The Week That Was 24th April 2022

Each week we try to live as frugally as possible. We have to, we don't have an unlimited income, we have a very, very limited income and a rather tight budget.

But that doesn’t mean we go without the things we need; we live the Cheapskates way deliberately. We long ago ditched the stuff that wasn't important to us, so we could have the things that are. It works.

We have everything we need, and after talking to Wayne, we have everything we want too. We have been and are truly blessed.

This week I stopped eating the raspberries and started putting them into the freezer. When there are enough I'll make jam.

Processed orders for dishcloths and started knitting more to replace them in our shop, Home Among the Gum Trees.

I have been checking the daily power usage on my phone. Our bill was going up, and our usage was going down. Something didn't add up, so I've been tracking it each day, and when the next bill comes in I'll be checking it to make sure it is correct. A phone call to our power company will follow, to discuss rates.

Placed a bulk order with Hindustan for soup mix and beans. Combined with a friend to get the free delivery (orders over $90 in Melbourne metro area), otherwise I'd have had to drive to Dandenong to pick the order up and with the price of fuel, that wasn't something I wanted to do in the Patrol.

Made a bulk batch of chilli. We had some for dinner on Monday night and the rest has been frozen for future meals.

Made a bulk batch of spag bol sauce by turning 500g mince and two cups rehydrated TVP into pasta sauce. Used some on Tuesday night, and bagged up another three meals for the freezer.

Packaged rice, soup mix and beans in mylar bags for long term shelf storage. Interesting experiment; the oxygen absorbers have worked in some of the bags, and not in others, yet they all came from the same packet and were opened and used at the same time.

Dropped Hannah's car at the mechanic for her. Twice.

Was very grateful for the rain we had on Monday and Tuesday. Rain water seems to really give the garden a boost and it saves watering.

Dried the washing on the clotheshorses on wet days.

Used the lamb bones to make soup. Put some in the fridge for lunches and bagged some up for Hannah. The rest is in the freezer.

Added a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the mop water to freshen the house.

Bought reduced Easter chocolate at Aldi to add to the baking stockpile.

Kept an eye on the garden to make sure the areas that have been seeded stayed damp. As a result there are already beetroot, turnips and parsnips peaking through.

Found Shapes marked down to 13 cents a box at the Reject Shop, with three months on the date. Bought six boxes and put them away for treats and birthday celebrations through the year.

Too good a bargain to pass up and they will keep for months past the BBD

 Used capsicums from the garden to stretch burrito filling.

Used canned potatoes, dehydrated onions, celery and carrots and the last of an A10 tin of tomatoes to make tomato vegetable soup for lunches.

What did you do to save money, time and energy this week?

Be A Collector of Skills

"Be a collector of skills" was a phrase I read recently on a blog I follow (Frugal Measures) and it has stuck in my mind.

As a Cheapskate, my focus is often on saving money, and the many, many ways I can do that without compromising our lifestyle. After all, that's what started me on this journey: the need when disaster struck to stretch our dollars till they screeched so we could maintain our standard of living.

I had to learn to do so many things that were completely foreign to me. I had to develop hobbies I had into full-blown, usable, practical skills, then use those skills to feed us, clothe us, keep us dressed, give us presents and holidays and so much more.

Looking back, I became a collector of skills.

And I'm still collecting skills.

Some of the skills I've collected include:
Knitting
Sewing
Embroidery
Darning
Cross-stitch
Tapestry
Quilting
Patchwork
Dressmaking
Pattern making
How to sew on a button
How to take up hems
How to put in a zip
How to work buttonholes by hand
How to work buttonholes by machine
Using an overlocker
Making patterns from ready-made items
Paper making
Card making
Scrapbooking
Photography
Hair cutting
Gardening
Seed Saving
Pruning fruit trees
Sharpening shears, knives and axes
Firewood collecting (yes, it's a skill - not all wood is good firewood!)
Bottling/canning
Freezing
Jam making
Sauce making
Pickling
Smoking meats
Bread making
Soup making
Making yoghurt
Vinegar making
Dehydrating
Fruit growing
Composting
Car repairs
Tyre changing
Oil changing
Fuse changing
Soap making
Lotion making
Using essential oils and herbs to make medicines
Cooking over an open fire
Making washing powder
Making laundry soaker
Making window cleaner
Making all-purpose cleaner
Using a haybox cooker
Knowing how to use the chainsaw safely
Knowing how to winch safely
Knowing how to drive in low range in all types of country and weather

Some of the skills I'm working on include:
Making sourdough starter
Pressure canning
Making wicking beds for the garden
Knitting socks

Disaster struck, and at the time it was an absolute disaster.

Almost 25 years on, I can look back and see what a blessing it was (could've done without the "disaster" disguise), and how it has enabled me to care for my family and my home, and extended family, over the years on a sometimes almost miniscule budget, without compromising lifestyle.

The skills picked up over the years have saved us money, time and energy, and formed a collection I am proud to own.

Knit a Quick and Pretty Basketweave Dishcloth

I have been knitting dish cloths to use as gifts and to include in the cleaning hampers and I used my usual diagonal pattern. I love this pattern because it's quick and easy to knit, and being basic garter stitch it has good scrubbing power without the scratchiness of a nylon scrubby.

But sometimes I get a little bored with the same old, same old. I know - who'd a thought I'd ever get bored! So occasionally I break with habit and try a new pattern. This week it was a simple basket weave and I have to say it looks very nice, especially in the blue and white variegated cotton I used. It will go beautifully with the kitchen chair covers.

It's really easy to knit, so easy even a beginner can do it, no special skill required (other than counting - you can count to five can't you?).

Basket Weave Dish Cloth

Cast on 50 stitches.

Knit 5 rows. This will form the lower border and start the side borders.

Row 1: Knit 5 *Knit 5, purl 5. Repeat from * to last 5 stitches, knit 5.

Row 2 Knit 5 *Purl 5, knit 5. Repeat from * to last 5 stitches, knit 5.

Row 3: As Row 1

Row 4: As Row 2

Row 5: As Row 1

Row 6: Knit 5, *Purl 5, knit 5. Repeat from * to last 5 stitches, knit 5.

Row 7: Knit 5, *Knit 5, purl 5. Repeat from * to last 5 stitches, knit 5.

Row 8: As Row 6

Row 9: As Row 7

Row 10: As Row 6

Repeat last 10 rows four more times, 50 rows in total.

Knit 5 rows. Cast off. Weave ends in.

Notes:
At the moment I am using 10 ply cotton from Bendigo Woollen Mills and 4mm needles to knit my dishcloths. I buy it online, when the 200g balls are on sale and there is a free shipping offer. A ball makes 4 -5 dishcloths, bringing the price down to between $2 and $2.40.

This pattern knits in a garter stitch border around the dishcloth - it finishes it off nicely rather than just having the "weave" ends as the border.

Handmade Christmas

This last week I noticed my dishcloths in the kitchen were getting very raggy, so three new ones came out of the linen cupboard and I spent a couple of nights knitting replacements for them.

While I was in the linen cupboard I pulled out some knitting needle containers and covered them in pretty tissue paper that I had in the craft drawer. They are so pretty and much nicer than the plain, boring plastic they were.

I also had a few minutes here and there this week so I set up my card making supplies and when I had a few minutes I'd sit down and work on a card. It may not be as time efficient as the production line I usually do, but by the end of the week I had some lovely cards to add to the stash.

Such a productive week, all done in grabs when I had a few minutes. And I'm very happy with the additions to the present box.

Costings:

The knitting needle containers cost $2.99 each. I had the materials needed to cover them, leftover from other projects, so the cost for the three knitting needle containers was $9.99. I've seen them for sale from $19 up to $64! There's no way I'd ever pay $19, let alone $64, for a knitting needle case, so the calculations are worked on the $19 version; that means I could move $47 to the savings account to pay for these gifts. As there is no way I'd every pay $19 each for them, I've paid myself (via the holiday account this week) $24, because $8 each doesn't sound too bad and it's still under my gift budget of $10 per gift.

