| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Snowball |
Who has started making presents yet?And what are you making? |
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| Green Rosie |
Lots of jams and chutneys in the cupboard 
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| Ixy |
Yep we started in September...everyone's getting jam 
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| Chez |
Soap, mostly.
And I considering having some sort of 'midwinter' thing, just for us, before 'Christmas Proper' breaks over us. |
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| Jamanda |
Jams and chutneys etc made. Also some ideas for jewellery made with sea glass. Might need to make myself a prototype first though.
And soap - that's done too. I made hand cream too - but it's not good enough for presents. Nice enough for me though. |
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| Cathryn |
I've started planning presents. So there will be lots of vanilla essence not made this year, quite a bit of sloe gin not decanted, several felted bags unmade.  I'm not being defeatist, just realistic. I have too many other more pressing things that need to be done before Christmas.
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| Chez |
Ooooh, yes, vanilla sugar is one of the things I am going to do, too. | ||||||
| Bodrighy |
We've got some presents in by swapping my craft for someone elses. That way we stick to handmade, get decent quaality and keep the cost down. Also means we can get things that we couldn't make ourselves.
Pete |
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| Frewen Feltmaker |
My lot will be getting handmade chocs "wrapped" in little origami bags - some Nuno scarves, the odd hat and a pair of felted boots. | ||||||
| wellington womble |
I'm going to make noticeboard for the kids. Either magnetic or with elastic - I saw then in the Great Little Trading thingy today, for £35 quid each, and thought 'I can do that' Famous last words.
I didn't do my usual liqueurs this year, but I think there are lots left of last years. I'm also planning on Pork Pies for some people - I had lots of requests last year. |
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| lettucewoman |
making commissions (a bit slowly cos of work  )
Made rosehip and rosewater jelly planned different sorts of fudge for pressies bought the most amazing strings of freshwater pearls to make jewellery with...some gorgeous black almost round sea shell pearls which are huge( well over a centimetre across)...and pretty copper coloured ones for my red headed sister....
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| gil |
Wines and preserves, as usual.
Still not got round to trying to make soap. |
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| Jamanda |
It's ridiculously easy when you actually get round to it. In fact I might make some more today - takes about 1/2 hour. |
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| sally_in_wales |
I'm not going to be free tostart work on presents until the end of November after a big show, so its probably going to be socks for everyone, not wildly exciting, but at least I'll be able to use wild colours and interesting yarns. Fortunately we only do presents for half a dozen people these days. | ||||||
| bernie-woman |
Not made any presents yet but have made loads of pickles for the festive period, bought my cards this year as I saw some lovely ones in the RSPB shop and the whole amount of money goes back to the RSPB - need to get on with knitting a scarf out of recycled sari material for one present - and need to knit a few socks too - blimey, just got a bit scared, there isn't that much time is there 
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| lottie |
Jam,chutney,christmas pudding---cake,ducks and pate to do.
p.s. forgot the sloe gin thats soaking
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| Mary-Jane |
I hate you all. 
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| ChocClare |
Last year my DD challenged me not to use paper or bags to wrap things but to use something which could be used in its own right. So I knitted dishcloths and used those to wrap up small things - there was one ingenious pattern which formed a sort of envelope so that you could wrap things in it.
The knitted dishcloths went down an absolute storm. No-one even commented on the presents (which were bought) but for some reason knitted cloths seemed to strike a chord. I'm thinking of doing a set of cloths wrapped round some soap this year to extend the theme. And Mary-Jane: "I hate you all" - love it!
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| Snowball |
Now Mary-Jane, you are not likely to get any of these fantastic presents with an attitude like that.
I haven't started either. |
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| Bugs |
I saw something like this in this book - I contemplated them for Judith's "ugly" fabric challenge. I was particularly tickled by the fact they were made of baking trays covered in fabric - I have thrown away numerous lifeless baking trays in my time, so you might be able to rehome some - biscuit tin lids would work too, I expect, and because they'd be quite small you could buy any kind of fancy fabric from quilting supplies (cartoon characters, animals, cars and stuff).
To do the magnets you could even buy nice/novelty buttons and glue them to the magnets. You could probably churn out dozens without too much hard work that way. I think it's a good idea, if you do presents...Treacodactyl and I don't do them any more, although we might make his mum a batch of sweeties again, apart from that it'll be book tokens for the children, and that'll be it. |
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| wellington womble |
What a good idea. Where they padded at all, do you remember? Mary-Jane, my step Mum rang me up in August to ask what we wanted for Christmas. As usual (she does this every year) I wailed 'I don't know, it's August for Christ's sake' to which she wailed back 'But you're the only ones I haven't got' She's going to buy me a new compost bin, though, so she gets let off for being happy to buy unglamorous practical things I actually want. |
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| judith |
That's a lovely idea. I may well adopt it this year. And welcome to Downsizer ChocClare! |
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| Mary-Jane |
My Mum wrapped all our presents in copies of the Financial Times one year and tied them up with string. They looked very stylish I have to say. Welcome to the site ChocClare
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| mochyn |
I've done some scarves but nowt else so far.
No idea what people are getting yet, and not much time left in which to make up my (rather feeble) mind! |
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| wellington womble |
I wrap all of my presents in brown paper, with real silver or gold ribbon each year. The brown paper lasts for ages and makes good fire-lighting material, and the real ribbon makes it all look quite posh. I scrounge it all back and reuse it, where possible too. ETA, I've just been thinking that it wouldn't be quite the same with the Sun, though
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| Bugs |
I don't think they were - if I see the book again in the library I will have a peek for you, I have a feeling it may even have been a no-sew, glue the whole thing together type item. You couldn't have much padding if you wanted it to be magnetic though could you?
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| wellington womble |
Excellent. We're in staple and glue gun territory, which is always much more fun than ironing and needle work.
I was just thinking about a layer of flannel or something that would stop the magnets clanging too badly. I wonder if our library has that book - it looks very useful. |
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| Lorrainelovesplants |
Iv just finished jarring honey............. (so some will be for presents and some to sell - at £4.50 a lb jar & postage if anyone is interested)
and will be shortly assembling pulleys (the ceiling clothes dryer things - you call them something else in England) that John made for people. (Although who knows when they will be posted.....) |
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| Bugs |
Ah I see what you mean - just thinking that a lot of the magnets you can buy for this kind of thing seem to be a bit feeble but it would be worth experimenting with. I wonder if it would work through felt for more grown up versions? That might solve the clanging at the same time? The book is one of those that has half a dozen good projects in but a lot of "why? why would I spend time, money, resources and my life doing that?" trendy type projects. It's definitely worth a nose at but I wouldn't recommend buying it until you've seen it and seen if it's the kind of thing you'd like (and I'm not one to tell people not to buy books!) |
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| Bodrighy |
Lorraine, that hanging thing is called a 'Sally-Anne' | ||||||
| Lorrainelovesplants |
Thats Pete
Why 'Sally-Anne'? Named after a servant perhaps? Its a pulley, because, well, its a pulley. You pull it up and down and it has pulley wheels. A pulley. 
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| wellington womble |
So you can give them to posh relatives, who then think you are super clever (or have spent money on them) when in fact you had a pleasant afternoon by the fire wielding the glue gun. Thus neatly avoiding any narsty Christmas shopping (I'd rather glue gun things to myself than shop at any time of year) with added bonus of not spending any money! 
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| Bugs |
Ah. I now count myself lucky that all my relatives are common
However, sticking things to yourself with a glue gun in the name of seasonal goodwill is indeed compensation. And if you do then have to go out shopping, people are likely to keep away from the funny lady with the stuff stuck to her hair/cheeks/trousers/elbows. You may take my word on that last bit... |
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| wellington womble |
They are only my relatives by marriage. Although I will try the shopping tips.
