This reminds me of my childhood when every piece of used clothing was used. Quilts were made and used by everyone. Rags for house, outdoors, equipment etc. Stuffing for pillows. Of course kid’s clothes were hand-me-down (to and from) siblings, cousins, neighbors, people at church etc.
I suppose this was before fashions changed as rapidly, at least for average blue collar or rural Americans. I still have a few treasured, carefully preserved quilts that contain fabric pieces from clothing worn by grandparents, parents and other identifiable family.
And I have 2 plastic tubs of quilt scraps of good pieces from clothing I particularly like. I always have some quilts in progress. I cut pieces till I get bored and put them away till the mood strikes again. My daughters always love it when one of them gets a new quilt. I no longer hand quilt, tho I did enjoy doing so with ladies in the family, sitting, visiting and working all afternoon around the big quilting frame.
The consumerism we are blessed with now does leave us with far too much to use ourselves. Our church used to send quite a bit down to Mexico until 10-15 years ago. Then the used clothing became unwanted across the border as well. In one manner it’s a blessing that it’s now difficult to find people in the world who do not need these items, but these needs have been replaced by other social problems which are worse in many ways.
Sorry I carried on so long. This just brought back good memories. I do still love creating beautiful new things from the old. These days I do more crochet than sewing (when not in the garden.) I do find beautiful garments made of lovely, expensive type, yarns at thrift stores, reclaim the yarn and crochet. Saved a lot of money over buying wools and silk yarns new. Maybe this whole shutdown thing has given a handful of younger folks new time to explore some old crafty things.
I have a quilt that hangs in my Dining Room. Grandma made it from scraps of clothing we all wore through the years.
It’s nice to look at and see some of Grandpa’s old shirts, or pieces of pretty dresses Mom or grandma wore, or clothes sis and I worse as kids. :)
I, too, hope some good comes from all of this self-inflicted nonsense. :)
Very smart. Like your tagline.