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. Clothing is cheap, sewing is not.

Sewing 201

Sewing Sewing Machines Machines Saving Money 201

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Take care of your wardrobe to keep it looking work and wear worthy. Learn to hem and patch and sew on buttons to repair minor issues with clothing. There have been countless times I have seen nearly new, decorator pieces being sold for pennies on the dollar at garage sales because the homeowner decided to re-decorate.

Making Do 219

Making Do Making Green And Frugal Friends And Family Sale 219

Family Balance Sheet

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

I keep it charged in my garage and I have now gotten into the habit of Swiffering (is that a word?) I didn’t bother sewing the squares to have neat edges, like I’ve seen on Pinterest. It’s working like a charm…if that is the right word to describe vacuuming. my floors on a daily to every other day basis.

DIY 100

DIY Thrifting Thrift Stores Vacuums 100

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Upholstery work is expensive and hard, but if you do tackle it yourself, you can save big bucks. 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. While working, I found that the previous upholsterer had taken the chair apart.

Sewing Machines 100

Sewing Machines Furniture Re-use Arm and Hammer 100

Family Balance Sheet

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

If so, give the gift of organizing a closet (or 2), kitchen cupboards, a basement, garage, etc. Are you a knitter, or crafter or do you know how to use a sewing machine? Give an afternoon (or two) of yard work. Give your Gift of Organization. Do your friends and family call you the most organized person EVER? Oil Change.

Christmas 130

Christmas Gifts Home and Garden Flowers and Gifts 130

Family Balance Sheet

JUNE 4, 2015

To many, working with a spouse would be too difficult, but our individual strengths and weaknesses complement each other and the arrangement has worked well. The building offered so much potential, but needed a lot of work and we set out to renovate our dream office. Unfortunately things changed rather quickly.

Goals 100

Goals Debt Renovation Daughter 100

Frugal Luxuries

OCTOBER 1, 2012

moving the sewing machine to the spare room (I hope to set up a separate area in there, once it's been thoroughly de-cluttered and reorganized).painting moving the sewing machine to the spare room (I hope to set up a separate area in there, once it's been thoroughly de-cluttered and reorganized).painting the carpet. the carpet.

Making 40

Making Home and Garden Craigslist Green And Frugal 40