Only two weeks into this year's handmade Christmas challenge and the present box is looking rather healthy, and I've been able to tick a couple of presents off my gift list already!

Are you going to make gifts this year? Have you started yet? Do you have a plan of things to make, or are you just making as the fancy takes you? 

Happiness Homemade

 This is the title of a little book I was given before we were married, and I've referred back to it many times since then, for encouragement, wisdom and old fashioned advice.

When Hannah was three and four, if you'd asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she'd happily tell you she wanted to be a shopper (I know - she's my daughter!). When I was little, then as I grew older, if you'd asked me what I truly wanted to be when I grew up I'd have told you wife, mother and homemaker. They were the jobs I wanted most of all, everything else came second in my career choices.

As it turned out I met, then re-met quite a few years later, my sweetheart.  We fell in love, married (and in 12 days we'll be celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary) and started our life together.

But before we were married we talked (a lot) about our future dreams and goals, and how they'd work in our marriage. Both of us came from somewhat traditional homes, with two parents: working father and homemaker mother, and that was the style of home we both wanted. We both wanted our children to have a parent at home with them, and we both wanted to raise our children ourselves; we wanted to be the main influence in our children's lives. We wanted to have the traditional home we'd both grown-up in.

It hasn't been quite that, though: we do live in the modern world and Disaster did Strike. I've worked both within and outside our home and now my "outside" work means I am able to fit it in around my work at home.

This is a big thing for me, because it means that I can still have my first career choice of wife, mother and homemaker, yet still "work" and contribute in more ways to our home.

But wife, mother and homemaker is still my first career, one I take very seriously, and one I'm not going to give up.

Caring for my family and our home is important to me and I'm proud to be able to do it.

I could work more hours and bring more cash into our household, although in reality that wouldn't necessarily be the case (working outside the home may bring in a wage, but there are costs associated with that wage, often costing almost as much or even more than you are earning - truly!).

I like doing my housework, I've never thought of caring for my family by caring for our home as drudgery, or a chore or a waste of my time or talents. It's something I take pride in, and an important part of my career.

I smile when I remember that when I clean our home, I'm saving at least $25 an hour for a cleaner. IIt doesn't take long, about an hour a day, usually in the mornings, every morning from Monday through Friday doing housework (I've put my daily routines here) keeps our home tidy and clean and comfortable. And by doing it myself, I've saved $125 a week from leaving our household budget and saved my husband from having to work an extra six hours. I'd much rather do the cleaning and have those six hours with him.

Working in the garden, ironing (although I try not to, it's not my favourite chore), baking our bread, making jam and marmalade, cooking our meals from scratch, shopping wisely to get the most from our money, are all things I do as a part of my job. And all these things make our home a happier, nicer environment for our family.

Taking the time to sew on a button or restitch a downed hem makes the garment owner feel loved and special, and that flows forward to making our home a happier, nicer place, somewhere we all want to be.

Looking for the best deals on the things we need, making gifts instead of buying them, DIYing instead of paying someone else to paint or make curtains or repair something all save us spending money, so we can use it for the things we really enjoy.

My days are busy and sometimes they are non-stop and I get tired, but they are always fulfilling. At the end of each day I look back at what's been accomplished and smile, knowing that I've done my job to the best of my ability, that my family is happy and that my happiness truly is homemade.

Thursdays have always been household day here on the blog, and 2018 isn't going to change that.

What will change is the type of post on a Thursday. This year they'll focus on how we can make our homes happy, sometimes using old-fashioned methods, tips and tricks and sometimes using more modern ways.

And how a happy home can change your financial life, without you feeling deprived or poor.

I hope you'll join me, and enjoy finding that your happiness can be homemade too.

Handmade Christmas

Last year I set myself the challenge to have a mostly handmade Christmas and it was wonderful. Without sounding cheap, lots of my stash of fabric, yarn and other craft materials were used to make gifts for friends and family.

It was a lot of work, but more fun. Choosing what to make for everyone, then finding the perfect materials, deciding on colours so each gift was individual and made just for the recipient took a bit of time (I made a few lists!) but that created a plan I was able to follow for the year.

