Make Do, Mend & Minimise in 2025 (and 2024)

Florafauna

I have minimised some of the Xmas leftovers into a curried parsnip and cauliflower soup. Also minimised my bank balance at a New Year family meal but was planned in and budgeting. It was a lovely day out and we saw some rare Bohemian Waxwings which was just joyful

suzeesu2000

My first Make Do today. Kitty making awful mess with his foods on my rug, instead of buying a mat, I made one. Won’t win any prizes but cost nothing and does the job. Piece of thick card from a box, black marker and covered in sticky back plastic from my stash. 

.

Minmog

I'd like to join this thread too! I have been inspired recently to 'shop' my own wardrobe and have managed to alter and mend a couple of items already 👍
Also tried making a few smaller gifts for Xmas (teachers gifts, secret Santa gifts etc) which were all received well. I do find it all takes a bit of forethought and time, so it will be good to have this thread to keep me inspired and read others ideas ☺️

nannygladys

I booked a skirt, blouse and jumper from a CS months ago, the jumper and blouse are fine but the skirt is mid calf length so it needs shortening, so as soon as I feel up to it that will be my first mend. Still doing a couple of rows knitting and it's going well ( I have arthritis in my wrists so have to take it slow) I have seen a thick jacket/,cardigan I'd like to do for next winter as well, but will have to see if I can find the wool for it.
The main bulk of alterations/ make do for me come from eldest DD, either dog beds or alterations to jeans and the kiddies clothes. I don't seem to make clothes or quilts anymore, although I have one to finish!!!

-taff

YorksLass said:

suzeesu2000 said:

If you can, watch some YouTube videos on crochet. Watching is easier than reading and you can progress at your own pace

Thanks, I've tried that but still can't get it!     Maybe I'm just not meant to crochet!

I recommend Bella Coco, easy to follow and does left anf right handed.

mandy47

First mend of the new year. The cover on my garden furniture ripped with the high winds we've had here so I've taped it with duck tape. Hopefully will last a while. I repaired the Guttering on my garage with it 3 years ago and that's still holding. 

YorksLass

Thanks all for the teach yourself crochet recommendations - I'll give it another try.

@flamingo747 - Here's the sweet & sour sauce recipe (it was very nice indeed).  This serves 3-4 people and any leftover can be frozen.

1 large tin pineapple pieces in natural juice
1 tablespoon white vinegar (I used white wine vinegar 'cos that what I had in the cupboard)
2 teaspoons brown sugar (I'd used all mine so just used white granulated)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon minced or grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornflour

1. Combine the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ginger and ketchup in a pan.
2. Mix 3 tablespoons pineapple juice with the cornflour, add to the pan and stir until smooth.
3. Add the remainder of the juice, stir over a low heat until thickened.
4. Add as many pieces of pineapple as desired or reserve them for something else.

Florafauna

Minimised some more food leftovers into big crust less quiche which will feed me over thee next few days
Have also minimised my weight by 1kg, half off my Xmas weight gain

flamingo747

Thank you YL

flamingo747

Mended: The closure for my important paperwork folder that wouldn't stay shut
Made: cut up with pinking shears some fabric rectangles for Xmas wrapping before the boxes go up in the loft again