365 Days & Dottie Angel's "Utmost Challenge".

[click on image & you will be transported to the original challenge]

I like a challenge, especially the kind where I can make my own rules to give me a better chance of actually succeeding. They're just the best, are they not?

I have decided, after much thought and consideration, to take part in Dottie Angel's "Challenge of the Utmost Kind". Dottie Angel (Tif) has challenged herself to buy only handcrafted and secondhand goods for her home and wardrobe for the next 365 days, and has invited any other brave souls interested to join her.

I am one of those souls, and last night I sat down and sorted out the Ground Rules and Exceptions by which I intend to play (you may not consider me "brave" in any shape or form once you've read them), which are as follows:

1. First and foremost, books are off-limits. I will try my hardest to get the books I want secondhand, but failing that I will have no other choice but the buy them new. Life is not worth living if I cannot have my books!

2. This challenge will not encompass any of the clothing I need for work, which includes shoes.

3. I'm also permitted to purchase all new under-garments (including socks and stockings/tights) as I need them.

4. Anything we need for home improvements is also not included in the challenge, although if we can purchase supplies and make what we need ourselves then that is what we will do. We will also try and "make do" with what we have that isnt broken and doesnt need replacing for 365 days.

5. I'm also allowing myself to purchase supplies for my scrapbooking projects, but this will be on a need-only basis. I wont be buying stuff just because it looks pretty and I think I might use it at some point down the track. I've loads of paper, card stock, embellishments and brads already, so if I do need something it will be very specific.

6. SJ and the dog (Bailey) are excluded from the challenge. SJ would fail miserably anyhow, and I cringe at the thought of him attempting to "make" stuff that he has no experience in making. He tends to be a little better at breaking stuff. As for Bailey: The dog gets what the dog wants, and it's a mute point, okay?

If I have to purchase anything that does not fall within the aforementioned exceptions, it will have to be either handmade or secondhand.

I see this challenge as a wonderful opportunity to get out there and check out the garage and estate sales, craft markets and fairs, and help out charities such as The Salvation Army by visiting their secondhand stores.

I can utilise the internet and purchase handmade clothing and gifts from sites like Etsy and Oxfam.

I can improve my own skills: My knitting is poor at best, and I cannot sew, but if time permits what better opportunity to learn and improve?

365 days, starting now (28 September 2009).

It's not that long.

I wonder if I can do this...?

Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted.