The decision has been made!

I decided to add lace to the dress instead of ribbon, but I found a lace that I liked better than the white that seemed to blend in more with the dress instead of really standing out, but yet give it that "finishing touch." What do you think?

And the sister who took the two pictures below doesn't normally take pictures, but they give you all an idea of what the dress looks like on a person. =)

Mission, ie, Skirt Accomplished

Ah, such a good feeling when I've accomplished something that turned out good for once and that I actually like it. =)

Anyone else here ever make something and then you end up despising it once it's finished? About a month ago I made an everyday dress for summer out of some fabric that I just LOVE and it looks like a potato sack on me - still not sure what do with it and here it was out of my favorite "Betsy" style dress pattern (from our catalog). Something when wrong somewhere... I'd like to think that I lost a few lbs, but that hasn't happened yet so far. Must get back to walking... =)

Sick of sewing

Yes, you read correctly: I am sick of sewing. Despite all the hectic things going on after returning from a trip (violin related), having a nasty cold, and preparing for my younger sister's graduation and open house this weekend, I managed to be able to sew up in one day (ie, today) a friends dress that she'll be wearing for a wedding. It had to be done today as she leaves tomorrow.

Thankfully my friend is basically my size, but shorter so that pattern didn't need much altering and it was in the same style dress that I had posted pictures of in my previous post. It went together well, and it looked SO stunning on her. Hopefully I can get a picture of her wearing it. =)

So I have some things that need to be sewn up (I always seem to have something on my table!) and right now I don't have much in the way of finances, but sewing is the last thing I want to do right now. Somehow I need to get out of this mood...

May I prevail upon your good opinon?

I was trying out a fairly new pattern, with a very new sleeve pattern (never tested before in our sewing room) and the dress is for when I perform/play (ie. violin) in public.

However, I would like a bit of your advice, does it look to dressy with the lace? All I have left to sew is the zipper in the back, and so the lace shown below was just pinned on. Does it look to much like a bridemaid's dress? (After I made it up, I realized that I wanted my bridemaid's dresses to look similar to this, should I get married someday...)
A close up of the fabric and lace:

And here is the dress without lace:

Which of the two do you like better?

Another gown

Hesitatingly I decided to list another Regency gown on ebay. One of these days I'm going to make one so that I can keep it myself. Maybe the one that is 100% silk dupioni in cream with a green velveteen spencer jacket? I have yet to make both of those, so we'll see. =)

Up on the "to-do-list" is a 1910's blouse. Remember the one pattern that I was raving about awhile back? I decided to splurge, and when ahead to purchase it. And guess what, it was on sale too. =D

Busy times...

If you have e-mailed us lately and have not heard a response, please know that we probably have received it, but haven't been on the computer much. At this point, I'm not sure if all of them have been repied to or not, so you wrote within the last month or so and haven't heard back from us, we may need a reminder that we haven't answered you!

So what has been keeping the e-mail replier busy? =) Mainly violin. Having a set goal at 18 hours a week of practice time is not as easy to accomplish as one might think. I have done a little bit of sewing and will be adding a couple items to the ladies apparel section hopfully soon.

Wardrobe advice from 1922:

"Always select or make designs that enhance your daintiness, your femininity, your exquisite delicacy and tenderness. Do this with every stitch of clothing you have, from bungalow aprons to bathing suits, from sport costumes to ball gowns. Endeavor to provide yourself with an entire wardrobe of dainty and cuddlesome garments, each piece as bewitching as the wearer herself." --Fascinating Womanhood, St. Louis: Psychology Press

Vintage 40's dress: Simplicity 3778

Sewing with vintage patterns can become quite addicting! And I should also add: not to mention buying vintage patterns! The above pattern is one that I fell in love with, and ::cough:: spent a little more than planning, to secure the pattern when bidding on ebay. A dress that buttons on the side often allure me, so how could I not get it?

Overall, I am very happy with the dress that I made from that pattern. The only thing I changed was instead of doing darts in the upper sleeve, I gathered it. Oh and I added 2 inches to the hem to make it come around mid-calf length than just-below-the-knee area.

Because of paying for my own violin lessons and various other music pursuits, I decided to list this dress on ebay. I also made a coordinating vintage 30's/40's apron that is included with the dress. Check the listing out here.

Patterns for sale

After cleaning out the sewing room and pattern bins, I came across a few patterns that we looked off of for ideas's for custom-made clothing and we no longer need them, so if you do sewing your self, you may be interested in some patterns that I listed on ebay that are all 99 cents!

Oh, and in other news, I have updated our Ladies apparel section and the Nearly New section

Open for discussion!

Today I received the following e-mail, and thought that it would be a great opportunity to post it here:

Thank you so much for your ministry! It is so
good to know that you are holding up a godly standard in dress and encouraging
other ladies in the same!

I was wondering if you could give me
advise or ideas about a modesty seminar/fashion show I am organizing for some
churches in my area (Southern California). From your experience, what are the
most important areas that Christian women are neglecting or misunderstanding in
how they dress? What can I give them as far as resources for modest clothing?
Would you be interested in loaning some of your handwork to show and promote
your business? Are there attitudes/manerisms that need to be
addressed?

Any thoughts you have would be so
appreciated!!

