Some say time travel is not possible. With so many people considering and using basic supplies and equipment it seems we are indeed returning to the past. Have you put aside newer conveniences for manual appliances and machinery or basic methods and supplies? Share your experience with traveling back in time.

If you are interested in reading more on choosing frugal alternatives to today's expensive convenience and gadgetry, read these articles:

Wringer Washers by Pat Veretto 

 Natural Products for Free

Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Chickens in Your Backyard 

 Wringer washers are certainly not for everyone, but there are other things we've talked about here: hand operated flour mills, for one. I enjoy using nonelectric things. For Christmas this year, I asked for a hand operated ice crusher and since I usually don't get things like that when I ask for them, I asked twice. Now I have two...  Last year I wanted a manual can opener, but didn't get one so had to buy it for myself. My old (manual) can opener was over twenty years old. Most of the time manually operated things last longer than electric ones, so you save money in several ways: No electricity to pay for, cheaper to buy in the first place, last longer and sometimes you get a workout for free.

I use an old fashioned reel lawn mower for our tiny lawn. Is quiet, no fumes, and less likely to shred small animals- we have lots of frogs - worth their weight in gold for bug control.

I like using my treadle sewing machine for simple sewing. There is something magical about it working without electricity. It isn't a zigzag so for that I have to use my newer electric machine. I use a hand can opener because I hate the noise of an electric one. A hand crank one on the wall would be even nicer if I had a wall to put it on. E

elovestea:

I hate the noise of an electric one. A hand crank one on the wall would be even nicer if I had a wall to put it on

I put mine on the edge of the upper cabinet by the sink. I hate the noise of electric ones, too, and almost anything electric or gas powered. I'd rather even saw with a hand saw than an electric one (Of course, I don't do that much sawing.). And I envy you your treadle sewing machine!

Pat:

And I envy you your treadle sewing machine!

I am very fortunate to have one. My sister found it at a yard sale around 1990. In doing research about it I found that it is a Singer Red Eye, built in 1912.  The name comes from the decal which has red ovals and elaborate gold frills. I gladly paid $125.00 for it because it was in pretty good shape, a little rusty and some water damage to the top, probably from a potted plant. When I opened it up there was a tin box of attachments, but for a White sewing machine. There was also a White manual in very fragile shape. The manual looks as if it got soaked in sewing machine oil. I haven't yet figured out what all of the attachments are and still not sure if I can use them on my machine. I don't want to use them until I know for sure they won't break something using them. There are several parts to each attachment. The attachments are a fascination themselves. They are so intricate! I've found some pictures on the internet about them. There was also a box with a bottle of indelible ink, a old fashioned ink pen with nib, a strip of cotton tape for name labels, and a circle block of wood for writing on. It looks old. I've bid twice on manuals on E-Bay for my machine but lost each time. I'm still looking. E

there was one for $100 at the last antique show I went too. was very tempted

elovestea:

I am very fortunate to have one. My sister found it at a yard sale around 1990. In doing research about it I found that it is a Singer Red Eye, built in 1912.

Now I'm really envious! Sounds like you've got quite a find. Mom has a Singer that she sewed on when I was a little girl (and believe me, that's been a long time ago!) I remember a black metal box with gold decorations to match the machine head that held attachments. The cabinet itself was beautiful oak, with two side drawers. She filled one of them with buttons from discarded clothing. We never had to buy buttons, because there was always a match or a whole set to be found in that drawer.

My Family's Interests:

there was one for $100 at the last antique show I went too. was very tempted

I would have whipped out the checkbook so fast! Only a hundred dollars for a dream?

I have my gramma treadle machine.  I keep wanting to bring it up and start working on something.  I can remember her sitting and pumping away on it.  I can't wait to use it.  Maybe I will bring it up today!!!!

Kris