Christmas 2017 was so easy, most of the gifts we gave were handmade especially for the recipients. They were planned and created to suit wants, needs, taste and style and were so much fun to put together that Christmas 2018 is going to be a completely handmade Christmas.

This week I've had some time to knit, so two dishcloths and a face washer are finished.  Then on Sunday afternoon the sewing machine came out and some fabric from the stash and I whipped up a couple of pot holders and cute little tissue cover.

 All the materials came from my stash, and the pot holders were made from pillowslips and doona covers I picked up from op shops. The batting for the pot holders was bath mats that were worn in the middle, so no cost for batting. The lace on the tissue cover was a scrap, leftover from one of Hannah's dresses when she was small.

I've seen the tissue covers selling at a local chemist for $7.95 each! I made six from scraps of fabric and lace -  a saving of $47.70!

This year I've also decided to be sure and pay for the gifts as I make them. Our gift budget is relatively small, just $540 for the year, for all gifts for everyone, so it is important that I track the cost of gifts to keep the budget straight.

To do this I calculate the cost to make the gift - in this case the tissue covers. I used scraps I already had, so they cost nothing to make. If I'd bought them, they would have cost $47.70. I've moved $47.70 from the gift fund to our savings account. Now I've paid for the tissue covers.

There is a cost to giving gifts, whether they're handmade or bought. The cost may just be your time, as with the tissue covers, or it may be just a few cents, as with the pot holders. But there is a cost, so it should be shown in your budget. Remember, if you make a gift, to pay for it.

​Easier Knitting

With a little spare time I've brought out my knitting needles again (and I need some new dishcloths - the old ones are ready to be moved to the laundry). This tip from Zofia makes casting on and getting a nice first row easy. It's so simple and so effective.

Easier Knitting

Knitting the first row of your project can be a little slow because the stitches are usually quite tight. To solve this problem use two needles when casting on instead of one. The extra width of the two needles ensures that the stitches of the first row will be able to be knitted easily. Alternately you could use a knitting needle that is several sizes larger than the one needed in your project to achieve the same result.
Contributed by Zofia Vandenburg

Mini Knitted Christmas Stocking

I love these little Christmas stockings and over the years I've knitted hundreds of them, some for our Christmas tree, and others packaged in sets as gifts for friends, teachers, co-workers, neighbours and as my contribution to the school Christmas stall.

They knit up in no time and while the pattern indicates to use 5 ply yarn I have used whatever I had in my knitting bag - 8 ply, 4 ply and even 3 ply, adjusting the needle size to suit (and that will depend on whether you are a tight, average or loose knitter).

Even a beginner knitter could make these little stockings and they really are quick - about half an hour from start to finish!

These miniature Christmas stockings are just the right size to hold a packet of Lifesavers or Fruit Tingles and are perfect for children to add to Christmas cards as a little gift.

String 24 stockings along a length of tinsel, fill them with treats and use them as a cute Advent calendar.

Add a loop to the top of the stocking and it becomes a delightful tree ornament, especially if it contains a packet of lollies.

You will need:
Small quantities of 5 ply wool in main colour and white (I use Christmas red and green as the main colour but you can use any colour)
1 pair 3mm (no. 11) knitting needles

Instructions:
Row 1: Cast on 30 stitches in main colour
Knit 6 rows.
Row 7:  K14, K2 together, turn, slip 1, K4, K2 tog and turn.
Row 8:  K2 together, turn, slip 1, K4, K2 together, turn.
Repeat Row 8 until 17 stitches remain.

K20 rows in garter stitch in main colour.
Join in white wool and K6 rows.

Cast off leaving a long thread to make a loop for hanging. Sew up sole and side seams and fill with rolls of lollies (Lifesavers, Fruit Tingles, Fruit Pastilles, mints etc) or other miniature gifts.

The Noughts and Crosses Dishcloth

This is a lovely dishcloth to knit and to use. The in and out cable pattern looks complicated but it is very simple and a good project for a new knitter to learn how to make cables.

I used Bernat Handicrafter cotton to knit this one, on 4mm needles.

This design also makes a lovely face washer. To use them as face washers I like to use bamboo yarn, it is so very soft, and just beautiful to knit with.

