Make do, Mend and Minimise in 2015

meames_2

Thanks mothernerd, I couldn't see how I could sew it without there being two seams.

I have to confess I fudged it on my prototype so the join between the waistband and the top of the skirt became the top edge of the waistband. This resulted in a very very short skirt. Luckily I was testing on an old sheet so I can always unpick it and rescue my elastic.

meritaten

Neames - if you think of the waistband like a giant bit of bias binding and machine sew right sides together, matching any seams. then the rest of it can then be folded down and pressed in place.
I too hand stitch the inner part, leaving quite a big gap (2 to 3 inches) for threading the elastic through. This pays dividends later when you are stitching the ends of the elastic together and trying to get it back in the casing! then hand stitch the gap.

HOWMUCH

Hello everyone, I've offered to knit DGS a snood he starts nursey on Thursday it will match a cardi and hat I'd already knitted and just had enough wool left. Went shopping and got quite abit of YS items Clementines down to 24p(x2) Warburton loaf down to 24p Hot cross buns down to 39p( x2 one lot went into the freezer) Iced Fancies down to 39p Cheese n Onion pasties 4 pkt down to £1.34 so will do 2 meals. I also got the 300g Nescafe for £4 (x2) and Cadburys drinking choc £1.49 half price (x4) .
Bought a dungaree pattern to make DGS some cotton ones for summer of ebay.
I am going to keep a record of all my spending this year, so I know where my money is going.

Bobarella

jk0 wrote: »

Oh, crikey, you're so right about that. I have three computers of various vintages in my house. (Four if you count the new one in a box as a reserve. )

Each one has the original box together with backup discs, software, and other spare bits & bobs.

Now, I'm sure you're all wondering why I have three computers. They date from 1996, 2000 and 2007. I have been forced by broadband & browser specs to update twice.

Microsoft have been very clever in making sure that my old software & hardware won't work on my newer machines. Thus, if I was to try to only run one machine, I would have to buy all new software & hardware.

I don't know where this problem will end.

I have just sold 2 laptops to music magpie. One was from 2007 and one 2012. I only got £35 but for the joy of seeing the back of them but knowing they've been disposed of sensibly it is worth it.

Mrs_Cheshire

Hi all, just caught up with the chat, Some great interesting points made. I'm going to check out the blogs you've all mentioned when I get some spare time. Essay to complete tomorrow.

cheerfulness4

You did well with the bargains today HOWMUCH. :T

I find repairs almost therapeutic to do. I'm really enjoying this pin cushion dog, even if I'm really slow. No point rushing these things. I want to get some pleasure from this make do and mending year, not make it a hardship.

I agree with you GreyQ about having the ability to repairs zips has a big impact over time. My mum has repaired jeans and suit zips for DH and my DS x2. She's saved us a fortune.
Its time for me to learn these skills myself now as she's in here 80's and can't do them for us forever. I have done them its jus easier to trust her sewing over mine. :o

Yet another NSD today. :j:j:T

Added my £3 to my purse as usual.
DAY 11
NSD #6
Money Spent Today - £0 Vouchers Spent - £0
Money Spent in Total - £25.85 Vouchers Spent in Total - £5
Money left in purse - £7.15 - Float left- £0/£15
Jan non-foods left- £11.09/£15


Roasted a YS chicken that I'd pulled from freezer stocks last night and that will make chicken supreme tomorrow. I've also defrosted some YS Raisin & cinnamon muffins for breakfast tomorrow.

Think I'll only need milk tomorrow and some Oven Pride if I can get any. (Morries had run out Friday) Doesn't anyone know anywhere that sells it cheaper than £3.99?

JIL

The pound shop do their own version of oven pride and I am sure I got my last one from b an m bargains and I don't believe I paid more than £2.50 for it.

cheerfulness4

In that case Jil I'll keep my purse shut until I've checked those out. Thanks!

good_advice

Good morning make do and mend bloggers.
I do such a lot of make do but nothing I can think of to mend

Making do this morning I washed the dishes with a micro fibre cloth and air dried the dishes. I use a micro fibre tea towel to dry the knifes and forks, spoons.
Both clothes are reusable and go in the washing machine.
Love micro fibre towels too! They dry so quick on the line.

Put the washing machine on. I use Arial gel and as I have no fabric conditioner have been using a capful of white viniger in the drawer.
Can I ask? how much white viniger should I be using? x1 cap of the white viniger bottle seems a very small amount.

The washing will be going on the line as usual. My neighbours talk about how my washing is often on the line. I remind them of the electric saving on using a tumble dryer.

Talking electric = I have switched of so many lights and opened curtaind this morning. Family getting up. I can see the point of curtains closed wile getting dressed but not other lights on.

A faverote hobby of mine is making do with less electric. Tariff surfing to be on the cheapest Scotish Power tariff.
I have had a new fuel bill and read that carefully.
Delighted to have shaved £12 off the years estimated bill in the last x2 months. Not easy to do when a low user family to start with.
I think the x3 highest electric items we have are the Kettle, oven and iron. Less anyone can say different?

Off for a walk around town soon. I want to buy a birthday card. ok could make one but I am buying it.
Going into Iceland for a food shop and using my few Love to shop vouchers. Home delivery for FREE.

Have a thrifty day and try and say someing nice, pass on a smile.:)

cheerfulness4

Good Advice, I just keep hearing 'a capful of vinegar' so sounds like you are doing as the others. I guess experiment until you feel it makes a noticable difference to your laundry.

According to Thompson & Morgan there's a fair few things that can be done now to getthe growing year begun. I'm determined not to spend copious amounts of money at the garden centre this year.
A few years back I set myself the challenge of spending none other than compost. I grew everything from seed or cuttings. It truly was the best year ever for my huge garden I had back then.
With my little pocket size garden now I should be able to do wonders if I prepare early and plan it carefully.
Off to plan and plot my 2015 garden. Its going to be the best ever!!