Tag: instructions

Keep Those Instructions Straight

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Lego instructions can get a bit unruly once you get more than about five sets. Actually, some come with so many instructions for one kit that it can become overwhelming. So I came up with the idea to make an instruction binder. Or I found the idea somewhere. Can’t really remember which it was.

All it took was a large binder, some page protectors, and some divider tabs. Or you could probably just put actual dividers between the sections. I chose to just label the first page protector in each group. Most of them only have one anyway.

This makes it easy to add sections, too. I had originally thought about getting an accordion folder, but decided it would be a safer option to be able to add space as the collection grows. Seems to have been a good call so far.

DIY Friday: Halloween T-shirt

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One of the little ones I watch is at the age where he is really starting to get into holidays and recognize their signs. This leads to a lot of, “I know why they have pumpkins/ghosts/skeletons. It’s almost Halloween!” every time we are out. Not just once a trip either, but every window or yard we pass that is decorated.

All this talk of pumpkins and Halloween gave me an idea:

Halloween T-shirts for both boys. And they were so fast to create, I thought I would share step-by-step instructions. Click here to download a PDF complete with templates to cut out the felt pieces.

All you need is a plain, dark t-shirt, some craft felt, embroidery thread, scissors, and a needle. If you know how to do a basic running stitch, you are good to go. If you don’t know, here is a good tutorial.

Let me know in the comments if there are any issues with the file. Also, leave a link in the comments below if you make one of these or tweet me pictures @caseykayb. I’d love to see your version.

P.S.: I’m thinking of starting a weekly series of posting either my own DIY tutorials or links to some I’ve found that I’ve done. If you have any suggestions of things I should check out, let me know!

Keeping It Clean – Washcloth Pattern

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I LOVE cotton knit washcloths. I love making them, and I love using them. To me, they get dishes cleaner than regular washcloths, plus they can pick up more messes around the kitchen. And I make plenty of messes around the kitchen.

I’ve made washcloths many different ways, but I think I like this straight knit version the best. It knits up quickly and works really well with self-striping yarns. Plus, you can create whatever pattern in the center you want, like this heart:

Want to make one? You’ll need a pair of size 8 knitting needles and worsted weight 100% cotton yarn.

*These instructions are for the plain cloth, but you can create your own chart for the inner pattern in whatever design. The inner part is about 38 stitches by 54 rows.*

Cast on 46 stitches. Knit 3 rows.

Row 4: Knit 3, yarn over, slip 1 stitch, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over,* yarn over, knit 2 together* repeat to last 6 stitches, yarn over, slip 1 stitch, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over, yarn over, knit 3

Row 5: Knit 3, purl 19 stitches, increase 1, purl to last 3 stitches, knit 3

Row 6: Knit 3, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to last 5 stitches, slip 2 stitches knit wise and knit together, yarn over, knit 3

Row 7: Knit 3, purl to last 3 stitches, knit 3

Repeat rows 6&7 until piece measures 1 inch less than desired length (for mine, I ended at 9 inches).

Repeat row 4.

Knit 3 rows, increasing 1 in the middle of the first row only. Bind off. Weave in ends.

If you just like using these washcloths but don’t want to make one yourself, I offer them in many colors on my Etsy site.

If you make one and post pictures, let me know! I would love to see other versions.

What kind of household items do you prefer to make yourself instead of using store-bought? What colors or patterns would you like to see in a washcloth?