White County Families
Consumer Questions
Simple Solutions That Drive You Nuts
and Smart Ideas That Make Life Easier
House Cleaning Tips
Death to Dust Balls
If dusting under furniture and hard-to-get-at places has always been a
problem for your try this----Slip an old sock onto a fly swatter and sew it
securely into place. It's very handy and it extends your reach to wayward dust
balls that keep moving away from you.
Defrosting Your Refrigerator
Save time by placing several layers of newspaper on each shelf. The newspaper
soaks up the water and eliminates a lot of time consuming sponging later.
Say Good Bye to Discolored Copper Bottomed Pot Bottoms
Lemon halves dipped in salt and rubbed on the bottom of copper bottom pots
for a few minutes will make the pan shine like new. Then scour the bottom of the
pot lightly with a soap-filled pad, this will help prevent further accumulation.
No Stain Oil and Egg Removal
If you spill cooking oil on the floor, immediately pour salt over the spill.
In a matter of minutes, you will be able to sweep away the salt and oil with no
stain. It works well for eggs, too.
Easy Oven Cleanup
After a spill in the oven, pour a small amount of water on the spill while
the oven is still warm. After 30 minutes or so, the spot will wipe off easily.
Oven Window Buildup
If the window on your oven gets hopelessly spattered and yellowed from
broiling and baking, you'll find that baking soda on a damp cloth cleans the
window easily and with no scratches.
Sparkling Clean Windows
Commercial glass cleaners work well, but homemade solutions work just as
good, and are much more economical for a large job. Try mixing a tablespoon of
dishwasher powder into a gallon of hot water, or capful of ammonia or a few
drops of mild dishwashing liquid into to two gallons of warm water. In general,
windows should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out, twice a year. Spring and
fall are good times to do it: If it's too acold, the cleaning solution will
freeze, and if it's to hot and sunny, it will dry quickly, leaving streaks.
Removing Wax Stains
Candlelight may be romantic, but there's nothing lovely about prying or
scraping melted votives out of their holders. Instead, place the glass holders
in the freezer for a few hours; the wax should shrink just enough to pop right
out.
Removing Tarnish
A simple chemical reaction causes tarnish to disappear naturally. Place
sterling in an aluminum pan–it must be aluminum. Sprinkle ˝ to 1 cup of baking
soda over the silverware. Keeping the pan in the sink to minimize splashing,
pour enough boiling water to cover the utensils. When the tarnish disappears,
remove the silverware, and buff with a soft cotton cloth.
Earth Friendly Household Cleaners
Vinegar and water (half and half) to clean glass; borax, vinegar and water to
clean mold and mildew: and soap, borax and baking soda to wash clothes. Borax,
soap, lemon and water make an all-purpose cleaner.
Contex Institute, Brainbridge Island, WA.
The Lowdown on Laundry
Cleaner Laundry
Twice a year, remove dirt and mineral buildup in your washing machine–fill it
with hot water, pour in 1 gallon of white vinegar and run it through the entire
cycle. Your laundry will be cleaner and whiter all year-round!
Get Rid of Spots
If blue fabric - softener spots have appeared on your clothes, rub the spots
with a wet bar of soap before washing again–the spots will disappear.
Spot-tacular Solutions
Follow these tips from the International Fabricare Institute for handling:
CHOCOLATE. Blot with cold water. Apply and enzyme detergent and rinse
with water. If the stain persists and the garment can be bleached, this is the
final resort.
GUM. Harden gum with an ice cube and gently lift off any large pieces.
Wet with cleaning fluid over white paper towels to remove final traces. Dry
cleaning can remove any leftover residue.
LIPSTICK AND MAKEUP. Remove lipstick by rubbing with white bread. For
a more traditional method, place the stain face down on white paper towels and
apply cleaning fluid to the stain back. Blot and replace towels frequently. Dry
thoroughly. If the stain is still visible, use a synthetic detergent and water.
MUD. Most mud will crack and dry, and can then be brushed off. If mud
is mixed with road grease and oil, after you brush off the initial layer, soak
the article in warm water and detergent. Be warned some mud leaves permanent
stains.
