Freegle & Freecycle What An Amazing Concept.

 Most of my lovely blogging chums know me for the thrifty gal I am. I would hazard a guess and say all of the folk who enjoy my blog do their best by the planet and the amazing animals we share it with. I try not to over consume and I do my utmost not to waste things. When I buy things I really try to look after them so they don't need replacing and money is not wasted. Just recently my little hand whisk finally gave up the ghost. I purchased it in August 1977 in Bognor. I replaced it with a 'new' one from a local charity shop for 50p.

The reason for this preamble is that I want to highlight local Freecycle and Freegle on line sites that enable people to give things away or to receive them in their local area.

I know some of you will be thinking, what's this a newsflash? But I've become increasingly aware not everyone has heard of these fabulous eco friendly money saving sites.

Free to join, easy to use and feature almost everything under the sun. The idea is to reduce waste  and stop good usable items from ending up in landfill. Used locally it also means that costs to collect items are kept to a minimum.

I firmly believe that if the whole world stopped manufacturing 'stuff' we wouldn't run out of most things for years.

I know some people don't like the idea of using preloved/second hand items, but really don't you know Buckingham Palace is full of antiques and valuables that have been handed down for generations. And don't we all eat off pre used plates and use cutlery that has been used over and over again? even were we to dine at  The Ritz.

I've recently asked for a bain marie and old wooden candlesticks as I have some home steading projects in mind. 

Over the years I have donated huge amounts of items, from a massive Laura Ashley Knole sofa to a box of nail varnishes. Recently I even gave away some rather unattractive small succulent plants. A very nice man who was a member of a succulent society took them for new members of the society. Win Win.

These on line sites are such a valuable resource. If you haven't used these sites before, rather than just 'throwing' things away do try them and see if anyone can make use of things you no longer need. Let's spread the love. 

Tove & Her Moomins

 

Tove Jansson With Her Creations

August 9th was Moomin day, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the celebration, which unsurprisingly started in Japan.

I love everything about the Moomins and the wonderful Tove Jansson. She was such a free spirit and so talented, what a delightful imagination she had.

May I extend a very warm welcome to my latest follower Jules. Thank you very much for pressing the Follow Button.

Another World

 I happened upon this little black and white film made by the enfant terrible Ken Russell in the 1960s. It is strangely compelling and reminds me of all the unusual characters that abounded in London. Post war folk striving to be something else to lift their lives from the hum drum. 

If you have time grab a cuppa and prepare to be enchanted.

"The past is a foreign country they do things differently there". L.P. Hartley, The Go-Between.

Corruption !!

 Hello lovely blogging chums. I'm back. Apparently my last post was corrupt, who knew? Well a very nice gentleman in the blogger community did and hurrah he told me how to fix it. I felt that was very kind of him.

Lots has happened since we last 'spoke' some of it not so good but I don't want to post about that just now, possibly later. I think some cheery things are in order instead don't you?

I have finished my rustic fair isle tank top, rustic because it is not perfect, but spot on for country pursuits, a homespun hand made look, rather than galmorous.

This is the blocking process to straighten out any lumps, bumps and curly bits, it works very well. I have knitted the back in the main, navy but with a coral top. The plain knitting has made the back slightly bigger but it was expected and I think I have got away with it. I will post a pic when I wear it and you can decide for yourselves. I have already started on my next much smaller project. A 'lace' patterned knitted scarf, it's to be a gift for a friend. Each row is different and complicated so I really do have to concentrate, it's not terribly wide so I'm enjoying it.

I went to a little local Antiques fair last weekend and despite my best thrifty intentions I made three essential purchases, all adorable I think you will agree.

Monseiur Pompadour

Child's Antique Nightdress

Burmese Laughing Buddha Circa 1870

I also came across a wondrous Pashley three wheeler, I feel it will be a wondrous form of daily transport to the local shops etc once we move. This one was refurbed and was very economical.

You can get large baskets in trailer form to attach to the back. So useful. If only I could get Morgana to travel with me. 

Problems At T'Mill

Hello lovely blogging chums. Apologies for the lack of posts, I'm having lots of problems with Blogger. I hope normal service will resume soon. Otherwise I may have to shut the blog down and try and create something new?