Comments on: Your repair kit: what’s in it?

By: Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:03:15 +0000

Great post! I just Twittered it. Rockin ideas…

I’d add a Tide To Go pen to the mix but that’s just because I don’t own a washing machine…

By: Kwalityck

Kwalityck — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:26:48 +0000

We use JB Weld a lot.

and to answer MY Boaz’s Ruth, I would try an all fabric bleach or some liquid enzyme stain remover.

By: scalleywags

scalleywags — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:15:04 +0000

For skin repair, I keep “Steri-strips” on hand to avoid a trip to the doctor for stitches for smaller cuts. They are like band-aids but can be placed directly over the cut. Much cheaper than doctor or ER for an inch long cut!

By: caryn verell

caryn verell — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:05:59 +0000

the contents of the kitchen “junk” drawer at my house includes: 1 slot-type screwdriver and 1 phillips head screw driver, bread ties, rubber bands of all sizes (courtesy of rural mailman), an old beer can opener, various nuts, bolts, screws and nails, nail polish, rubber lid remover, a small monkey wrench, plumbers teflon tape, electrical tape, duct tape, elmers glue, refrigerator magnets, a big carpenters pencil, and a small spriral notebook. lol, i thought about disposing this lot somewhere else but thought twice…i use something from this mess just about everyday!

By: Homesbest

Homesbest — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:08:39 +0000

Something I use here is called Wonder Tape. It is two sided tape that can be used to hem up pants (on Sunday mornings ), or to help keep that zipper in place while you sew.

Another one is Goop. We have repaired many boots this way.

Cindy

By: My Boaz's Ruth

My Boaz's Ruth — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:48:46 +0000

I’d add GoO Gone to that list. Just too easy to get sticky stuff off — like the glue left behind when removing stickers.

Is there any suggestions for removing bodily function stains from handmade quilts?

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:32:30 +0000

In my last house, Liquid Nails was a favorite (bonds just about everything!) and there’s not much around the house that isn’t instantly improved with a coat of paint…spray or by brush.

By: Ginny

Ginny — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:54:57 +0000

A little humor regarding duct tape: “If you can’t fix it with duct tape, then you haven’t used enough.” This is my 18-year old’s quote! So I guess it’s all you need in your repair kit. LOL

By: kimc

kimc — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:10:53 +0000

MK,
True, but anyone who doesn’t know how to sew and just wants to be able to make simple repairs also shouldn’t start by paying $400 for a good machine. A thrift-store find could be a lemon, and much harder to return than the WalMart $49 special.
There are pros and cons no matter how you go at it.

By: MK

MK — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:23:19 +0000

Don’t buy a new sewing machine – any sewing machine you can buy new for under $100 isn’t good quality. Look at garage sales or thrift stores for a 1950-1970 vintage Singer. Those machines were built to last several lifetimes. My favorite vintage machine is a Singer Touch and Sew. You should be able to find one for less than $50.