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| Bodrighy |
Sue put that in....I know them as laundry or kitchen maids. For those who don't know what we are talking about they look like this 
Pete |
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| 2steps |
I have one of those in kitchen that the pans are hung on
I've just started on presents. I'm making photo scrapbooks of my children for family who we don't often see |
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| toggle |
i'm wondering if i can get away with giving anyone buttons for christmass | ||||||
| sean |
I wasn't expecting anything from you so buttons would be fine. | ||||||
| wipka84 |
We have made this weekend:
- 4 flavoured vodka's - 2 types of body scrubs - 2 types of bath bombs We still need to make: - A lot of wine - Sloe gin - Jam/Chutney - Christmas pudding -On a side note we tried a new recipe for bread. I think its American as its called Scottish Baps and we've never heard of any baps referred to as being Scottish. It uses 1 lb flour, usual tsp salt and sugar, yeast and 150 ml whole milk, 150 ml water. Makes really soft rolls that are delicous. Google it. |
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| cqueenie |
I would absolutely love buttons for christmas! They're always the thing I never have to hand when I've finished something but need a button... I've made a felted scarf out of fab colours and sewed on extra dangly felt balls, made two hats (both being worn already) will prob make lemon curd too. We've decided not to buy anything, just recycle and make etc |
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| BahamaMama |
If they are what I remember from my Gran's we called them morning rolls and you only get them in Scotland. A fried egg in a morning roll was a wonderful treat. |
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| Bodrighy |
I now have to make a magic wand for one of my grand daughters (anyone got any spare phoenix feathers or unicorn heartstrings?) andf a set of kitchen utensils for one of my son in laws...oh yes and some usable goblets for a daughter in law.
Pete |
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| Allotment Widow |
I have made some scarves with some fab bobbly wool. Also I have nearly finished my rag rug that I posted about ages ago. I am getting into crochet too. I have made a bag and have bought the wool to make a throw. Don't think it will be done by Christmas though. It all takes me a long time but I am determined!!!
I want to know how to make felt! I fancy making some felt brooches that cost a fortune at craft fairs. We have also made some redcurrant/whitecurrant vodka that went down very well last year. |
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| cqueenie |
How would you attach a safety pin or broch pin to the felt, have a scarf that I washed that turned into felt but don't know about the next move... | ||||||
| Frewen Feltmaker |
Either sew the brooch pin directly to the back - or cut a piece of acrylic felt (I can't believe I just said that word) and sew the pin before attaching...
I'll try and take pictures
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| Frewen Feltmaker |
Dreadful pic (camera doesn't do night time)
but oversewn pin to thin felt which is then attached to back of brooch using glove stitch
or sew pin directly to felt
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| cqueenie |
Excellent!!! Will buy some brooch thingies and try it... My felt doesn't look as good as those though! Thanks for the help! | ||||||
| Frewen Feltmaker |
Oh these aren't properly finished
but thanks -and I am sure you're felt is lovely too 
pm me and I'll send you a couple - I buy them by the 100
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| cqueenie |
What size should a knitted hat be if I want to wash it and turn it into a felted hat? | ||||||
| Fee |
Bigger than you think, cqueenie, but I'm sure somebody will be along who knows better than me!
Not as good as square slice with brown sauce
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| Fee |
I'm determined to give soap-making a go at some point, I bought the caustic soda for it about 4 years ago
I have a mini Christmas list, and have started knitting several things, but nothing is finished yet. |
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| cqueenie |
Seeing as felt and soap are in topic how about a felted soap bar??
Made some last year, felted shetland wool around soap and you end up with a soapy bodyscrub thing that is great for little presents! |
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| Fee |
oooOooooh, me likey! | ||||||
| mochyn |
I'm going to make soap today. If I don't post on here by this evening that I've done it, somebody shout at me! | ||||||
| wellington womble |
Is there no fat in this recipe? I want to make soft sandwich loaf, and I was thinking of trying this recipe in the breadmaker? |
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| Minamoo |
I've made MIL's bracelet. Is very purdy. Also want to knit her a scarf. I may start it at our next stitch 'n' bitch meet on Monday. Who knows when I'll finish it though!
