Tag Archives: make do and mend

Needles

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In lockdown I managed to break 3 of my short 2.75mm bamboo needles. Specifically the needles for my Debbie Abrahams blankets. I bought two pairs of gorgeous Lykke driftwood needles from Tribe yarns to replace them, I cannot stress enough how beautifully smooth and wonderful to knit with these are. After knitting a few squares with them, I found that when knitting at my desk they are a tad too long. Looking online for some 20-25cm needles there just just weren’t any that made me want to buy them. Then the light bulb moment came, I have a box of beads, some 20cm DPNs and super glue. Out came my creative side -not that it’s ever in-and my DPNs transformed into short needles to continue my blanket. I have a feeling that this will be my path if short needles are needed again and I have the right size DPN.

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Draught Exluder tutorial. Cost zero.

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I often make things off the top of my head but never think to write out instructions or take photographs.  This time  though I have written a tutorial. For months I have been meaning to make a draft excluder. I have the fabric and the stuffing but haven’t gotten around to sew it. This week the draft under the door was back and I knew I had to make one. As I am unable to machine sew at the minute my make do and mend mentality went into overdrive and this is the finished product. It can be made in minutes and doesn’t need to cost a penny as all the materials you need will be in your home.
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It’s a bit basic but it does the job and you could jazz it up with beads or ribbons.

Tools and Materials needed

1 pair tights 40 denier or thicker
Scissors
Beach towel

Step 1. Cut the Legs off the tights

Step 2. Fold beach towel in half so that the shorter sides are together.
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Step 3. Roll towel up. It doesn’t matter which side you roll it from it’s which ever length suits you.

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Step 4 Roll tight leg up as if you were going to wear it and insert towel into tight leg.
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Step 5 pull tight over towel and tie a knot in each end.
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Your draft exluder is ready to be used. The best thing is it didn’t cost a penny and when you no longer need it you can untie the knots wash the towel and put it away until its needed again.