Shaving Cream Just Not for Shaving Anymore
Your bathroom mirror won't fog up if you clean it with canned shaving cream.
It works well on eyeglasses, too. (That means no more sudden "blindness" when
you are unloading the dishwasher or checking the roast.)
When Your Vent a Hood Filter Needs Cleaning
To clean the grease from the filter above the stove, put the filter in an
automatic dishwasher with an extra amount of detergent and run the full cycle.
It comes out looking like new. If it hasn't been cleaned in a long time, you may
have to run the cycle again.
Plastic Bread Wrappers and Your Toaster
The next time a plastic bread wrapper melts onto the toaster or coffeepot,
try this. Rub some petroleum jelly on the spot, reheat the appliance and use a
paper towel to rub the plastic and printing off the pot.
A Child's Wagon Just Not for Playing
A child's wagon can be a mini-moving van around the house. It's great for
moving baskets of wet clothes, heavy boxes and even small pieces of furniture.
Make Stainless Steel Sparkle
If your stainless steel equipment is looking a bit dull and streaky, rub it
with a soft clean cloth dabbed with a little vinegar.
Runaway Cutting Boards
A cutting board that slides across a counter as you work isn't just
inconvenient, it's also dangerous. The same non slip mesh that keeps a rug from
slipping under your feet will also keep cutting boards in place. Visit your
favorite hardware store or variety store, this mat will sturdy mixing bowls as
well.
Rescuing Rugs
Every year, rotate rugs to keep them from wearing unevenly ( and always use a
rug pad beneath them).
Sewing Room Secrets That Let You Enjoy Peaceful Harmony
Slit Smart
To prevent a straight skirt slit from ripping, take the eye bar from a
hook-and-eye set and sew it just above the slit on the wrong side of the skirt.
This reinforces the stress point.
Needle News
Try this idea for ripping out misplaced stitches. Use a tapestry needle. It's
very strong, and the blunt tip won't damage fabric like a run away seam ripper.
Fast and Simple Fringes
When a fringe is needed try this tip. Pin the fabric to a work area and brush
each edge with a metal-bristled wig brush. The brush removes one or two threads
at a time and keeps the fringe neat and tangle free.
Easy Elastic
If you make a lot of elasticized clothing for yourself or your grandchildren
try rounding off the corners before inserting into the casing. This makes it
much easier and quicker and easier to pull through because the corners don't
catch on the seam allowances.
Clever Casings
If you have ever had elastic to get lost in a casing this tip is for you. Try
putting a safety pin in each end of the elastic. Pin one end to the casing and
insert the other. This prevents lost ends in the event you pull the elastic to
far.
Button up
When sewing on buttons try this tip. Use six-strand embroidery floss instead
of regular sewing thread. One pass through the shank and you are done.
Thimble Tips
To keep your thimble from coming off, blow into it before placing it on your
finger.
Turning Points
If turning small projects like animal paws or ears cause you worry, try this
simple solution. Use a chopstick. The smaller end is perfect for pushing out the
detail areas, but smooth enough not to tear the fabric.
Quick Pickup
If short thread pieces have made a mess of your sewing area try this
solution. Sew the ends of an 8"-long strip of Velcro, hooks together to form a
circle. Before you begin your sewing project fit it around your palm and as you
sew it will "grab" the thread ends that you cut off, preventing a mess on the
floor. * Remember to clean your grabber after each use.
Zipper Zeal
If center zipper application has been a problem for you, help has arrived.
Center a piece of cellophane tape over the right side of the basted seam and
stitch along each tape edge. When you remove the tape you will have a perfectly
stitched zipper.
Tape Measure Clout
If measuring a perfect 5/8 inch seam allowance has decreased the size of your
project try this solution for a perfect 5/8 inch seam. Use the width of your
tape measure which is exactly 5/8 of an inch.
Single File
If finding the correct needle size has been a problem for you try this tip.
Place needle cases in a 3"x 5" card file box, label the cards with the type and
size. The box is roomy enough for all new and used needles and you can find any
needle you need at a glance.
Going to Great Lengths (How to Figure Your Skirt Length)
If you have ever wondered how to determine your most flattering skirt length,
try this simple math exercise: 1. Measure from the front waistline to the ankle
top. (E.g. 40"), 2. Divide this number in half and round off to the next whole
number. (20")
3. Now, divide this figure in half again. (10"), 4. Add up your answers from
step two and three. (20+10 = 30"), 5. Your ideal skirt length should be no
shorter than that number (30").
Curves Ahead
Uncertain about how to get the perfect top stitching line on your fly front
zipper application? Check your zipper package...most open to offer a curved
shape guideline along the package back.
Scratchless Tags
Apply a fusible web to the underside of the care label and fuse it to the
garment. The information remains, but the irritation is gone.
Easy Marking
If you have ever mixed up back and front of garments during construction
consider this tip to eliminate the problem. Cut all back pieces with pinking
shears. When cutting out sleeves cut out the back with pinking shears until you
reach the center notch, then switch to regular shears. You will never
confuse the back and front again.
Fail Safe Color
If you sew at night or your lighting is just not as bright as it needs to be
try this trick to eliminate mistaken thread selections. Mark your bobbins with
fingernail polish: one for pure white thread and one for black, fill at least
two bobbins and seal them in a plastic bag with the original spool of thread.
You will never confuse your thread colors again.
Smart Scents
If you have trouble with your needles rusting try this simple solution and
keep your sewing room smelling great. Place a scented votive candle in its own
container in your sewing room, stick the sharp end of your needle in the candle.
This will keep the needles rust-free and lubricated.
Stay Put Zipper
To keep a loose zipper from falling down, mist the teeth of the zipper with
hair spray.
Steamed about Velvet
Instead of trying to press velvet, hang it in the bathroom with the hot
shower running for about half an hour. All of the wrinkles will be steamed out.
Soap Marker
It's not necessary to purchase that expensive marker for your sewing
projects. A sliver of soap is a terrific marking tool for dark fabrics.
Simple Storage for Cutting Equipment
Store your cutting mats and large rulers under the bed or sofa, or, if they
fit, place them on your linen shelf under the towels!
Sewing Machine Seam Gage
Use masking tape to mark measurements on your sewing machine. Use three or
more stacked strips to give your fabric an "edge" to ride against for accurate
seams.
Pin Pointers
Glue a flat, square magnet to the inside of a wide-mouth jar lid and fill the
jar with pins. Shake the jar, then use the lid as a magnetic pincushion.
Ribbon Control (Two Ways to Control Those Loose Ends)
An adjustable spring-loaded curtain rod can be used to store ribbon and trim
rolls. Mount on a sturdy back support or brackets attached to the wall. Place
the ribbon spools on the rod and just pull the length you need and cut. Remember
sunlight will fade ribbon so select a spot away from direct sunlight.
The Ribbon Box
Here's another way to keep ribbons organized and tangle-free. Start with a
card-board box . Install grommets for dispensers. Or make slits for the
dispenser. Make a one inch round hole on box ends. Trim a 1/4 inch dowel so its
just longer than the box. Place the spools inside; slide dowel through the box
and spools, push pins on dowel ends keep them in place.
Hanger Slippage
Pin or sew dryer sheets on hangers to keep garments from slipping off.
New Uses for Dish Washer Racks
If you have to replace your dishwasher keep the rack and use it for as hanger
for serger thread.
Magnet Uses
If you have collection of the light weight magnetic sheets that are given
away for advertisement you have the perfect solution for sewing machine needle
storage. This can be done in four layers using a metal tin. Consider using
smaller magnetic sheets inside a wallet photo refill–this is handy to take along
to sewing classes or on trips.
Feet Organization
Because of the many different feet that come with sergers and sewing machines
today it is hard to remember how each is to be used. Consider this solution;
purchase a small plastic tackle box or use any box with compartments that will
fulfill the requirements. In each section place a foot and a sample product of
that foots purpose. Label the sample and foot and place it in a compartment. The
box stores easily, stays organized even if its dropped and you will no longer
need to guess which foot to use.
Just in Case
If you are using a bag taped to your cutting table while cutting out your
pattern, remember to keep the bag until the project is complete in case a scrap
is needed for a forgotten facing, covering a button or shoulder pads.
Handy Holder
The three-legged plastic disc that holds the pizza box away from the food can
be used to support three small spools or bobbins on your serger, or for
multi-needle work on your sewing machine. First drill a 1/4" hole in the disc's
center, turn it upside down and place it on the spool pin.
In the Pink
If you have ever preshrunk fabric and then placed it on the shelf for later
use but forgot what you had done try this tip. Pink the ends of the fabric
yardage before laundering and pre-shrinking. This prevents raveling and if you
don't stitch the fabric up immediately, you will know that it has already been
preshrunk when you go back to use it.
Play it Again Sam
Do you recycle? If you have been throwing away old frayed towels and
tablecloths try this tip. Cut old frayed towel and table cloths and serge the
edges for wash cloths. The same thing can be done for cotton tablecloths to make
dish towels.
A Weighty Subject
If you are a home sewer and don't always like to pin your fabric try this
tip. Use inexpensive weights it could be lead wheel weights or washers. But be
sure and clean them good before you use them.
Block Trick
This is the case of the run away foot pedal. If your foot pedal moves when
you do try this tip. Place a 2"x4"x 8" wood block behind the sewing machine's
foot pedal. With your heel resting on the block you can control the speed better
and your foot won't get as tired. And guess what you can also use the block when
inserting snap closures on garments to protect your table from hammer blows.
Stuck on You
Have you ever needed a quick fix for a hem or shoulder pads? Try a temporary
adhesive spray. This spray usually used for quilt basting and applique can also
be used for quick hem repairs or to hold shoulder pads in place.
Shine Free Fabric
Try this trick to restore flattened fabric fibers that have over pressed, try
using a crocus cloth–the same type used to smooth burrs from needles and throat
plate–to gently lift the affected fibers.
Dart Tricks
If making accurate darts has been a problem for you try this solution. To
mark darts accurately, cut the dart out of the pattern piece. Trace the dart
lines directly onto your garment fabric with an air erasable or water soluble
marker.
No-slip Thread
Rayon thread tends to slip from spools when stored here is a trick that will
prevent this unwinding. Place a small piece of double-face tape to the spool and
press the thread end into it. No more unraveling.
Basket Organizers
To organize a large sewing basket, sort zippers, buttons, elastics and other
notions, then separate by category into re-sealable plastic bags.
Sewing Box
A smart sewing kit doesn't contain every gadget imaginable; it should be
tailored to meet your wardrobe's needs. Basics include needles and all purpose
thread in colors to match your clothes. Consider adding a variety of notions,
such as snaps, hooks and eyes, seam binding, elastic, iron-on tape or patches,
straight pins, safety pins a needle threader, a tape measure and a thimble. I
should also include seam ripper, and a pin cushion. A cigar box or a metal can
is ideal for these essentials. Add a strip of grosgrain ribbon to the inside lid
for storing needles and small buttons.
Gather Round
If you have ever had to gather a long length of fabric and the thread broke
here is a simple solution for you. Try using had quilting thread on your bobbin,
but be sure a loose the top thread tension slightly and use the longest stitch
possible. Keep several bobbins full for this purpose, remember to label them as
a reminder that they hold a special thread.
Button Gaps
To avoid gaps between blouse front buttonholes mark your first button hole at
the bust line center and space the remainder accordingly. No more gaps.
New Elastic
When replacing elastic in waistbands, pin the new elastic to the end of the
elastic you are removing. When you pull the old elastic out, the new elastic
will be inserted.
Smart Storage
Don't throw away those 35mm film containers. They are ideal for storing small
quantities of beads, hooks and eyes, sequins and other small notions. Glue a
sample of the contents on the container lid for easy identification.
Recycled Pens
Don't throw away those used disposable writing pen barrels, they are ideal
for converting your sewing machine's vertical spool spindle to hold a thread
cone. Remove the ink cartridge from the pen and place the empty pen over the
spindle.
No-slip Cutting
When cutting slippery fabrics use thee flannel side of a flannel -back
tablecloth. This will prevent the fabric from slipping and distortion of the
fabric.
Kitchen Help
No Stick Lasagna
Nothing is more aggravating than to remove the cover from your lasagna and
the cheese has stuck to the cover. Try this, before covering your lasagna with
foil, spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray. The cheese won't stick to the
cover!
Flakier Pastry
When baking pie crusts and other pastries, substitute one tablespoon of very
cold lemon juice for one table spoon of the water. Pastries will be flakier and
crispier.
Chopping Tomatoes
If your ripe tomatoes turn to mush when you chop them try using a serrated
knife or a sharp, pointed knife. Slice the tomato into wedges, then cut each
wedge into small pieces. No more mush.
Picking Melons
When selecting melons just pick them up. The ripe ones should be heavy for
their size and should smell sweet and fragrant. The blossom end should yield
slightly when you press it. If you buy unripe melons, store them at room
temperature until they ripen, then refrigerate.
Tearless Onions
If cutting onions is the only time you have a good cry try this solution: Cut
the onions near a flame and the sulfur compounds released from onions will burn
off before they irritate your eyes. Or try lighting a votive candle near the
cutting board instead. No more burning or stinging eyes while chopping onions.
Don't forget to turn off the stove or blow out the candle when the job is
complete.
Hold it
When buying new flatware, always hold the pieces in your hand, as if you were
using them. A shape you like to look at may not be comfortable to hold and use.
Cleaning a Grater
As soon as you finish using a grater, let it soak in warm water to loosen the
stuck-on bits. Then instead of washing it with any kind of sponge, which just
catches and rips on the teeth, use a stiff brush. A toothbrush-shaped brush,
works well. Here's another tip too. Spray the grater very lightly with cooking
spray befor using it, and it won't be so hard to clean.
Storing Fresh Herbs
Leafy fresh herbs like cilantro ( also called coriander), parsley and mint
come in bunches, which can be stored like bouquets of flowers: Place them in a
tall glass with one inch of water of water, cut ends down. Cover the tops
loosely; the perforated plastic bags found in supermarkets are ideal, as
circulating air helps herbs stay fresh longer.
The Quality of Life
We believe that the quality of life is determined by the quality of home
life. In everything we do, we have one mission only: To enrich your life at
home. We invite you to start living the way you want to, doing what you want to
do, by using these simple solutions and smart ideas.
In answer to what is a "good thing" we offer you these suggestions. We know
that we have been using the phrase "It's a good thing" for years. Before we call
something a good thing we ask: Is the project uncomplicated? Is it affordable?
Is it useful? Is it aesthetically pleasing? If the answers are yes, and if the
project is accompanied by clear concise instructions for neat, quick results,
we've got some good things for you!
From the basics your grandmother knew to the domestics arts that have eluded
your mother, you get the smartest, wisest and swiftest tips to care for your
silver, pots and pans and other prized possessions.
As you sift through the many suggestions and ideas presented you will
probably think of many more. And because you can think of many more ideas now
you can start living the way you want to. Living with savvy. Living with beauty.
Living with style. Living with wit and have more free time.
You'll know what's true. What's false. What works. What doesn't. The pros.
The cons. The risks. The cures. Plus you will have facts that you can count on
and guidance you can really trust.
Where Do Americans Get Their Information?
Let me share these statistics with you: Some 53% of high school graduates
stay informed through television; 30% newspapers; and 17%, other means. By
comparison, 42% of college graduates stay informed through newspapers; 31% other
means; and 27% television.
Source Louis Harris & Associates, New York, NY.
Credit is given to the following sources for the information
presented:
Sew News
Better Homes and Garden
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
Smart Packing for Today's Traveler by Susan Foster
Women's World
All the Best from Martha Stewart Living
Vitality Digest
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