Vintage Baby - Yeah!

Remember these styles? I love seeing vintage fashion on children (and adults for that matter!). I've been collecting patterns for a number of years, hoping to preserve them and use them for what will one day (I hope!) become a clothing line. Although I do think we tend to wax nostalgic about the good old days, I don't think those sentiments are misplaced when it comes to fashion. Generally speaking, apparel was much more modest, even 30 years ago, than it is today. There has been great public outcry for clothing to cover the body. The request has been ignored by nearly all manufacturers. They've figured out that if they only produce immodest, poorly-made clothing, consumers will be forced to buy for lack of options. The persistance of the message they're sending to our children is doing damage to a generation, in my opinion.

Those manufacturers that do offer lovely garments must charge higher prices. We must be willing to pay for better quality materials and construction that is being done on a very small scale. Alternatively, we must relearn the art of home sewing for our own families. There is a great deal of room for more and more new companies to provide beautiful garments, made from quality fabrics and constructed to the highest standards, and still not squeeze each other out of competition. One company I love for children's attire is Flora and Henri out of Seattle, Washington and New York City.

I've said before that Family Centered Living protects our children from the unwise influences of society, including in the area of dress. While they certainly do notice current trends, and media influence, they are able to discern wisely what is best for themselves without fear of negative reactions from artificially created peer groups.