Noughts and Crosses Dishcloth

You will need:
4mm knitting needles
1 cable needle
Cotton knitting yarn (example is Bernat Handicrafter cotton)

Notes:
MB:  Begin and end each row of the pattern block with 4 knit stitches. This will give you a garter stitch border around the pattern.

C4B: Slip two stitches onto the cable needle and hold it at the back of your work. Knit two stitches, then knit the two stitches off the cable needle.

C4F: Slip two stitches onto the cable needle and hold it to the front of your work. Knit two stitches and then knit the two stitches off the cable needle.

Bernat Handicrafter cotton is available online (I buy mine from Yarn Over).

Spotlight and Lincraft both stock bamboo yarns, as do most independent wool stores, or it is available online.

Instructions:
Cast on 35 stitches.

Knit six rows.

Pattern:
Row 1.   MB, K11, P1, K3, P1, K11, MB
Row 2.   MB, P8, K1, P1 (K3, P1) x 2, K1, P8, MB
Row 3.   MB, C4B, C4F, (K3, P1) x 2, K3, C4B, C4F, MB
Row 4.   As row 2.
Row 5.   As row 3.
Row 6.   As row 2.
Row 7.   As row 3.
Row 8.   As row 2.
Row 9.   As row 1.
Row 10. As row 2.
Row 11.  MB, C4F, C4B, (K3, P1) x 2, K3, C4F, C4B, MB.
Row 12.  As row 2.
Row 13.  As row 1.
Row 14.  As row 2.
Row 15.  As row 11.
Row 16.  As row 2.

Repeat these 16 rows once.

Knit 6 rows.
Cast off.
Weave in ends.

Very Handy Magnetic Bookmarks

Knitting is something I enjoy, but finding an easy way to follow the pattern and mark my spot without actually writing on the pattern used to be a bother.

These days I use these very cute magnetic bookmarks. They wrap around the pattern page and simply slide down line-by-line. No more losing my place and no more mistakes in complicated patterns!

You will need:
40cm sticky backed magnetic strip, 12mm wide
45cm ribbon 15mm wide
Fabric glue or a glue gun

Step 1. Cut the magnetic strip in half so you have two pieces 20cm long.

Step 2. Carefully lay one of the magnetic strips on the ribbon, 1cm in from the end. Repeat for the other strip.  You will have a gap in the centre of the magnets.

Step 3. Put a dab of glue on each end of the ribbon. Fold the ribbon over, pressing it down so it sticks. Repeat for the other end. This will give you a nice tidy end on your line marker. Alternatively, if you don't want to glue the ends, cut a 'V' notch in the ends to stop them fraying.

To use your magnetic line marker place one side of the marker under the line you are reading, folding it over and sticking the other side under the page. The magnets should line up so it sticks to the page.  As you finish each line, slide the marker down the page.

You can make these line markers in any length (for wider or narrower pages) and width (wider magnets/ribbons).

They are very handy in your knitting or embroidery bag, but they're also great for children just learning to read "chapter books" as my niece calls them.  They're also great bookmarks as they don't damage the pages of your book or magazine.

Knit One, Purl One

While we were away in early January I noticed that some of my dishcloths were looking a little sad. It's time to retire them to the laundry, garden shed and camping box.  I even had to repair a couple of them that had worn through and were running.

Out came my knitting needles and I spent a very happy hour sorting through my stash of yarns. I still have a little of the lovely aqua  I used to make the soap sacks, so that was my first dishcloth.

I get a lot of mail from readers asking what yarn I use for my dishcloths.

Bernat Handicrafter cotton is my yarn of choice for my dishcloths and soap sacks. It's soft, but very durable (it has to be to last 12 months or more in my kitchen) and comes in gorgeous colours. I order it online from American Yarns in Brisbane and while it's expensive initially, one ball knits up 6, sometimes 7 or 8, dishcloths, depending on the pattern. This time I ordered a lovely soft green (my favourite colour) and a beautiful variegated blue called Denim.

I can go through three, four or even more dishcloths in a day, depending on the baking, cooking and cleaning I do so I like to have a good stash in the basket on the microwave and these two balls of cotton will give me a lovely supply of dishcloths and keep my hands busy while I'm relaxing.

Although I like to knit and find it relaxing I don't think taking time out to knit is anything other than essential homemaking work. I don't feel guilty if I sit for half an hour mid-afternoon to enjoy the feel of yarn through my fingers and the rhythm of the click-clack of the needles. Knitting provides useful items for our home, items we would otherwise have to buy and that most likely wouldn't stand up to 12 months of use in my kitchen.

The cooler weather of the last week encouraged me to get the needles out. I even took my knitting with me when we went camping last weekend. I sat next to the campfire and quite happily click-clacked away until it was too dark to see, much to everyone's amusement.

Knitting adds to the comfort of our home. It saves us money.

Knitting slows me down. It gives me time to breathe, to take stock and to realize that life isn't meant to be a race, it's meant to be a journey to be enjoyed (and it keeps the supply of dishcloths up :) ).  

Working from the Inside Out

Knitters will understand this problem, and love this solution. When you start a new ball of wool stick a finger from each hand into the middle of the skein and roll it around a few times. Most of the time you'll easily catch the inside yarn end.  This tip comes from the Lion Brand website (a wonderful resource of patterns and ideas) http://www.lionbrand.com and it intrigued me so I just had to try it. It really works and I know I'll never struggle to find that inside end again.

A Circle of Clacking Needles

I had my knitting needles out over the weekend, knitting some new dishcloths. The ones I made last year are ready to be moved from the kitchen to the bathroom. When they're finished in the bathroom they'll move to the laundry, then finally to the garage or garden shed - does anyone else rotate through their dish cloths like this?

Anyhow, as I was happily knitting away I was thinking about knitting and how it's become trendy again - or at least trendy, I think in the past knitting has been a way of having the jumpers, scarves and blankets we needed to be comfortable, and was a necessity rather than a trend.

It occurred to me that knitting is the hot new trend that is not really new. Men and women have been knitting for centuries, creating household items and clothing for their families, often getting together with a group to knit and chat, much the way the Amish have quilting bees or modern day women gather over a cup of coffee. Getting together in a "circle" and creating something is a centuries-old tradition. There's a new twist to any trend that comes back around, though, because a new generation is discovering it and giving it a unique character.

Knitting in the 21st century is a good example of this old-meets-new cycle. Starting a contemporary knitting circle looks different than it did a century ago, or even a quarter century ago. These days knitting for most people is a hobby, something they do for pleasure. And of course with many homemakers working outside the home, spare time is scarce. If you'd like to start one up, here are some hints on how to start and run a knitting circle so that everyone has a good time and enjoys their knitting "time-out".

With the trend growing, finding others who are interested in knitting should be fairly easy. Ask around at your workplace, church, school or even the Cheapskates forum ;). The Internet is a great place to connect with other knitters and for finding others who share your interest. Here are some other ideas for finding fellow knitters:

* At your local sewing or wool store, where knitters are likely to go to buy yarn, post a notice that you are starting a knitting circle and would like to know who's interested. For safety's sake, leave minimal contact information, such as a mobile phone number or an email address. You can also leave the contact information of the venue where you plan to meet.

* Send out a group email to others you know to see if there is interest. If you're a parent, you can check with other parents at your child's school or homeschool group. If you're single, this could be a great way to connect with other singles who might be interested in a low-key, relaxed social activity.

*Ask the members of your social clubs (Rotary, Probus, bowling, tennis etc etc etc), chances are there are secret and not-so-secret knitters amongst the members. These knitters offer a vast knowledge and skill, over all levels of experience.

* Post your interest in knitting on your favourite social networking site and see how many responses you get.

Deciding where and when to hold your circle is important; it will affect the dynamics of the group. There will probably not be a time and day when everyone in the group can all attend, but you should be able to agree on a time and date where at least some of the group will be able to attend each time. Here are some ideas for finding a venue:

* Members of the circle can rotate host/hostess duties. Each circle will meet at a different member's house each time. This works well for small groups, where everyone is known to each other and is especially convenient for groups whose members have small children.

