Stay Put Sheet Corners

Over the last few months, one corner of our sheets has been slipping off.  This is happening nightly no matter what set of sheets are on the bed.  I have always made sure to buy sheets that are the correct depth for the mattress. That doesn't seem to matter. It is always the same corner (my husband's side at the top of the bed).  The constant tugging to put the corner back in place has become really annoying.  I have tried several methods for remedy, but nothing seemed to solve the problem.

One night, as I was putting on a fresh set of sheets, I had the idea to sew elastic to the corners. I dug around in my sewing notions to find some left over 3/8" elastic.  I sewed an elastic piece to either side of the top two corners of the sheets so the elastic would stretch across the corner, under the mattress, and hold the sheet in place.  The sheets have successfully stayed put and my idea has worked fabulously.

We went from this:

To this:

If you share this problem of ill fitting sheets, try this simple, five minute process:

1. Measure 5" from the corner seam of the sheet and mark with a pin on either side.

2. Cut a strip of 3/8" elastic so that it stretches and keeps the sheet in place.  You don't want it too tight or too loose.  I cut my piece 5 1/2", but it may be different for every set of sheets on every bed.  You can fit it on the bed before cutting and see what you think.

3. On the underside of the sheet, sew one end of the elastic to the sheet beginning where you placed one of the pins.  I sewed right on top of the existing elastic casing seam. Go back and forth several times to make sure it is nice and secure.

4. Repeat step #3 where you marked with the other pin on the opposite side.  Be careful not to twist the elastic.  It should lay flat across the corner as it is under the mattress.

5. Add elastic to the other corner of the sheet or all four corners if necessary.

Your finished product should look something like this:

*If you don't own a sewing machine, you can always hand sew the elastic.


Easier Than I Thought!

Cost: free for me since I had elastic

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Practically Functional,  Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,    Sun.: I Heart Naptime, 

You (Dyson) Animal, you!

I love my Dyson Animal! Lately, it has started to smell like an old dog.  Each time I use it, it dispels an unpleasant odor.  Since I have an old dog, this is not surprising.  However, I keep thinking, " how is this going to get rid of the old dog smell if it already smells like an old dog?" Something had to be done.

This weekend I bit the bullet and took the entire thing apart and cleaned it.  The manufacturer recommends cleaning the filter, which I have done faithfully.  I've also cleaned the interior of the canister, but I really needed a more thorough approach this time.

After a little research, I stumbled on this YouTube video and followed the instructions on how to disassemble it. I am unsure if all Dyson models are similar enough that this tutorial would apply, but this reflects my experience with my Dyson Animal, DC07.

If you're like me, you want to know someone has done this successfully before you jump in and start taking apart an expensive household staple against manufacturer recommendation.  I will show you what I did step by step so you can do the same (if you dare).

*As with all tutorials, it is good to read through the entire post before beginning the process. 

First,  remove the clear canister and filter and thoroughly wash them.

Next,  remove the three screws at the top of the purple canister piece.  You will need a small allen screw bit for this.

Gently,  pull the pieces apart to reveal this: a ton of dirt and dust. Obviously, wash the inside of both pieces.

For the next part, I would suggest watching the video and having someone help you take the bottom cyclone piece and piece with the holes in it apart.  The main thing is to remember to gently bend the fins to the right. If you bend too hard, the plastic might crack. It is a little tricky.

After washing all the pieces, lay them out to thoroughly dry. I let them dry for 24 hours. Here are all the pieces you should have after disassembling the cyclone:

Finally, flip over the vac to clean the floor brush.  As you can see below, mine was full of hair and thread caught up in it.  You can't even see the brush! Probably not good for optimum performance:)

Use a flat head screwdriver to unscrew the three large, purple, plastic screws on the bottom piece that protects the floor brush.
 

Using utility scissors, cut the wound hair and threads to loosen and remove them from the brush.  This part took a long time.  Afterwards, I cleaned the area around and under the brush.  It came out squeaky clean.

Re-Assembly
I have to admit that this part took quite a while, but that was only because I didn't do it in the right order.  The worst part was trying to fit the plunger back into the release catch at the bottom of the cyclone.  Put the pieces back together in the order you took them apart.  Remember: the clear canister goes on very last. 

My vacuum is running better than ever and I feel great knowing that my cleaning tool no longer smells like it needs to be cleaned.  I should have done this a long time ago!

Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,   Sun.: I Heart Naptime, 

Carpet Spot Remover

This wasn't on my list of things to blog about, but I can't help but share with you the stain remover that saved my bedroom carpet (or at least bought it some more time).

Two nights ago, my dog was digging in the woods behind our house.  He ate something that made him very sick.  During the night, he vomited on the carpet in our bedroom.  For some reason, we didn't hear him get sick and didn't discover the dark brown puke until the following morning.  Lovely.

Spot Shot has always been my go to carpet stain remover.  It has taken out every stain I've ever had up until this point.  After four or five applications of Spot Shot, I wasn't getting anywhere with these stains. 

