Make Do and Mend

geordie_joe

Reverbe wrote: »

I often think if the Govt really are serious about being green etc as the way forward they should bring in something that makes companies build things to last like they used to. Now they build them deliberately to break down in a coupla years etc so you have to buy a new one.

Unfortunately if they made things to last they would soon be out of a job. It's the repeat custom that keeps business in business.

If cars lasted 50 years there would be less scrap cars around, but there would also be a lot of out of work car workers.

If your washing machine never broke down there would be a lot of repair men out of work.

It's a combination of things made NOT to last, and things continually "improving" that keeps us buying the same things over and over again.

We get rid of things like cars, TVs, Washing machines etc, just because the newer models are better.

How many people buy new phones because the one they have doesn't have as many features as the latest model?

geordie_joe

ceridwen wrote: »

I quite agree that things need to be made to last - though I guess its more a case of firms themselves making the decision to make durable goods - rather than the Government making them do so (I may be wrong on that - and possibly there is some sorta pressure the Govt could put on them to do "the right thing").

That reminds me, two or three years ago I was watching a documentary. Can't remember what it was now, but during it they mentioned that there was a law (or rule of some type) that said manufacturers of household appliances had to continue making spare parts for the appliance for 7 years after they had stopped making the appliance.

This may explain why they change the models so often. Seven years after they stop making that particular model they don't have to supply spare parts for it, forcing you to buy a new appliance.

Unless you are smart enough to know the parts for the latest model will still fit your appliance, they just won't say so on the packaging.

Aril

Our latest make do and mend projects are how to sort out OH's old bike paniers from 1840:D to fit his new [well new to him courtesy of a local bike recycling scheme] mountain bike and the planing of a mahogany window sill he's been given into planks and from which he will make me some pieces of dollshouse furniture [hopefully]. My next project is to get my hands on some suitable light weight fabric [hopefully via freecycle] from which I can make bags to use for buying fruit and veg from the supermarket- an idea that I've seen on Rhonda Jean's fabulous blog.
Aril

ceridwen

geordie_joe wrote: »

How many people buy new phones because the one they have doesn't have as many features as the latest model?

Errr....you could say me I guess....when my mobile wore out on me I tried to buy a new battery for it and was told twas impossible. So - it woulda been me standing there at the counter going "I dont want to buy a new one - but, since I have to, can I have the cheapest/simplest one you have please". So - its very very basic as mobiles go - and a lot simpler than the basic one it replaced.

ceridwen

geordie_joe wrote: »

That reminds me, two or three years ago I was watching a documentary. Can't remember what it was now, but during it they mentioned that there was a law (or rule of some type) that said manufacturers of household appliances had to continue making spare parts for the appliance for 7 years after they had stopped making the appliance.

This may explain why they change the models so often. Seven years after they stop making that particular model they don't have to supply spare parts for it, forcing you to buy a new appliance.

Unless you are smart enough to know the parts for the latest model will still fit your appliance, they just won't say so on the packaging.

Hmmm...could be some "job opportunities" here maybe? As in - people who know whats what re repairing old machinery and can figure out what new bits can be adapted to do for an old appliance - sorta handyman Steptoe and Son figures...:D

Patchwork_Quilt

Well, I'd like some brownie points please. It's a lovely sunny day here, although the wind is a bit fresh, just the kind of day you should hang your washing out. If you have a line.

Unfortunately, we left our whirlygig for the lady who bought our last house and my DH is working so hard (with my DS) at laying laminate floor that there was no chance of just popping to Argos and buying something for him to concrete into the garden like we did before.

However, I found a bit of old washing line in the garden and it just stretched from the old hook in the wall to the nearest tree. I know it didn't used to go that far because we're burning the tree they used to attach it to. Then, I made myself a couple of props with the trunk from a small tree that was just laying about at the bottom of the garden (yes, it's a mess) and used DH's saw to customise another long bit of wood that I found in the bottom of the hedge. I think it did used to be a prop once.

Anyway, I've now got two loads on the line outside. It's a bit Heath Robinson but it's working and it cost nothing.

geordie_joe

ceridwen wrote: »

Errr....you could say me I guess....when my mobile wore out on me I tried to buy a new battery for it and was told twas impossible. So - it woulda been me standing there at the counter going "I dont want to buy a new one - but, since I have to, can I have the cheapest/simplest one you have please". So - its very very basic as mobiles go - and a lot simpler than the basic one it replaced.

No, you bought a new phone because you could not get a new battery for your old one. That was my point, they bring out new models and stop producing the spares for the old one, so forcing us to buy a new one.

SmoSmo

:eek: Hi all I am not sure if this is the right area to post this if it is in the wrong place sorry in advance. Finally saved up enough to get leather couch 3 months ago and came home yesterday to discover the cat had scratched all of one arm and ripped the soft leather!!!!! I was wondering if anyone had any advise as to how i could hide it (was thinking polish?) or repair it as I dont have the money to get it repaired at the shop and my insurance doesn't cover mental cats apparently!

Thanks for any help peeps give.

Patchwork_Quilt

If the leather is not ripped right through then it is possible to get coloured leather polishes. You should have a little strip of leather on the seat under the cushions and it may be a good idea to test them on this first.

Aril

Just a quick update. My cloakroom blind has totally had it but I'm going to try and make a new one from a cream duvet cover [was my sister's but doesn't fit our quilt] and then overlay it with a gorgeous piece of sari fabric that I bought on a whim years ago and then didn't know what to do with it. It'll be great if it works as it'll have cost nowt as it's a tab top one and I shall use the dowel from the old one.
Here's hoping!!
Aril