So what would be your thoughts ladies? We certainly don't have "all the answers" just because we are a business! =) So, the floor is all yours! (Please note that anything not appropriate will be deleted)

Vintage Forties Housedress/coat: Marian Martin 9420

Sewing with vinatge patterns is something that has been growing on my for some time now, and recently I have a lot of fun buying some from ebay that interest me.


I have never had a robe or housecoat before and oftentimes in the winter I get quite cold, and so I made my first from the above pattern. It has been known that I alter my patterns, but I loved this one so much that the only thing I did extra was add a few inches to the hem. And I used the long sleeve verison of it.

The flannel was some left over from our business and the eyelet lace has been sitting around for years, so this is what the finished product looks like:







Well, I'm off to practice!

a happy surprise

When yesterday morning I had checked how my ebay item was doing, I was surprised to see how high it went up, and then eventually sold for the amount that it did.  

And it also made me glad for the amount that it sold for, because I spent a little more than I wanted to on this pattern. Though it is 1940's (which I have fallen in love with that era recently!) I think I could easily adapt it to made an Edwardian era (around 1912) dress like this dress or several others I've seen of that time. 

In other sewing news, my flannel 1940's housecoat/robe is coming along really well and I hope to finish it be the end of the week. Upcoming projects will be from the Regency era: finishing a semi-sheer summer gown, a bodiced petticoat to go with it, a cream silk duponi evening gown, and a dark green velvet spencer jacket. 

Where have I been this week?

I just discovered that the last day I posted something here was on Monday. Maybe nobody has noticed (since I changed the layout, my tracking link down at the bottom has disappeared and so I can't check to see if anybody has visted!) but if you have noticed and have been wondering...

My week has been full with lots of odds and ends, and I have been also buying some vintage pattern this week. At the thrift store I found the most adorable vintage girls dress that are made with smocked bodices. Smocking is something I have never done before, but they show you have to do it, so I'd love to try my hand at it. Does anyone do smocking, who reads my blog? If so, do you have any favorite patterns, or websites that you'd be willing to tell me about? =)

And this week I also received a couple 1940's patterns that I bought off ebay. They both are housecoats/robes and so this week I'd like to try one of them. Stay tuned for pictures!

Advertising for someone else...

A friend of Erin's has a sewing business out in Ohio and a couple months ago ::gulps:: we were asked to add these to our blog and I am finally getting around to it. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the person who made them, as I know nothing about them other then by pictures and the details below.

__________________________________________________
Here are two cozy, roomy nightgowns for your 8½ - 10 year old girl. Both front and back skirts are nicely gathered to a top yoke. Neck is finished with a band, with a button opening in the back (see picture). Sleeves are long and gathered up with elastic. The length is plenty long, but at your request, can be shortened to desired length. Keep warm this winter!

Approx. measurements for Nightgowns:
Breast: 25-27"
Waist: 23 - 23½"
Hip: 27 -28"
Wrist: 7-7½"
Height: 4'2" - 4'10"

Prices: $20 each OR buy both for $35 (save $5) Postage is included in prices.


These little flannel pajamas are ready to keep your (approx.) 2 and/or 4 year old boy(s) warm this winter. Pull on pajamas pants have elastic in the legs to stay cozy and warm. The elastic in the top is overlapped 2" and secured with a safety pin so that you can easily adjust for a perfect fit. The pajama tops open down the front with 3 buttons.

Approx. measurements for 2 year old:
Chest: 19"
Waist: 19"
Hip: 20"
Weight: 28lbs
Height: 28"

Approx. measurements for 4 year old:
Chest: 21"
Waist: 20"
Hip: 22½"
Weight: 40lbs
Height: 34"

Prices: $22 for a set OR $39 for 2 sets (save $5!) OR $65 for all 4 sets (save $13!). Postage is included in prices.

Garments will be mailed Priority once check is received. Make payable to: Elizabeth Stalter NO returns. For more information, or to purchase, contact:

Elizabeth Stalter
7225 CR 68
Millersburg, OH 44654
(330) 674-2664

What would you like to see @ A Joyful Handmaiden?

Well, I just got back from the PO sending out the last box that contained a custom-made order. Though sad in some ways, it is exciting in many other ways! So we are wanting to ask our customers, what would you like to see offered on the website, as far as apparel. More nightgowns or aprons? More blouses or dresses? Or would you like to see ready-made historical apparel online too?

And do you have any suggestions for links that we could add? We hope to change our links page and instead of charging rates for putting up links, we would like to add as many as possible that would be of an encouragment to women of all ages and stages of life.

We look forward to hearing from you!

::dreamy sigh::

Isn't this pattern exquisite?!
1910's shirtwaist

Why must they ask $30 for it? Hey, Amanda, this is a must for you to design next! =D Hmm, although I wonder if I could design something like it...

Off to the sewing room!

Ah, I think one can get to caught up with to much sewing. I find myself going into and out of sewing quite alot and other times where I am sick of the sewing machine. Right now it is the former, and I am having to much fun I think. =)

After browsing on ebay for vintage patterns and coming across several that I fell in love with, some that I could re-produce on my own, and some that are just way to pricey for me (who would spend $60 on a vintage pattern?!), it has gotten me in a mood to spend some time in the sewing room.

So I am off to work on a sewing order and another Regency gown from The Elegant Ladies Closet pattern from Sense and Sensibility Patterns. Would anyone like to join me?

