Even though we don’t talk much about storing clothing, clothes are still a necessity. Last week when you wrote about having crafts for children during a pandemic I considered ideas when I was at Walmart this week. I decided to look at one of the pattern books and was surprised at the cost of doll clothes patterns. But then I thought that a pattern for doll clothing would be a good birthday, Easter, or Christmas gift for a child, grandchild, niece, or nephew, depending on the child’s interests and age. The pattern could be accompanied by one or more “kits” of material already cut out from the pattern. The pattern would be included in the kit along with thread, pins, needles, and other notions needed for the item. Scissors, a thimble, a pin cushion and other items might also be helpful if they are not already available. It would be especially helpful if more than one item of clothing were included so that mother, father, grandmother, aunt, or interested gift giver could help the child learn how to sew the item. The article of doll clothing could be sewn either by machine or by hand. In the event of a pandemic, other items of clothing could be sewn from the remaining kit or kits, or new articles could be cut out and made. If there were no electricity, the items could be sewn by hand or with a pedal sewing machine for those lucky enough to have one.

An added bonus is that there would be added skills in a family during a pandemic to mend clothes or sew on buttons, etc. If we are to be distanced socially, then we won’t be as eager to run out to buy “new” clothes when there are rips and lost buttons on the clothes we currently wear. A coat with a broken zipper or lost button during cold weather that can be repaired will help a child or adult stay warmer–especially if the power is out. Also, children will not stop growing and will need larger clothing. A current added benefit to having a boy learn to sew is that he can then sew his scouting badges on to his uniform.