Next, I called my in-laws to have them bring over their carpet cleaner.  That didn't do anything to help remove the stains either. The Before picture above is actually after trying Spot Shot and the carpet cleaner.

In my desperation, I turned to the internet for more help.  I found a "magic" carpet cleaning recipe that some people swore by, so thought I'd give it a try.

Here is what I used:

• 1 cup ammonia
• 1 cup hot water
• clean, white towels
• hot iron

I sprayed the spots liberally with the water/ammonia solution using a spray bottle.  I let it sit for a few minutes, placed a towel over the area, and began ironing the spot out.  Right away, I could see the towel begin to soak up the stain. I think it's important to keep the iron moving so you don't burn a big hole in the towel and ultimately the carpet.  That wouldn't be good!

I repeated this process three more times.  As you can see, the stain is almost completely gone.  I think with a little more elbow grease, I can get the rest to come out.  I would definitely recommend this solution for any of those stubborn stains that just won't go away. 

Do you have any stains that won't come out?

Easier Than I Thought!

Grandma's Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

How did you spend Father's Day?

This year, for my dad, I decided to give more of a sentimental gift.  Taking the idea from my Gifts for Dad round-up, I made him cookies and put them in a decorated Pringles container. I included a copy of the recipe on the container as well as a Happy Father's Day message.

The cookie recipe I used was my grandmother's recipe for oatmeal cookies.  My dad hadn't had her cookies in years, and I had never made them using her recipe. He said that eating the cookies brought back good memories.  That warmed my heart. We sure do miss her since she passed away. 

I'm unsure if this is her own, original recipe, but I know that these cookies and her apple pie were her signature dishes. The cookies are flaky and light. I think the shortening gives them a whole different texture than most oatmeal cookies I've had.  Definitely delicious!

Here is a copy of Grandma's Oatmeal Cookie Recipe for you to share with your family:

Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies

·      1 c. shortening

·      1 c. white sugar

·      ½ c. brown sugar

·      1 tsp. of vanilla

·      Add one beaten egg.

In a separate bowl, sift together :

·      1 ½  c. flour

·      1 tsp. soda

·      1 tsp. cinnamon

 *Optional ingredients: ¾ c. raisins and/or chopped walnuts

Mix all ingredients together using hand or stand mixer.  Slowly add 1 ½ cups Quick Oats.

Chill for one hour.

Place walnut sized pieces on greased cookie sheet.  Using the bottom of a small glass, dip in granulated sugar and press each cookie. *You will have to lightly grease bottom of glass to get sugar to stick to it.

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

 Easier Than I Thought!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels, Crafty Scrappy Happy,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,  Family Ever After, 

Gifts for Dad

I have been looking for some cool ideas for Father's Day gifts.  There are only a couple of days left!

Here is a roundup of some of my favorites that might inspire you too.


Father's Day Pop Box Gift @ Lil' Luna- fill the bottles with dad's favorites.  Free printables for the project! 


Gift Basket @ Delightful Order



Custom Cookie Container @ A Thousand Words - make dad his favorite cookies using a repurposed Pringles can. What man doesn't like homemade cookies?




 Belt Organizer @ Martha Stewart- I need to make one of these for myself!

I tried to select some things that don't look too hard to make.  I think everything here could be accomplished in an hour or less! Get going!

Easier Than I Thought!

Custom Night-light

It's Baby Week! My new nephew was born yesterday.  Here's a picture of me holding him.  Please don't be disappointed that I blurred out his face.  I didn't want to post a picture of my sister's newborn for all the world to see without her permission.  You can probably tell by my gigantic smile and proud aunt face that he's pretty darn cute.  Congratulations, Robert and Alicia!

Today's idea is crazy easy!

You can make a customized night-light to match the nursery or bathroom by using a night-light that has sticky shade.  I found these at Hobby Lobby near the fabric department.  I'm sure other craft stores may carry them as well.

 

*Sorry for the poor pictures.  With all of the excitement, I didn't have time to take very good pictures.

The shade comes with a template for covering the front.  All you do is cut your material or paper using the template and apply it to the shade.  Then, decorate it using ribbon, ric rac, or anything else as the trim!

The one on the left is the one I made to match my daughter's room.  The one on the right is the one I made for my oldest nephew (four years ago).  They let off a good amount of light without being too bright and are a great designer touch. 

Easier Than I Thought!

Cost: Cost of the nightlight itself is about $8 plus any material you may have to purchase to decorate.

The Dishtowel Bib

As we continue Baby Week here at Easier Than I Thought, I want to tell you up front that today's post requires sewing.  If you aren't a seamstress (heck, even if you are), you might want to check out the Washi Wipe Box tutorial I posted a few weeks ago.  It's a great baby gift too.

Next on the list of awesome crafty baby items are dishtowel bibs.   My experience has proven the larger the bib, the better.  Once my little one started eating, I knew she had to have some larger bibs.  The tiny bibs from the store weren't cutting it, and I didn't care for the plastic ones.  I needed bibs that covered more surface area.  These aren't found in the stores, so I decided to make a set using dishtowels.

