The year of thrift is nearly up...but not over!

So, our year of thrift is nearly up. But 

What started out as an experiment and has become a lifestyle. 

It's been so much more than the middle class image of thrift, it's a considering each purchase for its need and priorities.

No longer do we buy for the sake of it. We no longer do we treat ourselves with the excuse that we "work hard". 

Quite simply, if it's not needed, we DONT get it. 

As a family, we have instilled good spending habits in ourselves,

So, no longer do we go sales buying, no longer buying on a whim anddefinitely no impulse buying. 

We shop in budget supermarkets, getting good quality food but oh so much cheaper, we shop locally, engaging with the people we buy from at the local markets. 

Our spending habits have become more economic and we repurposed money more effectively. We spend with in the household income, living lightly.

Making savings are good but it's about stretching what we have to the best effect. We've been inventive, using freecycle, or posing the questions friends, for an old unwanted computer for example, When we needed a wardrobe, we swapped an unwanted desk for one.

This year has changed everything about us, how we live, how we spend.

Its a lifestyle now and one we'll continue. 

More importantly it's the impact it has had on us as a family and beyond, learing how to be thrift, living it in an effective way abd realizing the impact we had on those around us. 

Thrift isn't about being cheep or getting  things cheaply, it's about being effective with money and requirements, it's about being mindful. 

Life will never be the same again.

Christmas Thrift gift bags

I'm a thrifty girl, I love making something from of previously discarded things. 

When I unpacked the Christmas box last weekend, I can across small pieces of wrapping paper. 

These make super Christmas bags for teeny weeny but ever so important gifts..

Take a piece of paper of any size or dimensions and fold in half.

Cut along one side of the paper to create enough of a turn over.

Glue with pva or glue stick.

And fold pressing firmly.

Et voila! 

One gift bag made from scraps of wrapping paper, mad in next to no time and costs next to nothing. 

Happy Thrifty Christmas to you all

Festival of Thrift workshops

 It's that time of year again! 

Festival of Thrift time! I hope you will have the opportunity to travel to visit and enjoy. After it's success of last year, it's not to be missed. 

I was one of the workshops available last year and as well as bring there with in The Beehive, along with my fellow artists Jane Riley and Becky Sunter, we'll all be leading workshop there too. 

And I'm incredibly proud of my 16yr old son Reuben, who is also leading an accessory making workshop! 

You can now book the workshops for the 2nd annual http://www.festivalofthrift.co.uk/whats-on/ Of Thrift.  

Recycling an old dustbin into a planter

My husband bought me a delphinium, a foxglove and a Lupin plant. 

Needing a sizable pot to plant them in, my eye traveled to the now unused dust bin (we now use a wheely bin) and being a Thrifty Girl and a family doing our Year If Thrift, money saving was important. 

Plus, just imagine how many of us have these through out the county? 

So I put mine to good use!

1. Gather together plants you want to pot up 

2. Take your unused dust bin. Give it a wash out.

3. Measure how high you want your planter all the way around your bin. 

Make a hole with an awl or a screwdriver to allow the hand saw to cut at the desired hight.

4. Using a hand saw, cut as straight a line around the rim of the bin as you can. 

5. Add a good quality potting composts and your chosen plants. And voila, you have a cost free and recycled planter.

An Interview with John Orchard, a 'Festival of Thrifter'

 A few weeks ago I was asked if I would like to interview John Orchard 

( http://www.marchday.com/people/john-orchard/ ), a director of Marchday, the owners of Lingfield Point and co-founder of Festival of Thrift. 

So I thought long and hard about the questions, which ones would provoke great answers...and get in to the mind of a 'festival of thrifter'. 

Now I'll be honest, I don't agree 100% with every answer he gave, and that's the beauty of Thrift, we all do it in a way that suits us and our families. 

Hello John and thank you for your time to answer a few questions-

•How is thrift important in your life, and how does this influence your day to day living?

"Like most people I try not to be profligate. My Mum grew up during the war and her habits have influenced me."

•Have you seen a change in the consumer habits of your friends and family?

"I think people are moving away from mass production and mass consumerism. We’ve got chickens, we bake our bread and there’s lots of people doing that sort of thing again."

•How much impact has the recession had on the Interest in thrift? And do you think the Festival would have been so successful in a different economic climate?

"I think the recession has made Thrift a necessity for a lot of people but it's put it on everyone's agenda. At the same time the festival struck a chord with a younger generation who love stuff that's handmade, remade and unique."

•Do you think thrift is mainly focussing on past generations experiences or have we developed our own modern thrift culture?

"A lot of stuff that was commonplace to my Mum's generation has been lost to younger generations, things like knitting, making and cooking - so to lots of younger people all this stuff is new."

