How Do I Mend This?

The telephone rang—it was my neighbor. She had washed a pillow and the zipper on the cover had broken. She needed to return the borrowed pillow in 30 minutes! Could I fix it for her? I wasn’t too optimistic—broken zippers have not been a success story with me. But I told her to bring it over and we’d see what could be done.

I thought, “Lord, I didn’t need another task this morning.” I was already on a schedule crunch! But the Lord just whispered to my heart that He was giving me another mending article, and in my heart arose a “yes, Lord” and “please help me know how to repair this zipper.”

As pictured, the teeth were out of the groove at the base. An ice pick was used to open the groove a little wider (A). The teeth were then inserted in and held in place while a pair of pliers were used to squeeze the groove together again (B). It was fixed and returned in the time required! Thank the Lord for making it so simple! My heart resounds with a verse of song:

“What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”*

Even our mending!

—Sister Dorcas

Dressmaking Hints

There is something that I was extremely blessed by just recently that I wanted to extend the blessing to any that would benefit by it. Increasingly over the years I have noticed that it has become more and more difficult for me to take off my garments over my head. Recently I started putting in zippers on the side of my dresses. It has helped out a great deal, but if you are trying to keep the cost down, a zipper is just another expense and also extra work to put in nicely. I know that I must be willing to go the extra mile if it is necessary, but just recently my eldest daughter surprised me for my birthday by finishing up a dress that I had just started, which included a simpler side opening.

To my delight I found two snaps on the side above the waist line (A). The opening was put in just above the right side pocket (B), which allows more room for getting in and out. The top of the pocket was not attached to the waist seam as usual, but serged to keep it from unraveling (C). We have found that snaps are not sufficient, as they easily pop open, but a hook at the waistline, with a narrow strip of velcro or a snap above (as pictured) should work well. Plaques made from the dress fabric are sewn over the side seam allowance in this area to strengthen it (D). If the seam allowance is wide enough, it can be folded for strength instead. It may be easier to have the opening on the left side if you are right-handed, and on the right side if you are left-handed.

I am always keeping my ears and eyes open to learning how to simplify the areas of life that are required of a Godly homemaker. I want to focus my time on doing the things that God requires of me, but not take more time than necessary in areas of cooking or sewing which are always beckoning on us, as we all need to eat and be clothed appropriately. Pray for me as often these can be a great gobbler of time.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time.”* (Ephesians 5:15-16)

What has made dressmaking easier for you?

—K.E.