Clean Clothes Without Electricity

    Most of us take electricity for granted. Mainly because it's almost always available... until something happens and it's not...could be a storm, something goes haywire with a transformer(which has happened to us twice in the last year) or for so many other reasons. The electric grid we rely on is really quite a delicate system.

    My actual reason for finding an alternative way to wash clothes was because the washing machine had an issue and it was a week until it was fixed. No machine or no electricity, either way, the problem is the same..and it got me thinking again. Every time something happens to upset daily life as I know it, I have to figure out other ways to get things done. So whether it's the electricity being off or a machine breaking, having a back-up plan to do things manually is always wise!!

    I went to the computer and started to look at manual washers on Amazon. I came across the Breathing Mobile Washer, read the reviews, and for the price, thought it might be a good non-electric way to wash clothes whenever the need arose...or I thought my arms needed a good workout! Ha! There were several comments about how it was more gentle than using a washboard, which when you think about it, makes perfect sense!  I swapped the wooden handle it came with for a non-wood handle, like the ones they make for paint rollers. The extending handle makes it easier to use as you don't have to bend over and because it isn't wood, there is no chance of it getting moldy or rotting. There are also metal ones, although they will rust if not properly dried after each use. I did buy one of those too, but mainly use it as an extra toilet paper holder in the guest bath...I just like the look of it :)

   I could go to the laundromat...or not...and there are those mobile washers that you put clothes in and turn to wash, but this method appeals to me the most. I had some dirty rugs in the office that I decided to try it out on. Using my large galvanized tub, I filled it about half way and added some laundry soap, added the rugs and began plunging up and down. Not hard to do. How long you do it depends on how dirty the items are that you are washing. 

Washing rugs with the Breathing Mobile Washer

    When I had done it long enough (I checked a couple of dirt spots to see when they looked clean), I pulled the rugs out, wringing out as much soapy water as I could, set them aside, dumped out the dirty water and refilled for the rinse.

    I always make sure I have plenty of filled gallon jugs (or other water storage for emergencies)  so I don't have to worry about finding and hauling water. We have a gas cook stove and a wood stove, so if I want warm water, that isn't  a problem. 
No one said doing things manually was easy or quick, but it's nice to know that I can still take care of laundry without having to depend on a machine to do it for me. It's just about being prepared for anything and always having back-up plans! 

Rinsing.

And don't forget a good drying rack! (Or clothes line outside)

          I actually use mine all year long. Avoiding the dryer whenever possible will help
          your clothes last longer and also lower your electric bill !!

 

                                                                              -K :)

Rainy Day Knitting

     I usually enjoy a good cool rainy day, but today is different...I (and many, many, other folks) should be at the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier. Because of the amount of rain we've already had this week as well as the current conditions, the festival had to be cancelled...  :(   It was a wise decision, although very sad.  I don't usually hold a grudge against Mother Nature, but....I kinda' am at the moment! Griping won't change anything though, so I am spending the weekend knitting, combing and working on a Youtube video! All fiber related activities :)

    I am currently working on a small crescent shaped shawl using Paco-Vicuña yarn I spun from 'Forest', from Victory Farm.   It is a fairly simple pattern to knit, although you start with the bottom...and at 402 stitches to start with, it takes a while to get going. I am finally moving along now!

                        The pattern is Diamonds and Purls and is a free ravelry download.
                                       Notice my very inexpensive chart holder ;)

        I am using circular needles to knit it, but it isn't knit in the round, although from this picture, it does look like it. I am in the middle of a row and the end and beginning are next to each other so you can't see the space in between.

The pattern is starting to take shape.

 I spun a two ply yarn from hand combed top. 

 Combed fiber with some of the washed fleece just above.

  I do love this dark color. A rarer color for paco-vicuñas.

The raw fleece. 

I hope all are staying inside, dry and warm, enjoying some fibery goodness!!

-K :)