2025 Frugal Living Challenge

Gem-gem

MrsCD said:

Lovely socks, @Gem-gem! Did you have a pattern for them? I've knitted quite a few pairs but never managed crochet ones successfully.

Yes, I got the pattern from Lottie and Albert website. Even though they had three sizes, I still adapted the pattern to fit my feet eg one less row on the foot section and heel section. Plus I did a whole row of 2tr tog which made the heel more rounded for me. She has a full box version where you get all the materials included or hard copy of a pattern plus video that you can follow. Or you can buy an online version.

I am very happy with the pair but I do wish that I could knit them as I know that they would be finer / more everyday. These will be great as either bed socks or boot socks or to wear around the house with a pair of slipper that you have plenty of room in. As they are 75% wool I am hoping that they will keep my feet warm when the temperature drops. 

@kimwp, I wonder how many times they pulled that trick off - getting people to buy their cakes thinking they were getting them for free

MrsCD

Thanks, @Gem-gem, they look really good!

Prudent

Those socks look so cosy @Gem-gem. It sounds like a good trip away.

Gem-gem

Good evening everyone, 
Today, I finally finished emptying my mother's bungalow. I had one last car full, which I will boot fair this weekend. I was pleased that we managed to give a couple of large pieces away to people that have supported my mother when she lived there independently. 

We got the house clearance in for the final large pieces. 

My house is now a little full again. I will gradually sort through the stuff that I have chosen to keep  over the next few months. We brought back loads of partially used /nearly empty cleaning materials, I have sorted through what Mum will need, they will go over to her tomorrow. The stuff we won't use I will sell.
Popped into a local second hand clothes shop, They sold a top of mine for £18. I received £9. 

I spotted a House of Bruar, 100% wool jacket for £25. They are normally between £200-£250 (it says online). I was pleased to see that it was made in England. I have been looking for a jacket to wear with a jumper and jeans. 

Viking_mfw

I have been turning a boatload of on-the-turn strawberries from Olio into hopefully enough jam for my kids for 6 months (they eat the creative flavours I make to use up olio fruit boxes but they really prefer the red stuff!). Conservatively £15 worth of jam for about 2.50 in sugar and some gas. Half as much still to do because I only have 2 jam pans! Was very surprised not to be able to get Certo in Toscos though - runnier but cheaper I suppose!

Gem-gem

Viking_mfw said:

I have been turning a boatload of on-the-turn strawberries from Olio into hopefully enough jam for my kids for 6 months (they eat the creative flavours I make to use up olio fruit boxes but they really prefer the red stuff!). Conservatively £15 worth of jam for about 2.50 in sugar and some gas. Half as much still to do because I only have 2 jam pans! Was very surprised not to be able to get Certo in Toscos though - runnier but cheaper I suppose!

Wow! That was a good haul. It is a good feeling when you see.all the jars of jam lined up. 

Cherryfudge

Viking_mfw said:

I have been turning a boatload of on-the-turn strawberries from Olio into hopefully enough jam for my kids for 6 months (they eat the creative flavours I make to use up olio fruit boxes but they really prefer the red stuff!). Conservatively £15 worth of jam for about 2.50 in sugar and some gas. Half as much still to do because I only have 2 jam pans! Was very surprised not to be able to get Certo in Toscos though - runnier but cheaper I suppose!

I got some in Sains... our T*sco doesn't even do M*made marmalade tins any more.

I bet your house smells wonderful after cooking so many strawberries.

Viking_mfw

Thanks @Gem-gem and @Cherryfudge. There is certainly a strong smell of strawberry permeating the kitchen!

Gem-gem

Good evening everyone, 
My final boot fair of the year. Luckily, the weather held out until I got home and unpacked. £42 profit made. Sold most things for 50p and £1.00. I'm just pleased to get the clutter out of my kitchen. 

Spent the rest of the day tidying, crocheting and cooking dinner. 

Dinner was left over lamb turned into a curry with rice. 

Hope everyone enjoys the extra hour in bed. 

DH managed to pick up some Nann bread for a third of the price. 

weenancyinAmerica

I had a Strawberry-shaped container of strawberry bath crystals that I kept on my living room end table because I loved the smell. When I was living in Utah, I had a number of people visiting including a young lady who was blind. She always said she loved being at my house as she could smell the strawberries.