I knew there was an artist in me somewhere. At last I am thrilled to say I have employed the sewing machine that intimidated me 5 years ago when I received it from a friend. I've always kept the goal to sew in my lifetime. So, in the picture are articles I recently refurbished with the help of my brother XL-3010.
L to R in photo:
sweater becomes wool longies; dresses become lined skirts; my t-shirt becomes Josie's; sweater becomes wool shorties; and lastly is a bib in progress from remnant fabric at Hobby Lobby. Oh, and I forgot to include Josie's apron with crayon pocket out of an old tank top. Fabric is my media!
I hope that my thrifty creativity will aid our endeavor to "use it up; wear it out; make it do, or do without."
Economic hard times have inspired us to use our resources wisely in other areas too:
We do cloth dipes and wipes.
We recycle and compost.
I have replaced paper towels and napkins with white dishcloths.
I've switched to reusable totes at the store.
The result is a downgrade in garbage service to a per-bag fee, decreasing our waste cost by 50%.
I choose soaking rather than rinsing dishes before I load the dishwasher.
Lastly, I turn off the water while brushing my teeth (this one really hurt).
Got any more practical ideas, blog readers?
L to R in photo:
sweater becomes wool longies; dresses become lined skirts; my t-shirt becomes Josie's; sweater becomes wool shorties; and lastly is a bib in progress from remnant fabric at Hobby Lobby. Oh, and I forgot to include Josie's apron with crayon pocket out of an old tank top. Fabric is my media!
I hope that my thrifty creativity will aid our endeavor to "use it up; wear it out; make it do, or do without."
Economic hard times have inspired us to use our resources wisely in other areas too:
We do cloth dipes and wipes.
We recycle and compost.
I have replaced paper towels and napkins with white dishcloths.
I've switched to reusable totes at the store.
The result is a downgrade in garbage service to a per-bag fee, decreasing our waste cost by 50%.
I choose soaking rather than rinsing dishes before I load the dishwasher.
Lastly, I turn off the water while brushing my teeth (this one really hurt).
Got any more practical ideas, blog readers?
5 comments:
Ooh--I love the sweaters into pants! I'm totally copying that one. Ummm . . . for my ideas . . . make everything from scratch: healthier and tastier and usually cheaper!
We don't buy garbage sacks either--we use our grocery sacks. And we don't have (gasp!) cell phones--we save at LEAST $360 per year that way, plus it's nice to be available when we're home, and unavaliable when we're not home.
Becca, thanks for your ideas. Currently we have only cell phones, but I will look into that. It actually would be nice to not be available sometimes. We've already saved for years by not having tv either! I'm with you on the healthier, tastier, cheaper kick. I love being a homemaker!
i'm so impressed! you are definately from the natural state.
So I ran across a blog that has tons of neat things... http://www.icantremember.org There was lots of different ideas and tips. Just take the time to read the older posts... I LOVE the "Grow-a-notes" http://www.greenfieldpaper.com I will have to try to get some for my VT mailings!
Ok ... Here is the link .. I don't think the last one will work! http://www.icantremember.org/familyhome/2008/12/
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