* Your local library would be a good place to meet. It's free, and the library is generally accessible to everyone and you have access to a vast array of knitting books to use while you are there. Libraries are generally very open to community events.

* A church hall is another good place that often costs nothing (or a nominal fee) but can accommodate a larger group. Most churches are also very supportive of fellowship and community activities.

* A conference room at your workplace could be ideal, especially if it's a lunch-hour group of your co-workers.

*Your local community house, pre-school, school hall, scout hall - all of these venues may be willing to let you use a room for a small charge.

Make sure the expectations of the group are clear. Decisions need to be made about the following questions:

* Are drinks, snacks and refreshments to be provided? if so, by whom?

* Should everyone bring his or her own supplies?

* Can beginners join, and will there be instruction given?

* Whom should members call if they can't attend a circle?

* Are children welcome, or do members need to find childcare when they attend meetings? Will childcare be provided?

To start keep your knitting circle small and informal - you could start with just yourself and a couple of friends - and the rules simple. The idea is to get together and knit, with some informal skill, knowledge and experience sharing and have fun too.

Pretties for my wardrobe

Don't they look pretty?  And because I've recycled things I already had, instead of costing $20, they cost a big fat $0.  I can live with that.

During the April Get Organized challenge I very bravely tackled our walk-in robe.  It was a complete mess, very disorganised and decidedly over-crowded. I came to the conclusion that we just had too many clothes. And shoes. And handbags. And coats.  Alright, I came to the conclusion that I have too many of all those things.  It's OK,  I went through everything and donated a lot. Then I went through what was left and donated more. And after I'd dropped those bags off at the op shop I went through once more and found a few more things I  no longer liked, wore or needed and donated them too.

Which means that now the wardrobe is very tidy and there is room for everything to hang neatly, without getting squashed and creased. It was as I was hanging up my remaining few garments (not really, I still have far more clothes than I need) I noticed that the coat hangers were looking a little worse for the wear.

These hangers really are vintage, they're older than me

Some of these coat hangers are as old, perhaps a few months older, than I am. My Great-Grandma  knitted them for me when I was just a baby. They are knitted in that lovely old-fashioned loopy pattern, some pink and white, some blue and white, although they are a little yellowed by age now. The padding in them has collapsed and some of the knitting has worn and is turning to holes. It's time to lash out on new hangers.

I priced some at Dollar King, a local $2 style store last Thursday. Padded, satin covered ladies coat hangers were available in packs of 6 for $5.99, or packs of 3 for $2.99, so $1 each.  I need around 20 but I am not prepared to pay $20 just for coat hangers, especially when the actual hangers are fine, it is covers that need replacing.

I've been busy knitting hanger covers the last couple of weeks because I knew this day was looming.   Knitting coat hanger covers is a great way of using up scraps of wool which I just happen to have bags of (thanks Mum!). They are really easy, quick and you can let your imagination run riot with the colour ways.

The padding on these old hangers was well and truly gone. Grandma had used strips of cloth, it looked like it may have been old pillowcase or sheeting, tightly wrapped around the hanger in layers to pad it.  I thought about using strips of old t-shirt, then found some odd pieces of quilt wadding so I used them instead.

To make a cover for an adult-sized wooden coat hanger take a pair of 4mm knitting needles and cast on 20 stitches. Knit until the cover measures 30cm. Cast off loosely.  That's it. I told you it was easy. Of course you can pretty them up by knitting in a lacy pattern or adding in stripes of different stitches.  Moss stitch looks nice in a plain colour. You can knit contrasting or blending stripes. Use your imagination and see what you come up with.

To cover a hanger, pad it with wadding or strips of old (clean please) t-shirting or other fabric. Fold the cover in half to find the centre. Slip the hook through the centre of the cover. Turn so the seam will be underneath the hanger. Using ladder stitch and matching yarn, sew the cover seams together.

To cover the hook I just cut a length of wool, threaded it onto a darning needle and worked a row of blanket stitch around the hook, pushing it down tightly to make sure the hook was completely covered.

