Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 3, 2013

Learning to sew takes time and equipment. A super short history of sewing. In many parts of the US, people learned to sew as part of their life skills – from parents or family or schools. Although Mom didn’t sew much (she did mend), she made sure I took Home Ec in high school. Why learn to sew?

Sewing 201

Sewing Sewing Machines Machines Saving Money 201

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

We do put up decorations (ones I buy at garage sales or thrift stores and reuse each year). Bring in your slightly used, but in good shape costume and pick one from those others brought in – as a swap. Encourage your child to use their imaginations to come up with a costume out of materials on hand at home.

Halloween 138

Halloween Green Reuse Garage 138

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Have you heard the old saying: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”? We were poor, Mom and Dad lived every day showing us what it meant to ‘make it do’ and we often ‘did without’ Here are my thoughts on frugal ways to make things do. Buy good clothing, used. Use up your food.

Making Do 219

Making Do Making Green And Frugal Friends And Family Sale 219

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

FEBRUARY 27, 2017

First I looked online to see what the average cost of re-upholstery services were. Along the way, on one of my garage sale shopping expeditions, I stumbled across a matched pair of wing backs (non-reclining) for $20 each. I also sanded down the wood parts and re-stained and lacquered them while the chair was bare.

Sewing Machines 100

Sewing Machines Furniture Re-use Arm and Hammer 100