My grandmother grew up poor on a farm in Arkansas, and there were hard times for my father's family growing up in San Antonio, Texas. The family was dysfunctional, and there wasn't much constructive skill nor craft shared. Instead, my father's credit was ruined before he turned 18, as my grandmother and grandfather opened new accounts when they couldn't afford to make payments on old accounts through the mid to late 60s. My mother's extended family had successful businesses in Michigan, but her mother and her father were spendthrifts and had other mental challenges. They were effectively disowned by the family. As a result, my siblings and I learned some poor habits as young folks from our parents. Overspending when times were fat to acquire that which we couldn't when times are lean was the modeled behavior. I understand the mentality, and I don't think it's an atypical response when you grow up in uncertainty. On top of that, I grew up in a commercial culture where everything is a commodity and is disposable. We are just a family of consumers, generally, trying to unlearn those habits.

Wherever there is a community or family mindset to "make do", and there is the will, focus, and reinforcement on making and craft, that seems like a far superior way to live. I hope there is a viable future for that in my country, even for those who are more well off.

I probably would have hated it if I grew up as a child knitting or sewing, but to me now, it seems so promising. I just need to master myself enough to make the time for more sewing practice. I'm happy to have acquired some ex-hire jackets and waistcoats. I'd say there has been some mixed success on that score in terms of fit and quality. But, I wonder if I can do more than just save some money on what others made. How cool is it that one can make something so unique and practical as a pair of kilt hose, or a nice suit jacket?