I wanted to do a poll, but the software won't allow check boxes, so I'll just ask. What frugal skills do you have that you have actually done or do?

1. Build a fire from scratch using only natural materials (matches or source of fire allowed)
2. Gather and prepare a dish from wild foods
3. Wash and dry clothes without a machine of any kind. 
4. Knit, crochet or otherwise create basic items like socks or blankets
5. Cut hair - your own and/or someone else's
6. Kill and butcher livestock and/or wild animals for food (large or small)
7. Use a solar oven to cook and heat water
8. Can foods for storage
   
9. Dehydrate foods for storage 
10. Stored foods in natural cold storage such as a cellar.  
11. Grown more than half of a year's supply of vegetables
12. Make a garment by hand (without a sewing machine)
13. Dig a well

 A baker's dozen. How many of these skills do you have? I know I didn't cover them all, what else can you do?

It's hard to write instructions for some of them, but if you think you can share how to do something, that would be cool. I've done all but 6 and 13. I've butchered almost everything but have never killed anything on my own. I don't think I'm up to digging a well and never had to in the past, but you never know!

 I have not done: 7 or 13  Hubby has not done: 12 or partially #4, I am teaching him how to crochet and braid a rug.  : )

• Wash and dry clothes without a machine of any kind.
• Cut hair - your own and/or someone else's- I only trim really
• Kill and butcher livestock and/or wild animals for food (large or small)- does catching, preparing and cooking seafood count?
  

I have an active interest in and have plans for several things on the list like the gardening and canning.

My husband has done the following that I know of:  

•       Build a fire from scratch using only natural materials (matches or source of fire allowed)
•  Gather and prepare a dish from wild foods
• Wash and dry clothes without a machine of any kind.
• Cut hair - your own and/or someone else's
• Kill and butcher livestock and/or wild animals for food (large or small)
• Use a solar oven to cook and heat water
• Grown more than half of a year's supply of vegetables

And I'll keep this list on hand if I ever wonder why I keep him around, LOL!

 Pat,

Ever heard of or tasted these?

Cucumber Olives

1 pint water
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup salt
1 ounce mustard seed
1 pint white vinegar

Stir above brine until dissolved. Take cucumbers and cut into small pieces the size of walnuts. Soak overnight in ice water. Drain thoroughly. Put in sterilized jars and pour brine over cold cucumbers. Seal.

 This is why I married a Boy Scout--he can do (or has done) many of these things, plus he can build a shelter from whatever's on the ground.  I can do some of the things, but not all.  Does macrame' count?

Interesting answers so far! :)

Brianschef, I've never heard of cucumber olives, but that sounds close to another type of pickle I've made in the past. It's sort of sweet and sour, but pretty good. Have you tried them?

Brandy, seafood does count! I forgot that I've reeled in a few fish, but it's not really my thing. I'd rather sit and watch the water. I'd keep that husband of yours around, too. He might come in handy sometime.

This Old Housewife, I'm not sure about macrame. can you make socks out of it? Maybe a rug? I know! A net for catching animals! 

 I made up a batch tonight I will let you know how they turn out.  : )  I used the large cukes that seem to get away from us from time to time and a melon baller.  They sure look pretty in the jar!  ; )  Hubby suggested using some of the juices left over in a real olive jar added to the mix, will try that next time.  I am looking and hoping for a dry salty taste, like a green olive.  And next tme I will use my minuature cookie cutters to make fun designs.

I have done all but #6, #7, #10, and #13.  In Oregon, we don't have cellars much unless you live in the city.  I think I would leave well digging to those more physically able.....it is a young man's job to dig deep enough to reach water.  I cut DHs hair until just recently when the arthritic fingers wouldn't hold a scissor or comb very well without damage to the head!  I did butcher chickens (and killed them too) but I was much younger then, and didn't have much in the way of brains!  Afterward, I couldn't eat the things, remembering the smell.  I did make a skirt once without a sewing machine, but I don't recommend the process.  I have an old treadle machine that could be pressed into service if needed.  Considering all the things I can no longer do, such as knit, as well as the above, I should teach some of the younger members of the family I guess.  The younger generation isn't much interested in do-it-yourself projects I find though.
Patrink

 Do let me know how they turn out! I thought that with the sugar, they'd be more like sweet pickles, but if not, I'm game to make some myself. I don't grow cucumbers here, don't have enough room, but I can buy the bigger ones pretty cheap at the farmer's market.

1patrink:

I should teach some of the younger members of the family I guess.  The younger generation isn't much interested in do-it-yourself projects I find though.

That's exactly what I've found, Patrink. I'd love to teach someone these things, but not many really want to know.  

I made my son a shirt by hand one time, and enjoyed it, but it's getting harder for me to do fine work like that any more, so I know what you mean. And, yes, processing chickens is stinky work. Always do it in a stiff breeze!