Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Make do and Mend


In 1943, the Ministry of information published a series of pamphlets called ‘Make do and Mend’
They presented easy household economies to help housewives spin out their resources in times of rationing. 
Cut up frayed towels to make flannels, unravel worn jumpers and re-knit with the wool, clean nubuck with a pumice stone.

Just my kind of book, and as relevant as ever in a world of diminishing resources.
So here are my own objectives for a resourceful 2016.

Sow all my seeds at the right time... for maximum production.

Make fire-lighters out of candle ends, toilet roll inners and the sawdust from cutting up  firewood. 

Make biodegradable seed pots out of old newspapers.

Turn stale crusts into breadcrumbs and pop in the freezer.

Try and avoid buying any food in a plastic tray.... reuse any that slip through the net in the greenhouse.

Sew new covers for a jaded sofa.

Pretend to own a dog. (a win, win situation... daily exercise in the fresh air, with of course the luxury of ducking out on wet days, but with no expense, no commitment and not a trace of muddy paw prints when I get home!).




2 comments:

  1. "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without"---an aphorism from the Great Depression in America, but still very much alive in New England where I live! I love your dog idea and may give it a try! As always, superb illustrations!

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    Replies
    1. Great quote.. thank you.
      Yes, try the dog walking… you can take out a different breed each time!
      Best, Mary

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