Rediscovering My Mother's Dress: A Back To The Land Story

Living in the modern world filled with fast fashion and ever-changing trends, it's easy to forget the stories hidden within our closets. The clothes we wear often hold memories and connections to our past, opening a window into the lives of those who came before us. In my case, it was my mother's dress that took me on a captivating journey back to a time when simplicity and self-sufficiency were cherished. It was a dress that symbolized a movement known as "Back to the Land" in the 1970s.

For as long as I can remember, my mother had always spoken fondly about her youth and the years she spent fully immersed in the counterculture movement. As a child, her stories seemed like fragments of a dream, an era that was both before my time and yet still relevant today.

However, it wasn't until a year ago when I stumbled upon a dusty cardboard box in the attic that I truly began to understand the magnitude of her experiences. Tucked away in the corner of that box was a beautifully preserved dress, its vibrant colors and flowing fabric seemingly untouched by time. The moment I held it in my hands, I knew that this dress had a story to tell, a story that would bridge the gap between generations and unveil a part of my mother's past that had long been forgotten.

My Mother's Dress (Back to the Land)

by Laurie Elmquist(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	96 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	17 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The dress itself was a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Back to the Land movement. Made entirely from natural fibers, it exhibited a simple, yet elegant design that emphasized comfort and functionality. It was a garment intended for everyday wear, a stark contrast to the frivolous and disposable fashion of today.

As I carefully examined the dress, I noticed a small faded label sewn into the inside seam. It read, "Made with Love on a Sustainable Farm." My curiosity piqued, I delved deeper into the origins of this label and the movement it represented.

Back to the Land was a phenomenon that swept across the United States in the 1970s. Inspired by the desire to escape the fast-paced urban lifestyle, many young people sought solace in rural areas, where they established communes and sustainable farms. They aimed to embrace a simpler way of living, one that focused on self-sufficiency, organic farming, and communal living.

These individuals wanted to be more connected to nature, to distance themselves from the consumerist society that seemed unsustainable and disconnected from the Earth. By growing their own food, making their own clothing, and living in harmony with the land, they believed they could create a more meaningful existence that embraced the principles of sustainability and stewardship.

Through interviews with my mother and her friends from that time, I pieced together a vivid image of their lives on the farm and the impact it had on their personal growth. They wore their handmade dresses not only as a statement of self-expression but as a symbol of their commitment to a simpler, more mindful lifestyle.

Each dress they crafted was unique, reflecting their creative spirit and individuality. From vibrant floral patterns to warm earth tones, their dresses became both a canvas and a manifestation of their ideals. They would spend hours dyeing fabrics with natural plant extracts, experimenting with different patterns and techniques to create one-of-a-kind garments.

But it wasn't just about the fashion; their dresses held a deeper significance. They embodied the spirit of camaraderie and shared responsibility that permeated the commune. Women would come together in sewing circles, teaching each other new sewing techniques and exchanging stories. It was in these moments of connection and creativity that lifelong friendships were formed.

As I continued to research the Back to the Land movement, I discovered that it wasn't just a passing trend or a fashion statement; it was a way of life. The individuals who embraced this movement were pioneers of sustainability, advocating for a return to the roots of our existence. They believed in the power of community, self-sufficiency, and living in harmony with nature.

Today, as we navigate the challenges posed by climate change and overconsumption, the Back to the Land movement serves as a reminder of the importance of reconnecting with our roots. It urges us to take a step back from the chaos of modern life and consider the impact our choices have on the environment and future generations.

As for my mother's dress, it serves as a tangible link to the past, a memento of a transformative time in her life and a movement that left a lasting impression on society. Each time I hold the dress, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of those who dared to challenge the status quo and build a better future.

In a world where fashion is often associated with disposable trends and exploitative practices, my mother's dress stands as a symbol of sustainability and the power of conscious choices. It reminds me that our clothes can carry stories, memories, and meaning far beyond what meets the eye.

So, let us not forget the tales hidden within our closets. Let us treasure the garments that link us to our past and inspire us to create a better future. And may we always remember the Back to the Land movement and the individuals who dared to dream of a more connected and sustainable world.

My Mother's Dress (Back to the Land)

by Laurie Elmquist(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	96 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	17 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In this 9-page article, Laurie Elmquist, contributor to Country Roads, Memoirs from Rural Canada, recounts her mother’s first winter in the country and how she crocheted a dress, and not just any dress, but a brown wool dress -- a bear of a dress. This humorous memoir (5100 words) is inspired by the author’s experience of growing up in rural Ontario. As a child, she was part of the back-to-the-land movement of the 70s which drew her parents to a remote property on the Bruce Peninsula. The author currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia where she teaches writing at Camosun College and happily avoids winter snowstorms and anything woollen.