It’s summertime, which means it’s time to enjoy the simple pleasures – the beach, backyard barbecues and sipping lemonade on the back porch on leisurely afternoons. Here are some “Good Things” to help you make the most of your sun-soaked days.
Easy batik
Conventional wisdom says that you should never use bleach on colored fabrics, but this decorative application begs an exception. Using a bleach pen, you can mimic the look of batik (a type of patterned Indonesian textile) on a blue runner and napkins for a coordinated table setting.
Simply fit a gel bleach pen (available at grocery stores) with a half-millimeter stainless steel tip (available at art-supply stores). Test a discreet area of your linens to ensure that the fabric reacts well to the bleach.
Use a water-soluble dressmaker’s pencil to mark the pattern on the fabric; first draw a grid, then, where the lines intersect, draw a 2-inch square. With the bleach pen, draw a flower freehand within each square, and add dotted lines between the flowers.
Let the bleach set until the pattern has faded to the desired shade, about 20 minutes. To rinse, lay the fabric flat in a shallow pan of cold water; let stand for a few minutes. (Work in sections for the runner.)
Once you have the technique down, you can experiment on pillowcases, curtains, canvas tote bags and more.
Tin containers
When the summer garden is in full bloom, it seems like you can never have enough vases. Make a set of matching vessels by painting assorted metal cans, such as soup, tomato and coffee tins, in muted tones, and fit the insides with drinking glasses to prevent rusting.
All it takes is a metal file to smooth the jagged edges of the cans and a nylon brush to apply two coats of semigloss latex paint to their exteriors (let paint dry overnight). Insert a glass into each container, fill with water, and tuck in a few blooms. Arrange several containers together for a bountiful display.
Simple sarong
Hit the shore this summer in a breezy beach wrap made from a favorite fabric. To determine how much cloth you’ll need, first measure from waist to ankle. Then measure around hips, multiply that number by 2, and add 2 inches.
Cut fabric so that one long side falls along the selvage. With fabric right side down, double-hem each short side a half-inch (pressing after each fold).
To make the waistband: Double-hem the unfinished long side of the fabric 1 1/2 inches (pressing after each fold). Leave the selvage edge as is. To add ties: Tuck a 24-inch-long piece of ribbon (about five-eighths of an inch wide) in each end of the waistband, and stitch in place.
Metal protector
The same carnauba wax that protects your car’s finish can also do a fine job on painted metal furniture. Once every season, apply an even coat with a damp terry cloth towel to furnishings; let dry, then lightly buff with a soft cotton rag. The wax will repel water, preventing rust, and also restore luster to dull paint.
Guest baskets
Welcome visitors – and help shield them from bites, burns and other irritations – by offering them a supply of summertime sprays and ointments. Purchase bulk containers of assorted salves, including sunscreen, bug repellent and aloe gel, and decant them into small plastic bottles, available at crafts stores and pharmacies. Label the bottles, and set them in a portable tray that can be placed in a guest room or by the pool.
Flavorful skewers
Next time you head outdoors to the grill, try this tasty trick: Soak rosemary sprigs for a half-hour, then use them to skewer meat, fish or vegetables. (You may need to poke through the food first with a metal skewer.) The sturdy stalks will stand up to the grill’s heat and infuse food with their garden-fresh flavor.
Towel tuneup
Are your towels less absorbent than they used to be? It may be that your choice of laundry detergent contains fabric softener, which has residues that cling to individual fibers, making towels less absorbent.
The next time you wash a load, add a cup of distilled white vinegar during the rinse cycle; it will remove the residue and restore the towels’ soaking power. In the future, avoid using detergents with fabric softener when washing towels.
Beachy decor
Light up your next dinner party with a centerpiece that recalls the seaside. Use candle adhesive to secure tapers to the bottom of a clear glass vase. Carefully pour in a few inches of sand, then arrange shells on top.
Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036. E-mail to mslletters@marthastewart.com.
2007 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