Let me show you how I go about making them.  *As with every pattern or tutorial, it is a good idea to read all the instructions before beginning. 

I cut a circle about 6 inches in diameter about a third of the way down from the top of the towel using a small bowl as a template.

Then, I cut a 15 1/2" piece of rib knit in a coordinating color that was 3 1/2- 4" in width, making sure the lines of knit stretched vertically across the long portion of the piece.

Starting about an inch from one end of the knit piece, I sewed the right side of the rib knit to the backside of the dishtowel, starting on the short side of the towel (what will become the back flap).  I very gently stretched the knit as I went along. Again, I stopped about an inch from the end of the circle where I had started.

This left me with a little tab of fabric at the end of the circle.  Looks something like this:

I sewed the right side of rib knit together (where I have fabric pinched).  You would want to trim this piece, if necessary. This created a seam and closed up the circle. I then sewed the remaining couple of inches of the rib knit to the towel to complete the circle.

Then, I flipped the knit and folded it so that it covered the rough edge on the right side of the towel.   Beginning with the four quarters of the circle,  I pinned and evenly stretched the fabric between the pins.  You can fold under the raw edge of the knit, but it isn't necessary since knit doesn't fray.  When I finished pinning, it looked something like this:

Finally, I top stitched the outer edge of the knit to the right side of the dishtowel.  I tried to get as close to the edge as I could.  I had to be careful and make sure that I was catching the raw edge of the dishtowel under the knit.  You can see I've used pink thread below so you can see the stitches. 

 

When it's finished, it should look something like this:

*My daughter started wearing these when she was about 8 months old and is still wearing them at 18 months with plenty of room for growth.  She is really big for her age too, so don't worry that the head hole isn't big enough.   If you're making one for an older child, you can always measure his or her head to be sure.

Let me know if you have any questions. 

Easier Than I Thought!

Cost: Dependent on quality and cost of dishtowel.  I usually buy mine on clearance and don't end up spending more than $2 including the rib knit!

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Domestically Speaking, Tutus and Tea Parties,  Fireflies and Jelly Beans,  Primp,  Sew Much Ado,  Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels, Crafty Scrappy Happy,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,  Family Ever After,  Sun.: I Heart Naptime, 

Closet Clothing Tags for the Nursery

In honor of my new nephew that will be born tomorrow, I have declared it Baby Week on Easier Than I Thought.  I can't wait to see him in his Little Brother tee. Anyway, I am going to be sharing a few of my favorite gifts for new moms.  Don't forget to stop by a couple times this week and check it out. On with the projects!

This is my very favorite gift for new mothers.  Why?  It is inexpensive, easy, extremely useful, and unexpected.  These are both gifts that I have made recently for different baby showers.

When I had my little girl, I received so many outfits in different sizes.  Everyone warned me not to take the tags off and wash them unless it was something I was sure she was going to wear.  This was good advice. However, that meant I had a lot of outfits on hangers with tags still on them.  After I had my shower, I just stared at the pile of clothing wondering how best to organize it.  Then, it came to me.  Clothing size tags for the closet. Just like a department store!

Since I was looking for any excuse for a good craft project, I got my supplies and went to work.  If you want to make a set for an expectant mother you know, here is what you will need:

• Wood door hangers (5 of them) the type I like to use comes from Hobby Lobby
• Paint
• Embellishments (other wood pieces to paint and glue on, ribbon, scrapbook paper, etc)
• Number stickers

1. Paint the door hangers on both sides.  I like to spray paint them.  It might be best to prime them first depending on the color.

2. Decorate accordingly. Use anything that you have or you think would go with the theme of the nursery.  I usually take a close look at the registry and take my cues from the bedding and accessories.

3. Put the number stickers on one side of the hanger.  I usually label 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and 12+.

4. This final step has a couple of options for finishing.  I have my husband help me saw a notch in the hanger so that it will hang on the closet rod.  Another thing you could do is attach ribbon to the top so that it can be tied on the rod.  I prefer sawing the notch so that the tag will slide on the rod when the hangers are pushed from side to side.  It is also easier to see the tag. 

BUT WAIT!

As an added bonus, here is yet another use for the tags.  These tags can also be used to label the clothing size in the container once it has been packed away in storage.  Here is a pic of how I have used them to label my daughter's clothes in my basement.

Make a set for the special mother-to-be in your life.

*If you like this and other ideas, feel free to receive my updates via Facebook or e-mail.  Sign up in the sidebar. 

Easier Than I Thought!

Cost: Depending on what you have on hand or have to buy to decorate them, I would estimate $8-$10 for the set.

Linked to:  Tues:  Tip Junkie,   Sugar Bee Crafts,  A Bowl Full of Lemons,   Today's Creative Blog,   Mommy By Day Crafter By Night,  Wed: Gingersnap Crafts,   Domestically Speaking, Tutus and Tea Parties, Thurs: 36th Avenue,  52 Mantels, Crafty Scrappy Happy,   House of Hepworths, Friday:Tatertots and Jello,  Serenity Now,  Whipperberry,  Family Ever After,  Sun.: I Heart Naptime,