Today I made my 3rd or 4th batch of homemade laundry detergent since December 08. The original cost of ingredients was approx. $10.00. I DID have to purchase a second bar of Fels Naptha for about $2.00, but I STILL have a half box of Washing Soda and half box of 20 Mule Team Boraxo, and 2/3 of that 2nd bar of Fels Naptha. Cost per load is about .01 -- yes, that's right! Also, I don't need fabric softener any more with this detergent - another savings to pocketbook, space and environment. I've not purchased ANY other laundry detergent since 12/08.
There are just the two of us in this household, but I've saved several hundreds of $$ by now, in addition to consideration for the environmental issue. I can only guess at the dollars saved if you have a large family. It takes me about 10-15 minutes to make a batch, I store it in empty milk containers or ice cream buckets - something that can be covered. If interested, check out
www.thefamilyhomestead.com I still purchase stain removal products and occasionally use bleach. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY OVER $10.00 PER CONTAINER FOR LAUNDRY DETERGENT. Try it, you might like it!
On a quilty subject - here is a star log cabin WIP to be turned into a Christmas Tree Skirt. While the conventional blocks are easy, I became confused with the scrappy centers, where there was no light/dark differentiation, and I had to admit defeat a time or two and put my seam ripper to good use. More blocks are planned on the outside to make it octagonal, and then it will be surrounded with HSTs (I hope).
This is for an artificial tree, 7 1/2 feet tall. How large should I cut the hole? (JoHanna, pretend you haven't seen this!)
I made a tree skirt once and liked it so much that I couldn't cut a hole in it. I use it on a table and still have a purchased plastic one to put under the tree... so silly.
ReplyDeleteI could not cut a hole in that 'skirt' either! Use it whole for a table or a throw. I made a 'skirt' before I became a quilter- it is simple, but we still use it in the family!
ReplyDeleteLove your Retreat photos, & wish I could go!
I've been making my laundry detergent too. Such a saving. I think store detergents are way, way overpriced. I get homemade soap already shaved at our local thrift store so I save even more.
ReplyDeleteDon't cut a hole in that beautiful piece!
I'm going to start making the homemade laundry detergent. Thanks for the link. IF you decide to cut a hole in the log cabin, use a CD for a template. Do you think that would be big enough?
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you are going to cut into that beautiful quilt. Of course, I would if that was my plan but that sure is a great looking star.
ReplyDeleteI think the CD mentioned above would work well...are you going to leave it square or round the edges?
ReplyDeleteHello. Just wanted to thank you for link to homemade soap site and recipe. I have not made soap for years but am thinking with price of laundy soap this is a good idea and seems easy enough. I don't remember homemade soap being easy but I liked doing it. Thank you again. Love Lois
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeleteHope you get lots of time to sew :)
Thank you for the recipe for detergent! I just spent 12 dollars for a container...when it is gone, that's it! I am making my own! Love your tree skirt...no hole, but maybe separated half way through and bound???
ReplyDeleteYou will spend over $1000.00 a year on quilting supplies and yet you will make your own laundry soap? What am I missing here?
ReplyDeleteMarge
Interesting details on making laundry detergent. If the cost per load ends up being 1¢ cheaper you would save over purchasing name-brand. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDelete