Monday 19 April 2010

Challenge of the utmost kind!

I started my challenge at the end of November, I thought about it for quite a while first .

I thought it would be REALLY hard and at times it has been!
At Christmastime it got a bit difficult as I couldn't buy anything new to wear for the Christmas season.

Then as we have changed season again I'm lacking in clothes for Spring!I don't seem to have anything colourful or Springlike to wear!
You see, before I even started this challenge, I wasn't a serious shopper, I don't actually buy clothes that often, but then when you know you can't , you seem to suddenly need things!

My knee length boots leaked and I didn't have any others so Hubby bought me a pair as a gift for Valentines day, but that is the only thing I've had in the last 5 months!Oh and a fabric pen for Easter instead of a chocolate egg!
Now the car boot sales have started up, life is much easier as there are many treasures waiting to be found!

Up until now I haven't really bought clothes from the boot, I haven't got the patience to search though through rails of tightly packed clothes, I haven't wanted to get involved in the scrum either!
However I have recently found a few gems!
A pretty cardigan from Next with tags still on and 3 pretty summer skirts.I shall have to show you pictures another day as it's too dark.


As I've shown you on other posts I have found lots of pretty fabric!



Pretty china too!


Things I have done because of the challenge,

Become more creative, I have definitely spent more time creating,

Baked more, less time shopping, more time baking.This has saved me money too as I've planned menus!

Started to use the library again, I have found some gorgeous books in the last few months

I've read more blogs too, instead of buying home magazines, oh yes ladies you have inspired me!

It's been a bit liberating so far, stepping off the conveyor belt of just buying 'stuff 'everyone else has got!

I have only recently realized I am allowed to BUY handmade things, I thought the handmade thing was things I had made for myself! Duh

Etsy here I come!!

Rachel x

27 comments:

Beki said...

Sounds like you're doing really well.
Love the fabrics!

Beki xxx

ginny farquhar said...

well done... you are doing great.
thrifting is such fun and being creative is even better.
happy handmade browsing on Etsy!

Heidi said...

You are just such a wonderful person and your making a difference!!

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

I think it's an ace idea, i would love to try this, but with 4 growing children i have to update plus we have big seasonal changes in Canberra Australia, from 35C Summers to Winter below zero & snow. I might try this for the last 6 months of the year as surely i don't need any new Summer gear?? Love Posie

Kristen said...

This is fantastic! Wow! I always make things for special occasions, but for every day... I don't think I could do it!

Happy shopping!

bellaboo said...

You're doing so well with your challenge, and I really admire you as it's not easy with all the mags and shops tempting you with all their goodies.I get a lot of my clothes from charity shops.They're in very good condition these days..sometimes they've only been worn once.I bought two skirts last Sat...one was linen..for £8!
Happy thrifting!

Bellaboo :0)

Tina said...

Seems a very hard challenge, but you have been doing well. I have decided to cut on shopping too and be more wise on what to spend my money on.
Btw, love your fabrics. :)
xx

Dawn said...

You really have done well - I'm not sure I could do it.

...Nina Nixon... said...

Great bargain hunting and keep it up your doing great.

Nina x

Serenata said...

You're doing well and good luck with the carboots!

Lola Nova said...

Congratulations fellow challenger!
What lovely fabrics you found.
It does seem to be the most difficult when it comes to clothes. I am just hoping all mine hold together a bit longer :)

. said...

Well done you... strangely enough I fell off the wagon with spectacular aplomb yesterday as I bought myself a gorgeous pair of slouchy winter boots that cost the equivalent of an electricity bill, so we'll be enjoying dinner by candlelight and cold water showers for the next month or so! Still, I'm back on the wagon today and I'm looking very spiffy, if a little shamefaced, in my beautiful new boots!

harmony and rosie said...

Congratulations thus far, you're a credit to the utmosts! With gorgeous fabric finds like that you should breeze through Spring no problem. Happy Etsy-ing.

Thank you for your kind comment.

Kate x

Fondant Kiss said...

You are doing great! I am seriously considering a date to start my own challenge....too much waste passes through this household! Keep up the good work.
Best regards
Deborah

Poppy said...

What a fab idea…Keep up the good work!
I haven’t done any car boot sales this year…it looks like you have done well.
Love Lou xxx

Madelief said...

What a great challenge this is. I am really impressed by the way you manage. However hard I would try, I could not do it as good as you! Wish you strenght and good luck on Etsy :-)!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Sam said...

thrifty things are the best...I hate going to new shops..

Bring on the charity shops!!

Sam x

BadPenny said...

A friend of mine who has lost a lot of weight is buying clothes very cheaply on an internet site - they are like brand new andshe has a whole new wardrobe full of lovely clothes !

the green gal said...

Hi Rachel, Completely oblivious to Tif's Challenge of the Utmost Kind I set out on my own in February of this year! My challenge is to not buy any new clothes for a year. I love that you're doing it too and now I've found your blog I'll be keeping track of how you're doing. If you get a mo, hop over to my blog and take a look out how I'm getting on… x

Amanda said...

wow... I was on the lookout for more inspiring blogs to read and how could I resist with a post like this! What an amazing challenge to take part in!

Jacquie said...

Hi Rachel,
Hope you found something lovely at Etsy :0)

I've left an award for you on my blog if you would like it
Jacquie x

Anthea said...

Way to go!! Actually this is pretty much how I have done things for the past year or so out of neccessity - it is very hard - particularly with a growing toddler to cater for! - but I have many very good friends who have kindly donated stuff and some lovely, well stocked charity shops nearby! Good luck with the rest of your challenge!

Carol said...

They are lovely fabrics. Sounds as though you are having fun. Well done with your challenge. I think I may join in from here on.
Cx

Pipany said...

Love carboot sales and got some of my best buys from them in the past. Well done for sticking to the challenge x

koralee said...

Oh I do love that challenge..looks like you have being doing well with it..love your accomplishments...and that fabric is amazing. Have a great creative weekend...thanks for visiting me. xo

BadPenny said...

I know what you mean about looking for clothes at boot fairs - I'm the same with Charity shops...my friends seem to find great stuff but I never see it & get fed up looking. ( tho when I was at college I dresses from charity shops in great wacky clothes ! )
It's a good challenge as it makes you really think hard about buying stuff- well done

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! this is such a fabulous idea and if it wasn't for the fact we about to redecorate and I am 4 stone heavier than I want to be I would start myself tomorrow! Will have to set my own date maybe September after I have tied the knot. Can't wait to get my keyring, I am so excited ;)

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