In the hustle and bustle of our modern, technology-driven lives, it’s easy to forget the skills that our grandparents relied on. Skills that were once commonplace have become almost lost arts, as progress and convenience have superseded the need for many traditional skills. This list is curated from global trends, data, and research, and it’s a testament to the versatility and resourcefulness of our forebears. Read on to discover 14 skills your grandparents had that are now almost lost, and maybe, just maybe, be inspired to reclaim a few for your own.
1. Handwriting letters
Remember the art of writing a letter by hand? It was once a common skill, but with the advent of email and text messaging, it’s become almost obsolete. Yet there’s something deeply personal about a handwritten note, something that digital communication can’t replicate.
Receiving a handwritten letter is a joy, and writing one can be a meditative process. It’s a chance to slow down and really consider your words. Plus, it’s a great way to keep in touch with older relatives who might not be comfortable with technology. Why not give it a try?
2. Darning socks
The throwaway culture of the modern world has led to the loss of many repair skills, such as darning socks. Our grandparents wouldn’t have dreamed of throwing away a sock just because it had a hole in it. They’d have simply darned it and carried on wearing it.
The process of darning involves sewing a patch over the hole, creating a strong, comfortable repair. It’s not difficult to learn, and it’s a great way to reduce waste and save money. Check out this tutorial to get started.
3. Preserving food
Our grandparents didn’t have the luxury of popping to the supermarket whenever they wanted. They had to make their food last, especially during the winter months. This led to a mastery of food preservation techniques, from canning to pickling to smoking.
Preserving food is a great way to reduce waste and enjoy seasonal produce all year round. It’s a skill that takes a little practice but is very rewarding. This guide will help you get started.
4. Sewing a button
Another casualty of the throwaway culture is the humble skill of sewing on a button. It’s a simple task that takes just a few minutes, yet many people would rather buy a new shirt than fix the old one.
Sewing on a button is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any special equipment. Plus, it’s immensely satisfying to repair something yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this essential skill.
5. Making soap
Once upon a time, making soap was a common household task. It’s a skill that’s almost lost, but it’s definitely worth rediscovering. Homemade soap is gentle, natural, and free from the harsh chemicals found in many commercial products.
Making soap is a fun, creative process, and it’s easier than you might think. Plus, homemade soap makes a great gift. Check out this beginner’s guide to get started.
6. Sharpening a knife
A sharp knife is a joy to use, yet many of us put up with dull blades. Our grandparents would have known how to keep their knives sharp, and it’s a skill that’s worth learning.
Sharpening a knife is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment. Plus, it’s a great way to extend the life of your knives. Here’s a guide to help you master this useful skill.
7. Making bread from scratch
Making bread is a skill that’s been largely lost, replaced by the convenience of store-bought loaves. Yet there’s something deeply satisfying about making your own bread, not to mention the delicious smell that fills your kitchen.
Baking bread takes a little time and practice, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Plus, homemade bread is free from the additives found in many commercial loaves. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
8. Growing your own vegetables
Growing your own vegetables is a skill that’s fallen by the wayside in our modern, urbanized world. Yet it’s a rewarding and practical skill, and one that’s definitely worth rediscovering.
Growing vegetables is easier than you might think, and it doesn’t require a huge amount of space. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the taste of home-grown produce. Here’s a guide to get you started.
9. Making do and mending
The “make do and mend” mentality of our grandparents is a stark contrast to the throwaway culture of today. It’s a skill that’s almost lost, but it’s definitely worth reclaiming, both for the environment and for our wallets.
Making do and mending is all about being resourceful and creative. It’s about fixing things rather than throwing them away, about repurposing and reusing. Here’s a guide to help you embrace this sustainable mindset.
10. Navigation without technology
Before the advent of GPS, people navigated using maps and compasses. This skill is almost lost, but it’s definitely worth learning, especially if you enjoy hiking or other outdoor activities.
Navigating without technology is a fun and rewarding skill. It’s about being aware of your surroundings and using your natural instincts. Here’s a guide to get you started.
11. Building a fire
With the convenience of modern heating systems, the skill of building a fire has become almost obsolete. Yet it’s a practical and rewarding skill, and one that comes in handy when camping or during power outages.
Building a fire is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment. Plus, it’s a great way to cook food and keep warm in a natural, sustainable way. Here’s a guide to help you master this useful skill.
12. Basic carpentry
Basic carpentry is a skill that’s almost lost, but it’s definitely worth learning. Whether it’s fixing a broken chair or building a bookshelf, basic carpentry skills can save you a lot of money and hassle.
Carpentry is a practical and satisfying skill. It’s about being resourceful and creative, and it’s a great way to make your home more personalized and unique. Here’s a guide to get you started.
13. Making homemade remedies
Before the advent of modern medicine, people relied on homemade remedies to treat common ailments. This is a skill that’s almost lost, but it’s definitely worth rediscovering.
Making homemade remedies is a rewarding and practical skill. It’s about using natural ingredients to support your health and well-being. This quick guide will help you get started.
14. Keeping chickens
Keeping chickens was once a common practice, providing families with a steady supply of fresh eggs. It’s a skill that’s almost lost, but it’s definitely worth rediscovering.
Keeping chickens is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to reduce waste by providing a home for your kitchen scraps. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the taste of home-laid eggs. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.
