Thoughts About Older Women at Home

 

Hello Dear Homemakers,

I hope you are doing well at home and have great plans to make it pleasant.

Today I shared the sketches I made for future sewing,

and talked a little about this pattern from 2002 that I have often looked at and always

have the intention to sew:

In all these posts and videos I am simply talking about dressing for the home. The designer, Laura Ashley, stated in an interview, that her cotton clothes were designed for the home. They were so loved, that people were wearing them in public and at posh events.

This is not a posh outfit. I wear it at home. All the pieces are 109% cotton, except for the soles of the shoes.   This ensemble might not work with the plaid shirt, for a formal event, such as a wedding, but it is sensible and decent enough for regular errands and anything else. I can also attend church in this outfit. I think it is a matter or neatness and coordinating the colors and styles, something anyone can learn just by wearing nice clothing at home. Whatever I wear, I have to feel happy in it.. I have changed clothes when I'm not feeling certain about an outfit. This outfit suits the climate and country area and is comfortable for the home. 

I have saved several formal outfits and I will share those some time here.  I can wear them for family celebrations.

Plaid shirts are much loved in this area, and here are some ways I might wear this shirt:

Remember those stretch belts back in the 1980's? They are still available in clothing stores and online. The one on this outfit is shown above. In rain I will wear boots rather than the cloth flats I wear at home.

The shirt can be worn as a cardigan,

It is worn over a black outfit...which needs a good ironing, but I didn't notice until the picture. This black outfit I got at the Walmart 30 years ago.(I know, it looks like it ).  I wear aprons over clothes at home and I wash with cold water. If things tend to shrink I can re-stretch them when still wet, while on a clothes hanger. I don't know if you have ever done that. 

...or tied on like a shawl.

In reality this outfit is much prettier that the photographs. It doesn’t appear at best on the dress form . 

Here is the company I spoke of that sends out a catalog with skin care samples. I liked Velvet Skin Coat as a primer for under makeup. 

DHC

I hope you heard me advising never to put makeup directly on your face but always use a primer or some other thing that goes with your skin type. Velvet skin coat is not oily. You can order a catalog that has samples of their products. 

My little granddaughter has published her first novel. The picture on the cover is actually a photo of her, dressed in something she sewed. The book and description are also on Lillian’s blog HERE. 

I have recently interviewed this author, below:

What is your book about?

I'm so glad you asked! The Lawman's Daughter is a mystery, a Western adventure story, and a coming-of-age story. If you combined a Janette Oke novel with an old western like Gunsmoke, you'd be in the right genre for this story!

Open the book and you'll meet Maryan, the daughter of a legendary sheriff and a young woman who struggles with discontentment, bitterness, and envy of her best friend, who is leaving for a big life in the big city while Maryan is left behind to help care for her large family. But if Maryan thought that was what life going wrong looks like, she's in for a big surprise. When challenges test the very core of her strength, will her character be refined or will bitterness at an unfair situation take over?

The Lawman's Daughter actually has two main characters, and if authors are allowed to play favorites, the second protagonist is probably my favorite.

Meet Alan McKinnley. A young man who introduces chaos into Maryan's life just by moving into town. Thinking he's landing a good job in a good town, he is excited to be hired as a deputy to Maryan's father. But he's got problems of his own. He's not exactly happily accepted in Currentsville - which seems like the least of his worries when things start to turn serious. Arson. Robbery. A gang who he's not a match for. What started as a simple deputy job becomes an all-consuming life that requires more courage, strategy and maturity than Alan thinks he's got. He's not alone in that opinion, either. As time goes on, the townspeople's distrust of him becomes more and more evident. What happens when protecting the town depends on their support?

Does right always triumph over wrong?

Will love take root in chaos?

Meanwhile, a mystery is brewing that Alan and Maryan never expected. You'll want to read all about it!

How long was the writing process? Is this your first book?

I started writing this book four years ago! I wrote on it sporadically for a while, then in early 2025 I finished the manuscript. I spent the next 11 months editing, formatting and publishing!

Yes, it is my first published book.

Would this be a good book for my homeschooling daughters? How will it influence them?

Definitely! The themes in Maryan's life - selflessness, respect, family, and good character - flow in tandem with Maryan's journey to find what is truly important in her life. Readers will find Maryan's growth inspiring, sympathize with her weaknesses and rejoice in her victories over self. (Warning: reading this book may also cause young women to want to marry upright and courageous men like Alan...)

You can find The Lawman's Daughter on Amazon in paperback form. Kindle E-book version to come soon!

Thanks so much for interviewing me today!

Please enjoy your home today while you listen and please leave me some comments.

Here is a documentary on Laura Ashley Laura designed clothing for women to look feminine, not "sexy".