The Mother of Invention

[HUGH JARSE]

You know that old expression, 'Necessity is the Mother of Invention'?


What other tales do forumites have of 'make-do-and-mend' on the fells? I'm not just thinking of shoe-related exploits here, but any stirring Captain Scott type yarns of when desperate ends called for desperate means...

Was in Rivock Edge plantation one cold winter's morn when the previous night's curry reared it's ugly head!This is a regular occurrence for me;however there were only copious amounts of pine needles upon which to wipe one's posterior! Thinking that these might cause my sphincter (sic) to wince;I duly removed my fleece gloves.wiped vigorously.turned inside out and calmly placed in washing machine upon return home.Hardly Alf Tupper stuff but amusing when retold over the dinner table!

[southernsoftie]

You take dental floss in your rucksack?! What is else is in your essential equipment list? Eyeliner? Bedsocks? A small reading lamp?

Still, impressive needlework SS. I guess you must have been carrying a needle too, unless you improvised that as well using a toenail clipping.

Well, I do like my creature comforts...

Was a multi-stage race, so sewing kit always handy. Dental floss was cadged off another runner. Now wouldn't be without it. The nylon's stronger than cotton

Mr B: makes me proud to British! Great story.

[stevefoster]

Was in Rivock Edge plantation one cold winter's morn when the previous night's curry reared it's ugly head!This is a regular occurrence for me;however there were only copious amounts of pine needles upon which to wipe one's posterior! Thinking that these might cause my sphincter (sic) to wince;I duly removed my fleece gloves.wiped vigorously.turned inside out and calmly placed in washing machine upon return home.Hardly Alf Tupper stuff but amusing when retold over the dinner table!

Once running home from work when my dinner decided to exit the departure lounge and board the plane, had to use my underpants as andrex, took em home and binned em. Now i'm commando, always make sure i carry the real thing and steer clear of Labrador puppies

[CribGoch]

I've stitched a rucksack shoulder strap back together using dental floss. Held for the week required with 13kg in, and over a fair few miles.

Done the same thing backpacking in various parts. Dental floss always doubles up for repair work. Its great stuff - much stronger than most thread - so long as you get the old fashioned waxed stuff. New fangled flavoured tape is rubbish for sewing.