I think the most important part of being a homesteader is adopting the homesteading mindset – the ‘do it yourself’, problem-solver, make-use-of-what-you-have approach to life. After all, that’s self-sufficiency, isn’t it? Relying on yourself before you rely on corporations?
Meet Rowdy, a 10 year old Dwarf Nigerian goat. We got new coats for all the goats this past autumn at Equine Affaire because they were $9.95 each (nevermind that the baby goats are sporting size “Mediam” – yes, there’s a typo on the size tag). Rowdy is a bit too round for his new coat, and his existing coat wasn’t really cutting it anymore.
A polar vortex was coming, and we needed a solution. When the hardware on one of the barn aisle cross-ties broke, I knew I could put it to good use.
The cross tie is constructed as two nylon straps stitched together for extra durability – and durable it was, since it survived my horse literally flipping over while attached to it (both the cross tie and the horse were shockingly unscathed).
It was too thick to work with, so I ripped the seam and separated the two straps. Then I cut it down to size and used a lighter to burn the ends to reduce fraying.
Some hook-and-loop fasteners came next, sewed on with upholstery thread for added durability. It was so thick that I broke my first needle, so moving forward, I used a mallet and nail to punch guide holes for the needle.
When done, I noticed that the edges of the hook-n-loop tape would be prone to peeling up wherever they weren’t stitched down. Since goats seek to wreak havoc on anything they can reach, I reduced the possibility of total destruction by adding some fabric glue for an extra layer of durability.
The final product: a functional, durable strap made using only pre-owned materials. I spend my evenings crafting anyway (cross-stitching or crocheting, usually), so this was a fun alternative project that also had a lot of functionality and purpose – especially with a polar vortex looming in the Northeast, which is really the only time the ungrateful goat actually needs a coat.
Rowdy tested, Rowdy disapproved (he hates it) – but he can’t get out of it, so that’s a success in my book!
These goats live on my family’s farm. Five months from now, I’ll be living right next door with homestead projects piling up by the minute. I can’t wait!!
What farm problems have you MacGyvered a solution for recently?
Talk soon,
KC
P.S. Enjoy more goat nonsense below: