how do I START !?

[fumanchu]

What's the first few things to do to get started ? What did you all do first ? It's winter and theres a foot of snow outside - I cant exactly run out and start planting stuff can I ?

[Helsbells]

Hi Famanchu,

Welcome to ish, its really exciting to start becoming more self sufficient, but you cant do everything at once, you can only one bit at a time, here are some suggestions:
As its winter you could start by making your own bread, search for bread in the forum search and you will find a lot of tips and recipes to produce a lovely loaf.
You can begin making your own cleaning products - using bicarb of soda, lemons and vinegar for cleaning, you could also make your own soap.
Start making all your food rom scratch, i.e. making your own soups and sauces, you can freze them.
If you have got a container or a bit of land you can plant some broad beans, indoors you can grow basil, pasrley, and all range of herbs on a window sill.
Take up a craft such as knitting or crocheting for exampe and you could even begin to make some of your own clothes.

All the best, you have found a really great bucnh of people to help you on your journey to self sufficiency, I am sure you will find everyone really helpful, and lots of good hints and tips.

[fumanchu]

Oh I AM glad I asked now - because I already do all these things So now it feels much less daunting, because I've already started without realizing it..

[Big Al]

Oh I AM glad I asked now - because I already do all these things So now it feels much less daunting, because I've already started without realizing it..

Get a biker hubby to be careful on the ice perhaps?

[JillStephens7]

Hello
#
I've been doing luxurious makes for presents over the past week: chutney, handcream, chocolate truffles. Got some stuff to make soap but it arrived really late so will have to be new year soap prezzies this yr.

I am going to have to start sowing some seeds today, probably unadvisable but I simpy can't wait Have removed dining table from dining room (lightest and coldest room as has patio doors and haven't had heating on in there anyway). Am going start with some salad leaves and herbs to replace the tender ones which conked out in the big freeze and might start some garlic and broad beans off in loo roll tubes.

To be honest, I'm terribly slapdash and in no position to advise but I am very enthusiastic and send good wishes .

[fumanchu]

I make soap so if I can be of any help just PM me I am bored today so reading through self sufficiency sites and chasing links to links to links..

[JillStephens7]

Won't be doing it for a couple of days once I've got rid of a chest infection/ sinusitis combo and won't risk a giant sneeze with lye around!

Have only done melt and pour before, this is 1st attempt doing cold process, so may take you up on that.

Thank you

[Thomzo]

Good for you, you've already started so now it's just a case of trying different things until you find what suits you. You can't do everything so don't worry if you have a few set backs. Just chalk them up to experience and try other things.

What about making a few greetings cards from recycled bits and pieces? You could try some sewing, perhaps repair or remake some clothes?

And plan, plan, plan. What are you going to sew, when are you going to plant it etc etc. Start a compost heap, or, even better, a wormery. Perhaps think about a rainwater recycling system, with water butts, if you can.

Most importantly, have fun!

Zoe

[fumanchu]

One thing we are not short of up here is rain ! I did start a couple of compost bins yes, havent looked inside them since august though. Am currently on RealSeeds writing a wee list... ty!

[countrygirl]

Oh I AM glad I asked now - because I already do all these things So now it feels much less daunting, because I've already started without realizing it..

fumanchu...i am so glad you started this thread. I already do these things too. I was feeling a little...i dunno where to start and the great answers to your question here have definatly pointed me in the right direction.

[ellie12022]

Hello fumanchu

I am not a very good isher really. However, I like making home made soups, and we have started a compost, my OH tried to grow some things in the garden this year (the onions got dug up by the cats!) and he made some chutney.

My big achievement recently - i sewed up some holey trouser pockets. (sewing is not my strong point).

On our list is having the chimney cleaned so we can have the odd fire & burn some papers and other rubbish.

I think circumstances dictate how much you can do - where you live for one thing, how much time you have etc.

I have a book about candle making, so I hope one day to have a go - probably at the beeswax candles first as they look more straightforward.