. . . from the handiwork journal

The living room looked like it threw up a bunch of yarn, so I then realized I needed to get busy on some blankets to donate.  

Yarn has been put away and the living room is back to being the living room, ha ha!

I dug out my crochet/knit journal, and started to write down the yarn brands and colors for my current projects.  I should have been doing this years ago, but it's getting done (so I can repeat one if I would like to).

. . .lap afghan started (to donate to a charity, senior center or other).

. . .a set of pot holders in progress (my on-the-go travel project).  I am seeking out places to donate it to, and it may go to the Senior Center Bingo (for a prize).  There is also another woman I know who collects items for women leaving battered life situations, and starting over with a new home.

Not my handiwork, but some we saw for sale.....

Oddly, anyone who doesn't crochet or knows their products, would not know that these were made with acrylic yarn.  They were being sold as pot holder sets for $10.00.  Anything hot will melt acrylic yarn, so these are not good for anything but a doily.  Even cup/mug coasters should be 100% cotton, as well as any type of pot holder/hot pad.  Just sharing some information.  I thought it was a tourist trap item, trying to sell as "Amish made" and such. 

. . . from the handiwork journal  ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Thriftiness #1

 I've gotten off the path of sharing my "thrifty" or "frugal" anything on my blog.  Many of these are repeats, but each time I go the thrifty route, we save.

Used my clothesline instead of the electric dryer.  Free solar dryer.  I use the clothesline year round, but from Spring to Fall it's used in place of the dryer.  I'm thankful to have a clothesline.

Made breakfast with steel cut oats we bulk buy (cost is a lot less), and only a cup makes enough for us two for a few mornings.

I brew my own teas, and tea infusions with bulk ingredients or free foraged ingredients.

I use the library to look for new recipes, books, movies, etc.  Free.  Our library also provides free bookmarks. I try to go to the library during their book sales, because they give their magazines away free.  Yes, you can borrow them for free too, but I can read them at my own pace, and/or pass them on to someone who uses them for crafting.

On my most recent visit to the library, I not only brought home free borrowed books, but more free magazines, free bookmarks, and a free adult bookmark craft. We could choose which one we wanted to bring home to make.  

I bulk buy (saves us $$) many of our spices.  I refill the jars instead of buying new jars (cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, paprika etc.). 

I was inspired to share frugal living tips again, thanks to the thrifty week posts by Harvest Lane Cottage Blog.

Thriftiness #1   ©  April 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart