Miscellaneous Tips (2)

Contributed by K. Hall

Thanks to Melinda Noblett for sending us this one

• Scraps of wallpaper make ideal liners for drawers and shelves.
   

• When flat sheets wear out in the middle, slit the sheet lengthwise and re-join the sides to the middle using a flat seam.
   

• Worn out fitted sheets or flat sheets past redemption, can be made into pillow cases.
   

• When towels wear thin cut out good parts to use as face cloths, dish cloths, floor cloths etc. Hem edges to prevent fraying.

Thanks to Margaret Reeve for these

Although I've been critised for this I have found it useful, living in a country with many earthquakes and weather which frequently takes out the power. Civil Defence tell us to have candles handy but they don't tell us how to secure them, so most people try to melt the end and stick it to a plate. In my opinion, far too dangerous. Try this instead.

Fold a tea towel or any cloth until it is about as wide as your hand. Wrap this around a candle. Place the whole thing into a drinking mug - it should be tight. Dampen or even wet the towel and you have a secure candle holder, complete with handle and, should it be inadvertently tipped over, which is not that easy to do, you have a damp cloth to smother it.

Civil Defence here don't agree - they say 'use a torch' but the fact is not everyone has a torch handy, or fresh batteries when the power goes off. We don't always know when the power will go, so it's Murphy's Law there'll be no torch or batteries handy when it does. Keeping candles and matches handy (which CD agree with), is, for most people the easiest option.

I think this is far, far safer than trying to stick a candle to a saucer or plate.

Lynda

I would advise caution and suggest the fabric is kept moist at all times as I am not sure whether there is any danger with hot wax etc. coming in contact with the fabric when it has dried out.

• To remove tar or grease from white leather, try nail polish remover.
   

• When lengthening clothes to remove the crease left by the old hem, try sponging with white vinegar and press with a warm iron.

• Use double sided sticky tape as a quick repair for a loose hem.
   

• To remove "Pilling" or "bobbles" from clothing try sticky tape or an electric razor - I am not sure whether it will remove your beard after this though!!!
   

• To disguise the faded mark on denim when lengthening clothes try mixing a little permanent ink with water until it matches the shade required then carefully paint on with a small brush.  Allow to dry thoroughly.  Alternatively, fabric paint could be used or, at a pinch, felt tip pens.
   

• If a favourite piece of jewellery e.g. ring or watch bracelet, irritates your skin try painting the inside with clear nail varnish.
   

• To prevent zippers sticking rub them with a lead pencil or with edge of a bar of soap - you may start foaming when it rains of course!
   

• Use a hair dryer to remove wrinkles and creases from plastic material.  
   

• To help light a fire in difficult circumstances use cotton swabs soaked in petroleum jelly.

Thanks to Stefan Meyers for this one.

• To prolong the life of cut flowers add lemonade or a similar sugary carbonated drink to the water.                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                 Courtesy of Trisha - thanks.

• If you are required to write your name and address on sales slips, backs of cheques etc. use one of those little return address labels or carry a small self inking rubber stamp.                                                                      

Harvey Alexander sent in this one.