Christian Homemaking Conferences

The other day I came across this link: Christian Homemaking Conference.com Have any of you ladies heard about it? Maybe I am just "not with it" when it comes to internet stuff...

It looks like it will be an online conference (no driving or traffic!) with some tremendous speakers! I know that based through CD's that I have received and wesbites I've visited, these women will will have lots of wisdom and insights to share.

If there is room, I wonder if maybe we could get a group rate (anyone interested?) or if there is already a group forming, can you let me in? =)

The art of wearing an apron

"Do not make the mistake of thinking that an apron is a not-so-very important garment. As a matter of fact, it is really quite as important as a dress—for who can tell when an unexpected guest is going to "drop in" for a chat and find one at the disadvantage of being aproned! But the disadvantage can be changed to an advantage. The apron can be made a very delightful garment. One may actually feel proud to be found wearing a pretty combination of lace and ribbon and soft white dimity—or a rather trig apron-affair of gingham and muslin ruffles.And then, of course, there is the feeling of utter neatness and satisfaction when one is wearing a crisp little apron. Even though it does hide the pretty dress underneath, it can be so very pretty itself that one hardly minds." --From the New-Way Course in Fashionable Clothes-Making.

It seems like I am always wearing an apron around the home, weather it be for cleaning or cooking. In fact, my last count of aprons was 6 I believe. They are great fun to wear as well as make!

The above apron, my favorite style of all, is one that I made recently, and I am wanting to offer it for sale to those who might be interested in it. It was made out of white weavers cloth and comes with a front pocket that is adorned with lace coming from an 1812 lace machine over in England. It would fit a ladies size small to medium I am asking $40 for it, and that includes Priority shipping.

Anyway, before I offer it up on our website, I thought I'd mention it here first and give blog readers a chance to take the opportunity of having free shipping. =) Feel free to write us if you'd like this apron. We only have one of them!

Ready for a shock?

Our website, http://www.ajoyfulhandmaiden.com has been changed! I want to change the header up at the top of each page, but if you come across any broken links, typo's, and the usual stuff, please let me know!

Meet Arabella!

I am excited to introduce you all to a new friend that arrived today! =) For quite a while now I have wanted a dress form, and I prayed about it, looked at ebay listings and so forth. And now I have one! =D

I was also able to list a couple new historical things on ebay with Arabella modeling them. =) A Regency dress (my favorite out of all of the ones I've done) and some Regency Short Stays/Corset. See the link in the post below that will take you to my listings.

Antique books for sale

I have been decluttering again and came across a couple antique books that I no longer need so I listed them on ebay: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZstringsftk

The books, "To Have and To Hold" and "Mother" are books that http://www.visionforum.com sell but the ones that I'm selling are the antique, unedited versions.

Delighted!

In the mail today I received some beautiful antique victorian looking lace collars, and am quite delighted with them! Now I need to sift through some of our patterns for girls and see what I can come up with to make a victorian dress.

The other delightful surprise was when I received my favorite magazine in the mail, I saw that they have a website! Whether the site is new or not, I don't know, but perhaps you'll enjoy browsing around and find it a blessing if you have never heard of Becoming a Woman of God: http://womanofgodmagazine.wordpress.com

Changes coming for A Joyful Handmaiden

As we begin on working on our 2007 catalog, thinking & praying about various things, we thought we'd "warn" your customers that there will be some changes that will be made. But we believe that they will help us to be more efficient with the time the Lord has given us, and customers with happy results (not that we've received complaints, but...). =)

Buttoned Bib Apron

This week I finished the apron (from Hint of History) that I cut out using some left over white weavers cloth. I was hoping to made a larger size, but I only had enough for a size small.

Over all, I am happy with the way it turned out, except the pockets that are supposed to be in the front are more like side pockets, but oh well. =) I had a lace applique that I wasn't using and had no use for up until I made this.

Fun patterns!

Aren't these picture just so sweet?! They are pictures from the patterns designed by Hint of History (see the link on the side bar). Anyway, after coming home from being out of state for a couple of days taking violin lessons, I was thrilled to have found these patterns waiting for me upon arriving home. Can you guess what I'll be working on this week? =)

Sale - 20% to 50% off!

Hurray! =) I just found out this morning that Biblical Womanhood is having a sale on everything they sell on their website! Now I'm having to decide what things I would like. ::wink::

Never been there before? Just visit the link on the side bar that says "Biblical
Womanhood" and it will take you right where you need to go!

Green

As some of you may have noticed, from fabrics we offer and pictures we post, our favorite color around here is blue. Much of our decor is blue (along with some rose) and a good majority of what's in our closet is blue too. ::wink::

But surprise, surprise! =) I finished up a new jumper this afternoon using some Tropical Breeze that I bought from http://www.worksoftheheart.com I used our normal button-front jumper pattern, but made the neckline squared. This jumper pattern is my all-time favorite!

And we have added a new fabric (green!) that has been one of my favorites for several years. My favorite style to make this in is a "Betsy" dress with a lace collar. =) See the new all-green floral here: http://www.ajoyfulhandmaiden.com/Fabrics.html

Another Regency dress

For Christmas I received several fun Regency patterns from http://www.sensibility.com, The Elegant Ladies Closet pattern was one of them. I decided to make the drawstring dress using a straight front skirt (I loved the look from the pictures on the website!) and absolutely love the way it turned out.

