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Craft Project: How to Sew a Doll Quilt
By Claire Bush

This little quilt is simple enough for a beginner, and is a good way to use up scraps of leftover fabric. The quilt can be sewn completely by hand, but will go together more quickly with a sewing machine.

Materials:

2 pieces of cotton fabric, 10" x 15"
2-1/2 yards rickrack or narrow fabric trim
8 - 6" lengths of yarn, any color
yarn needle
dressmaking pins
polyfill stuffing
9 fabric flowers (from notions department)
sewing machine
needle and thread

Instructions:

Lay one piece of the fabric, right side up, on work table. Cut three pieces of trim or rickrack to fit, as pictured. Pin into place. Hand or machine stitch trim into place. Remove pins.

Cut three more pieces of trim to fit and pin into place. Hand or machine stitch into place. Remove pins.

Hand sew the 9 fabric flowers into intersection of trim, as pictured.

Flip front of quilt over and pin to right side of other piece of fabric. Hand or machine stitch closed on three sides.

Turn quilt inside out and lightly stuff with polyfill.

Hand or machine stitch closed.

Use pins to make 8 places in between the squares for quilting. Thread one 6" piece of yarn in yarn needle and knot one end. Push needle up from back of the quilt at one of the pins and sew an "X" with the yarn. Tie off yarn in the back and knot closed. Remove pin. Repeat with remaining 7 places.

Quilt is finished!

Quilt Front

Quilt Back

Doll Quilt

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Froggy Gift Bag

This little froggy gift bag is very easy to make, using a 12x12 inch piece of card stock and scoring a bit, two circles and a couple of eyes. The bag itself isn't very big but fun. I made it for my granddaughter's birthday!

By Jill from Albert Lea, MN

Froggy Gift Bag

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Scooby-do (Pug)

Scooby-do is a 4 year old Pug. She was born here 4 yrs ago.

She has an extra long tongue and she was the best baby out of a litter 8. She was a runt and now is my biggie girl. She is my model girl (ham.)

She likes to play dress up. She is a lady in a dog body. LOL

By Sadie from Aberdeen

Scoobydo (Pug)

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Patio Tomato Bench

I used an old bench that no one could sit on and sat my potted tomato plants on and around the bench. As they grow, I can tie them to the bench for support. I have red, yellow and black cherry plants, so I am hoping for a little color also.

By Wanda from Climax, NC

Tomato Bench

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My Hummingbirds

I don't think these hummingbirds can be classified as my pets but I didn't know where else to put them! We feed up to 40 hummers all through the day at my house. I have 3 feeders and most of the time they sit shoulder to shoulder.

I make 12 cups of food for them daily and they use it all! We're working on having them light on our fingers!

By Judi from Elgin, OR

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These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

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Homemade Tool for "Hard to Reach" Places

This is something that I have created and find it so useful in many ways. An old mop handle with a cup hook screwed on the end of it, so simple and easy. I find it so useful for reaching that cord behind the tv that has dropped down, something that has gone under the fridge or stove. Just hang it in a handy place and you'll be surprised how many times you have a use for this, especially us senior citizens.

By Barbara from Evington, Virginia

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Save on Utility Bills

It seems that everyone is concerned with replacing their incandescent bulbs with the compact-fluorescents to save on energy costs, however the worst offender in utility costs is the WATER HEATER. It operates 24/7/365 and we're not talking about saving just a few watts (or BTUs) per evening :).

Consider replacing it with one that has AT LEAST 2 inches of insulation; or purchase an 'Insulating Blanket' for your present one (if older than 10 yrs, it may be wise to replace it). Be careful, most water heaters only have 1 inch insulation, so be thorough in your search. The better the insulation, the less heat-loss.

Another thing: do you really need the water heater temperature-dial setting to be set at the highest setting? Setting it at a lower temperature saves energy.

By Cajun from Collinsville

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Absorbine Jr. as Bug Repellent

While babysitting for my 7 year old grand-daughter, I had to make a call to her mama to find out where she kept the Off. She said, "We use Absorbine Jr."

I thought she had lost her mind, but I followed her instructions of two dabs on the back of the neck and a dab at the top of each ear. That's exactly what I used on my grand-daughter, but I thought I needed a dab on each knee and the top of each foot. It kept the bugs away from both of us. Now I just use the three dabs my daughter suggested.

When I went to the big box store to buy my own bottle, they were sold out. I had to go to the drug store (was more expensive there), but I got their last bottle. It works!

By Sandy from Sciota, IL

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Tacky Glue

When you need tacky glue, pour the amount of Elmer's Glue-All that you will need onto a paper plate about two hours before you will be using it. The glue will be nice and tacky for most craft projects.

