But until then, we have a hanger shortage.
I like the older plastic hangers that used to be a dozen for a $1 or so, but I went to buy some a few months ago and was unhappy to see how thin the tubes are on them now. It seems manufacturers will save a penny just anywhere.
I could tell those new hangers were too thin and would not hold up at all. I did buy a few of the thicker ones that are sturdy enough for jeans or jackets, but they are about $2 for just 3.
So, for months, on laundry day, I have been scrambling to find a hanger for every clean garment.
We had a few sturdy wire hangers so I decided to just make them do.
I used fabric glue and scrap fabric cut into about 3/4 inch strips.
Then, while I watched TV one evening, I just wrapped those hangers until they looked pretty.
Wrapping them gives them a little cushion to help prevent hangar wrinkles and enough traction that clothes should not easily slip off.
If you are a crocheter, you could make yarn covers.
This was very frugal as I just used things on hand. I think older children would like making them for their own closets or for gifts too.
I too like the thicker plastic hangers. They are especially good for heavier items like coats too. The last 3 or 4x I've bought plastic hangers I've been very disappointed. They just do not stand up to proper use at all. I found some thinner hangers with a bit of foam stretched on them. I think they carry them at Wal-mart. They are surprisingly good for not taking up room in the closet and for holding sweaters and tops well. They don't seem to last though. These are what my mom uses at the care home.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea -
ReplyDeleteMy problem?
When I switched to the heavier plastic hangers years ago- I got rid of my wire hangers. Do you know of a good resource for finding wire hangers?
I wonder if the thinner plastic ones would benefit from your wrapping technique and be made made sturdier?
I've noticed they are much thinner now too and harder to find in coordinating colors as well.
I may try this -we're short on hangers right now too
Pat
Hi Pat, one of our sons has his work clothes dry cleaned and he can get me all the hangers I could want but it seems those dry cleaner hangers are kind of on the thin side too,
DeleteThe hangers I used are from my husbands uniforms, his employer will launder their work uniforms at a big industrial laundry place and the uniforms come back in sturdy wire hangers. However, I don't have a stockpile as my husband has cranky skin and I think however that plant does laundry does not agree with my husbands skin.
If I was wanting to get more hangers, I could ask his coworkers. If I were you, I would ask at a thrift store or ask friends you know that do dry cleaning, hope you find some.
That's a great idea! I just got a dozen of thick hangers for $1 at the thrift store last week. Maybe, I need to downsize my closet :)...
ReplyDeleteThose turned out really pretty!
ReplyDeleteSorry I didn't mean to disregard your attempt to make your hangers stronger and better for hanging things on. You did great! I was just trying to let you know about the foam wrapped thin hangers in case you wanted to try them or someone else does.
ReplyDeleteJoyful, I appreciated the info!
DeleteOh how pretty!! Great idea
ReplyDeleteThose are really pretty. I could see a young girl wanting these for her closet. I know I would have. I have had the same thing happen with hangers, like when one of the boys came home from school for the summer we didn't have enough. Then I would stock up and when they left again in the fall, I had dozens extra!
ReplyDeleteI think you right, they would be nice for children and the color of fabric used could match the child's preference,
Deleteyou always come up with the neatest ideas! : )
ReplyDeleteI like this idea. When our children moved out over the last few years they left their old thicker plastic hangers in the closets. I have no idea what they are hanging their clothes on but for now we have a glut of good plastic hangers. I also regularly shop for clothes at an outlet who always gives me the hangers and they are the good plastic swivel hook ones.
ReplyDeleteFor who ever was asking. It may be possible to purchase some wire hangers from a dry cleaners.
If you want some good THICK plastic hangers look at the Container Store. They go on sale 10 for $2.00 and are very good. I have some that are more than 20 years old still perfect.
ReplyDeleteYour fabric wrapped hangers are very pretty. I have used fabric scraps to make a cover for a wire hanger. Added a bow on the hanger and used it as part of a gift to a sister. (I made her a new nightgown to go on the hanger)
If you still want THICK plastic hangers, look at the Container Store. (on line too) They go on sale often 10 for $2.00. These are nice hangers and I have some that are more than 20 years old.
ReplyDeleteYour fabric wrapped wire hangers are very nice. I have used fabric scraps to cover hanger and added a small ribbon bow at the top hanger part. I made it as part of a gift for my sister who does not sew. I made her a couple of new night gowns and added the hangers made with the same fabric.