Carolyn and Josh Thomas live on 40 acres in Idaho with their 11 children, where they grow, preserve, and prepare much of their family’s food right at home. After years of studying, experimenting, and plenty of trial and error, they built a more productive, old-fashioned way of life in the middle of a very modern world.

Today, the Homesteading Family shares what they’ve learned with people who want to grow their own food, preserve what they have, become more self-sufficient, and feel more connected to the land. Their approach is practical, thoughtful, and refreshingly down to earth.

Flannel has always made sense for working outside. Its brushed construction offers warmth, breathability, and durability, which comes in handy when an October day starts cold, warms up by noon, and gets chilly again before dinner.

Carolyn is a longtime Vermont Flannel wearer and (in her words) she loves it. She wears it all the time. We get it.

Reach for a lightweight flannel shirt on milder days, midweight or heavyweight flannel when temperatures drop, and flannel pants, hoodies, or blankets when it’s time to settle in. Good flannel works hard, feels better with time, and doesn’t need much introduction.

There’s plenty to love about October in Vermont. Something simmering on the stove. Apples on the counter. A little dirt under your nails. A drive with no particular destination. A good flannel that somehow seems to get better every time you wear it.

You don’t need a homestead to find your way back to simple things. Start with one small project, one day outside, one meal made from what’s in season—or just one really good flannel shirt.