By Cher L. from Oxford, Maine

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Rhubarb for a Burned Pot

Who hasn't burned a pot really badly on the stove! To clean it, get some rhubarb, several handfuls. Cut it up into about half a pot of water and boil gently for about 10 minutes. Don't let it go dry. Your pot will sparkle!

Source: I learned this from my Grandma, who hardly ever burned anything!

By Catastrofy from Winnipeg, Canada

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Plastic Flowers for Outdoor Decor

If you have a summer home, as well as a winter home, the garden can really get away from you! We go to the dollar store and purchase lots of colorful plastic flowers. We "plant" these instead of real ones, in both gardens, and have a beautiful garden, with minimal work, all season! My neighbors keep trying to water them for me!

By Catastrofy from Winnipeg, Canada

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Making Your Factory Oriental Rug Look More Authentic

Want to make your factory oriental rug/oriental runner look more authentic?

I have a red/black/cream colored one and I colored in select cream parts of the pattern in BLUE permanent marker to make it look more like my late lamented oriental rug that finally succumbed to the moths! This also works to restore old faded rugs, dealers have been doing it for years. (But don't use it on any rug that might be valuable!)

By Pamphyila from L.A.

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Coffee Filter for Potting

You can use a paper coffee filter to put in a flower pot to cover the hole, before putting the soil in. It keeps the soil from running out when being watered.

By Gracie pie from Astor Fl.

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Growing Vegetables in Hanging Baskets

Question:

I was just about to plant some flowers in a hanging basket I have when I remembered that I have several leftover starter plants that are zucchini, summer squash, lemon cukes, and pickling cukes.

Growing Vegetables in Hanging Baskets

Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Show me a man with both feet planted firmly on the ground and I'll show you a man who can't put on his pants.

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

Safe Candles for Power Outages

We had a power outage last night for about an hour. Lit a bunch of candles for light, had flashlights, batteries and car battery chargers with lights. I told DH to turn off the battery powered items and just keep the candles on as we had no way of knowing how long the outage would last (power company phone number was busy). So far, so good.

Then 2 things happened: I took a candle with a lamp shade (this was, I discovered, just for looks) and that seemed to contain too much light within its shade, so that I tripped over something in the dark and almost toppled the candle on to the carpeting. Fortunately, I righted the candle in the nick of time and did not set the house on fire. Very scary. Threw this shade in the garbage. Never want to use it again!

The second, was when DH opened the door to go outside, almost all the candles blew out. Had we been in pitch darkness, this would have presented a problem. So, my question is what kind of a candle holder can a person use to walk around the house for path lighting and what kinds of shades or shaded holders will keep a candle from blowing out with a tiny breeze?

Thanks!

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Cabinets With Too Much Paint

What can I do to heavily painted kitchen cabinets? They are very large doors. The cabinets have so much paint it's hard to even see the hinges. I will do just about anything to them to save money. HELP!

Tina from Pittsburgh, PA

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Laminated "Textured Stone" Flooring

Would laminated "textured stone" flooring reveal streaks after cleaning? I'm interested in buying this pattern for my kitchen, dining and utility room and would hate to have it installed and then learn it streaks. I know that people have posted that some brands of hardwood floor show prints and streaks. I need to know about the textured stone type, if anyone has info on this kind.

Lorelei

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Cleaning a White Leather Purse

How can I clean my all white leather Coach purse (no C's on it) without darkening the color? It's only a few years old but it's dingy and looks 10 years old! Please Help!

Sabina from Philadelphia, PA

Cleaning a White Leather Purse

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Soaking Up Bacon Grease

For years when I cook bacon, I have always placed the bacon on paper towels to soak up the bacon grease. I do this for hamburgers too. Instead of buying paper towels all the time, I am looking for another way to do this. What do you do?

Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Cat Pees on Rugs

I just got a cat a week ago. She uses the litterbox but also started peeing on my bathroom rugs. I pulled them up and she peed on my kitchen rug, I pulled that one. After she pees on them she will poo too, but usually uses the litter box for that. I woke up and she peed on my bed while I was sleeping. She has access to her litter box at all times. She was previously with my mom where she would allow her to pee anywhere she wanted. I believe she is about 2 years old. Is there any way to train her not to do this. I really want to keep her and love her very much but I can't if she is to keep this up. Please help.

Andrea from KS

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HDTV Converter Problems

My hdtv converter works great when it wants to but,sometimes it breaks up and freezes. it also says no signal sometimes. Can you help me fix it?

Granniegityergun from Rochester, NY

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Freezing Lunchables

Can Lunchables be successfully frozen without sacrificing taste/texture? I would like to stock up when I find a great sale on them, as my dd loves them. Thank you in advance for any help on this.

Janice from Illinois

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Washing a Poseable Teddy Bear

Can I wash/dry a poseable teddy bear? If so, how? My dd received one that is in dire need of a "bath". Thank you in advance for any help on this.

