Stretching Tight Boots and ShoesI have really big muscular calves and wide feet (thanks, Mum!), making it very hard for me to fit into shoes I fancy. I bought these suede boots and pumps online because they were dirt cheap and super cute. When they arrived, not surprisingly, I could not fit into them.
Ponytail Band for Tight WaistbandIf your trouser or skirt waistband is a bit too tight, tie a pony tail band to the button hole and loop it onto the button to fasten.
Use Hairspray on Black FabricsUsing pump style hair spray.
Ball Chain Keychain to Keep Zipper UpDo you have a pair of pants where the zipper seems to always fall down? Here is a quick solution that works really well. Use one of those small ball chain keychains to tether the zipper to your pants button. Simply string the chain through the hole in the zipper tab and attach the ends.
Patching JeansI have a 20 something neighbor who frequently needs his jeans patched. DH and I trade favors with him and his parents so I patch his jeans when they need it.
Waxing "Rough" ZippersI have a couple of pairs of jeans with zippers that are difficult to zip up. They do not zip as smoothly as they used to. I took an old tapered candle and rubbed it up and down both sides of the zipper to coat the metal teeth. Zips so much easier now!
Keep Shoe Insole TemplateI have to have insoles in all my shoes. Sometimes, the little lines are annoying and if you don't follow them just right then once it is cut, it is cut for good.
Reshape Summer Straw HatsDon't toss a good straw hat that has gotten out of shape over the winter! Almost all straw hats can be put back into shape by wetting them slightly, then gently pulling and pushing them into the proper shapes before letting dry.
Never Lose Another ButtonTo avoid losing buttons on your clothes, brush a small amount of clear nail polish on the thread in between the cloth and the button
Using Panty Hose with a Run in One LegWith being a waitress for 23 years, I went through a lot of pantyhose, and 9 times out of 10, only 1 leg got snagged resulting in a run. When this happens, tie a knot in the bad leg before washing and save that pair.
Stretching ShoesHave a new pair of shoes that's just a tad too tight or uncomfortable? Try wearing them with socks a little while each day. I had a cute pair that I loved, but knew they weren't more than 'fifteen minute' shoes.
Keeping Dark Clothes From FadingWhen washing clothing for the first time, that you do not want to fade, especially jeans or dark cottons, wash them without soap, but instead 1/2 cup of vinegar (any type) and 1/2 cup of salt, in cold water.
Help for a Tight BraSometimes bras need adjustment, especially if you have an in-between size (for example, a bigger overall measurement with a smaller cup size, or perhaps you have some pricey bras that used to fit, but are a bit tight now).
Resize Jeans with Stretch DenimI have worn jeans all my life. After having a baby I went from a size 10 to a 12. After a lengthy illness, I lost a lot of weight. Now after gaining my weight back, my jeans no longer fit.
Crocs Shrink in the SunI recently ordered a pair of "Malinda" style Crocs to wear to my office job. I wear an 8.5, but because the style isn't available in half sizes, I ordered a 9. I decided to leave them outside for a couple days to let the smell dissipate before wearing them again.
Size Hat with Weather StrippingMy husband has several hats that he wears out in the yard and garden to work in. Some of them were too loose on his head and the wind would blow them off. I took adhesive backed weather stripping that goes around the door and put it around the inside of each hat.
Use Liquid Shoe Polish On Older ShoesWhen you first get your shoes, a cream polish may be best - but as your shoes age a liquid shoe polish will spruce them up and cover all the scuffed areas.
Renewing Blue Jeans ColorWhen my blue jeans become too faded, I add a teaspoon of Blue denim RIT dye to the wash load. The jeans come out looking renewed.
Whitening Or Re-dyeing Faded FabricWant to whiten your dingy whites? Or even better, how about revitalizing a set of expensive cotton sheets that have faded in color? Here are some expert tips on how to spruce up and revitalize fabric - it's easy, and it's how the pros do it!
Repairing Shoe Straps With "Insta Fix" GlueI have some rubber after sport sandals that I find to be very comfortable. Unfortunately, the straps disengage long before the sole wears out, rendering them useless.
Renewed Night Gown With T-ShirtWhen your night gown wears out at the top, but the bottom is still OK, cut the top off, and replace it with a T-shirt. Cut the hem off the T-shirt. Put a long zipper in front to keep from pulling it over your head.
Sewing Buttons on Your Sewing MachineThis is a sewing tip. I have a special foot for my sewing machine for sewing on buttons. I love it because it's such a time saver. Anyway my tip is this: before I sew the button on, I lay a flat toothpick on top of the button and hold it there until I lower my presser foot.
Use a Pumice Stone to Remove Fabric PillsInstead of using a lint shaver, try using a block of pumice stone. Those nasty tiny pills, and small specs will disappear onto the stone. It's easy to clean the stone that once helped the rough spots on your feet.
Dye Old Jeans To Look NewWe have 5 daughters. As a result, a lot of clothes get passed down as hand me downs. The younger ones complain about the jeans already being faded out. If they are still decent jeans, I don't want to buy more. So, what I do is Rit dye them back.
Emergency Hemming With StaplesI bought a last minute pair of thrift shop jeans when I found I went off for a weekend without them. New $5 - good deal. But they were too long and I didn't have needle and thread with me.
Repair Sneakers With Silicone SealantJust when you're letting out a big sigh because the kids have ripped the sole and fabric apart in another pair of sneakers, consider this: repair the sneaker by gluing it with silicone, the kind you use in bathroom repairs.
Disguising White Marks On JeansSometimes when you scrub at stains on your jeans, you end up with a white spot, which can be even worse! To mask those white spots if you have lighter blue jeans, you can use a grey water-based marker.
Repairing Clothing from Thrift ShopsRepairing Clothing from Thrift Shops. Often clothes at thrift shops end up there just because they need some tweaking. Got a lovely pair of GAP capris - but there as a knot of sorts where the stretchy material of the waistband met the front seam.
Caring for Straw HatsIt's the time of year for straw hats - which need a special sort of care to live long and prosper. If they have become creased, you can restore them to their original shape (or tweak it a little) by spraying it with water and easing it back into shape with your hands and then letting it dry.
Keeping Heel of Shoe Linings from Wearing OutMy sneakers often wear out in the lining, especially at the heel, before the rest of the shoe. So, I mend the inside of the back of the heels with either clear First Aid tape - or white First aid tape (which matches my white sneakers).
Covering Unremovable SpotsHave you got bleach spots or grease spots on a favorite shirt or slacks? Instead of getting rid of them, for that reason. Sew on a pretty applique over the spot.
Replacement Cuffs for a Jacket or SweaterI wear rib topped anklets (socks) every day, and I usually wear them completely out. I use the rib topping for replacement cuffs on jackets and sweaters. On a white double knit jacket I used pink. Then cut small hearts out of the top of the stocking and appliqued them on the pockets.
