A list of things I think it’s important to know how to make or do

It would be great if I could say that I grow almost all of my vegetables, that I can and preserve them to last through the winter and I have thrifted or made most of my from scrap woods (I drool over well made barn door tables), but I am still young and live in a flat. Still, I try to cut down on consumption in any way I can: to save money, save resources, or just stretch my skills to prove I can make something!

With straight hair, giving a haircut is fairly simple. I borrowed “Cutting Your Family’s Hair” from the library and it taught me a lot. The local library is great because if we want a book we can just request that they buy it and they usually do! I actually think of the library up the road as an extension of my bookshelf- most books only get read two times at most and if I really want it, I can just wait for it to be checked back in.

Here are the skills and projects that I have been working to achieve:

Sewing - I would like to be able to make everything I wear. I can find some great things at the charity shops but want the skills of creating from scratch as well.

Pants/Trousers -Especially for dress-casual or office wear. Black and grey suiting and cordoroy! I’d also like to figure out how to alter a pair of ill-fitting ones (like the sometimes gorgeous pairs I find at the charity shop).

Underwear/Pants- once my long-living supply begins to wear.

Singlets/supportive camisoles- no hope finding decent ones in charity shops but I still have a supply.

Button shirt with collar. Long or short sleeves, preferably both.

Camera-, computer-, gadget protecting bags.

Things for around the house, usually improvised. Like cloth napkins (just hem the edges of a fabric rectangle!), remote control holders, patchwork blankets, and pot-holders/oven mitts.

I have a massive stash of fabric that needs to be made into clothing and gifts.

Food

Eventually, I would like to be able to make all the ‘basics’ and all the convenience foods that don’t taste exactly right (or exist) where I’m living.

Bread – I’ve made challah a few times and am looking for the perfect recipe. A sourdough starter lives in my fridge and feeds me weekly.

Yogurt- still working to perfect it. I’m desperate to figure this out and keep it going since it is actually impossible to purchase active yogurt in a recyclable- or even reusable container!

Kimchi- Finally got it perfect on the third try. Here’s a look at my first attempt and the one that was just right!

Tofu- looking into sourcing the soybeans although I haven’t actually eaten this in a very long time.

To satisfy cravings: spicy brown mustard, kosher dill pickles, cheez-its, hard pretzels (I’ve got the soft pretzels all covered!), and the list goes on!

I have a three week menu rotation which reminds me when to soak beans for the following day, etcetera, and this saves money on impulse purchases of tinned beans.

Snacks: I love using leftovers to create muffins- from crunched up cereal to left over jam, it all goes into the muffins! I’ve also started making chex mix, with other left-overs. I’m looking in to expanding my healthy snack repertoire- low waste and delicious are the criteria! Popcorn is always my favourite but I occassionaly purchase junk food (in horrible packaging!).

Crochet, where I’m most versatile

Round-neck cardigans/sweaters. I’ve already got the hang of v-necks, but think the rounds make a good addition.

Socks- these would be a pure luxury since I often receive socks as gifts and don’t wear them for almost three seasons with crocs.

Things for the house, like wash-cloths, soap scrubbies, blankets, hand towels, and rugs. Rugs are great to use up old rags and add floor insulation (and colour!). Here are two (jean and other materials) rugs my ex and I made together.

Accessories to keep warm. I’m pretty good at hats and scarves and have made mittens in the past. Still, since I used a very thick yarn for the mittens, I had to write down what I did at each move. I need to figure out the perfect size, fit, etc for more standardized yarn, like DK and Aran weights.

Like fabric, my yarn stash is out of control and should form the basis of gift giving for a while.

Knitting

Sweater vest- I have been working on this (simple) pattern for over a year but knit so slowly that I get bored. I’ve started and completed countless knitting projects since this one began and I realise that I don’t like working a flat piece in stockinette stitch.

Socks- (see above note under crochet) I want to knit socks in order to make pure wool ones like Eddie Bauer used to sell before they started adding cotton to their “rag wool” hiking socks. My first pair were for regular use and are here.