Brainwaves weekly: fun crafts for the home

Cover STORY
When I bought a new sofa, I wanted to protect the arms, which can easily get worn. So I used some colourful wool to knit a cover. I added a bit of character by sewing some homemade pom-poms on to the bottom.  All my friends complimented my cover so much, 
I’ve made some for them too! 
Alison Payne, Rugby, Warwicks

Keep your COOL
When I felt frazzled in the hot weather, I knew I needed a little help cooling down. First, I soaked a microfibre cloth in cold water. Then, I wrung it out and placed it on the back of my neck. It helped to keep me nice and cool and was a lot cheaper than some of the expensive alternatives I’ve seen. 
Lynne Vickerstaff, Sunnyhill, Derbys

New CHEW
After I’d sorted through my fleece throws, I had several that I no longer needed and thought I could make some toys for my dog, Ted. I cut the throws into strips, which I plaited together, knotting them at either end. Ted loves his new toy and it didn’t cost me a penny.
Alison Balch, York

Plastic FANTASTIC
My daughter Ruby loves the Toy Story character Forky. But the official make-your-own Forky kit was really expensive, so we decided to create our own. I found some old plastic forks at home and we added googly eyes, stickers, plasticine and cardboard from our craft box to recreate him. Ruby loved her Forky so much, that she made one for her brother Joe too! 
Ian Alvis, Harehills, Leeds

Pimp my RIDE
I was getting fed up with all the carrier bags strewn across the boot of my car. Instead of the mess, I took a large bag for life from my house. Then, I hung the bag from the headrest of one of the backseats and filled it with all the other carrier bags. Not only is the boot of my car neat and tidy, but I’ll always have a bag to hand!  
Carol Tunnah, Old Trafford, Manchester

All hands on DECK
After I’d had a hip replacement, I found it hard to do my gardening. To make life a little easier, my family made me two raised veg planters for my garden out of pieces of decking. They cut the decking to size, screwed the pieces together, then filled the planter with soil. Then it was up to my green fingers to grow some veg. As you can see, it’s going well!
Patricia Harris, Wisbech, Cambs