Depression Era Challenge - Week 2 & 3 & 4

 Well, I am running a bit behind in documenting things, so let's jump back in and get caught up!!!

The theme of week 2 was Basic Skills/DIY. I have been learning how to sew. I kind of know the basics, but have never made anything from a pattern since high school. Proud to say, I have finished my first dress! My mother is an amazing seamstress, and was very patient in guiding me. I used the Dottie Angel Simplicity pattern, about 10 years too late to that trend but oh well! 

I am going to make 2 more under her guidance, I already have the next fabric ready to go. I LOVE this dress. It was relatively easy to sew and I love the look.

Week 3 was finances. We were challenged to create a create a piggy bank to tuck money into. I am using a nice tin from steel cut oats. I need to get back on my budget train. I've been trying to record what I spend each day and see at the end of the month what everything breaks down to. I lost my debit card recently so oh boy is that keeping me from spending anything. Or paying bills. Yikes. New one is coming eventually I guess. 

Week 4 was Garden! I have a fairly big garden for veggies and a smaller one for herbs. We are expanding both by a foot on all sides this year. I also have a small orchard that I have started and several berry bushes and fruit trees tucked around. I started my seedlings this month and they are rowing nicely. A lot of peppers, two kinds of tomatoes, job's tears, hibiscus, and some korean mint. Most things I'll start outside when the ground warms a bit. One of my friends is doing a neat project that I am helping with, tracking soil temperatures, when things get started, how they do, and so on. We'll track it year over year to get a feel for changes.

That was a lot of catch up. Onto week 5!

Depression Era Challenge Update

I have spent this week visiting people in real life, including my aunt who I haven't seen since last summer. I spent the night with my daughter, and she and I drove and had a nice long visit with my aunt. Then I drove my daughter home, and spent the afternoon with my mother.

My mom is teaching me how to sew. I have never had much patience for it, but I found the cutest pattern and want a million of these dresses. It's the dottie angel pattern by Simplicity. It's a little overwhelming, but has gone pretty quickly with her guidance. I'll post photos when it's done. Then I'll start my next one. I guess that's my new skill. I also got a neat tutorial for an upcycled frock made out of men's shirts which looks a LOT easier to make.

I can sew simple things on my own, bags, and stuff. But I don't know when I last sewed my own clothes. I am using linen and cotton and it will cost a fortune. But should last a good long time. And it is a very cute little frock. As usual I am about ten years behind the trend, but I don't care.

So, that's an update for now. I like this little challenge. it is pretty chill, but it gets me thinking.

Depression Era Challenge Update, Week 2

Week 2 begins with a challenge on reducing technology usage.  This is tricky for me and my job, but perhaps I will take an afternoon this weekend and unplug.

There was a video as a part of the challenge that began with thinking about the last time you were lost while driving. What if there was no cell service? As a good Mainer, I always have the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer in my car, as so much of Northern Maine has such terrible service. I use it often when planning trips. I *think* but am not sure that getting a copy is a requirement here in Maine when you first get your license. Just kidding. But I learned to read it and use it when I started to drive, and now 35 years later, still make sure I always have a copy of it.

From the challenge;

In today's world, we cannot completely disconnect from technology. But we can still do a few things without it. Here are a few suggestions: Use cell phones only for conversations - no texting! Send Snail Mail - no emails! Cook from Scratch (no microwave!) Mix by hand Use Paper & Pencil instead of a calculator Visit with a friend or neighbor IN PERSON

I will probably, instead, do more things from scratch. I do need to feed my sourdough! I'm trying to think of a new tech-free skill to tackle.

I'll go feed my sourdough starer while I ponder this. Will check back later this week.