Make do, Mend and Minimise in 2015

StressedSteph

Hi

Fab thread.

I have followed this Australian woman for years and she is a great OS inspiration.

http://down---to---earth.blogspot.co.uk/

She makes her own soap, washing detergent, knits, and generally alot of make-do-and-mend style things.

I must admit to starting off 2014 very OS and I got great satisfaction from patching up my knee on my gardening jeans with pretty flowery patches . Felt good.

Keep it up, I will subscribe here and hopefully we can keep each other inspired to make do and mend. Even just to take a few minutes to see if we can repair/fix or even do without things that break or wear out during the year, before spending the money.

xxxx

empy

Ooh stressed steph, love that blog I too have followed Rhonda for years, do you use the forums? I've very much enjoyed reading her posts but ashamedly not put any of her brilliant advice in to action this year is going to be different, so, so different

StressedSteph

empy wrote: »

Ooh stressed steph, love that blog I too have followed Rhonda for years, do you use the forums? I've very much enjoyed reading her posts but ashamedly not put any of her brilliant advice in to action this year is going to be different, so, so different

Hi empy

So glad someone else has enjoyed Rhonda's wonderful blog.
Haven't really used the forum apart from the occasional browse, i must look at it some more.

I can vouch for her soap and green household cleaners range of recipes. They were great. I have even knitted the wash cloths she talks about which were great.

Definitely worth a read from anyone aspiring for a Old Style lifestyle xx

cheerfulness4

How lovely to see I'll have company!
I'm so glad others feel the same way and we can do this together. (with help from youtube by the looks of things. )

fuddle wrote: »

I have realised that I don't need half as much as I thought and that I actually like less is more and really appreciate the good pieces I have.

Now when those pieces start to wear or something happens I would like to learn further OS tips and tricks for prolonging their lives. I have basic knowledge but I'm keen to develop my knowledge of patch making, felting, proper darning methods etc.

I am tired of easy come, easy go and accumulating. Long may this thread continue.

That's exactly where I'm at. You put that perfectly, fuddle.

I think after losing so much, our home, work, money etc it taught us to really appreciate things so much more. I also think I'll feel quite proud to master some of the old skills properly.

I can really empathise with those working themselves into the ground for their families and feeling the effects on their health. DH was certainly in that category. I feel for you mumto2, I really do.

I'm guessing the DPNS means double pointed needles, prinzess. They are on my list to master as are circular needles that I'm eyeing suspiciously in my knitting bag. I don't quite get them but I've patterns lined up that need them. I've got to stop being cowardly and learn the art!

Each post has rung and bell with me. I'm sat here nodding away as I'm reading. I'd love to comment more but this apron won't get made if I do.

First dilemma. Can't locate the big cream curtains with pink rosebuds and my yellow roses material Is in pieces. (keyboard playing up so ignore capitals when it acts up on me! Mending a lappy is way up there on my list of 'to learn skills!' )

I forgot mum made me a knitting bag out of part of the curtain but there are enough scraps to make an apron if a take apart one DH bought me and copy how they made it in pieces . Hands shaking. Should I get out the stitch ripper and what if I can't get it back together again. OOOH decisions. I wish I was one of those confident types. If DH was here he'd say get on with it. He trusts I can do anything. Love is blind!

BTW meal planned for today, Cauli cheese, to use up veg that has been lurking and reduced cheese from Tesco.
I've got to also find time to run up some scones from a packet mix (yes I know) as I have clotted cream left in the fridge that needs using.
When DH gets in tonight that will be a lovely treat for him. He works in a home for adults with autism, loves it completely but he takes a beating some days so I like to spoil him when he gets in and listen with a cuppa and something nice.

cheerfulness4

Thanks for that link Stressedsteph. I used to read Rhondas blogs and completely forgot about it once my other lappy died and I lost all my favourites.


Didn't realise she had forums on there. Must have a gander later but not now. The apron will be made today and decided to bit the bullet and get that stitch ripper out. Eeek.

savingqueen

Hello everyone

just the sort of thread for me! Thanks OP. I have a sewing machine that's barely used and I want to start knitting again (only learnt the basics as a teen and not done any since early 20s, a couple of decades ago!) I started baking our bread a couple of years back and haven't managed to keep that up. There are other skills I would like to learn or improve too. My first task however is to completely clear a massive pile of handsewing - basic repairs and hemming mainly. Boys need next school trousers hemming for new term and DS10 needs next size jeans and PJs hemming so they are first on the list.

DH and I had a talk recently and decided to cut back spending further where we can as we have house repairs that we really need to save up. I am aiming to have the best life we can on the minimum money. I have been dehoarding and using up since 2014 and before then so that is helping with both space, organisation and saving money. I was thinking of joining some of the challenges too as I need to stay motivated, not sure which ones yet.

jem132

Hi I would also love to join in .
Make do and mend all the way for us , this year if we want nice things we need to save .
Food is the big waste in our house I don't eat much . Kids don't like what dh make and I don't really either 99% of the time he's a throw it all in one pan man . I think it looks like sick so won't eat like that .
So need to get back to doing all my own cooking again .
I need to be getting my allotment in order it's currently looking like a dumping ground of wood . I have things down there I need at home lol . I am going to work my !!!! off to make it work .

SuzieTheCat

Lovely thread! I know basic knitting, I can cast on/off purl and knit but anything beyond that is a mystery. I have collected so much wool over the past years that is spilling out of a huge tub in our bedroom and I don't really know what to do with it. I have started knitting some squares and I am thinking of making a blanket. Probably more for charity than ourselves as we don't really need another blanket. I would love to make other things though other than squares.
I also have various other craft bits. I'd be really interested in learning darning and mending! I have been looking at this bored for about 4 months now and dreaming of an OS life. I grew up in a throw away society and I really would like to make 2015 different from all the rest.
Something I also dream of doing is making my own dresses, I like looking at vintage patterns on ebay! Although I have never actually made any item from a pattern, and my only experience of a sewing machine was the nightmare of trying to thread the flaming thing in school!

Prinzessilein

Suzie....If you can knit a square....you can knit a rectangle!....when it is as big as you want, cast off as normal...fold the knitted rectangle in half and sew up the two long sides...hey presto a bag!....all you need is a handle....crochet one, or knit one...or I plait mine!


I make these for Operation Christmas Child...they have quite a few 'beginners patterns'. ...they look really pretty if you can manage to knit two colours at once. (Just like it sounds...use two contrasting colours - knit just like you do 'normally' but using two balls of wool not one ...so wind both colours round the needle et.c....it is quick to pick up honestly!)

SuzieTheCat

Thank you for that Prinzessilein! I have made a few squares for KAS (Knit a Square Charity) although none have been sent off yet.

Some lovely knitting patterns for Operation Christmas Child on this pinterest page I just found including those little bags you mentioned!
Also those puppets don't look too difficult..

http://www.pinterest.com/occuk/occ-knitting-patterns/