The only "bad" thing is that I haven't made my stays yet and the fabric that I made it in would look dreadful on me (I have blonde/red hair, freckles and blue eyes) and so I reluctantly put it up on ebay. If you'd like to see more pictures, feel free to click here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=280070319792&rd=1&rd=1

Perfect weather

That is, I should say, perfect weather for being inside working on my afgan or sewing up an order. Curious what the degrees is? =) It is 0 degrees actually. ::wink:: The wind chill is around -4 so yes, I think I'll retreat to the sewing room to work on some sewing today. Would anyone like to join me?

Yay!!!

Hurray!!! =) We finally have our new photo gallery up after ::gulps:: almost a year of having our new domain site up and running. If any of you who have ordered from us would like to send up photos to put up on our site, we'd love `em! =)

Also on the page you'll find comments from satisfied customers. It is always encouraging to receive them! =)

Decluttering and reorganizing is fun!

Before (on top of my table)

After

Before (underneath the table)

After

Ah, such a great feeling! =D

Another reason for Modesty

"True, all our lives long we shall be bound to restrain our soul and keep it low; and what then? For the books we read shall one day be endowed with wisdom and knowledge. For the music we will not listen to, we shall join in the song of the redeemed. For the pictures from which we turn, we shall gaze unabashed on the beatific vision. For the companionship we shun, we shall be welcomed with angelic society and the communion of the triumphant saints. For the amusements we avoid, we shall keep the supreme jubilee. For the pleasures we miss, we shall abide in the rapture of heaven. It cannot be much of a hardship to dress modestly at a small cost, rather than richly and fashionably if with conviction we are awaiting the white robes of the redeemed."
~Christina Rosetti

Christmas greetings from our home to yours!

I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas! We have lots of snow here from a recent blizzard; the first white Christmas we have had here at our home after living here for 8 years.

Along with some other gifts this morning, I was surpirsed to find three new historical patterns from http://sensibility.com They are three patterns from the Regency collection, so as a seamstress, tackling a new historical pattern is great fun! =) Watch for some items to go up on ebay within the next few weeks.

For God -- the greatest giver
so loved -- the greatest motive
the world -- the greatest need
that He gave -- the greatest act
His only begotten Son -- the greatest gift
that whosoever -- the greatest invitation
believes in Him -- the greatest opportunity
should not perish -- the greatest deliverance
but have everlasting life -- the greatest joy.

Ready-mades revamped!

Well, we decided to go ahead and keep the sale up for some of our older ready-mades, and then we added a couple new ones.

We also finally got our nearly-new section up. For those of you who are not familiar with it, we usually sell dresses for a discounted price. The apparel has usually been worn once or twice, or we have prewashed the fabric and/or garment without it being worn. But what we list is in good condition and they are not flawed in any way.

The CD's are here!

Today Erin's CD's came! =D They came right before two of my students (brother and sister) arrived for their lessons, and so I wasn't able to join in for all the excitement, but the boxes are sitting in the dining room, just waiting to be opened and for the CD's to be sent out!

AND if they get shipped out tomorrow (she'll be shipping first class I think) there could be a possibility of you receiving your CD(s) before Christmas if you live here in the US.

Speaking of Christmas, as a early gift for Erin, I bought her a domain site, and wouldn't you know, the lady who gives me hosting was able to get me added this morning and now Erin's very own site is up and running! =D Visit her website at: http://www.erincross.org/

EDIT: There has been a change in shipping and handling rates. Please visit the website to see actual shipping charges per CD and for orders of larger quantities. If you have previously ordered, don't worry if the figures don't add up to what you paid for.

50% off this weekend ONLY!

Every year around Christmas time, we offer a 50% off sale for our Ready-made items to move some "old-timers" out and bring in some new ones. So this Friday and Saturday ONLY, we are offering to you this special sale!

Crocheting help needed

Last evening Erin taught me how to crochet a "granny square." She learned from the mother that she helped out while she was out in PA, and since having been taught the single and double stitch from our Grandma a couple years ago, I was eager to learn something new! =)

Working on it last night and this morning, I got to about a potholder sized (about 8") square and am pretty happy with it! Since I'm very low on the yarn, I thought I would just make a couple pot holders to use it up, and then see if I can make an afghan or something.

But Erin was never showed how to "close" or finish it! So would any of you ladies who may be reading this, know how to do this? Do I just join the gap as if I were going to start another "row" but not chain two? I'd post a picture of it, but blogger isn't letting me for some reason, so I hope this make sense. =)

And by the way, are there any sites out that someone would recommend for easy or beginner "crocheters." I've searched for a few, but I can't read the "chicken scratch" or "coding" they use for patterns just yet.

Erin's CD

Erin's CD is finally done, praise the Lord! =) From the two she brought back with her, it sounds so beautiful, and she has already received many compliments from people who have heard it. The CD's are in the process of being shipped here, so for those of you who have ordered a CD (or more), it shouldn't be to long before you get yours!

