An Experiment of Undefined Length: Not Purchasing New Books

So, I am beginning grad school this month (hooray!), would like to start saving more money in general and am looking for ways to cut back on the expenses that come out of my discretionary income.

Recently, I started to keep a spending diary, not a meticulous one, but one that shows me how much dough is flying out the window due to purchases of to-go breakfast and lunch meals each week. There are other incidentals that really add up, mostly ones that I could curtail with some more planning and effort behind them. Discipline seems to be the mistress of saving; neither of these words are holding much appeal to me, but I know that they both have big, well, payoffs, so I should get to know them a bit better.

I just spent a few minutes putting in some requests for the following titles at my public library’s website:

• Zeitoun, Dave Eggers
• Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage, Elizabeth Gilbert
• A Gate at the Stairs, Lorrie Moore
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chybosky

It was quick, easy and free. The part of the equation that I don’t get via this process is the immediate gratification of having those books in my hand NOW as I do when I buy them at the bookstore.

And, don’t we all just LOVE going to the bookstore? So many titles to browse, so many dreams to explore, visions of intellectual edification popping out at you everywhere you turn!

I have to admit, I get a similar feeling at the library, it is just harder for me to get to the library when it is open — the bookstore hours are much more forgiving to my 9-to-5 schedule. (Discipline, planning.)

So, in an effort to curb the spending on new books, I am going to see how long I can go without purchasing new books. I pledge to borrow from a library or buy used if necessary for a period of undefined length. Who knows, maybe I will give up my Netflix membership, too, and just borrow DVDs from the library, too. Yeah, right.

Fruits of my Labor

Teva Durham sweater knitted for my friend, Andrea. (Photo credit: Stella Payne)

So, here’s the epilogue from Domestic Goddess Week: I did knit a sweater for my friend Andrea’s birthday.

I used Teva Durham’s pattern: “Cowl Pullover w/Optional Peplum and Three Sleeve Styles.”

I modified the pattern slightly at the neck; the pattern calls for a mock turtleneck in the rib. I have made this sweater once before with the full neck and it is just too hot to wear indoors when knitted with the Lamb’s Pride Bulky specified (85% wool/15% mohair).

The first time I made this sweater, I was taking a knitting class at Make Workshop in New York taught by Teva herself. The sweater is knit in the round and knits up quickly.

I think that I would like to make another one but with the high neck and sleeveless in a yarn that won’t be too warm. On the other hand, this is a great sweater for keeping you warm on a cold winter’s day walk or for a few laps on your skates around the local pond.

During DGW I also joined a gym, actually went to said gym and also did some baking. Currently reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.

Buying Handmade Items for Your Home

I have been wondering about what motivates us to buy handmade items for our home.

I recently sewed some new curtains and a tablecloth and napkin set (pics to come) and have been thinking about starting a small side business to make and sell items like this on consignment and in other venues.

In light of this, I would like to know if you buy handmade items for your home and why. I have created a brief survey, please take it when you have a minute:

Click here to take survey!

Please feel free to email me with your other thoughts on this venture: skmcdonough at gmail dot com.

Thanks!