•What impact do you think the Festival of Thrift has had on the culture and perception of the North East/Darlington?

"It feels like an authentic home for the festival. Hopefully it’s another thing that will reinforce the region’s cool image."

•Do you think technology and our cultural hunger for 'new' will have an impact in how we approach thrift in the future? 

"I think society is pulling in two directions; those who want more and want it cheap and those who say ‘I have enough, this (rampant consumerism) can’t go on for ever’."

•How do you see thrift culture  shaping the future of Lingfield Point?

"It already has! We haven’t built a new building. All our spaces are created by recycling existing spaces."

•My family are experimenting with a 'Year of Thrift' for 2014, how do you think you and your family would approach a Year of Thrift and what impact would it have on your life?

"I’d be surrounded by unhappy children! (they’re a bit young to get the concept of Thrift.)"

------------------------------------------------

Working out of my studio on Lingfield point, I see everyday the innovatiion and enthusiasm that Marchday and John have injected into an industrial landscape and the lives of thoses who work there. 

Thrift culture for me can be looked at in the same way as recycling was 10/15 years ago.

 If we teach the new generation of children to be thrifty, by perhaps shopping local, thinking about each purchase and not shopping for the sake of just buying, by teaching them that small changes can have a huge impact over all and we can be the ones to change, it has to begin somewhere!....And it can begin with you! Thrift isn't about cheap or skrimping, I see it as value for money, local businesses and supporting sustainabilty.

If anyone else has their own opinions I would be so happy to hear, to stop the mass consumerism that our society adopted as a way of life.

The festival is back this year, bigger and better and I for one will be there, I can't wait! 

'Three Foxgloves' image-(June 2014)

Everything on this textiles image came from Lingfield Point-all the fabric from St Teresa's Hospice, silk fabrics from local business on site, fabrics donated...

And the three bees, well they are just for fun  

The inspiration is coming thick and fast at Bobbin Shed 21

As the weeks and months go on, the about of works I'm producing as growing with fast momentum. 

There is a real spark within me at the moment, partly due to the inspiration around me at my studio, Bobbin Shed 21.

With Becky Sunter, a very talented flat loom weaver.

And Jane Riley, an incredible tapestry weaver. 

Find out just how inspired we all are at 

http://bobbinshed21.weebly.com/the-artistmakers.html

Lingfield Point-Textile landscape

My personal work as an artist has be moving in leaps and bounds the last few weeks and months.

I've been able to make a vast amount of textile images. This is partly because I spend so much time at Lingfield Point, at my studio, so my inspiration has moved to the wonderful architecture and landscape of the environment where I spend so much of my time.

And as it happens the fabrics and textiles being used in the landscapes are all scourced from St Theresa's hospice also based at Lingfield Point! 

The finished items will be displayed at our studio, Bobbin Shed 21 and then at the Festival of Thrift, showing all the passion and enthusiasm I have for the Lingfield point skyline! 

   

Year of thrift bloopers & a successful weekly shop.

A week or so a go, my husband Karl was lured in to buying a large sack of potatoes...he looked at the 'bargain'

Sign and put his money down in the counter without thinking about the consiquences. 

When we opened the bag, what did we find but old potatoes that were past their best and suddenly a bargain became waste for the compost. 

They were soft, full of 'eyes' and most definitly unusable! Thus sometimes a thrifty bargain is not what it seems. He didn't really think that we are nearly out of potato season...and the reason the seller has them so cheep. 

On a plus note, this weeks shopping at the local indoor market was a huge success in the thrift stakes. We got all the  meat needed for the week and a wonderful stall, Jackson's, who's products are of such exellent quality (as are all the butchers in there!) 

We spent £14.54 on all the meat, and if we'd purchased it at a supermarket conglomerate, it would have cost £26.00+. 

Thrift isn't my only reason to shop local, as I own my own business, I understand the need for locals businesses to not only use but respect each other.  

For the love of (sock) knitting.

I adore knitting-if I'm not sewing, I'm knitting! 

I have been making many a pair of socks for all my family members and finally made my self a pair. 

They were knitted in 100g ball of Lang, Jawoll super wash sock yarn 

They are so snuggle! 

Year Of Thrift...still going strong!

I now Feel so comfortable about doing our year of thrift, it's second nature. 

I needed more fabrics for my students to practice their patchwork pieces on and my first instinct these days is to always always re-use, reclaim, recycle-so ventured to charity shops to find just what I needed. 

And I still love buying all my fruit, veg, meat and dairy groceries at the local indoor market. Not only is it a local treasure, but exellent value for money, great produce and always bought with a smile from the stall holders. 

And this week I am thinking of more ideas that I can add to the Festival of Thrift # SchoolOfThrift google page....thinking jams, a tutorial on Lavendar bags for wedding favors and stash stripping garments for maximum fabric!    

One more pallet planter idea

I now made three individual planters from a pallet to be mounted on outdoor walls.

Filled with a few plants and as a mini herb garden.

Bobbin Shed 21, our 'house' and Thrift.

We had a very special event on Saturday the 12th April. 

Our Open day and Exhibition-it took weeks of organization and planning. 

One thing we wanted to achieve was a 'set' of a house in miniature-Some where we could displey our own items made, that were perfect in anyones own home.

We decided to go with a 1950's theme and set about gathering items. 

I began by surching for furniture, wanting to be as thrifty as possible. I looked on many an auction site-eventually winning most items of furniture for just 99p and I didn't spend any more than £10.00.

Some of the items came from farm buildings that looked quite sad indeed, and now look brand new and extremely happy in their new home.

I was biding my time for a carpet to come up on Freecycle and when it did, it was brand new one! It fitted perfect in to the space and really set the scene.

We were keen to have all aspects of a house, so we made the bed from old palets and rugs that were made by Becky Sunter. 

Vintage China and glassed was sourced from charity shops and the only thing left to do was put it all together.

I can honestly say the entire set was beyond thrifty, not only very satisfying to create but, if I do say so my self, extremely stylish! 

Bobbin Shed 21 on Lingfield Point now has a wonderful show space, brought back to it's 1950's glory with a little of no money, but masses of passion! 

Easter planter from a Pallet

As you will know, I'm veto familiar with making some thing out of nothing & my latest project had me making a flower planter from two old and no longer wanted, old pallet. 

Take two unused pallets. Turn one it on its side to allow you to adding wood to the bottom of what will be the three planters.

You will need a few tools to help you like a saw, scissors, staple gun, nails and crow bar as all as a hammer. 

With the pallet that will be taken apart, leaver the strips of wood with the crow bar and hammer out the old nails. 

The fit in to place to form the bottoms of the planter inserts.

Once all the planters have been formed, you can add strong plastic to the planter holes, thus to keep as much soil in as possible.

Now fill with soil.

Add flowers and enjoy all summer long!

"Do you really need it"?

Thrift isn't about buying or finding a bargain-it's about choosing what you need for the price you are willing to pay and asking your self "do you really need it. 

For example the Next 2day sale...we have been brain washed into believing that we must que up at 5 am to 'bag a bargain!' But do you ever think, "do I really need that bargain?" Do you need that cheaper skirt? Probably not, but the clever tactics of the  conglomerates have is brain washed into thinking we are always needing more. 

Think of M&S, you take a bag of unwanted garments to them, you feel all warm and fuzzy and M&S give you a pat on the back, but what's really happening is, you are in the shop-once they have you in, you spend. 

If you were to take a bag of unwanted clothes to a charity shop, Hands up who drops them off at the back door and not go in or browse? 

Even if you didn't spend much in Marks & Spencer, bread in the food hall or a t-shirt, it's the getting you into the store that is the important thing. 

Psychology of shopping is fascinating. It's now big business, HUGE. 

We don't realize just when we are being duped, duped in the name if a bargain. 

A Year of Thrift and cooking at home.

When at the local indoor market this weekend, we bought our meat from the loveliest friendly butchers. They all have a wealth of knowledge and have now gotten to know as regular customers of theirs. 

This week we bought 1lb of Ox Tail for the very reasonable price of £2.00. The butcher seemed surprised when we asked for it. 

I'm guessing very few people cook with it these days but makes such a hearty and warming meal, it's well worth giving it a go. 

Everything we purchase from them is so much better quality than the Supermarkets and I feel a great sence of pride knowing I'm buying local meat from local butchers. 

And the best part, they have suggestions for money saving meal ideas! 

A Year Of Thrift & reusing, recycling & remaking with fabric.

So it's that time of year again where I'll begin to think of what I'm working towards for the Festival of Thrift, to be held again at Lingfield Point, Darlington in September. 

As you will have gathered, I love remaking something with fabrics with a remake, reuse, recycle attitude and firmly believe that one persons junk is another persons treasure! 

I decided to go through only some of my vintage duvet covers that will potentially be turned into Aprons for the Festival of Thrift. 

I was recently given a wonderful vintage 1950's tabard style apron that would have been worn for the most practical of tasks. 

I'll be cutting a new pattern off the vintage apron to create an apron that has a throw back to the overall aprons originally worn by the workers at the Patons and Baldwins site that was based at lingfield Point from 1940's-1980's. 

As a textiles artist I not Only find the garments fascinating but as my studio, Bobbin Shed 21 is on the Lingfield Point site, I'm passionate to make a sympathetic replica...watch this space!  

Year Of Thrift, Shopping Local....and CAKE!!

Everyone knows, #shoppingLocal is so important to me. 

On my way home on Thursday I popped in to a local sandwich shop called 'The Sandwich Shop' as I fancied some cake to go with a cup of coffee. 

Not only did I get super cakes but service with a smile too. This is precisely why my #Year of Thrift and Shopping Local such a pleasure. 

Not only am I sustaining a small local business rather than popping to a larger supermarket, I'm buying only what I want and need, I'm getting exellent produce and a sence of pride from helping the community.

If you are local up Darlington pop in a try some of their delicious goodies and if not, why not show them support by following them on Twitter. 

https://mobile.twitter.com/sandwichshopuk

Year of Thrift-You can even be thrifty in M&S!

Yes! You can even be thrifty in Marks & Spencer's.

I love the quality of M&S food but this year the cost out ways the need to buy it.

On a trip to purchase Sewing supplies this afternoon, we popped into M&S and decided to look at the reduced items. 

We need bread rolls anyway to accompany out Pulled Pork that we were having for our dinner and as they would have been the same price once reduce and in another shop, we were able to choose some. 

When you take the time to look and shop smart, you can buy your favorite foods but it take a little time and scheduling.

And my husband even purchased a dozen red roses for me, redeuced from £10.00-£2.50, Valentines day, just two days later! 

A Year of Thrift-shopping smart.

This week we have really shopped Smart. Spending vouchers we had for a book, buying meat in bulk and shopping for fabic that's needed for a curtain in a charity shop. 

We seceded to get the veggies at the local indoor market but as we had to buy the usual toilet rolls, washing up liquid etc we went to Aldi and purchase some of their fruit. I really believe in shopping local and saving small business but the last two weeks out citrus fruits went bad very quickly. All the rest of veg was super but felt it wasn't being thrifty to let food go off when a quick trip to Aldi was needed. I think thrifty is what ever you want it to be, if shopping at local markets isn't for you or you don't have a market in your town any more, the budget supermarkets are great. The same quality as the big supermarkets but half eye price and excellent (if not better) quality!

This weeks saving ment I could frequent my favorite charity shop where I got a vintage duvet cover to make some curtains for £1.00!, some lovely tin dishes for 50p, vintage table cloth for 50p and a book for £1.00! 

I also bought some knitted finger puppet in a book shop that 'needed' but bought them with a voucher that I was given. So all in all lots of lovely thing for not very much! 

This makes us a happy happy Family of #Thrift

Year of thrift and The veggie shop

Shopping this week at the local veggie shop, I noticed some shoppers appearing grumpy and the serving staff looking rushed. 

I felt determined to be happy to all I came across, if a smile in the direction of someone feeling stressed and confused helped them, it lifts my day too.

I think #Thrifty and  #ShopLocal is still so new to some and going back to basic, confusing that some people get stressed by it all. 

Being thrifty and #ShopLocal shouldn't be stressful for you. Maybe you haven't found your groove, maybe it's not quite working for you yet, but give it time & you will soon slip into a rhythm without even noticing it. 

The #YearOfThrift Rules

Realised this week I haven't added the Year of thrift Rules to the blog. 

My husband like to call them guidelines, I prefer to call them rules, I stick to them and perhaps is they were guidelines I might be tempted to cheat!

Rules

1. Be thrifty and enjoy it! (Coffee shops)carefully about every purchase.

2. DONT impulse buy-Bought in sales, second hand etc

3. Food bought locally from markets, farms and sustainable sources.

4. Learn new skills or trade our abilities 

5. Repair, reuse or recycle.  

6. New isn't bad, justify the longevity. 

7. Don't bulk buy-no stock piling or hoarding.

8. Give unneeded things to assist others thriftiness.

9.

10.

The reason why there are blank numbers is to encourage the 'experiment' to grow and continue. This isn't some thing new to us and I know we'll continue in the years to come.

Year of thrift-the Veggie shop

This week we went to a different independent veggie shop. I was astounded that all the veg, eggs and fruit for the week cost £4.80! 

If we'd bought it in a supermarket it world have cost £14.00 plus!! There's a saving of 60% just for heading to the highstreet, local business over an over crowded corporate brand. And the quality? AWESOME! 

Creative people are so friendly

A dear friend, Sharon made me a thread catcher bag this week. For some reason I've never had one and as a patchworker-they are a must! 

I've always said, all the best folk are kindly creatives!

The Girls-all machines need a name