spring forward

bah humbug!

this old dog swears like a sailor when learning new tricks

Ever heard of Sort Floor Books? Their prices are amazing! I like to go there and search for the words, "kit" and "set" and "deck." Because the site is very basic, I usually have a window open with Amazon so I can read reviews and get a description. Before my spending freeze, I ordered a bunch of fun "how-to" books and they arrived today.

Knit Knack Kit (Amazon page)
Down & Dirty: 43 Fun & Funky First-time Projects & Activities to Get You Gardening (Sort Floor Books must be sold out of this one but I paid WAY less than the Amazon price.)
Kids Crochet: Projects for Kids of All Ages (Amazon Page)
It's a Stitch: 21 Patchwork Quilt Projects with an Eye on Tradition (Amazon page)
Stitch-It Kit (Amazon page)

My total was around $32 and I'm pleased with all my purchases. They arrived in excellent condition even though two of them were listed as used. Which brings me to the title of this blog entry... It's a good thing I waited until the big kid and wee one were in bed before I attempted the knitting kit. Thank goodness for You Tube! I nearly tossed the whole lot in the trash. I think the book explains it as best it can, but I am a visual learner and needed the extra insight.

I don't see any sweaters or booties in my future, so be on the look-out for an exciting dish cloth hand knit by yours truly.

excuse me, ma'am

"Is everything alright?"

These were the words spoken to me by a nice police officer yesterday morning. She had pulled up next to me and motioned for me to roll down my window. Turning seven shades of red, I obliged. Thoughts were racing around my head as I contemplated an answer to the question. I decided honesty is the best policy, no matter how weird it made me sound. Besides, I am a terrible liar.

"I'm looking for coupons...coupons people drop...you know, from Winn Dixie? The people in the apartments over there...they sometimes drop their coupons....?" nervous laugh. blush. stammer. smile.

I'm not sure what she was expecting; probably a lost cat or wallet. She nodded in an understanding way (what with the economy and all, I suppose) and left.

Funny thing is, I wasn't picking them up for me this time. All my frugal penny pinching last year has us set for a while. Not that I would pass up a $10 off $50 to fill the freezer with meat, but I was doing reconnaissance. I am supposed to teach a couponing class to a group of homeschooling parents sometime this month.

clutter cutter

I found this tutorial for a "kidlet" and thought it would be a nice project for one of my PIF recipients. I didn't get quite as fancy with the pocket because I wanted to keep it simple on my first attempt. I can't post pictures yet, but it's going in the mail tomorrow. It was super easy and I am going to modify it slightly to make another PIF project.

another beverage wallet

I like this much better. I modified it so I have three small pockets for the Crystal Light on-the-go sticks (A). I also have pockets that fit either fake lemon/lime/etc. (B) and/or sweeteners (D). I stuck two regular tea packets in, but my big 4 packs fit (C).

I made a hook and loop closure because I am impatient and don't have any buttons. This is more my style, too. I used lemon and bee fabric inside...get it?

bev wallet

Not just a tea wallet but also a Crystal Light wallet. Next time around, I'll sew in the dividers for the drink mix packets (top left) so they don't slide around. My tea comes in these packets of 4. I adjusted the size of this tutorial by an inch each way (6x8) to accommodate. I think I'll sew in the dividers for the sweetener packets, also. I need to get buttons and this will be done.

cupcakes and flowers

Hairclips made from felt...I'm so over these. I'm probably giving most of them away or donating to the FRG to sell at the base yard sale. There are 12 more flowers I didn't bother putting in the picture.

swiffer project

I finally got around to turning the big kid's old diaper soakers into swiffer pads. They were frayed and worn so I thought I'd give them an extra zig-zag stitch around the edge to keep them whole. I used four pieces of 2" loop side Aplix (a) approximately 2 1/2 inches long. The diaper soaker (b) is quite a bit longer than the Swiffer but I thought it came in handy for getting right up against the baseboards.

I put the Aplix on so it would catch the outside edge of the hook material on the Swiffer.

Getting that "non-refillable" bottle apart? That's something I didn't have great success with so you may want to read this. I cut the lower rim of the cap off but now it leaks...a little. I refilled it with vinegar and water and just took the bottle off after mopping. I was tempted to post how filthy the new soaker-pad was but didn't want to gross anyone out. I'm pleased with the outcome!