Southern children who grow up with a healthy respect for their elders, particularly their mothers, are said to have been “raised right.” Across the south, most children (and their fathers) must have been “raised right,” because there is almost always a big to-do made about Mother’s Day. Even though new Easter clothes have just been bought, a slew of children will go shopping again for new Mother’s Day outfits; it is expected to make a good impression at church on that big day. Mom gets to sleep in (just a little) and breakfasts will be prepared and served by the children. We present our mothers and grandmothers with beautiful corsages. Often in my community, the tradition is to give carnations. It’s common to give Mother a red or pink one and to set a vase of white carnations upon the kitchen table for grandmothers or great-grandmothers who have passed away. In my family,we  presented corsages to Mother and Grandmother on Mother’s Day morning.

Some people say that being a mother is a thankless job and rightfully so, as some days it feels that way. But, there is nothing like the sight of your child with a homemade card and a flower to make it all feel worthwhile. (And, as they get older, a hug or a phone call will do, too.)

Our DIY Bloomers Gore Skirt from Alabama Studio Style and Corset from Alabama Stitch Book, paired with the Handmade Corsage (a beautiful addition to any of our tops), would be perfect for any Mother’s Day outing. From church, to restaurant, to walk in the park, you can make Mom happy. The corsage is a great project to do with children. It’s simple and you can use old t-shirts or fabric scraps that you have on-hand. Just follow the instructions for mums on page 135 in Alabama Stitch Book. Cut circles, strips or triangles, and sew and/or ruffle together in random ways to create your own mother’s day corsage. Think of it as refrigerator art that Mom (or Grandmother can wear).