Tip Time Tuesday

Toilet paper rolls!  Not just for TP

Making the quilts and pot holders I’ve batches of binding cut and ready to use.  There are times I can’t stop and sew but I generally have the binding cut with the quilts (once I see  which will look best).  prepping and having ready to go saves time when I’m ready to use it.  I had piles of binding ready but kept needing to repress wrinkles out….The empty rolls have come in handy

Bindings for potholders ready to be used

There are lots of ways to repurpose empty TP tubes, be sure and check out my friend

Sci-Fi over at “Bacon & Eggs”,  (AWESOME blog!) she has a few other ideas for using them.

************************************************

My plans as of this morning were to sew for a while and then hit the garden to plant peas.  A bit of housework after that….

Well, I got the bit of sewing part….  I had the radio cranked up and kept the machine going.   I was hearing a train engine and thought it had been sitting for a while, much longer than normal.  About that time Mr.Fix-It called and I ended up running into town to pay the insurance for the new rental. But there was a problem leaving the drive way.  There were 2 huge cranes on track (think tanks) engines driving up (chewing up)our road.  They were the super huge derailment repair cranes. The train was still sitting across the road because 2-3 cars had derailed! 

That is one of the track rails half way down the ditch

I missed getting photos but, one of the cars was all the way down the embankment, the tanker car only half.

So, once I got going I paid the insurance and popped into a local grocery chain for some coffee.  They have the best coffee prices.  It’s wasn’t the store I generally shop at (it was in a very questionable section of town) but it was on the way home.  I ran in (remembered why It wasn’t were I generally stopped very quickly) got my case of coffee and left the store with 2-3 others.  Crossing the parking lot they went to the cars in front of and next to me…..I thought that’s weird..what are the odds in this size parking lot they would be this close.  Well, I got home reached across to the passenger seat for my purse to get out…..and it wasn’t there!  It was no where in the car.   I quickly drove back to the store….and the cart was still in the cart corral  empty.  I know the cart was empty when I pushed it in as it rolled back out and I had to angle it to stay in place.  Of course no one turned it in. I checked all the trash cans in the shopping center and the parking lot.

Now I wonder if I was played in the parking lot.   I always always always (except today) leave a store with my purse on my shoulder and my keys in my hand. I thought I remembered tossing it in the front seat but now I’m just not sure.  I do know the cart was empty when I left.

Thankfully I only had about $15.00 cash in my bag…along with a knitting project, a shawl I was knitting for me! I was my all time favorite bag.  I’d bought it at a resale shop about 10 years ago and it was just finally butter soft *sigh* 

Spent the afternoon at the bank setting up new accounts and of course today was the day we wired the down payment on the house…from that account.  Putting a hold on any checks other than the one I’d just written for the insurance….from that account. 

I tried to go on line and order a new drivers license but my new Debit Card won’t be active till tomorrow GAH!! Tomorrow to the police station to file a report (not that it will do any good)  Talk about feeling like an idiot!

I’m ready for the day to be over

Tomorrow will be better!

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids,Train derail,stolen purse

Technorati Tags: tips on Tuesday,random stuff,repurposing

Studio Space…It’s coming together

My shelf unit is done!  

Well, actually it’s been done but needed painted. 

  Larry built this unit based off of another I have in the kitchen for the crock pot and other larger appliances.  Aside from the trim on the face of the bins, all of the wool and materials used were salvaged from one project or another.  Years ago, when I worked at a local fabric store, they did a major remodel & tossed out a bunch of displays.  We hauled off as much as we could as it was super sturdy & good wood.  The top of this is from some of the last of the display wood. It weighs a ton and is sturdy enough to climb on (not that I’ll be doing any climbing) but it will probably out last me!

Our neighbor has a body shop and offered to give it a good paint job & we wanted to wait till he had the the paint booth free to do it. White car paint and 2 clear coats over the entire thing.

I don’t think I’ll be leaving any coffee cup stains on this one!

The shelves above he took down from a unused bedroom in the basement. 

My next issue was what to do with the wire shelf rack I’d bought and the wall of bins…I was so overwhelmed with how to create use-able space I was ready to walk away for the evening.  Trying to gain more functional space Larry suggested a counter….so we decided to use the rolling bins as a base & create a counter top above them.  In my mind I’m figuring how long it will take me to save for counters and….Larry heads out to the garage. 