Easier Knitting

Knitting the first row of your project can be a little slow because the stitches are usually quite tight. To solve this problem use two needles when casting on instead of one. The extra width of the two needles ensures that the stitches of the first row will be able to be knitted easily. Alternately you could use a knitting needle that is several sizes larger than the one needed in your project to achieve the same result.

Contributed by Zofia Vandenberg

Nifty Needles

It seems my post on knitted dishcloths has created a desire to learn to knit in lots of Tip of the Day readers. Tracey Lyons is just one reader who has asked where she can go for knitting lessons.

I learned to knit when I was about seven or eight years old, at my mother's knee. She started me off with 12 ply yarn and big and No. 8 needles. The very first stitch I learned was of course garter stitch, or plain knitting stitch. It's the stitch that forms the basis of all knitting and so is not only the simplest but the most important.

The other stitch you should learn is purl. This is the stitch that gives knitting the smooth fabric look. These two stitches form the basis of all knitting stitches. Learn them and you will be able to learn any number of decorative stitches to use in your knitting.

Knitting has become fashionable again so finding a "learn to knit" class should be easy. I just typed "learn to knit" into Google and I'm still recovering from the shock. There are plenty of places offering lessons, one I clicked on offers three two hour lessons, in a class of six, for $150! 

I suggest you find your local wool shop (good old Google will make it easy, or look in your local paper) and pop in. If they don't have a list of classes posted on the front window or door, ask about them. Knitters are a very friendly and chatty bunch so they'll be more than happy to help you find a class to join.

Alternatively Spotlight run classes in-store. My local Spotlight has knitting classes starting on 4th February, four two hour classes for $70, much better than $150! You'll need to contact your local Spotlight for details if an organized class is what you want. Just be aware that there will be a fee involved and the intention will be that you will buy your supplies from the store, which isn't always the cheapest or best value option.

Another source of lessons could be your neighbourhood house or centre. Give them a call and ask if they have a knitting group going. If they don't, ask about starting one. There are bound to be others in your neighbourhood who want to learn to knit and knitters who would love the opportunity to meet with others and share hints, tips and ideas. You'll get the best advice from an experienced knitter.

And if you can follow instructions a beginner's knitting book will do you just as well. They usually have step-by-step instructions with pictures to make everything very clear. A beginners book will also have information about knitting needles and the various types of yarn available.An old favourite is Patons Learn to Knit, available from any good wool shop.

To get you started, here's a link to a .pdf with the basic stitches, starting with casting on:  Learn to Knit instructions

You won't be surprised when I suggest you just pick up a pair of needles, size 8 (or 4mm) and some 8 ply crochet cotton and make a dishcloth for your first knitting project. They are so easy, just cast on 40 stitches and knit. Knit until you have a square or the cloth is about the size you want to use. Cast off (your instruction book or the .pdf will tell you how) and voila - you have your very first dishcloth.

Over the years I've knitted dozens of dishcloths. Some I keep and use, some are given away as gifts and some have been donated to school stalls and church fetes. It's fun and relaxing, and eases my creative demons, as well as being something useful and attractive.

Knitting dishcloths is a definite good thing in my opinion.

A Basic Knitted Dishcloth

I love my knitted dishcloths. They are incredibly tough on stubborn kitchen "gunk" yet gentle on my good china and glassware. They are also very therapeutic to knit, easy too. I use cotton or bamboo to knit my dishcloths, which may seem expensive. The advantage is that they outlast bought sponges, can be bleached (if necessary), stand up to prolonged use and once they've been used in the kitchen and passed on to the laundry and bathroom they are put in the garage to use on the cars, where they are the best thing for scrubbing bugs off the duco without chemicals or damaging the paintwork.

Even a beginner can knit a dishcloth, this basic pattern is in simple garter stitch and can be finished in one or two nights in front of the television.

You will need:
3.75mm knitting needles
1 ball 8 ply crochet cotton

Pattern:
Cast on 44 stitches.
First row:  Slip first stitch, knit to end. Turn.
Second row: Slip first stitch, knit to end. Turn.

Repeat these two rows another 42 times, making 88 rows in total. Cast off. Weave ends in.