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| Cathryn |
Photos everyone!
I'm knitting a sock. I'm hoping to have a pair. I might give them to me. I've never knitted socks before.
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| Jamanda |
I wrapped up a load of bay leaf soap tonight. It didn't smell very strong so I put a leaf inside the paper for each one and tied them up with a ribbon.
I've also got some ideas for jewellery - need to get on with it really. |
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| bernie-woman |
I've never tried it without fat but I do this recipe in the breadmaker and pop in a good lump of butter - approximately a tbsp
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| Fee |
Well? I think I might make soap today, after the cake-a-thon. |
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| mochyn |
It's busy curing in the airing cupboard. Once it's done I'll rebatch it with nice smells. | ||||||
| cqueenie |
ooops! my hat that I've been knitting has gone all wrong, its too small around the way and far too tall. My hub looks like a gnome with it on, going to have to make a fishing rod!
Anything I can do about it? Either stretch it somehow or shrink it into something? I like it, kind if Nepally looking with some stripes and patterns... |
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| Fee |
Small enough for a child's pressie? What yarn is it? | ||||||
| wellington womble |
I did in the end. It's very dense though. Tasty, and quite soft but very heavy bread. I don't know if this is the recipe, the seeds that I added, or if my yeast is getting a bit old. I'll try it on the wholemeal programme next time. |
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| cqueenie |
Don't really know any children that I would give a present to... And I think its more somewhere in between... Yarn is a mix of wool I had left over, some quite thick. Anyone got a road cone that needs a hat? |
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| emmac |
I'm going to knit some scarves and hats for family, and was hoping to try and knit some simple toys for my niece and nephew - does anyone have any patterns for the latter?
My knitting skills are rather basic...
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| judith |
There is a thread somewhere in Make your Own with lots of links to toy knitting patterns. Hold on while I have a rootle.
ETA: Try this thread for starters. Some are harder than others, but you might find something doable in there. |
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| Bugs |
I made this duck for a friend a couple of months ago and it's a really easy recipe, basically a knitted square which you stitch together in to a pyramid, and stitch on tiny bits for the wings, beak and feet - I think you could use felt for the latter two. http://pinktoque.blogspot.com/2007/12/free-pattern-knitted-duck-plush.html Knitty.com has some finger puppets too I think, among the more ambitious projects. |
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| emmac |
Great! Thanks Judith and Bugs
Off to inspect links
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| ***merlin*** |
made chutneys & pickles
soaps and shea butter cream will be made nearer the time we do a "our house to your basket" have also made a litre of toffee vodka for someone, never tried it before as i dont drink but it looks and smells wonderful |
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| Ginkotree |
I have finnished a peg loom rug as a thankyou xmas pressy for my shearer...out of his fleece, have started a quilt and intend to do another...just quick squares but very effective and folk love them... | ||||||
| Ginkotree |
have you started yet 
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| Bodrighy |
Just finished a magic wand for one of my HP crazy grand daughters. I've done a certifacte as well....see what you thinl
 
Click on thumbnail for bigger image to read certificate. She's a very precocious 7 year old hence the big words. She'll look them up knowing her
Pete |
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| mrs_ursus |
That's a fabulous pressie, I love the certificate
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| Fee |
That's ace, Bodrighy
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| jocorless |
I'm with Mary-Jane - Hate you all - I've not started on anything at all and tbh distinctly lacking in inspiration - Dunno what to do or make
On the other hand I've just seen this on twitter http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/recipes/occasions/christmas-gifts/ |
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| Cathryn |
Ohh! I nearly poured the ends of a bottle of Bailey's down the sink yesterday, thank goodness I am disorganised. I fancy it in fudge. (Any other way  )
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