The other night I was sitting and mending an article of clothing and finally had to admit that it was so worn out that no amount of mending would give it any more life. I regretfully had to dispose of it.
When was the last time most people did any mending? or darned socks? or took shoes to the cobbler? When I was in university I had one pair of boots and I remember taking them to the cobbler yet again, and him telling me that there was nothing left to 'cobble'. I begged him to try and make them last out the last few weeks of winter.
In Germany we still have the 'invisible menders' and the 'ladder' places - they repair a ladder in your stocking (or 'run in your nylons') for a small amount. Wool or cotton tights are expensive but last a long time, and are often relatively high priced compared to nylons, especially if purchased in a tights store. The mending place will pick up the dropped stitch and repair the run.
This is interesting...I've never heard of anyone who would repair nylons! I can't tell you how many times I would pull out a brand new, never worn pair of nylons and have them catch as I was putting them on, resulting in plenty of ^%&*@#@ on my part
Wish we had something like this in the States.
I will tell you that depending on the pair of shoes, DH and I will still go to get the heel or sole reinforced or replaced. For a cheap pair of shoes, it's sometimes not worth it (as for the cost of the repair we could almost buy new). Hence, how we became a disposable society. But especially when I was in my 20's and money was tight, if I bought a new pair of shoes, I actually took them to have a sole added on before I even wore them for the first time. It was worth it, though as I am a bit of a shoe snob and will tend to pay more for a good pair of shoes (I find it is worth it in saving myself on blisters and aches and pains).
As far as mending, I have to admit that I can't even sew. I never picked up this skill. On the other hand, I feel I have enough skills to compensate. I am a very good cook (ask my DH, who prefers to eat at home). Save lots of money by eating home mostly (and I bring my breakfast and lunch to work on most days). I have a coffee machine in my office rather than spending money to buy a cup (or three) each day. And, of course, there is my skill at earning a very decent paycheck. It really is all about choices. I chose to hone my professional skills and earn a little more, rather than learn how to sew and spend less in this one regard.
On the other hand, I am a real bargain hunter. When it comes to clothing, I very, very rarely pay retail. My summer/fall work wardrobe this year cost me $93 (thanks to a 50% off ticket price sale paired with a 40% off the sum coupon). If I do pay retail, it is because I am desperate (like the time a pair of pants (probably a bit threadbare) I was wearing at work suddenly developed a (rather large) hole in a most inconvenient spot
) or because it is a truly unique item. So I don't sew, but I'm willing to bet I spend quite a bit less on my work wardrobe than many women (I work in New York City where people are very fashion conscious).
I take the bus to work instead of taking my car. Admittedly, I started doing this to save myself the aggravation, but it actually costs me only half the amount as it did to drive. At this point in time, taking the bus is quite a bit less than half the cost of driving as gas prices have increased and so have tolls
Interestingly, many of these things that save money are also good for the environment
Unfortunately it hasn't been easy to convince DH to bring lunch to work. He works different hours than I do and hates carrying tupperware. Eh, I'll just worry about what I can control (me) and won't sweat what I can't (him).
