HELOISE: Extend bottom sheet for good fit

Dear Readers: Many of you write to complain that top bedsheets are not long enough! There is a hint that was originally printed years ago about this. So it is time to revisit the issue:

Top sheets for beds are not long enough, in my opinion. To have enough length for a good fold-over on the blanket and a good tuck-in at the foot, I make the top sheets longer by using an old sheet and adding an ‘extension’ on the bottom end. I lay the top sheet on the bed, fold back how much I want over the blanket, and then measure how much I need at the foot for tucking in under the mattress. I add about 6 to 9 inches. By cutting strips off an old sheet, I can lengthen many sheets, just stitch it to the bottom over the hem, and then hem that extension.

Margret Rehberg, Pullman, Wash.

This was a great hint years ago, and it still is today. There are extra-long sheets, in all sizes, readily available in stores and catalogs, although they can be a bit pricey.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I think it’s great to have a special kit in the car. Here are some things I keep in mine, and they fit neatly in a toiletry bag under the seat:

A roll of toilet tissue.

Disinfecting wipes.

Hand sanitizer.

Antibiotic ointment and bandages.

Toothbrush and toothpaste.

A Traveler, via email

Dear Heloise: Here’s a good use for a used wiper blade: Keep one handy to quickly and cleanly remove dew from all of your car windows. It’s as good as a squeegee.

Greg, via email

Dear Heloise: I have a warning when sending “talking” greeting cards. I got one from my aunt, and it didn’t work. It looks like it got mashed by one of the U.S. Postal Service machines. If you send one, put something inside, such as a thin piece of foam, to cushion the mechanism.

Kaye Robinson, Thaxton, Miss.

Dear Heloise: My revolving plastic cake plate with a brim, once used for decorating pastries, has a new life. I use it as a condiment rack for containers of various sizes. It’s in alphabetical order and useful for spices that are used only occasionally.

Margarette M., Temple, Texas

Dear Heloise: We all get checkout coupons. Lately, I’ve gotten some cash-off coupons ($5 off on $50 or $2 off on $20) that I can’t use, since I really don’t spend that much on groceries.

So I bring the coupons with me the next time I shop, look for someone with a full grocery cart and hand that person the coupon. It’s a nice way to let people know that others think of them, and they are always quite appreciative.

Harriet Knevals, Morris Township, N.J.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate