URBAN HOMESTEAD APPAREL

A reader commented recently that she was inspired by LHITC to purchase her first apron – that’s great!

An urban homesteaders wardrobe is not complete without aprons (ok, I am speaking for us females!)

There’s something about aprons that really evoke a true pioneer urban homesteading spirit.

Aprons are very “eco conscious” if you think about it.  In the old days they couldn’t just up and throw their dirty clothes in a washing machine — it took hours to do the laundry, so aprons were a practical way to keep clothes clean, saving both time and water.   Saving water is a big deal these days, so who knew Grandma was such an eco chica

Besides the their eco qualities, aprons are so very feminine!  And we gals certainly need a dose of femininity with chicken crap on our feet, flour dust in our hair and hands, well, hands that are on the “rough” side!

My sister and I are suckers for aprons and these two beauties are the newest in our collection.   I have to be honest, we didn’t make them but they are handmade (from a guy in Italy – more on that later, oh, and there’s no wedding bells if that’s where your mind is going)  These new “LHITC signature” aprons will be our “going out” aprons as we wouldn’t want to spoil ‘em with tomato splatters!

Speaking of an urban homesteaders wardrobe, seems like the urban homesteading craze has caught the eye of fashion world – seems like nothing escapes these people (sheesh)

Tips for Greener Clothing and Laundry (via treehugger)

My notations are in bold!

1. Choose apparel in muted shades that won’t readily show dirt or stains (check – Justin and his Farmer duds aka military camouflage hides the dirt, he says, and, don’t forget, for us gals – the handy aprons!)
2. Select textured fabrics over flat weaves for the same reason
3. Read care labels before you make a purchase (check)
4. Don’t buy clothes that need dry cleaning  (check – never been to a dry cleaner)
5. Don’t buy clothing that must be hot washed (check – we do all our laundry in cold water)
6. Wash on cold cycle, preferably with a front load washing machine  (check – have front load washer)
7. Line or air dry, instead of using tumble driers  (check – never owned a dryer use a simple piece of string — aka “sun dryer” )
8. Fold clothes straight off the line, so they don’t need ironing (check – rarely use an iron)

I’d also like to add that sometimes we go days/a week wearing the same outfit.  Our motto is “Why wash it if it ain’t dirty!”

Urban Homestead Outfitters

Flannels, overalls, aprons wearers, granny boots unite!

In what ways have you “greened” your wardrobe?  Actually, I hate using the word “green” with all the greenwashing going on, so how about suggesting another word – like simplifying or ???????

Care to share/post a link to your favorite modern pioneer apparel?

I think my favorite image of an urban homesteader is Barbara Good’s patchwork skirt – or how about her half jean half orange trousers? Oh and for those who haven’t a clue who on earth I am talking about then you are missing out on some hilariously retro urban homesteading entertainment.

What about you?