The Self-Sufficient Skills thread (new name, old thread!)

[gettinaclue]

I made my laundry detergent for the first time this year.

I have already plotted the garden out and have sorted out how I want everything planted with companion planting in mind. (I hope it lives, I have the black thumb of doom)

I'm going to try to learn how to can.

We're planting fruit trees in the fall.

I LOVE THIS!!!

 

[Beekissed]

Love your name, gettin'!!! Welcome to SS!

 

[gettinaclue]

Thanks Bee!

I love you cowN though she doesn't do my hair any favors

 

[miss_thenorth]

Interesting idea.... Let's see....

1. make our own biodiesel. (recently purchased a Jetta diesel, and getting a diesel pickup) Hubby is researching biodiesel, and when he puts his mind to something--it gets done--his work might even sponsor his venture)

2. I will learn to can meat.

3. Breeding and processing rabbits. I have had one buck and three does for a few months now--lost my first two litters, all rabbits are rebred now, so now the work begins.
(In accompaniment with this--will be switching my dogs to a raw diet.)

4. Raising coturnix quail, and possibly chukar partridge. (using a few silkies to hatch out the eggs for me)

5. Raising my own pig. (in accompaniment with this--I will build a "portable pig pen"--stationary for one pig season--moved for the next year for next pig. (I have a link describing this method if anyone is interested.

6. I will learn to quilt.

7. I will have a garden this year (flooded out last year). this involves making raised beds)

8. Hopefully--we will process all our own meat chickens this year.

There are many other things I want to do , too, but they are not in the plans for next year--maybe the following year. they include getting a cow, and and learning to make cheese. I also would like to learn to make soap (from rendering our own tallow (? correct word?) and making our own lye (from ashes).

 

[love blrw]

I am teaching myself how to convert barrels into rain barrels.
Slowly but surely wishing to be self sufficient.

 

[Sebrightmom]

I started working on my Sufficient living last year. This is what I learned.

*I learned how to make cheese from my raw goat milk.

*I learned to use a water tub canner. I maded lots of different jams and canned other fruits.

*I learned how to spin on my spinning wheel.

Here are things I have learned this year or things I want to learn.

*I started making goat milk soap. Still need to learn more about different soaps.

*I have starting making bee hives and am waiting on my bees.

*I want to start growing herbs.

* Want to learn how to use my use pressure canner.

*I want to learn how to build my own duck pen and new chicken coop.

*I want to learn how to build my own compost bin.

And the list goes on. I am hoping to check each one of these items off my list of things I have done.

 

[lorihadams]

Okay, we got started last year and plan to continue this year. here's what we are doing/planning so far.

1. got chickens and built our own coop from scratch (in that order)
2. made own laundry soap (and love it)
3. started using vinegar for everything
4. got rabbits
5. put 4 deer in the freezer, and lots of goose/duck meat
6. lowered thermostat to save energy and cut bills
7. stopped buying junk food
8. just got seeds, going to build raised beds as soon as our foot of snow melts
9. trying to make my own bread...still trying to get the yeast right
10. want to get meat chickens
11. want to learn how to can

It's a start

 

[Patch of Heaven Farm]

My list for this year is:

1. Getting fruit trees (will plant next week)
2. Ordering 100 Colored Range Broilers for enough chicken for a year!!
3. Building the rangers a hoop house and fencing off a pature for them.
4. Getting bees (hives are bein built now....decided on the topbar hive)
5. Root cellar
6. Growing 100% of our veggies
7. Canning enough veggies to last all winter
8. Making all our bread
9. Raising our own meat (have 10 roosters,1calf and 2 pigs right now)
10. Adding to our flock of laying hens (have 6 right now)
11. Building my own incubator and hatching my own eggs
12. Building a greenhouse
13. Building a compost bin
14. building a worm bin and getting some red wigglers
15. Starting all my veggies from seeds
16. Getting a milk cow
17. Getting some goats for milk and meat
19. Learn to sew and quilt and pratice my crocheting
20. Making all our laundry soap and cleaners
21. Building a log cabin (this may take a few years)
22.Learn to make butter and cheese
23. Raising fish in a tank for meat
24. Have self-sustaining flock of meat chickens
25. Small herd of cows and goats and a few pigs to be able to raise the offspring for meat and milk

We already have rabbits (36) for meat but would like to get some angoras too.

Well thats about it for now.

 

[me&thegals]

Whew! I'm pooped out just reading the list. What a bunch of energetic go-getters on Sufficient Self!

 

[TanksHill]

What skills to add. How do you improve on perfection, hmm, hmm, hmm. . . OK, honeybees which I read about on here.

Kefir and ACV and sauerkraut for fermented foods.

I want to make a manual dumbwaiter that will transport books to my loft library. I bought antique elevator lights, up/down buttons and floor indicator. I want it exposed and ornate metalwork. I'm already a woodcarver and will carve the doors and gild the whole thing. I don't know if it will be finished by years end but will photo what is done.

Hey I have a manual dumb waiter!!! I installed it when we built our house. Garage up to main floor of our house. Comes in really handy. Do you want the name or maybe the details? I love it. g