Prairie Style Is Here to Stay

July 21st, 2008 in sewing, knitting, books & more

Jennifer Worick, contributor

Bobblehead Laura loves all things prairie.

Photo: Jennifer Worick

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Several years ago, I noticed a surge in tiered prairie skirts on the city streets. I even saw an Old Navy ad with swishing skirts worthy of Laura Ingalls.

I must admit that I swooned.

As the author of The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life, I have long been a fan of all things prairie. Fashion is no exception, even though puffed sleeves are not exactly flattering on me and my hair isn’t built for a bonnet.

First, there’s the prairie skirt (see Michaela Murphy’s musings on the prairie skirt). It’s like a multilayer wedding cake, with tiers of goodness offering the merest suggestion of the booty within. I wore such a skirt as a wee one during a sesquicentennial parade in my hometown. Of course, I rocked some braids and a bonnet for the occasion. Not only was I obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder, but I also fancied Holly Hobbie…a lot. I still have my lunchbox.

So when I see any sort of prairie skirt or gingham, I am tickled pink (and white checked). I absently start plaiting my hair. I hanker for a thick slice of pie.

And I reach for my crafts. I knit prairie shawls. I mix up lavender linen waters to spritz on sheets, ironing, or not-so-fresh garments.

Braids and buns are so unexpectedly cool when paired with the right ensemble. The trick is to wield your prairie power judiciously. Don’t go full out with the petticoats, plaits, and bonnet, or you’ll run the risk of looking like a refugee from some Little House on the Prairie reenactment…although, come to think of it, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The Prairie Girl's Guide to Life
by Jennifer Worick How to Sew a Sampler Quilt and 49 Other Pioneer Projects for the Modern Girl $14.95 more info...

posted in: sewing, knitting, books & more, prairie

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Comments (3)

MichaelaMurphy writes: Hey Clotheshorsey,
You are right--Jennifer is an amazing writer and she is the author of over twenty different books. Click onto her profile and find out more. Posted: 1:02 pm on August 30th

clotheshorsey writes: PS I HAVE AT LEAST ......TEN OF THOSE SKIRTS YOU LOVE! Posted: 11:11 am on August 30th

clotheshorsey writes: Listen! you should be writing! your pros are wonderful! Do try a book, I would love to read your work.... best wishes Jessica Posted: 11:09 am on August 30th

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