Bleach Bottle tote

I made these totes for my children. They used them for lunch, toy, wet swim suit and many other things totes. They may be made from just about any type of plastic bottle depending on what you want to use them for. I carry one for lunch and another one for my craft project.

To being with, you will need a plastic bottle; in this case I used a bleach bottle.

Remove label and draw a line around for a cutting line - I use a dry erase marker, so the line will not show when the project is finished.

Next go back and using a dressmaker's tape measure, place marks about 1-inch apart and about 1/2-inch apart, around the top. I used a standard, hand held paper punch.

Using an 'H' crochet hook and knitting worsted in a color of your choice, and work 3 double crochet in each hole around, slip stitch to join.

Chain 3, double crochet in each stitch around, slip stitch to join.

Repeat this last row as many times as desired. Works best if you make it at least half the height of the jug, or higher.

Next row (Draw String openings): Chain 4, *skip one stitch, double crochet in next stitch, repeat from * around, slip stitch to join.

Last round: chain one, single crochet in same space, single crochet around, slip stitch to join. Fasten off. Work in end.

For Draw String: Chain about 44-inches or a length you prefer. turn and work a single crochet in each chain to end; Work the far end from hook, in and out of the draw string openings; when you come around to where you started, take a stitch in the end, joining the 2 ends; fasten off; work in end.

I, frequently pull the string out on opposite sides, making 2 handles; I then tie a knot in the ends, so they don't slip back in.

I hope you enjoy this project. I remember one year, I found a line drawing and scratched it into the side of one of the totes and then rubbed in dark crayon; cleaned off the surface and the wax stayed in the scratches making an imitation scrimshaw. My girls really liked that.

Have fun.

Arlene

Ceral box bags and fresh vegetable bags reused

Many of us buy our cereal in boxes with a bag inside sealed to keep in freshness. You, also, find these bags in cracker boxes and I am sure in other places, too.

You can use these bags to cover bowls and dishes to put in the frig.

I, also, save the fresh vegetable – stored in an empty paper towel or toilet tissue tube – and use these to cover dishes that are to go into the fridg.

Doing this saves on the use of your plastic wrap and just a tad less in the land fill.

Keep Smiling Arlene

Great Christmas Gift - free

When my children were young and we did not have much money for gifts, I taught them to make coupons to give as gifts.

Feel Free to make copies of this blank coupon

For example:
Good for one time sweep the kitchen without complaining.
Good for one helping to fold cloths.
Good for one car wash.
Good for one evening of babysitting
Good for one walking the dog.
Good for washing the dishes on your night.

I am sure you get the idea. I didn’t have a computer back then, but with one you could make those coupons really look neat.

After you have them printed or drawn stack them, neatly, and staple them together.

These can be used any time of the year and can be made for any occasion and all it costs you is some time and thought to make them and some of your time to fill them.
Arelen

Canned Food liquids to replace water storage

I just remembered something I did years ago. I would drain the liquid from the canned vegetables into ice-cube trays, freeze and bag. These ice-cubes are ready for the next time you want to make soup, flavor gravy, cook fresh vegetables in or to pep up the flavor of a casserole.

If for some reason you don’t use the drippings from a roast or even fried meat, with your meal, add a little water to loosen it up; freeze in ice-cube trays and bag for latter use.

Now, if the water service is interrupted, you have liquid to cook with; not to forget the nutrition that would have gone down the drain.

Keep smiling
Arlene

Old Time Truck Lap Robe

A while back I made a lap quilt for a young lady, to help her with her Senior Project; I was telling a friend about it and she wanted to see it, so, here is a picture of the finished quilt. (I am working on making a pattern that others may use. I hope to offer these for sale in the near future.)

Thinking GREEN during the cold season

Before they used tissues to wipe your nose, they used cloth handkerchiefs. The advantage is, you don’t kill trees or fill the garbage pit.

You don’t have to buy them. Look around for what you have. Those lightweight, cotton kitchen curtains, that you don’t us any more. Or, maybe, you have an old, cotton slip or maybe, even an old, cotton baby dress. I am sure you get the idea

Cut them into up to 12-inches squares; hem them – you could us the sewing machine, but that does make a stiff edge; turn the edge under twice, and hand stitch the hem.

Now, you could; crochet an edge and hand stitch it to your hem; and/or you could embroidery a pretty little flower of something on a corner – while this looks nice, it is a bit ruff on the nose.

I would suggest you make at least 7, but a dozen would be better. For health sake, use a clean hanky every day.

Don't throw out those old socks

Don't throw out those old socks!

Befor you throw out those old socks make them do double duty. Cut off the top of each sock, (just cut straight across below the ribbing of the sock.

Now, is the area between when you have cut off the top of the sock and the heel still in good condition; great, cut off without cuting into the heel.

If your sock is a tube sock, you might be able to cut down to the toe, but only if it is in good condition; throw away the toe and any part that is not good enough to save. (if the remaining part of the sock is still in tack, but too stained to put in a quilt, use it for washing the car; dusting in the house;, cover your hand while you paint. I am sure you get the idea.

Next you stuff the sock tube (the top or other pieces saved) As you get you tops stuffed, Insert one cut edge into the next stuffed top and sew together.

Make a strip of stuffed sock tops to the leangth you prefer.

When you have 2 rows sewen together, pinch a littel of the sides of tth socks and sew them together, forming one wide strip; continue making rows and sewing them side-by-side, until you hav a blanket the size you want.

This makes a nice soft cushinon for a chair, or warm blanket for the bed.

When I learn more about how to do this thing called Blogging, I will dray some how to pictures and when I have mine started and will try to put a picture in here.

Your friend
Arlene