2009 Homesteading Skill-A-Month Challenge

**Debbie-cat** · 12-27-2008, 06:23 PM

I am on this one too!!

I want to re-learn (it has been at least 15 years since I have and all it was was straight lines!) but I am only starting with a scarf (I know, I know, still straight lines but I have to get use to it once again soooo) for January. There are so many new things I want to try this year!

I am going to have so many challenges to do, I won't have time to get on the computer to tell you guys about them!

**Dave'sGirl** · 12-28-2008, 06:44 AM

I think January's skill will be to learn how to and actually start a rag rug. I'm not sure if this is actually a craft goal, but I think my homestead would really benefit from a rag rug, if only for the homesteady look it would give. Is homesteady even a word?? LOL! PLUS it's using fabric that will otherwise just go to waste. We have an enormous amount of fabric left behind by Dave's ex, and I'm not too proud to use it, and maybe a little fitting, wiping our feet on the rug (oooh, was THAT a bit evil)

**frugal-fannie** · 12-28-2008, 09:46 AM

Thanks, I will join this one. I am either going to try vermicompost or making my own butter for Jan.

**madhen** · 12-28-2008, 10:32 AM

I've settled on sewing for my January skill. Nothing fancy. I have a pattern for a rice heating pad I'd like to try, as well as possibly a door draft stopper that someone here posted and I marked as a favourite. If that goes well, I'll move on to pillowcases.

**madhen** · 12-28-2008, 05:44 PM

Okay, it figures after I finally pick something....

This &#!! sewing machine does not want to cooperate. It is a VERY old Singer I got through Freecycle. I have spent a couple of hours now, trying to get it to sew a straight line. If the thread in the needle doesn't break, then the thread in the bobbin bunches up. I have tried adjusting the tension, re-threading it, different materials - no help.

I imagine the ghosts of all the women who used this machine before me pointing and laughing....

SO, I guess sewing won't be the skill I learn this month, at least not sewing on a sewing machine. Off to sulk (and try to come up with something new that I don't have to invest any money in to learn!!!).

**jolenegreen2** · 12-28-2008, 06:04 PM

I would love to join this! Let me think overnight...Ill get back to my skill!

**madhen** · 12-28-2008, 06:59 PM

For those of you still pondering, here is a fun link:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...o/4284709.html

(P.S. Yes, I know it is sexist, but still interesting.)

**LastDragonfly** · 12-28-2008, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Dave'sGirl

I think January's skill will be to learn how to and actually start a rag rug. I'm not sure if this is actually a craft goal, but I think my homestead would really benefit from a rag rug, if only for the homesteady look it would give. Is homesteady even a word?? LOL! PLUS it's using fabric that will otherwise just go to waste. We have an enormous amount of fabric left behind by Dave's ex, and I'm not too proud to use it, and maybe a little fitting, wiping our feet on the rug (oooh, was THAT a bit evil)

Ok, it was evil....true, but evil. tee hee. Mother Earth News had a braided rug in this months issue. made from wool. Blankets bought from the thrift store, clothes etc. It cost $12.

I just priced a wool rug. Holy COW OMG I could never and I mean NEVER afford one. Youtube also has a braiding tutorial for rag rugs.

**frugal-fannie** · 12-28-2008, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by madhen

For those of you still pondering, here is a fun link:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...o/4284709.html

(P.S. Yes, I know it is sexist, but still interesting.)

OMG after looking at that, I might be a man. LOL Thanks for the link.

**LastDragonfly** · 12-28-2008, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by madhen

Okay, it figures after I finally pick something....

This &#!! sewing machine does not want to cooperate. It is a VERY old Singer I got through Freecycle. I have spent a couple of hours now, trying to get it to sew a straight line. If the thread in the needle doesn't break, then the thread in the bobbin bunches up. I have tried adjusting the tension, re-threading it, different materials - no help.

I imagine the ghosts of all the women who used this machine before me pointing and laughing....

SO, I guess sewing won't be the skill I learn this month, at least not sewing on a sewing machine. Off to sulk (and try to come up with something new that I don't have to invest any money in to learn!!!).

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! You may have to get the canned air and blow all the gunk out if it or it might need oiling.

Maybe your skill for january is sewing machine repair

**IntlMom** · 12-28-2008, 07:12 PM

OK, I am joining too......
I want to finally get the upper hand on making bread.

I know HOW to make bread....it just never turns out quite right - so.... Jan WILL be the month for homemade bread -
'thanks for the thread!!

**madhen** · 12-28-2008, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by Dave'sGirl

I think January's skill will be to learn how to and actually start a rag rug. I'm not sure if this is actually a craft goal, but I think my homestead would really benefit from a rag rug, if only for the homesteady look it would give. Is homesteady even a word?? LOL! PLUS it's using fabric that will otherwise just go to waste. We have an enormous amount of fabric left behind by Dave's ex, and I'm not too proud to use it, and maybe a little fitting, wiping our feet on the rug (oooh, was THAT a bit evil)

No, that was more than a BIT evil!

I have always been interested in rag rugs, but they always seem to require wool strips, which would mean I would have to go out and buy wool. Reader's Digest Back to Basics has a good step-by-step tutorial on making braided rugs out of wool strips.

**madhen** · 12-28-2008, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by Penascodragonfly

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! You may have to get the canned air and blow all the gunk out if it or it might need oiling.

Maybe your skill for january is sewing machine repair

Well, I took the stupid thing in and paid more than it is worth to have it tuned up right after acquiring it, which was only a few months (4-5?) ago. So I think it is just temperamental. Or I am just a total klutz. Or both.

**madhen** · 12-28-2008, 07:22 PM

Okay, new skill. I have ALWAYS wanted to learn how to do this, but have never tried. I want to learn how to build a bird house. I'll be happy with just a box with a hole in it.

I have noticed that the bluebirds are coming in and chowing down at my feeders in record numbers, and the other day, I spotted a pair checking out an uncapped pipe I have on my hitching post, so maybe I can build a birdhouse. It is how kids learn how to nail and saw, so it should be something I can at least HOPE to accomplish. I may have to invest in some wood, but I have screws, a hand saw, a circular saw, and a drill. Not sure if I have that little thingy you attach to the drill to drill holes, though.

If I start learning in January, I MIGHT have a bird house that is functional by nesting season!!

**Debbie-cat** · 12-28-2008, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by madhen

For those of you still pondering, here is a fun link:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...o/4284709.html

(P.S. Yes, I know it is sexist, but still interesting.)

Awesome link!! Thanks!