Would you like to hear a sound clip? It is the last song on the CD. It is a medley of Be Still My Soul, Be Still and Know, and Be Silent. She also did vocals on this one. Click here: http://www.ajoyfulhandmaiden.com/16%20-%20Track%2016.mp3

Looking for an embroidery site

I am in the midst of looking for an embroidery site that would show you how to do basic stitches. Are there any sites like that out there that someone could recommend? Anything would be appreciated, as I am working on a sampler that was started long ago and am nearly finished with it except for the knots (are they french knots?) that are to be in the centers of the daisies, and I can't remember how to do them. I have tried, but it ends up turning into a tangled mass of thread. =)

And while I have your attention, =) do any of you of a site that offers free embroidery patterns for pillow cases, napkins, etc that aren't very intricate?

Up on the drawing board...

This jumper has become one of my favorites and this winter, I hope to modify a jumper pattern to make girl's sizes and women's sizes. It is a square neckline jumper that is a bit different than the one we offer in the catalog (Dora's Jumper). This one is more of a "bib" or "overall" style jumper. We've even seen jumper sewn with overall-style claps in the front; we haven't tried it ourselves though yet. And then another feature which I like about it is that it has ribbon drawstrings in the back which allow you to pull in the extra room in the back of the jumper. Pictures of someone wearing it (yours truly) can be seen here: http://ajoyfulhandmaiden.blogspot.com/2006/07/july-25th-tuesday.html

It is always exciting to start thinking about putting together another catalog for the new year. We always appreciate suggestions and comment regarding what we offer, so if you'd like to share some input, whether it is something you like what you'd like to see, more of something, etc, please feel free to share it with us!

Getting Used to Dresses

I came across this article a couple days ago and found it to be a blessing. Surely wish I knew of LAF when I first was learning about modesty!

"If you'll take some time just to look at old photographs in antique shops or on the web, you'll see women who spent their lives wearing dresses. No one ridiculed them. Everyone wore dresses or skirts, and they were able to do a wide variety of work, even farming, in them. The few who dared to dress like men were considered unfeminine. Today we have strayed so far from feminine dressing that women who have grown up in pants and sports shoes feel awkward in dresses. In this confused modern society, women feel uncomfortable wearing dresses in public and even at home. Who would have thought that a woman in a dress would be such an unusual sight that people would stop and stare? How far we haven't come!!

One of our problems is that we have been convinced that our first priority is to be comfortable. We hear that said over and over in the name of slovenly, immodest and unnattractive dressing. One thing we can learn from our Victorian forbearers is the attitude of putting others first and avoiding embarrassing or shocking behaviour. Our forebears were more concerned about appearing rude than almost anything. They were concerned about how people would remember them.

These days we are supposed to be so politically correct that when older people like myself see something totally shocking and inappropriate, we are forced, in the name of politeness, to act like we didn't notice. Girls can come to church in their pyjamas--or less--and no one has the nerve to say anything for fear of being accused of something untoward. If our great-grandparents saw what we are seeing today, they would certainly speak up about it, and it wouldn't always be pleasant. We need to think of how our way of dressing is affecting others, and work to dress in a non-offensive, yet pleasing, manner.

Modernists mock the old Victorian stays and corsets, while wearing spandex and jeans that are just as form-fitting and even tighter than the undergarments of the past. One reason women feel uncomfortable in dresses is that they are used to wearing these tight clothes and feel rather unprotected and cold when they wear a dress. Their tight jeans make their figures feel pulled together, well-shaped, and firm. If you have difficulty feeling trim and neat in a dress, invest in foundations that will make you feel well-dressed and comfortable.

You won't enjoy dresses if they are uninteresting, uninspiring and dull to you, so don't wear fabrics and styles that make you feel depressed. It wasn't too many years (or decades) ago that a new dress helped lift women from a bad day, sadness, or depression. New clothes, if they are the right color, pattern, print, or style for you, can make you feel energetic, optimistic, and creative. And you don't have to spend a fortune!" Read the full article here: http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/article_649.shtml

Soon to be released!

Erin wrote yesterday saying that her harp CD is just about finished.
All she has to do is listen to the master CD, approve of it, and then within the
week, all the CD's should be ready to be released! We are all excited about it!

If you would like to pre-order a copy of her CD, please e-mail us
for more details as the websie I'm working on for her, isn't quite finished: ajoyfulhandmaiden@yahoo.com

Testimony of Modesty continued...

The other day I had to quickly end my post because of a pressing matter that needed my attention, so I left off where I was going to mention about being inwardly clothed with modesty and femininity. The two, outward and inward, go together I believe. What gets to me like nothing else when I see a woman in a dress ... they look really modest ... but their heart, attitude, and even they're mindset is totally opposite of what they are wearing.

A few years back, I remember several friends were bringing up the subject of being feminine and delighting in their God-given calling. And it brought back memories when there was a young girl who wished she was a boy, yes, that was me. Being the tough, strong girl I was, I loved it when on the father-daughter campouts they had guns to shoot down old liter pop bottles, and then being proud of on my first shot, to actually hit one right in the middle. How that happened, I'll never know...

So back to what I was saying, the term "femininity" has been new to me within the last 6-8 years or so. Books such as, "So Much More" by Anna Sofia Botkin and Elizabeth Botkin, "Let Me Be a Woman" by Elisabeth Elliot, and a couple other smaller books have really helped me as I search out my thoughts and feelings, goals and ideas.

And also realizing that without even knowing it, I to had been effected by this feminist mindset of being independent, career-oriented, fending for herself and no one else ... in fact, it reminds me of the woman in the Bible in Proverbs 7, "...And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner..." And as mentioned here, as I believe in the here and now, our clothing often speaks of our heart, our attitude, and our very life.