Janice from Illinois

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Cleaning Heavy, Lined Drapes

I have not one, but five sliding glass doors in my house! They are everywhere! I have hung on them heavy, lined drapes that I bought on sale from J.C. Penney's. They each also have a valance on top. What I would like to know is can I clean them any way other than dry cleaning which is what the tags say?

I can't even imagine what kind of bill I would have if I take them all to be cleaned! They are getting really dusty and need badly to be cleaned but I just don't have the extra money. Please help!

Lisa from VA

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Sugar Free Pie Filling Recipes For Canning

Does anyone have recipes for Sugar Free pie fillings to can in "hot water bath" canner?

Debra from Hampton, Tenn

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Making Homemade Mild Salsa

Does anyone have a recipe for a homemade Mild Salsa?

Marilyn from Burlington, WI

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Treating Fleas On 6 Week Old Puppy

Is it safe to use vinegar for fleas on a 6 week old puppy?

Tammy from Belews Creek, NC

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Identifying Asbestos Insulation

Does anyone know how I can tell whether I have asbestos insulation in my home or not? The insulation I have is brown wool like material (fluffy nickel-sized clumps) seems to be all intertwined-not separated clumps.
My home was built in 1948.

Aeowyn from Cinci

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Bubble Gum Stain On Silk Shirt

My favorite silk shirt had bubble gum on it. I have used peanut butter to remove it but now it has a stain from the bubble gum. How can I get this stain out?

Britni

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Repairing Branch On "Rose of Sharron" Tree

How do you repair the branch after bugs have made a home in it. The branch is still alive but it is falling, I've tied it up. Will it self mend or is there a glue out there?

Hardiness Zone: 4b

Jennifer from Toronto

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Getting Rid Of Day Lilies

I have a day lily that is growing like a weed. It is taking over my entire lily patch, including my beautiful lilies that I have had for over 20 years. I am currently trying to dig them out, they are about 5 feet tall. They are multiplying like crazy. Has anyone else ever had this problem? Any ideas on what to do?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Charlotte from Kingston, TN

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Crocheting A Purse Using Pop Top Tabs

I am looking for instructions for crocheting a purse using pop top tabs from soda and beer cans. Thank you.

Mariposa from Midwest

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Using Leftover Cement

Any ideas for using two leftover bags of cement?

Katie from Davenport, WA

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Installing A Digital Converter Box

I installed a digital TV converter box on my TV which has a rabbit ears antenna. I do not receive the quality of picture and the quantity of stations I had before installation. I keep getting the message No Signal. Has anyone else had this problem? If I need a new antenna, does anyone have a recommendation for best reception?

Angelna from Glendale, CA

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Planting Phlox In Sunny Location

I transplanted some phlox 3 years ago to a northeasterly location. They get lots of hot afternoon sun from the south. They start out each year green and healthy and then start to turn brown at the ground level, eventually continuing up the entire stalk. The leaves turn yellow first, like they are being drained of life. Is this location too hot for them? Do they prefer shady spaces?

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Ginny from New London, MN

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Cutting Back Iris After They Bloom

What will happen to my irises if I cut them way back, leaves and all now that they are done blooming?

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Ginny from New London, MN

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Grove's Beauty Product Line

Has anyone seen the Grove's beauty line of olive oil products (body milk spray, hand lotion, body butter, etc.)? I wonder if Target has discontinued this.

Tamara from Ashburn, VA

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Removing Scratches On Microfiber Couch

I just got a new microfiber couch and it came with a few small white scratch marks at the top of the back. Does anyone know how I can remove these marks or cover them up without ruining my new couch?

Brittany from San Diego, CA

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What Can I Grow Under A Cedar Tree?

What plants or flowers can be grown under a cedar tree? Right now, there is just bare dirt because the grass will not grow there.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Judy from Billings, MT

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What Can I Grow Under A Cedar Tree?

What plants or flowers can be grown under a cedar tree? Right now, there is just bare dirt because the grass will not grow there.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Judy from Billings, MT

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Cleaning a Dishwasher

How do I get rid of gunk in the dishwasher?

Connecticut

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Freezing, Frying or Canning Cucumber

How do you freeze, fry or can cucumber?

smith from Greeneville Tennessee

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

My Frugal Life: Waste Not, Want Not

My mother believed in "waste not, want not" and taught me to take good care of my belongings. If it were clothes I wore, they could be passed onto another and if it were toys, a younger child would get them.

Maintenance Free Ground Cover

Question:

I have a partially shaded hill that leads down to the river. The soil is poor but grows weeds quite well. Does anyone have a suggestion on a maintenance free ground cover?

Periwinkle

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Daily Thrifty Tips - July 11, 2008

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