  Simple frames stabilizing the counters over the bins

For a while this summer, the dealership rented a building for all the hail damage repairs to be done.  In the building there was quite a bit of odds and ends.  The owner was cleaning it up a bit and was tossing out these boards….which went against Mr. Fix-It’s grain (yes pun intended).  After looking at them he realized they were side rails to a bed frame 2 inches thick and 10 inches wide …he tossed them in the truck….to use someday.

Placing the 4 support frames and leaving a space for the electrical outlet

We shifted the wire bins up on the counter giving me

SPACE!!!!

I’m pretty sure I know where most things are now, I’ve shifted stuff around trying to see what works best & I’m sure I’ll be moving things around a bit more before I’m satisfied.  Not all of the sewing tools and quilting tools are together, But right now I know where things are, I have floor space, I can reach the radio,(one of the kids old stereo’s) I can walk to the window as the floor is cleared of boxes! The room, or this side at least feels 10 times bigger.

I’ve already used the sewing table a few times to make skirts for dresses & started a Jelly Roll Quilt.  It was so nice having elbow room.

 

I’m planning on using the cubby spaces for customers wool and my planned projects.  Boy do I have a lot of plans!   I may need to scale back somewhere as there are only 24 hours in a day but, those bare walls are starting to drive me crazy..er

It’s not done but all in all I’m pretty happy with it & very happy we’ve been able to stick with repurposing what you have and free materials!

Now to work on the wool side of the room

Hope your having a productive day

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids,crafting,sewing,repurposing,recycling,storage,organizationally challanged

Handmade, Homemade Frugal Holidays Gifts for Men, Men, Men MMMMMMMMen

Wow! From the comments on yesterdays post and the e-mails I received, most of you are already rockin & rollin on your gifting. AWESOME!!!!

The majority of the e-mails requested ideas for men. So, not to say this is all there is but its what I’ve come up with. PLEASE Link up if your posting ideas or completed gifts…if your afraid of a family spoiler send them to me & I’ll post them for you here. I’m all about sharing ideas and creativity!

Yesterday I spent about 2 hours listing all sorts of ideas & free links. This morning it’s lost in the bowels of my computer….and I can’t find it It’s frustrating as I was on a roll & had all these creative ideas……this is ( with my memory of a gnat) what I can remember…..& links for patterns or directions

Let me say handmade gifts for guys can be difficult. I mean pants shirt tie/uniform/work clothes….BORING! Not many want to make waves in the boring guy attire and actually wear the light up ties. If your guy is like mine they are pretty “no nonsense” in appearance. But depending on you sewing skills camp shirts, P.J. /lounge pants & Hoodies are generally safe. Flannels and fleeces are on sale with deep discounts making them affordable.

For the adventurous guy on the consider a back pack, rut sack or event tent! Free patterns here. Great way to repurpose denim, twill, heavy duck cloth or even camo!

For the grill master in the family(or one who thinks he is) Here is a free pattern that can be adjusted to ANY size. Have fun with it, what are his interests? If you just want to wing it with out a pattern….For the fisherman, use a shirt front for the bib area, pants front for the lower half & overlay black or green for “rubber boots” pockets (thinking of you Debby)…repurpose garments you have in the back of the closet or have thrifted. Carefully cut the sleeves & shirt front off, leaving the collar intact. Unbuttoned it can slip over the head as the neck strap. Separate a pair of shorts or pants on the side seams and lay on the “waist of the shirt.line up the edges and seam in place. Hem the sides and your good to go. I was laying in bed last night and thought of this…the possibilities are endless! Hawaiian camp shirts and shorts, tux shirt & black slacks…..use the shirt sleeves as hot pads….make it macho & he may wear it! Home made BBQ sauce to sweeten the pot! Use fabrics that you have on hand, denim or twill, even camo! How about a fish design or favorite team logo. Use the basic apron pattern but shorten for work mans apron/tool bag. Just make sure you have generous pockets!

As long as you have the sewing machine out,

How about a Shower wrap? My family all received these one year. Grab a towel (the nice thing is all the edges are done!) on sale or, dig in your stash. Back ? Ok,find center back (On a long edge of the towel), now take 6 inches of 1/2 to 1 inch elastic … mark your center…match that to your towel center..and pin in the center ( about 1/2inch from edge)….on one end, pull the elastic about 2 inches & firmly sew the end of your elastic. Do the same with the other end, when done remove the center pin. Your towel will have a gap that sags between. Fold the elastic edge down along the towel (wide enough to cover the elastic but not sew into the elastic) and sew the entire length of the towel. Stretch the elastic edge so it lays smooth for sewing. Careful not to catch the elastic. When done you should have a gathered section along the end. You’ll need about 6-8 inches of velcro or 2, 3-4 inc pieces. Wit the elastic on top, wrap the towel around your self or a handy person and judge how far the towel will reach. where your towel end touches is where you’ll stitch the hook part of the elastic. To the body of the towel is where you will place the soft loops. Do the same on the other end. Applique or decorate as you like!

For the Golfer in the family….Shoe bags. Nothing nastier than when they forget to clean the shoes before placing them in the shoe pocket on a golf bag. Lets fix that!

Golf shoe bags. Sewn, Made of flannel or cotton t shirt knit. Make sure you wash your fabrics so you do not have discoloration from the fabric to the shoes. Hand knit bags, with worsted weight, cast on 69, an easy knit 3 purl 3 rib,the appropriate length & kitchner or 3 needle bindoff to close. I recommend cottons or super wash wool as regular wool will felt if the shoes are wet & acrylic may scratch. Simple drawstring bags, one for each shoe to keep them from being scratched up & the club bag pocket clean. Nothing to big and bulky as they need to fit easily in the bag pocket. And, they can be tossed in the washer for easy care. My FIL will be receiving these!

Golf tee pockets that button/snap on the bag, knit, crocheted or sew. You can use a cosmetic bag as a pattern (but don’t tell him)!

Backgammom /Tic-tac toe board from fabric/quilted with wood disk or button markers. How about painting scrap wood with the checkerboard?

A “Stuff” container, most have a small pile of “stuff” they empty from their pockets at night…a small refinished/repainted wooden bowl will be handy to collect those items. Another idea is to use a small box; stationary, parts, child’s shoe box etc. Cover the entire box with small (less than an inch) irregular pieces of masking tape ( yes masking tape) top, bottom, inside & out. Cover the entire thing….then use wood stain or shoe polish and rub it down & watch it pick up the color. If using stain rub it off to shading of your choice & let dry 48 hours.

This is the box Rachel or Aaron made Mr. Fix~It about 15 years ago. His “Leather Box”

Messenger/school/music bag from recycled jeans or unstained coveralls, carry bag for drum sticks~n music

Hats, scarves & mitts, socks, Reclaim yarn from thrifted sweaters or those you have. Great patterns here here here. About 10,000 free patterns on the web. Don’t forget the mail & UPS Delivery person!

Knit or, Felt a wool sweater to make a computer sleeve, it helps cushion with traveling & wool will not create static like acrylic.

Soap on a rope bag, knit or crochet, goats milk soap also

For those living in cold climates how about emergency/first aid/readiness kit with a warm blanket for the car.

Grocery/shopping bags man style! Knit or repurposed fabrics, here are 35 free patterns.

Seatbelt strap covers, made from fleece, or old stuffed animal you have laying around, add a layer inside for cushion & add velcro closures. Sewn, Crochet,

Beer can/bottle/mug cozies, knit or crocheted, can be felted How about using fabric scraps and even a quilted one? Patterns here, here, here, here

Ipod or mp3 holder patterns here .

Fire starters For those that love a fire, be it camping, fire pit or wood stove, Quick & easy. You probably already have everything you need. Instructions here…..you might want to read more while your there!

A simple quilt from shirting fabrics or even denim. Super warm but I would not want to launder it! What about a t-shirt quilt?

You might consider a home made cool book of family favorites

I wish I could remember the rest.

But forget the rules! Look at repurposing materials, a zippered garment bag can become a duffel bag or messenger bag. The zipper alone is worth $5.00-$10 , web belts can be used as straps, drawstring cords can be repurposed from shoelaces, old jackets & hoodies. Reclaim yarn from sweaters or afghans!

Look at items as “materials” not the garment or item it is!

OK, I’m done. My minds a bit fried right now. If you have other links to add send them! I’ll add to the list.

Technorati Tags: Frugal mens gifts,knitting,sewing,quilting,reclaiming yarn,repurposing garments

Make Do Monday Frugal/Cheap Chair Cushions

OK, I did the work on Saturday but..
Heres my make do Monday!

I love this table & chairs
Spill something liquid,
it falls through

Spill food?

drops right through

(Buddy, Clean up table 0ne!)But here is my issue..

the chairs are the same mesh

If you have any "fluff" on your back side

You have "Mesh marks" where you don't want them

I have fluff

Lets just say lots of fluff

(we'll leave it at that OK?)

These are the plastic/vinyl cushions that came with the table

We've had them for 10 yrs, and they were old when we received them

The foam & covers are sad but in fairly good shape

I figured if they lasted this long, they would see

another ice age in a land fill......and i'm being frugal right?

Ok, cheap!

I decided to just recover them.

It also added stability to the cushion

$3.00 of remnant fabric later...

Trim off the ties or tabs,
measured the cushions;

cut the fabric.

Its best & looks nicer

if you can match the patterns

My fabric had a big fade mark in the center

so for $3.00....

They are not "centered" stripes

but they do match

sew the sides, miter the corners

so they don't smoosh up

Sew the back leaving a 6 inch opening in the center,

flip right side out

I rolled the old cushion

slid it in the opening and flattened it out

Tuck in raw edges and sew closed

the fabric was heavy enough to finger press
Repeat 3 more times,
grab a cup of Fresh cup of coffee & relax
with no fear of



fluff marks

Garden Updates

In answer to the challenge issued by Paula from

http://www.savingmoney101.blogspot.com/
(Great website by the way be sure & check her out!)

to show off your garden progress......

Green beans, Peas, & cucumbers

Fresh tilled by Mr Fix it

with a free small tiller

It was handed to him with the comment

it won't work, we're throwing it away

if you can fix it,

(& he takes these challenges personally)

keep it

so he did

and we did

THANKYOUVERYMUCH!

Yes, we know the Locust tree in the back ground is dead,

yes we know its leaning but,

it survived the wind storm,

the ice storm...

it can fall when it wants

it has earned that right..

Besides, we need a break from hauling dead trees & wood for a while

I'm trying something new with the tomatoes this year...

newspaper mulch

shredded newspaper.
I know you can use plastic YUCK!

I know you can use the paper in sheets

I thought this would mulch faster

Besides, there is something therapeutic

in shredding paper

PSA.......reuse, reduce, recycle....

Sorry Freecycle Friends, no more newspapers!

Back to our regular programing...

I put it in the fenced enclosure first in case it blew around

before I could soak it down

(you know the enclosure the rabbits laughed at?

that became the "Rabbit Diner"?)

So far, so GOOD! I have a few weeds poking thru

where the paper is not as dense

& the soil underneath is staying moist

I'm sure "Martha" would not approve

But she lost my respect when she said to be ascetically pleasing...purchase

"Color Coordinating Nylons" (for your organic garden) to tie up your tomato's

I looked around on line and found 2-3 others that have tried this.

I thought I had saved the links to credit...so,

If some how you find your way here

and you know I found this through your site

THANKYOUVERYMUCH!!!!

Please let me know it was you

so I can give credit where credit is due!
*****Updating*****

I know Bargain Becky inspired me..

In more ways than just shredding newspaper!

off to find the others.....

Hey, Whats in your garden!

How to Recycle Concrete

We're done

Finished

I think

We went from a grassy

slippery slope

to this

And I was OK with it

It was better than

a 3ft deep pit between

the house & garage.

We could work with it.

Then the new floor cracked,

they re poured over it

it cracked.

So to make a long

2 yr project a

short story

I have a new,

courtyard

between the house & garage.

With the exception of the

new umbrella &

$3.00 fabric on clearance

and about $200.00 (maybe)

of building materials

Everything is repurposed
The table was Larry's Grandmothers

The Stump we carved out for a flower pot..



This area is large enough area to create seperate

cozy spots.....

The 4 green chairs & table I purchased at a yard sale

for $5.00


The stone slabs we hauled

by hand

from a friends

crumbling 1800's barn foundation

in the woods

The tan chairs... I bought 8

for $2.00 ea at a yard sale a few years ago


My oldest daughter Danielle has the other 4

We have a slab of the tree we just took down

to make a small table for under the window &

2 logs curing Mr Fix it will split & use to make benches
to go with it


These chairs are for the Grill Master

& his supervisors

They can solve the worlds problems

in the shade

We would like to give special thanks
to Dr.Steve Hoffman
...........our chiropractor

Yeah, I'm pretty sure were done.

Our 2 year Project Completed & so Much Love

2 Years ago, we started building a courtyard,

it runs 40 feet long, 9feet wide at one end

and opens to 22 feet wide on the other.

It started from a dream,

a someday, wouldn't it be nice to...

you know,

that type of thing.....

A new garage floor that was full of air bubbles

and cracks

when torn out and replaced

We were left with ....

Now keep in mind,

we're talking about a big garage & work shop..a big boy play house.

15 cubic yards of concrete.

Which, weighs out to

22 and a 1/2 tons of concrete rubble.

In our yard

after a few months we started calling it

Yard Art.

Last night we planned on completing
the last 8 ft of the floor

And then the thunder storm rolled in.
We waited it out.
The job Completed,
We put the shovels away at 10pm.
After 2 years, WE ARE DONE!!!
Bet you thought There would be a picture
Tomorrow,
after we get things set how we want them

We're stubborn like that.


We came inside and had homemade
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Isaiah, started talking
about all the love in his heart
He was so serious.
He told me he has so much love,
God gave him a 2nd heart on the other side.....
He calls it his love box,
that's where he keeps all the love
people give him.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all felt that way?

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY & GOING GREEN

We're "Going Green" one baby step at a time. We've been trying to reuse our plastic shopping bags, you know you have them too....... breeding in the closet. So, you have these "plastic" bags neatly folded in the back seat of your car....your ready for the next grocery trip...that's right were going to save a tree, stop global warming and bring peace on earth... and reuse the bags.
Then, you open your window...... Unrestrained grocery bags loose in a car become worse than a car full of balloons! They fly right in your face all plotting to cover the windshield. They plan it while waiting for us... in the hot car. I'm firmly convinced. Try and catch one as it flies past..grab it, slide it under one cheek, ( you know which cheek) slap at the next...just try and tuck it with the other....one ALWAYS gets away! You become the crazy lady waving her arms, trying to drive, shift & put the windows up all at the same time. They communicate ....I'm sure of it, one is always making a bid for freedom out the window, They need a warning label!
So, You make it to the store alive, grab all the bags & stuff them into one to carry, grab your coffee cup and..it spills into...the bags.
To heck with reusing the bags, I'm making some! Got home, logged on to Ravelry and found the "Malika Bag" pattern free! It's a sign! I read through the directions, quick & easy knit, O.K., I can save a tree, have a bag, and use some stash! We were on our way to the 4H auction and this was my sanity saver. I don't know about you but I can only take so many chickens, rabbits, cows & sheep ........after a while they all blend together! Anyway, my quick read of the pattern was to quick, Of course I forgot to take the pattern! The original bag has a spiral design and is wider. But, I LOVE my "Almost Malika Bag" It's unbelievable the amount of things that will fit into it. The second I lengthened the body and handles a few inches. I believe I know a few people who are still fighting the plotting plastic bags...Guess what they will receive this Christmas

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY, Something to Think About

Found this on babylonglegs blog and thought i would share.

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY& GOING GREEN

For a quite a while I have been thinking of all that we as a society waste. Since the early 70’s Reduce, reuse & recycle has been the mantra. The next few weeks I’d like to look at a few little things (call them baby steps if you’d like) that we can all do with little effort.

Ever driven down the road and see good furniture, toys, on the side of the road? Waiting for the trash, on the way to the Dump. Some say landfill but excuse me, the land is full, and we dig a hole to dump things into it!

Good things possibly, toys the kids no longer play with, a wheel maybe missing, wobbly leg table, dirty lawn furniture, bed frames, curtain rods, dishes, lawn mowers, I could go on but we’ve all seen the piles.
I always think there is some young person moving out for the first time or a young couple just getting started that could fix those things and use them.

When did we become a throw away society?

What happened to fixing things?

One gentleman I know picks up lawn mowers tossed out. He fixes and sells them on the side. The things he found wrong with them; need a tune up, wheels tightened, once a (new-one) spark plug was not connected. No more than an hour or so of work, they are cleaned up, running great and ready for a new home. Granted fixing lawn mowers are not a hobby for everyone. But for goodness sake pass it on to someone who could!
You could have a yard sale, take it to your local thrift store. Don’t want to haul it? There is another alternative, my family has recently found.
Ever heard of ”Freecycle “ (This is off the website)

It’s a wonderful way to get rid of things you no longer need.

“Where one person's trash is another's treasure!The Freecycle(TM) mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community. We are open to individuals, businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to make it easy for everyone to find new homes for good items rather than throw them away. In the process, we'll reduce waste, save precious resources, and ease the burden on landfills.”


You should check it out, just type freecycle in your search engine. Clean out some closets, or if you’re real brave the basement!