It is my prayer that what ever I wear, that it would reflect "...the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:4

I'm not very good with writing my thoughts down, so if any one who is reading this, has any other thoughts or ideas, please feel free to comment or if something doesn't make sense and it needs to be clarified, please feel free to comment. =)

Testimony of Modesty

Just recently someone had asked me how we came about learning to dress in a more modest, feminine manner. It was a good reminder for me to think back about 10 years ago when Mama had received some resources from the Barth Family Ministries out in Vermont. At the time I was an independent girl of 12 years old whose life was wrapped up in Gymnastics, and considered Mama's desires to wear dresses seemed rather peculiar and strict. I remember thinking that I didn't want to look like I was going to church everyday. =)

However I knew that she would desire for Erin and I to have these same convictions, but didn't push them on us. Although she did take me out of Gymnastics...she couldn't let her daughter be tumbling and dancing in front of others with just a skimpy leotard! Not being truly committed to serving Jesus, I was rebellious in my heart towards that decision she made. Now being born again, I praise the Lord that she made that decision then!

Ever since I was young, I have always loved old-fashioned, prairie, victorian stuff and so for two years I chose to wear jumpers, skirts, culottes to just "look old-fashioned." But it was two years later that when I had been truly born again, the Lord confirmed it in my heart that dressing in a modest, feminine way, is truly His delight for me.

And it really has been a joy for me to dress the way I do. Yes, we do get quite a few stares, looks, questions (the most popular: Are you Amish or Mennonite?), but then we alot receive a lot of compliments and it is interesting that most of them have been from men. They open the doors for us, they tell us how much they appreciate the way we dress, and one guy even offered to pump the gas into our car! =)

But most importantly, I believe God Himself gives us His smile of approval when we choose to dress in a way that is distinct from what man wears, as well as being separate from this world. However I must add that all of this is fruitless if our hearts are not adorned with modesty and femininity. More about this next time as I must be off!

New tatted bookmarks online!

Pinwheel: $3

Large Snowflake: $4

Vintage Diamond: $2

Out for a bit

From October 31st through November 10th, we will not be accepting any orders of any kind. I will be gone during that time for a Strings Workshop (Maybe some of you know that I study and teach violin?) and Erin will also be leaving he same day as me, but for a 6 week trip out to PA to help a family of 13 children. So no one will be answering e-mails, sending out catalogs, or taking orders during the 31st - 10th time frame. Trust you'll understand!

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man must seek Him to find her."

Using fabric scraps

I love Frugal Friday's! =) Crystal always has such wonderful money-saving tips, and ideas. For the past couple of weeks, I haven't made a post about this, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to share a "frugal idea" every weeks, but I'll do my best! =)

As a seamstress in our home (not to mention my three other sisters who sew!) we are always making something, whether it be for an order or for ourselves. With making lots of dresses, jumpers, blouses, skirts, vest (etc, etc) over the years, we have developed a very large trash bag that is stuffed and brimming full of left over scraps from items that we've made. It takes up quite a bit of space in our sewing room, and so every now and then we are tempted to just pitch the whole thing (why have it, if we don't use it right?), but we never can get up the courage to do it.

But this summer, I decided that I was going to go through the scrap bag to see if I could come up with a few fabrics to make a small quilt. Since I never have made a quilt before, I wanted to start out small. Going through the bag, I realized I could make many quilts and other small items (potholders, and so forth) with all this fabric, and then tuck them away for my own home someday.

So not only am I being wise with the left over scraps, I can make useful items that can saved hundreds of dollars in the future, Lord willing! Sometime I'll take pictures of things that I've made with our scraps that we thought were only good for the trash. =)

Introducing...

Here is one of the websites I've been working on! I've offered tatted bookmarks off of our resource page, but decided to make a "branch site" where people can choose more styles and pick out their own thread choices.

Since it is fairly new, if you see and glitches, spelling error's, etc, please let me know so I can fix them right away! =)

Blouses for $1

Well, I made a mistake of adding one of my favorite blouses to my ebay listing. Sort of. I knew what I was doing, and now I really regret putting it up. Oh well, such is life. They aren't made by us, but if you are interested in some lovely feminine blouses, take a look: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZstringsftk

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

I've been using my time wisely by working on a couple new websites lately and can hardly wait to share more about them, but they aren't quite ready yet, so stay tuned! =)

Dress forms?

I have been considering buying a dress form just because with all the sewing we do, I'm sure it would come in handy! But there are so many different ones out there, I'm not sure what the differences are and whichs ones seem to work better. I'd be glad for some pointers in this, if anyone has had experience with dress forms!

Tip of the day

Whatever you do, no matter how soon you must get something done:

Don't ever sew for 5-6 hours straight

I did that this weekend, and am now suffering from sore wrists and hands. As a musician, violin teacher, and seamstress, I don't need to get tendonitis!

Blow-out sale

We are wanting to "blow out" a few things from the sewing room (whether it be ready-mades, or just fabric we've had for awhile) and so we are offering a sale for the next several weeks:

Receive 10% off any order you place with us!

Liberated Women

I always am blessed by what Crystal (from Biblical Womanhood) has to write about in her blog! Today she posted on "Liberated Women" and below is a snippet from what she posted:

I talk to so many families who say, "We can't live on one income." Thanks to the feminist movement, very few families think they can. Instead, mom and dad have to work 40-60 hours per week to pay the bills, pay the mortgage, pay the dry cleaner, pay the nanny, pay the house cleaner, pay the fast food restaurants, pay the babysitter, pay the boxed-food/frozen food dinner makers, and on and on. No wonder we can't live on one income anymore!

But, inspite of the damage caused by the feminist movement, there's hope. We don't have to follow this path of bondage. We don't have to buy into the lies. We can make one of the most truly liberating choices ever - we can choose home.

Read the full article here: http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/2006/10/liberated-women.html

Boring?

I have a feeling my blog is rather on the boring side ... that is because I am bored with it myself! Is there anything you'd like for me to post? Every-day stuff, pictures, sewing advice (ha! I think I'm the one who needs the advice, but I could share what I have learned), articles, links?

Whether you visit ooften or this is your first time here, please feel free to let me know. I don't bite. =D

Tip of the day

Don't do any cutting out or sewing late in the evening.

The other evening I was cutting out a skirt for myself out of a lovely toile print. It was late as night and I figured I would just cut it out while I was waiting to get into the bathroom. Without thinking, I cut the back skirt with the print going upside down. It would be totally noticable if I were to sew it together, so I figured I would just have go out and by another yard of fabric. I went to two place where I knew they would have it - they were totally out, and I think it was a "one time deal" type of fabric. What a bummer.

For those of you who do sewing, don't ever do anything related to sewing late at night. I hope I learned my lesson. =)

Selling on ebay

I am now beginning to sell historical gowns on ebay. If you are interested, feel free to see my listings here: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZstringsftk

Ready-mades items are 50% off - this week only!!

I am posting this a day late, but when you buy any ready-made item and will send us a photo with you/your daughter wearing it for our website, we will give that item to you for 50% off the listed price!

Thankful to be at home

Erin and I have been so blessed to be able to "come back home" in the last couple of months. For over 3 1/2 years, we both worked part-time at a small, Christian-owned discount grocery store. This spring we just really felt like the Lord was leading us homeward to devote more of our time as single women, so that we can more effectively bless our family and also earning an income from home.

Though we have had our sewing business for 6 years now, it does get slow for us from time to time. But the Lord opened up other outlets this year of teaching music which was been a new stretch for us, but such a blessing. It has truly been an answer to prayer for me, as I remember Erin just really wondering if we would be able to make enough income to pay for things, but I told her that I was trusting God to provide. Knowing that is this is what God was leading us to do (and I believe it is his desire for all women to cultivate skills in the home!), He will provide. =)

Just this week however, we went back for a couple days to the little store to fill in for someone who was wanting to go camping with the young man she is courting. And coming home from a long day's work just totally reaffirms that my place is in the home, and realized in a new way how much I delight in being home! It is so much more rewarding to see new nightgowns made to send to a sewing customer, pulling out freshly baked bread out of the oven, tending to the gardens, and all the little joys that fill my day, rather than being stuck inside a building working a cash register all day! =)

Writing Contest hosted by Childrens Clothes Etc.

Write an essay (no longer than 4 pages), describing how you are able to maintain your faith and Biblical feminity/girlhood in today’s world. There will be three winners, one from each age group. The prizes are:

Ages 7-10: A Grandmother’s Hope Chest Book Set, which consists of: Grandmother’s Hope Chest Book 1 and Potholder Kit and Grandmother’s Hope Chest Book 2 and Bread Cloth Kit

Ages 11-15: A copy of The Future Christian Homemaker’s Handbook and a $10 gift card to our store.

Ages 16-21: A copy of So Much More and a $15 gift card to our store. Complete information is on their blog: http://www.childrensclothesetc.com/blog/?p=56

Shawl Collar Dress

Well, I went ahead and made the Shawl Collar dress from Hint of History. And I absolutely love every thing about it! I wanted the View 1 look, but without the hassle of the buttons so I used the skirts from View 2.

As cautioned, I noted the measurements and while I always wear a certain size regardless of measurements (they always fit me just right), I decided that I was going to make this dress the size above what I usually wear. The size turned out just wonderful!

The pattern instructions are very easy to follow. I detest directions from regular commercial pattern. And here and there, made a few different things. Such as I used to wide of lace (it came from England using a 1812 lace machine and I wanted to use it badly enough that I don't mind it). I also added an extra snap on the inset, just because mine was wanted to open just a little bit there in the middle. And I was glad for the extra length on the skirt pattern, just because I like to add pinstripes to a lot of my historical apparel.

Want to make one now? =) See the link on the side bar (Hint of History) and it will take you to Amanda's site where she offers this pattern, and another cute dress pattern for girls!

What shall I sew?

Well, we finished up the order that we had, and we don't have any in for the moment. So I'm trying to figure out what I should sew next. I have some lovely Tropical Breeze that Erin bought while out East for her harp recording (which went very well, PTL!) that I'd like to make a dress in. And then I have some slate blue linen-polyester type weave fabric that I got for $1 a yard and am having trouble deciding what I should make with.

