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Crafting
Archives for October 2015
Discussion List
Paper Trimmer Recommendations
Hi I've had a paper trimmer from Ryman's which is several years old now. The mat is very scratched along the cutting line, and I can't find any replacement mats so I think it's time for a new trimmer. I would be particularly interested in a trimmer that will let me cut a square out of the middle of card or paper. I've seen…
Alternatives to Fibre Craft 15&13 inch dolls to dress
Not for me but a disabled lady in our village. Apparently her hobby is crocheting outfits for these dolls to sell for charity. However the Fibre Craft dolls have now been discontinued. She used the 15 inch one and the 13 inch music box one. They were from USA but I've emailed the firm and no joy. I have two on order on…
Good quality candle wick suppliers
Hello everyone, I'm looking for a recommendation on buying good quality candle wicks for making my own candles. The only ones I can buy near to me are poor quality platted ones. I was looking for wax wicks, preferably with those little metal discs at the end to weight them down so they stay where I put them. I've seen…
Crochet pattern help
Please can some translate this for me..... It is from partway through he pattern in inside crochet for the Moomin/Snorkmaiden pattern. It is at the point of joining the nose to the body but I cannot get what it is asking me to do no matter how many times I read it!!! Line up last round of nose with body (this bit I get)…
MSE Blog: How I popped my upcycling cherry and saved £65+
"Have you ever considered upcycling to save cash but never taken the plunge? Well, that was me until now..." Read MSE Andrea's full blog: How I popped my upcycling cherry and saved £65+ Click reply below to discuss. If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply. If you aren’t sure how it all works, read our New to Forum?…
Any suggestions for a sewing machine for an 8yo?
My dd would like a sewing machine for her bday, when she will turn 8. Should we get her a travel one? A simple 'grown up' one? One specifically for children? She wants one because I use mine a lot, and because she has seen the ads for the SewIt (?) one on telly, which doesn't need thread. But reviews are not good. Plus, it…
help please
hi all I have been Looming enjoying doing it couple of hats I have also got crocheting things have made squares to sew together make blanket can someone tell me please does it have be wool to do a tapestry? I have embroidery silks I have material that I've drawn on will be doing embroidery soon the silks I have seen on…
cupcake boxes / sock cupcakes
This year I am going to attempt sock cupcakes. Can someone recommend where to buy single cupcake boxes at a reasonable price. If anyone is looking for boxes to hold 4. I saw some in home bargains for 89p for 3. Unfortunately they did not sell single ones :( I am only looking for about 4-6 so don't want anywhere that…
House warming gift help - layered jar
I'm hoping the craft brigade can help. Somewhere in the past I have seen (Internet or in a book??) an idea for a house warming gift. It's based in a layered jar but is NOT edible - I stress this because that's all the I seem to get when I google. I can't remember the ful details but each layer that you put in has a meaning…
new to knitting
I'm in the process of teaching myself to knit as a way to de-stress and also it's stopping me snacking in the evenings. Can anyone point me in the direction of some super easy Christmas decorations? I'm not fancying making clothes. I've made some triangles for bunting and just need to work out how to join them all together…
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MSE News
Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.
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