Remember my post about bartering? Here is what I received in the mail today, thank you Gilly, what a welcome parcel! I don’t own many crafting books, so you’ve just doubled my collection. I just love surprises!
Now for the whinge. I picked up my sewing machine yesterday after it jammed and had to wait a week whilst it was (apparently) repaired. Naturally, I was very eager to use it yesterday, but what with h.schooling starting back today I had a lot to organise. Anyway…… I managed to steal a few moments earlier to work on a skirt, and, lo and behold – it’s still jammed!!
This is the point where I had to stem my natural inclination to run to the phone to ask the repairer if there had been a misunderstanding, as in – I give you $80, you give me fixed machine. Yes I appreciate your dusting my machine, after all it was a bit dusty, but I actually wanted to use it not just look at it. Ok, Ok, now I’m getting snitchy, but surely not without justification?!
On a lighter note, our first day back at h.school after the hols’ went brilliantly despite a toddler with a tummy upset and it has generally been a very good day.
Off to the sewing centre I go…………
I know many of you who read my blog are stay at home mums, as I am. For the record, I haven’t been able to find a way of making a regular income from home even after trying for 10 years! I’ve tried selling books, second hand clothes, I’ve even advertised in the local paper to do ironing with a total success rate of 0!! I’ve been able to sell a few craft items here and there for the equivalent of slave wages – not very sustainable. I wish it was as simple as following your passions and “what you’re good at”. However, I haven’t given up and I’m more determined than ever to earn money without having to compromise my family by seeking work outside the home.
1. Sell your crafts
2. Online shop
3. Clothing alterations
4. Market stall
5. Childcare (Family day care in your own home)
6. Freelance services (bookeeping, financial services, design etc)
7. Employer arrangement to work from home
8. Write ebooks
sites to check out:
www.workathomemums.com.au
www.wahm.com
www.wahm-ideas.com
www.wahmbizsuccess.com
Maybe this will be your year? (and hopefully mine!)
X marks the spot on my work table which is the home of my faithful Janome. As you can see, nobody is home today, nor tomorrow, not the next day either. In fact, this space will be empty for a whole week! A week of listless glances in this direction as I wander past. A week of concocting projects I can cut out in readiness for her return.
Perhaps it’s a good thing she jammed and is “in the shop” (in the middle of a doll order I might add!) Perhaps I might finally catch up on all those assignments I owe my tutor, perhaps I’ll clean out those cupboards that need it.
I don’t think I realised how integral the sewing machine has become to my life, what a great release it is to be able to sit and sew. The lady at the sewing centre said “Oh well, you can have a rest from it for this week” to which I replied “It is my rest!!”
One of my goals for this year is to save money by always looking for a second hand alternative before buying new. Not only will this save me money, but can often mean better quality in the age of the “made in China” sticker. I also think in this throwaway society we waste far too much, and I don’t want to contribute to that.
Throughout the year I’m going to keep tabs here on how much I’ve saved on items that I’ve bought second hand. Here is the most recent purchase – a used television (no I haven’t relented on my views of TV, it’s for a new Xbox, not for watching! )
1. Television –
Second hand price $170
New price – Couldn’t find an exact price but it would have to be at least $270, more like $300.
Saving – $100
For the record, I looked at used xbox ‘s but the price was no different, so decided to buy new.
Next purchase – bunk beds………
It always starts with one. One little hand sewn wool felt bear. “Oh, how cute!” says happy child as said bear is whisked away for a game. Sure enough, in a relatively short period of time, another little face appears beside me. “Mum, bear – make?” She may have a limited vocabulary but she knows what she wants! Once again, said bear is whisked away.
Then the bears need “friends” to play with.
Then Mum opens her big mouth and suggests that, given there are now 3 bears a game of Goldilocks could be an option.
“But Mum, we don’t have a Goldilocks!” they chime with shining eyes.
It always starts with one……
Guess who else wants one now?
I’m about to find out. I’ve offered this doll for barter over at the Crafty Mamas forum. I’ve been thinking for some time about the differences between city and country living, and this is one of them. It’s not called bartering in the country though – it’s just what you do. For example:
Mrs. Randell has a glut of apricots this year, she gives you a box of them and you give her a basket of fresh vegetables from your garden.
You have excess eggs from your chooks so you ask the Robertsons if they want any. They do, and they have just made a batch of strawberry jam from their strawberry garden so you become the happy recipient of a couple of jars.
Things are really different here in the city. I find it hard to trust people and to take their word. I don’t ask people for help because that’s just not what you do here. And bartering? Well, that’s just non existent here, whether you call it bartering or not.
I’d love to barter more because, to me, it’s not all about making a sale. It’s about sharing something of yourself and what you have with others and receiving the same in return.
I’ll let you know how my attempt turns out!
A close up of the applique and embroidery. Both of the tops are made from Stella knit fabric which I purchased from Crafty Mamas.
I love making clothes for my girls, I find bought tops are cut way too short for little girls these days and pants are cut too low. I want my girls to look stylish but modest.
