make do and mend for tougher times

fuddle

prepareathome wrote: »

Have a great time at Hobbycraft and don't come home bankcrupt as be warned they are not cheap, but oh they do have fantastic things - my last visit I came home with frames ( for button pictures), beads - oh could have bought them all and did buy so many pearl ones perfect for knitting with, yarn, new glue gun ( old one had stopped working) oh cannot remember what else but I know I was around £100 lighter in the wallet ( I had saved and planned so didn't spend anything I shouldn't). Hubby just stayed in car reading and let me loose in there, a bad move lol

I am already lol I knew what you meant I picked some yarn up in the sale, a lovely 100% chunky heather but after some dilly dallying I put it back as I have the sock wool to start my next project. A little regretting that as I love working with chunky wool but it was a want and not a need. I may just need a heather colour scarf as we move out of summer though

So being really good I spent £2.48 on white cord 38p/meter to make DD's PE bag (have the fabric) A zip for a skirt I made out of a wool coat and those biscuit cutters mentioned on here yesterday for 5 for £1 (butterfly, fish (DH's getting biscuits made by the kids for his B'day) snow man, heart and star so all will get used.)

Also bought DH's birthday present from me, some casual trainers. It was a need as he could do with some but I got a shock as saw some in black, asked if they had any in blue and they had them put at the till for me to collect... they were £12.99 dearer. I stumbled but decided to just take them as they were nicer and would go with all his casual wear. Still, I'm feeling a bit guilty and I don't know why as they're not even for me!

I also got DD's packed lunch bag for her starting school in Sept and DD a thick sweater in Next sale for £6 . I feel so nervous for spending so much money but so relieved that I put that yarn back!

Byatt wrote: »

Fuddle, I've got a knitting book for beginners, which arrived today, and very excited, so got some wool and needles from the CS and will start knitting soon. There is a lovely pattern for a hot water bottle cover, amongst other things. The crocheting has been a non starter for me really, just too fiddly, but I hope I get back into knitting. I did knit an Arran sweater back in the 70's but was given great on hand advice from my brothers' then partner.

I'll look to reserve the book at the library Byatt when you get a minute would you say what it was called? DD has a hotwater bottle but it's in a hello kitty case. The case is too thick and doesn't allow the heat out very well to heat her up. I wanted to make a cover for it so he could have a functioning hot water bottle as opposed to a pretty one.

Mrs Chip disaster!!! :eek: My bread dough hasn't rose and is sat all hard in a lump in the fridge. I think I used the wrong flour. I used wholemeal bread flour. Is that wrong. What flour do you use?

Byatt

Fuddle, this is the book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0713685425/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

I wanted something I could read anywhere and will use Youtube as and when needed. It is basic, but for me that's ideal and gives me a chance to knit things that are useful and pretty. There's also a lovely shrug type lacy wrap as well as scarves, mittens etc.

Mrs_Chip

Oh oops Fuddle - the recipe is for white flour and mix should be really runny, not a solid lump).

I will find a link to a vid for it for you. Perhaps you could rescue by taking out and putting somewhere warm to see if it rises.

Mrs_Chip

Here it is - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSOoH686_b8 - hope this helps!

fuddle

Ah excellent Mrs Chip ta muchly!

I'm going to go take out the bread lump and try to mix in some banana's on the turn and put it on a warmed riceg while i'm on the school run.

I have booked marked the link above and will try again tonight. Thanks, I will get to that dough luuuuuurve stage, I will! lol

Thanks Byatt, I have seen that very book at my library so hopefully it will be there tomorrow

Mrs_Chip

I should say, follow the method in the video using the recipe I posted - it's the method that is important ans it is different to making bread the normal way.

smileyt_2

Hello newbies :wave:!

SDG hugs to you xx.

Now here's something to cheer you up and raise a smile. There is a little boy of about five or six who lives near me and is my dogs' biggest fan. He's a lovely wee thing, very gentle with the dogs (so they like him, too) but oh boy can he ask questions!

Yesterday's conversation:

Small boy: "Why do dogs have four legs?"
Me: "Um, I don't know. They're just made that way."
SB: "Why does this bit move when they walk?" (Touching dogs' shoulder blades).
Me: "Um, I don't know."
SB: "What do dogs have in their ears?" (??????!!!!!!)
Me (pleased that I could answer a question at last!): "The same bits that we do, that help us to hear things."
SB: "No, they don't. Dogs have bananas in their ears."

So now you know. Uttered with such confidence that he must be believed. Dogs have bananas in their ears. I'm still laughing, although how I managed to keep my face straight at the time I will never know.

Mrs_Chip

That's so funny Smiley, what a brilliant image!

Byatt

Smiley, do you think he heard someone say "bandana"? those neck scarves...ahem... some people put on dogs?
My Bess would love bananas in her ears as she adores eating them!

fuddle

smiley kids say such brilliant things and with such conviction

Mrs Chip the second batch is resting on the work top. I used SR flour and looks and already feels how it should, I can't wait for the morning now.

I've mixed in some bananas in with the spoiled loaf in the hope that something tasty will come out for the kids, if not, well I tried.

I have 3 bags of wholemeal strong flour to use up now. It was supposed to be for the bread making. :rotfl: This learning to be frugal don't 'alf cost! DH's words and sometimes I have to agree