I am narrowing it down to a couple ideas of either a Regency gown (http://sensibility.com/pattern/regency.htm) or a 1912 Shawl Collar dress (http://www.hintofhistory.com/1910s/). I love history dresses and have enjoyed trying to draft a couple of my own.

Any other suggestions for me? =)

Weekend Sale!

Greetings from the sewing room! Just a quick note saying that this weekend, we are having a special sale for those who have subscribed to our newsletter. All of our ready-made items are 25% and if you have ordered from us before, we offer you free shipping!

What a deal right?! But this sale ends on Monday morning, so order while you can and while still have things up!

Feminine Dress

A couple weeks ago I came across a radio broadcast done by Elizabeth Elliot on Feminine Dress (this I imagine, was done many years ago) and enjoyied it thoroughly that I though I'd share some of it with you:

Jesus said, "Come to Me all of you who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest. Put on My yoke and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light."This is your friend Elisabeth Elliot, talking with you today about an older woman's mandate. We've been emphasizing during this week the matter which we older women are responsible to teach younger women, and that is the matter of modesty.The Bible says that we are to have a reputation for gentleness, that we are not to be accused of busybodying. That's one of the things that makes us very hesitant to accept the responsibility that we have before God as older women to help younger women to be gentle, to be feminine, to be reverent in the way they live, self-controlled and pure, so that no one will malign-- which means to defame or to speak evil of--the Word of God. That's all in Titus 2:3-5. Older women must themselves be reverent in the way they live, self-controlled and pure, so that no one will malign the Word of God.I do want to say a word about dress under this heading. Does a Christian woman dress differently from the rest of the world? Well, not in the way of drawing attention to herself by being very frumpy or extremely stylish, but I would say in being conservative, in being modest in dress. One of the arguments that women give me about wearing slacks is that they think slacks are much more comfortable. Of course, they're more comfortable if you're riding horseback or doing something extremely athletic. But I think there are plenty of women who would agree with me that skirts are, in some ways, much more comfortable. Do you have any skirts at all? Just plain cotton skirts, or even a denim skirt? I'm not saying you have to be dressed up. I was talking to a group of women recently at a conference and they said, "But we don't need to dress up all the time, do we?" I'm saying, "No. I'm not suggesting you should dress up. What I would like to see is a move toward those things which are distinctly feminine."

Read the full article here: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/9684/feminine.html

New fabrics!

We have added a couple new fabrics today that we have been able to pick out this week. Fall and winter will be coming around the corner in the not-to-distant future (although when it is about 95 degrees, sometimes we wonder when it will cool down!) and so we have two new flannels and a new cotton.

Check them out here: http://www.ajoyfulhandmaiden.com/Fabrics.html

Pray for Erin

My dear sister Erin has left this morning to go down to the airport. She is going out east to make her first and professional harp recording. She has asked for prayer and I know she'd be even more thankful if others will be praying for her too. Lord willing, it will be next week that she goes into the studio, so she'll have a couple days to really focus in and do some last minute practicing on her harp (which is already out there).

As a little advertisment, here is a video clip that I took with my camera which she was working on her "theme" song, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus:
http://www.ajoyfulhandmaiden.com/MVI_0002.AVI

Last day to save!

Today is the last day to take advantage of our summer specials!

All of our ready-made items are 10% off the listed price and if you have ordered from us before, you get FREE shipping on top of that!

Who says that dresses are only for Sundays? Funny thing is, I used to think that until the Lord showed me other wise! We have decided to post pictures daily for one week, showing that dresses are not just for Sundays! This "Through the Week in Feminine Dress" has been inspired by a few other websites that have done this of putting pictures up daily. We pray that it will be an inspiration and encouragement!

Pictures, coming up!

Does anyone read this blog? =)

I have been curious to know who all reads this, or for that matter, if ANYONE reads the blog. =) So I have decided to send a FREE tatted bookmark to whoever will post first in this entry. Anyone may participate whether it be your first time here, or if you read this blog frequently! After posting here, send us an e-mail (ajoyfulhandmaiden@yahoo.com) with your address and we will send one off to you for free!

Wow, just yesterday I received my book, "Handmaidens of the Lord" and I would highly recommend this book to any women who desires to walk in the path of Biblical womanhood. So far I have only read a little over half of the book, but it is full of testimonies of other young women who are living at home in their twenties, some who once wondered "What am I going to do after school," and other testimonies of God' faithfulness!

Crystal writes, "Handmaidens of the Lord is my gift to the brave young women who are challenging the status quo of college and careers and seeking to pave a trail for others to come behind them. If I could have an opportunity to sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with each and every Christian young lady in this country, this is the message I would want to give them. Instead of bashing college or pursuing a career, this book encourages young women to cultivate something which is much more valuable than a college degree or financial success – a servant’s heart. "

If you are interested, please visit the link to the side of this blog, "Biblical Womanhood" and it will take you to the site to order it! It will definately be worth your $8.97 worth!!

Want to learn how to save 25% and receive FREE shipping off a ready-made order? Subscribe to our newsletter to find out how!

ajoyfulhandmaiden-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

We are back!

While it is always fun to be on vacation, it is great to be back! Erin and I can hardly wait to get to the sewing machines and while we wait for custom orders, we'll work on some ready-mades to add to our website. Speaking of which...

We have a couple new sales going on through the month of July, that you might be interested in. =) The mainpage has the details: http://www.ajoyfulhandmaiden.com