How to sew a button
Subtitle: and other nifty things your grandmother knew
By: Erin Bried
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: 2016
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 278
ISBN-13: 9780385365208
Copyright date: 2009
Subjects: Home economics; Handbooks, manuals; Handicraft; Life skills
Description: From the Publisher: "Waste not, want not" with this guide to saving money, taking heart, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Nowadays, many of us "outsource" basic tasks. Food is instant, ready-made, and processed with unhealthy additives. Dry cleaners press shirts, delivery guys bring pizza, gardeners tend flowers, and, yes, tailors sew on those pesky buttons. But life can be much simpler, sweeter, and richer-and a lot more fun, too! As your grandmother might say, now is not the time to be careless with your money, and it actually pays to learn how to do things yourself! Practical and empowering, How to Sew a Button collects the treasured wisdom of nanas, bubbies, and grandmas from all across the country-as well as modern-day experts-and shares more than one hundred step-by-step essential tips for cooking, cleaning, gardening, and entertaining, including how to: polish your image by shining your own shoes; grow your own vegetables (and stash your bounty for the winter); sweeten your day by making your own jam; use baking soda and vinegar to clean your house without toxic chemicals; feel beautiful by perfecting your posture; roll your own piecrust and find a slice of heaven; fold a fitted sheet to crisp perfection; waltz without stepping on any toes. Complete with helpful illustrations and brimming with nostalgic charm, How to Sew a Button provides calm and comfort in uncertain times. By doing things yourself, with care and attention, you and your loved ones will feel the pleasing rewards of a job well done
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: Meet the grandmothers; title: Cooking: Wake up happy : how to make blueberry pancakes ; Be a strong chick : how to roast a whole chicken ; Get sauced : how to make gravy ; Talk turkey : how to carve a roasted bird ; Be a good catch : how to fillet a fish ; Rise up and save dough : how to bake bread ; Find a slice of heaven : how to make a pie ; Drink to your health : how to make a smoothie with fruit or veggies ; Save your bacon : how to use grease as flavoring ; Stay sharp : how to hone a knife ; Fill your plate : how to plan a week's menu; title: Gardening: Grow your own : how to plant a vegetable garden ; Keep away pests : how to naturally protect your garden from no-good insects ; Keep out critters : how to repel furry friends from your garden ; Beat the grass : how to chase a snake out of your garden ; Make no waste : how to compost ; Spice up your life : how to start a windowsill herb garden ; Preserve knowledge : how to dry apples; title: Stash your bounty : how to can your own fruits and veggies ; Sweeten your day : how to make (and can) strawberry jam ; Buy locally : how to shop at the farm; title: Cleaning: Cure wrinkles : how to properly fold a fitted sheet ; Catch some Z's : how to make a bed ; Save your silkies : how to hand wash delicates ; Harness the wind : how to install a clothesline ; Get hot and fresh : how to clean an oven ; Get your sparkle on : how to properly hand wash dishes ; Shine on : how to mop ; Get a clean slate : how to kill mildew ; Take the cheese : how to rid your house of mice ; Freshen up : how to spring clean ; Clean naturally : how to use vinegar to clean almost anything ; Clean more stuff naturally : how to use baking soda around the house; title: Dressing: Save your shirt : how to sew a button ; Measure up : how to hem your fancy pants ; Smooth things over : how to iron a shirt ; Toast your tootsies : how to darn wool socks ; Tie one on : how to knot a winter scarf ; Get crafty : how to make an apron ; Make a mends : how to patch a hole ; Omit oopsies : how to remove most stains ; Polish your image : how to shine your shoes ; Be seamly : how to buy quality clothing ; Get on a roll : how to pack a suitcase; title: Nesting: Get stoked : how to build a fire ; Stay toasty : how to knit a scarf ; Be a material girl : how to make a crazy quilt ; Nail it : how to hang a picture ; Find comfort : how to make a pillow ; Stay buff : how to remove scuffs from hardwood floors ; Bloom on : how to make a centerpiece ; Use your imagination : how to make art out of pressed flowers ; Breathe deep : how to scent your home without candles ; Go with the flow : how to unclog a drain ; Cut the crap : how to unclog a toilet.; title: Thriving: Soothe a cold : how to make a hot tea toddy ; Plant one on : how to soothe a minor burn with a plant ; Sniffle-proof your allergy season : how to ease your sneezes ; Get fit for free : how to build a walking regimen ; Get a natural glow : how to give yourself a facial ; Take the cake : how to remove makeup ; Be a perfect 10 : how to give yourself a manicure (or pedicure) ; Stand tall : how to perfect your posture ; Know your assets : how to love your body at any size ; Get refreshed : how to get a good night's sleep ; Feel invincible : how to protect yourself from danger ; Feel glamorous : how to wear red lipstick; title: Loving: Calm your babe : how to swaddle a newborn baby ; Spark imagination : how to make a baby toy ; Make sweet dreams : how to read a bedtime story ; Send some love : how to pack a lunch ; Teach responsibility : how to delegate chores ; Urge action : how to raise a good citizen ; Dress 'em up : how to tie a necktie ; Shoulder up : how to be a strong partner ; Kindle romance : how to make the most of a night in ; Welcome your honey home : how to heal a hard day; title: Saving: Count your beans : how to make a budget ; Banish debt : how to shop without credit ; Find balance : how to reconcile your checkbook ; Chill out : how to save on energy costs ; Conquer cravings : how to grocery shop ; Drive a bargain : how to negotiate a better price ; Spot a deal : how to clip coupons ; Make change : how to throw a yard sale ; Save for later : how to start a rainy day fund ; Live a richer life : how to share your good fortune (even when times are tight) ; Shop for free : how to barter; title: Joining: Be neighborly : how to enjoy the folks next door ; Keep the peace : how to deal with a problem in your neighborhood ; Expand your circle : how to make friends ; Summon support : how to ask for help ; Cultivate culture : how to start a book club ; Lend a hand : how to volunteer ; Say it with a smile : how to win an utterly silly argument (without saying much at all) ; Get heard : how to speak your mind at a town hall meeting ; Write for your rights : how to write a letter to your representative; title: Entertaining: Get better with age : how to make dandelion wine ; Quench your thirst : how to brew your own beer ; Toast to you : how to mix the perfect cocktail ; Put your stamp on it : how to properly extend an invitation ; Party on : how to host a potluck dinner party ; Make connections : how to introduce people ; Express gratitude : how to write a thank-you note ; Get a laugh : how to play charades ; Raise your voice : how to sing in harmony ; Play your cards right : how to play crazy eights ; You might as well dance : how to do a basic waltz.