Clothing Help

Click here or here to download a Bonnet pattern with sewing instructions Click here to download instructions for sewing a skirt or here for a great tutorial! Click here to download instructions for sewing a possible bag. Click here to download a tutorial of how to make a Pioneer Apron from a pillowcase Click here to see how to alter a men’s Sunday shirt into a band-collar Pioneer Shirt in 15 minutes Scroll down to the bottom of this page to view photos of Pioneer clothing Young Women   2 mid-calf length, long-sleeved dresses or skirts 1or 2 bonnets 1 pair bloomers, (any cotton bottoms with elastic at ankle – can be FUN, modern material, if desired!) 1 apron or possible bag 1 pair modest, warm sleepwear You will need 2 outfits or changes for Trek so consider the following. When assembling your costumes for the Pioneer Trek, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money. Your clothes will get grubby so simple and inexpensive is best. Options are below. You will get hot, sweaty and dirty on this Trek, so light-colored, breathable, cotton or linen fabrics will work best. Man-made fibers (polyester, rayon and fleece) are a fire hazard.  Your ward YW may choose to offer an opportunity to sew your own costume.  We feel that sewing your own clothes will create a more authentic trek experience.  And---if you make your trek clothes, you will be able to count it as a Value Project in either Divine Nature or Knowledge---BONUS!   You will need either an apron or possible bag.  Aprons may be easily constructed from a pillowcase (download instructions from link at top of this page).  You may have a spare pillowcase at home or you can get one from a thrift store for $1-$2. Look for one that only has one side seam, and a king pillowcase is best although any size will do.  If it has a contrasting border or ruffle---even better, as that can be the bottom of the apron. Apron's may also be sewn out of any cotton fabric.    Next, You will need an elastic waist skirt, or if you have some sewing experience and you are confidant doing a set-in sleeve---you can make your own DRESS (some pattern links can be found below).  The dress will require 4 to 4.5yds (if you are tall) of 45”wide fabric. The skirt will require 2.5 yds. Last, but not least you will need a bonnet.  That will take about ¾ of a yard (download bonnet pattern and sewing instructions from link at the top of this page) In obtaining your fabric, we would like to strongly encourage you all to “HONOR THE SPIRIT OF PIONEER FRUGALITY”! Remember, those pioneers did not have the opportunity to run to the fabric store---they used and re-used every scrap of fabric they could.  Look to the ladies in your family and neighborhood and see what you can get for FREE!  Or, see if you have some cotton tablecloths, cotton top sheets, or cotton drapes you might use.  (...think of the scene in Sound of Music with all the kids in their play-clothes made from the drapes of Maria’s!)  Try to stick with a small print, stripe or solid---and go for 100% cotton or mostly cotton.   After you have sewn your first set of clothes, you can scavenge around for an extra set if you want it, or sew some more. Most girls will wear the same skirt, and have an extra long sleeve blouse and maybe an extra apron.  For your blouses, you can go to the thrift store and get several blouses for much less than you make one night babysitting.  Look for long sleeves and again---go for cotton. Lastly---you will want 1 or 2 pairs of “bloomers”.  These are for modesty while turning cartwheels on the plains, but more important---they will protect your legs from bug bites.  Easiest idea is to take some cotton PJ bottoms or scrubs and add elastic to the bottom. See below for patterns and websites for purchasing costume, if desired.  Young Men 2 pairs long, loose fitting cotton pants, Dockers, corduroy, or khaki (no jeans, camo or cargo pants) 2 long-sleeved, loose fitting button-front shirts, Band collar style  is preferred, or Sunday shirt with collar cut off to create a band collar (plain or pin-striped).  Light colors recommended to reduce heat retention 1 pair suspenders, rope or belt modest sleepwear wide-brimmed hat, straw hat, felt hat (no baseball caps or army hats)

TIP #1 - SEW YOUR OWN COSTUME- PATTERNS LINKS & IDEAS FOR MODIFYING EXISTING ITEMS

These sewing patterns are available at many local fabric stores as well as at the links below. Possibilities are not confined to the patterns below, but this is a good place to start. Projects can be applicable to Personal Progress & Duty to God (see Personal Progress / Duty to God tab on this Blog)

McCall’s Pioneer Sewing Patterns:

Women's McCalls Dress Pattern M4548  

Women's McCalls Dress Pattern M9423 

Simplicity Pioneer Sewing Patterns:

Men’s Simplicity Outfit Pattern 2895 

Women's Simplicity Undergarment/bloomersPattern 2890   

The Historical Pattern Company:

Various men’s and women’s patterns are shown on this website.

Folkwear Patterns

TIP #2 - HUNT A THRIFT STORE FOR PIONEER-LOOKING CLOTHING

TIP #3- BORROW A COSTUME

Borrow from anyone who might have done a Trek previously. Very likely someone you know might have a costume stash somewhere.
Or raid your mom's closet for that old 1980's or 1990's button-down flower print dress with the lacy collar (you can take out the shoulder pads), or Dad's old Sunday shirts and pants.
Remember, your clothes will get sweaty, soiled and possibly ruined so do NOT borrow a nice costume that you must return in prime shape.

IDEAS FOR MODIFYING- GET CREATIVE:

Experienced sewers, and crafty Young Women, feel free to make your own patterns or modify existing items. Here are some ideas below. 

GREAT CLASS ACTIVITIES. Projects too can be applicable to Personal Progress / Duty to God 

• SKIRTS can be made from curtain window panels or cute bed sheets (think solids or small pattern, nothing too modern - be careful that the fabric is not too thin or transparent, use the curtain casing at the top (or create one) for a drawstring or elastic band, sewn up the side(s) and hem the bottom if necessary.
• APRONS can be made from a pillowcase!  Download the tutorial for making a Pioneer Apron from a pillowcase at the top of this page.

TIP #4 - APPLY YOUR EFFORTS IN ASSEMBLING A PIONEER OUTFIT TOWARD PERSONAL PROGRESS/ DUTY TO GOD

Many ideas above and more in preparing your pioneer clothing can be applied for Personal Progress/ Duty to God. Whether it is learning a skill, sewing a personal outfit, to helping another friend along, or organizing a group or class effort, much can be applied. Get creative! 

TIP #5 - WHERE TO PURCHASE A PIONEER COSTUME
When at all possible, make your own Pioneer clothing, or have someone help you make your Pioneer clothing.  The following links are places online where parts or all of a Pioneer costume can be purchased: 

Ebay.com Pioneer costumes for sale  

White Elegance Pioneer Costumesfor Men & Women  

Costumes 4 Less Pioneer Hat Bonnet   

Moon Costumes Pioneer Blue Bonnet  

PioneerTrekDesigns.com  Pioneer Ladies Clothing  

PioneerTrekDesigns.com  Pioneer Men's Clothing