Guest Post: A Few Thoughts On Clothing For TEOTWAWKI

Replacing clothing is not a subject I see mentioned much in survivalist sites. In the event we can’t go to Wal-Mart and pick up a new shirt or pair of pants here are a few things we can do to prepare.

Don’t throw out old clothes! Start a rag bag, tear out the large areas of fabric that are undamaged. Remove and keep all buttons and zippers that are in working condition. Save old sweatshirts as they are, the sleeves of a long sleeve sweatshirt can be made into mittens or socks in a pinch. The rest of the sweatshirt can be turned into warm wear for a child or infant. Start looking at clothing before you discard it and think about what other purpose it might have.

Set up a good sewing kit with plenty of sturdy thread and needles. Watch for closeouts on good, sturdy fabric and cotton flannel. Old clothes can be taken apart at the seams and used as patterns to make new ones. For the fashion conscious a few packets of dye stored away can turn your faded duds into a new fashion statement!

That rag bag can provide a new quilt, patches for clothes, even diapers for a new arrival (remember, life goes on, even in the hard times).

Here’s a great article on diapers: http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/tuttle113.html