Frugal Folk Questions and What I've Started

[Karin]

Thanks to those who have mentioned books on being frugal. What we're going to do this afternoon is make cloth napkins from an old sheet. Not the most absorbant, I know, but we'll be reusing what we already have. Also, we're going to go back to my old way of shopping at many stores, but this time in a smarter fashion and with a book, not my head, to remember it all.

Questions:

1. Does anyone know where we can get instructions (free) to crochet rugs form strips torn from old clothes? My kids would like this and I saw this idea somewhere.

2. Are there any good frugal discussion groups that are really easy to use? So far, this system isn't easy to me yet. I just figured out that threads move around depending on who has posted last. Plus many other things. Mostly I just want to get a digest to get ideas. Groups sush as Yahoo or Google groups.

[Deece in MN]

Cool! I just finished making some washcloths and dish towels from a cotton waffle weave shower curtain that my brother shrunk in the wash. He was going to throw it out and then thought that I might be able to do something with it. I will be delivering his "new" kitchen rags to him in a couple weeks.

I don't know about yahoo groups, but mothering dot com has a frugality and finances board (it is under their mindful home management board) that has some good tips and ideas. It gets a fair amount of traffic so there is usually something new to read daily.

[Jane in NC]

My Mom used to braid rugs from discarded woolen clothing. Have you seen some of the purses and things that people are making from felting old sweaters? Recycling has great possibility!

Here is one site on crocheting rugs from fabric strips:

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa100299.htm

Good luck with your project.

I have resolved to return to my formerly crafty state. I love the satisfaction of handwork and feel that this is a component that has been missing from my life!

Can't help you on the frugal forum question. Ages ago, I belonged to a frugal group from which I gleened some excellent information. But much of this sort of thing varies depending on your situation, your geographic region, etc. I know that The Tightwad Gazette was recommended to you earlier and I will do the same. I will also add some Reader's Digest books that you might be able to find at your library or at a library book sale for a dollar or so: Practical Problem Solver, The Family Handyman Helpful Hints, and Back to Basics. All teach basic skills, simple fixes, and have interesting projects.

Good luck. I enjoy the frugal discussions so I hope that you will continue to post questions here on the general board.

Jane

[Jean in Wisc]

Scroll to the bottom of the page of posts and you will see "display options". Click on the drop down arrow marked "sorted by" and click on "thread start time". Then click on "show threads". You will have the threads lined up like they were on the last board. Best I can tell, this has to be done every time you open a new board.

[Rebecca in GA]

If I were you, I'd check out Frugal Families (http://www.frugal-families.com/). I've been with that board for years, and even though it's $10 a year for membership, it's the absolute best I've ever seen.

A good frugal blog is Money-Saving Mom (http://www.moneysavingmom.com/2008/01/super-savings-saturday-how-much-did-you.html). Crystal has tons of information about grocery shopping and other savings that might be of use.

[Jane in NC]

Frugality seems to take on different definitions to different people. I had an extreme tightwad friend who was really good at the coupon game. For me, though, the amount of time that she spent with sale flyers and cruising stores for deals was beyond what I would want to spend. My time is valuable! Also, she brought home lots of things because they were cheap or free. I remember that she once told me that I should go get this free or almost free widget. I asked her what I would do with it. "It's free." "Yeah, but what would I do with it?" These lines were repeated a few times, until we each realized that we were not speaking the same language.

I think that my frugality takes on a more environmental tone. I don't want cheap stuff because it is cheap. Nor do I want a corn syrup filled diet. I guess this is all part of the picking and choosing.

Cheers,
Jane

[Serendipity]

When we decided to switch to cloth napkins, I couldn't go out and buy them. I'd dabbled in cloth diapering and had a lot of flannel squares that were going to be wipies. I put them in a basket and we used them for napkins. Do you have any old receiving blankets around? They're usually made of flannel. Best wishes on your endeavor! I'm right there with ya'.

[chickenpatty]

I'm crocheting a rag rug right now. This is the website that got me started http://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2006/10/rag_rug_tutoria.html

It is my first one ever and it is turning out really cute. I'm using old sheets and dollar fabric from walmart.

If you ask me a question, and I don't respond, it's because I am still figuring out the new board.
:)

[Karin]

Thanks everyone for these answers so far. Jane, I'm more like you, too--I don't want widgets just because they're free or cheap. I also believe in value, so sometimes the cheapest isn't the best. We have special diets, etc. But I'm trying to be more frugal because I need to in any way I can to help our money go farther. Plus, it's something to do with my kids that they enjoy. At least my girls--ds isn't interested.

I don't have any receiving blankets left. I'm big on decluttering and am always getting rid of stuff I'm sure we don't need, yet somehow still seem to have clutter! But I may have an old flannel crib sheet or two that I saved for patching clothes with and crafts. The sheet we've started with is one my mother bought a good 30 years ago and is still solid as a rock, although thinner, but not with a set anymore.

[Malenki]

I missed all the discussions on the old board so if this is a repeat, I apologize!

If you're looking for a quick read on frugal family finance than the book America's cheapest family gets you right on the money : your guide to living better, spending less, and cashing in on your dreams might help. It's by Steve & Annette Economides.

Our library had it and it was a super quick read. It didn't have anything new but it was a nice reminder that we're on the right track. It also spawned a good discussion with DH about our goals financially. (Always good in January at the beginning of a new year...)

[Josie]

Our library has this book, but it is listed as either Adult Sci-Fi and Fantasy or Adult Fiction. It is actually listed in those two ways at different libraries. Is it sci-fi or fiction? I figured it was non-fiction. Just wondering.

[Malenki]

Is it sci-fi or fiction? I figured it was non-fiction. Just wondering.

It's definitely non-fiction. What bizarre listings! The Dewey decimal number on it was 332.024 if that helps. It was published in 2007.

Not sure how to link yet... hmmmm (trying)... but here's the book on Amazon:

Americas Cheapest Family (http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Cheapest-Family-Right-Money/dp/0307339459/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200806742&sr=1-1)

[Audrey]

Don't know if this will help you, but I do a Frugal Friday on my blog (link in sig line).

[Caia]

Crochet cloth rugs - free patterns

crochetpatterncentral.com has some listed under the rug section - check out the different rag rugs (some of them use cloth and some use yarn) - they even have a pattern for a plastic bag doormat rug

[Karin]

Now that I've found advanced search, I found these other answers. Plus I had trouble getting on the boards and staying on them as they were so busy on the weekend and then my server couldn't find them yesterday. Audrey, I'll check out your blog, and I'm going to check out this book by the Economides (surely a pen name!) and this other rag rug site to add to my other two directions.