KNITTING, SEWING, MENDING, GARDENING AND MAKING DO.
Knitting - it's had a bad rap
Lots of people think of grannies and cables and afghans and thick, bulky, scratchy jumpers when they think of knitting. But with the recession knitting has made a comeback, with fine merinos, funky patterns and polished results.
With a little practice you can learn to do more than just a scarf! Kids knits are cute, easy and very wearable. Patterns for adults include wrap tops, skirts, punk knits and so much more.
Check out You Tube and search for learn to knit and hundreds of videos come up. Once you have mastered it, you are armed ready to save some money!
Buying wool can be expensive if you get it new, but Trademe have lots of wool for sale, and you can always do what your Nana did, unpick an old one. Get an old woollen jumper (try Savemart or the Sallies shops) unpick the wool, winding it around the back of a chair, tie it in skeins and wash it, then roll into balls by hand. Only weigh it once you have washed it. Then get knitting try a few websites for starters:
DROPS - Free Knitting patterns
Go to your local Op shop. They often have bags of wool for sale. Buy a ball and try making a hat to start with. (prices vary but you can pick up enough for a jersey for under $10 or about $1 a ball)
With a little practice you can learn to do more than just a scarf! Kids knits are cute, easy and very wearable. Patterns for adults include wrap tops, skirts, punk knits and so much more.
Check out You Tube and search for learn to knit and hundreds of videos come up. Once you have mastered it, you are armed ready to save some money!
Buying wool can be expensive if you get it new, but Trademe have lots of wool for sale, and you can always do what your Nana did, unpick an old one. Get an old woollen jumper (try Savemart or the Sallies shops) unpick the wool, winding it around the back of a chair, tie it in skeins and wash it, then roll into balls by hand. Only weigh it once you have washed it. Then get knitting try a few websites for starters:
DROPS - Free Knitting patterns
Go to your local Op shop. They often have bags of wool for sale. Buy a ball and try making a hat to start with. (prices vary but you can pick up enough for a jersey for under $10 or about $1 a ball)
Sewing AND Mending
With your sewing machine and a needle and thread you can extend the life of your clothes, alter things given to you so that they fit, and create cheap school items.
Try:
www.spotlight.co.nz
Try:
- Add some ribbon or rickrack to the bottom hem of trousers to extend their length.
- Sew holes together in your socks, just a straight seam will extend their life.
- When letting down trousers, use ribbon again to cover the "fold mark"
- Cut down your own clothes to make pyjamas, and vests for your kids.
- Sew all buttons on by hand when you buy new clothes. Often clothes manufacturers do not tie off buttons, and they are quickly lost off your new clothes. A quick hand sew when you first get them home will fix that.
- Make fleece trousers for your kids to muck about it.
- Buy clothes in op shops and repurpose the fabric as something else.
www.spotlight.co.nz
Grow It Yourself
Clicking here will take you to the Grow It Yourself + Gardening section of this site, including details of the new Community Plant Nursery in Kaiapoi, where you can take your plants and care for them while rebuilding your home or relocating elsewhere.
Do It Yourself
Rather than have costly visits by friendly workmen, a little time and work can save you a lot of money.
The first thing is to keep on top of things. If something needs fixing, do it now, while the problem is small, before it grows into something you can't handle. A small tear in the wallpaper can quickly become a nightmare once the children;''s fingers have got into it and pulled off great strips - a quick glue down when you spot it would save all that.
Secondly, only tackle things if you believe they within your capabilities.
Try some fab websites:
www.doityourself.com is a great place to start.
The first thing is to keep on top of things. If something needs fixing, do it now, while the problem is small, before it grows into something you can't handle. A small tear in the wallpaper can quickly become a nightmare once the children;''s fingers have got into it and pulled off great strips - a quick glue down when you spot it would save all that.
Secondly, only tackle things if you believe they within your capabilities.
Try some fab websites:
www.doityourself.com is a great place to start.