also be able to see that there is plenty of room for hair. I can tuck it all up inside the snood/bonnet.

There is also a photo of the inside.

One more Bonnet I did NOT sew

I bought this black cap from a company that is no longer in business. I believe they were called "She maketh herself coverings."

You'll see that it was designed to NOT contain a bun and that it has button holes inside to use for clippies. The cap is turned inside out so that you can see the clippie in one of the photos.

Bonnets I did NOT sew

The large white bonnet is extremely wonderful for sun covering and insect protection. I sprayed mine with insect repellent that lasts over 7 washings and wore it into a Malaria prone area in Asia. I got the idea to buy this from Quaker Jane (one of my personal favorite on-line teachers). The white one is available from Originals by Kay under the "fashion accessories" button and then click "millinery" and you'll see that she carries these in different fabrics.

The Grey bonnet is from Rachel's Seamstress Services and it's called the "Elizabeth." This is another of Quaker Jane's fabulous recommendations.

Thank the Lord for Quaker Jane and all the wonderful options to buy things now. When I started covering 21 years ago there was not an "internet" to learn from or to shop from.

Making the Pillow

I did not measure. I simply unzipped the pillow covering that came with the store-bought pillow and laid that down on top of my brown flannel. It served as a pattern.

Then I guessed at how much "ruffle" it was going to take and thanks to the Lord and His answering prayer it came out right. The photo will show the ruffle laying on the table.

Then I gathered the ruffle and pinned it to the FRONT of the pillow. It is pinned right side to right side--the photo makes it look like it's pinned to the wrong side. It's only this way so that you can see it well. The bigger "quilt" pins will work far better than dress-maker pins.

I cut 2 pieces for the back. They are much wider than the front and hemmed so that I can remove the pillow easily for washing. The flap is wide enough that it will not show any white pillow underneath.

After you have the ruffle sewn to the front it's time to sew the back on ONE piece at a time and then you can't make a mistake.

I did not follow any directions or pattern. I just prayed.

Flannel Pillow

I needed some big substantial pillows for reading in bed.

I waited for a "white sale" at the department store and bought the "European" style pillows.

Later I found some "manly" flannel at the quilt store and proceeded to make the pillow coverings.

I will attempt a bit of a sewing lesson with the next entry. For now I will show photos of the final product.