The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

PRINCESSX87

Quick question peeps.

Is using a sowing machine easy for a total beginner?
I'm going to have a quick look on youtube for video's, But OH's grandpops has offered us one, Which would come in handy but neither of us know how to use one?

I cant even sow free hand But seems a shame to just get rid of a good working machine because i'm uneducated?? x

Possession

Such a lot to catch up on, I hope you're all OK.
Congrats Fuddle on your potential move. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly.
Hugs to all with school issues - we had a meeting this morning since 2 class teachers are signed off long term sick and all is up in the air. Hard situation for everyone really. The school should be working in partnership with the parent though, and vice versa.
Kez I wouldn't worry about those witches now, they've well and truly shown their colours.

stiltwalker

Sadly this morning was no better - kicking, screaming and back arching (and that was just me!!! lol) seriously I've got to joke or I really would go mad - went back into school for her physio apt later in the morning and she'd been perfect for them. Much as I'm pleased she's settling in and getting on great at school it seems a little unfair for them to get the nice miss stilty and me to get the screaming h*ll child!

Carlymummy - first off big hugs, it's a stressful time for us mums when they first start isn't it? Second what everyone else is saying about the arm holding - not acceptable - in fact a friend of mine ended up having to pull her kids from one school as her little one came home with a bruise that was TA finger mark sized (not that I'm saying this for you but just to be aware it does happen but it most certainly should not). I would certainly say that your expectations are about right, DS has only just started and not all kids settle down quickly, however meeting my just be about how school can help and head *may* have phrased it badly (giving head the benefit of the doubt for a first occasion! lol) DO wait until you can take DH or a friend with you just in case he's not worthy of the benefit! I think the home/school book is a great idea anyway even without this - we have one for DD as her speech skills are very poor, it means we can have the conversations about what she's done at school as once we know what to listen for it's easier to hear IYKWIM!

Mar and Mrs C - very jealous of getting goodies through the post - all I got this morning was a 3 month supply of night time pull ups for DD!!! Having said that I do have lots of bath stuff making things and beads already - I just need to get them out and find a *spare????* 5 minutes to have a play!

Take care all and hugs where needed - X

mardatha

I don't know anything about sewing xx sorry.
I find coal far better than wood, we don't use wood as it wasn't hot enough for here.

[Deleted User]

STILTWALKER - Helen you either get this reaction within a week of them starting school or by the time you've been there for 6 weeks. It's just a phase pet, an annoying one but, as she becomes accustomed to the new routine she will begin to settle down and life will be bearable in the mornings, it won't last forever, even though it may seem like it! Good Luck lovie, Lyn xxx.

fuddle

Princess If I can do it you can. Now I'm not saying my stitching is straight and I think I would fare better with a hand cranked sewing machine of old (electric ones go too fast for my ability! On my machine it's either go or stop... I mutter randomings when I sew, much to the amusement of the family) but it's easy as in guide the material and press your foot to go.

Youtube tutes for how to thread up and workings of the machine but I woud say don't pass up the opportunity. I have saved a lot of money by having my machine. Go learn girl!

My first assessment complete and sent. I will gain an up to date qualification, I will, I will.

fuddle

MrsC I've cleaned up my curry stained cloths overnight. Had them sat in bicarb overnight. The stain was pink this morning. I washed just on a 40 and almost gone, just a little yellow (changed again?). If it was sunny I'd have put on the line to break it down again but as it's not i'll air it and try the whole process again next light load. HTH

aaah tumeric changes colour to reflect the PH

The turmeric indicator changes colour between roughly a pH of 7.4 and 8.6. If turmeric is exposed to neutral or acidic substances (those with a pH of less than 7.4) it will retain its yellow colouration. However, if turmeric is exposed to more alkaline substances (those with a pH greater than 8.6) it becomes a dark pink/red.

http://questacon.edu.au/outreach/programs/science-circus/activities/colourful-chemistry

Interesting to think that the dreaded curcumin is being investigated for the treatment of cancers.

Possession

Stiltwalker I knew there was someone else I meant to reply to! It must be really exhausting, more than I can imagine, but as my dad always says (retired Head), this is way round it must be. If she was doing that at school and being good as gold at home, there would really be a lot more trouble. Hang in there, like Mrs LW I think she will settle down. She certainly gets the hang of everything else once she puts her mind to it, I have great faith in her!
My drama queen is being, well, dramatic, at the moment. I am trying to instill a sense of perspective (children in Syria versus hair not looking good ...) but it isn't working at the moment.

ginnyknit

Stilty would bribery work? I am clutching at straws here but a trip to her favourite farm at weekend if she gets ready for school like a big girl? just a thought as I know how much she loves the trip.

DD has just been told her favourite Surestart centre is closing and is going private :mad: so needed and the people that go are so nice DD feels at home there. She is invited to a meeting in a few weeks to see what options are available for her and little man. Bl**dy cutbacks are biting deep and this is a poor area.

[Deleted User]

Hi MOLLY how are you doing today? Hope you're feeling a bit better and rested now and hope that your Dad is making equally good progress after his stroke. I was thinking of your fears for Molly getting older and I can empathise so much with you, I don't relish Docky getting fragile and frail after having been such an active dog all his life, but I think in all things there must be a gradual slowing and decline and an eventual ending, What I must do is give him the best life he can have now while he can enjoy it to the full and help him as much as he needs as he becomes older and less able. It will be painful indeed to lose him but for me, the warmth of his spirit will live on for as long as we love and remember him and we'll never really lose him, I find that a comforting thought, I hope it helps you too? Cheers Lyn xxx.