Worthwhile Wednesday- Reusable Coffee Filters for a Good Brew

Last week I talked about roasting your own coffee, and trust me, you won't regret trying it. This week, I'm continuing with the coffee theme, and I'm going to show you how I make reusable coffee filters.

But first, here's a little bit about why I made our own:

1) I hate waste. I'm not afraid of washing or a little extra clean up if it eliminates waste. Less trash makes me very happy.

2) I'm cheap or frugal, if cheap offends you. This cuts out another thing we have to purchase. Instead of new filters every time, just pull out a reusable one.

3) It's easy. Like I mentioned before, I don't mind a little extra work, but when it's this easy- it's a no brainer.

Now back to the filters. We have two ways we brew coffee at our house and when you read these, I might remind you that we are coffee snobs.

The first is our French press. Hands down, best coffee if you use it correctly. Coffee needs two things to be extracted properly- 1) heat and 2) time or pressure (that's why espressos brew so quickly, pressure). I might add that this is one of the reasons I'm not a fan of the Keurig systems, not enough time or pressure (no offense if you love yours, it's not for me though).

So as long as your water is 198-204 degrees F and is in contact with the grounds for approximate amount of time (this depends on methods and grind- check it out here) than you'll have optimal extraction. For the French press that's easy, just get your water close to boiling and pour over (go with courser grounds so the filter catches them all, and you don't over extract- over extraction = bitter). At the designated time, push down slowly the metal filter and enjoy.

The second way we brew is a drip cup. Now my hubby thinks this is the better way to brew. The cup is conical shape (which provides better drainage = no sludge & better extraction) and drips the hot water directly into a single serving cup. With a good filter and good brewer it has the proper time for extraction. I must admit, I like it too and the hubby is a master at brewing...so I may have to give him this one.

But the problem with the drip cup? Filters! So to stop the waste and expense, enter make your own.

First you'll want a paper filter for a pattern. I used a number 2 filter. If you have a conical basket for a larger machine, you'll probably need a number 4. I added one inch seam allowances for each side.

Make your pattern and cut. For fabric, I used unbleached muslin. This is IMPORTANT. You definitely don't want to ingest any bleach or taste it- Yech.

I wanted a raw look up top, but also didn't want my fabric to rip or shred over time. So I did an overlock stitch on the top.

I then sewed all three sides together (1/2 inch seam allowances).

Trim the edges to remove excess fabric and then flip inside out. Press.  Sew three sides again (1/2 inch seam allowances).

You've just added French seams! Yay. The great thing about this, is it exactly mimics the paper filter, in that you have a thicker bottom portion to fold down over your drip hole. This slows the water down (remember time for extraction) and doesn't expose your coffee to raw seams.

But remember our raw top? I make it taller to fold over the cup. I hate when a paper filter gets caught by the water and folds over.  With it rounded over the top, no problem!

A simple and easy way to eliminate some waste.  Plus remember that easy part- it's not only easy to construct, but simply rinse out when done and allow to air dry.  No need to wash with soap- besides who wants soap flavored coffee??  If you do worry about germs, don't, just boil it and use again.

All in all very worth your time.

This post is linked to Frugally Days Sustainable Ways # 18.

One of those Days...

So I woke up this morning very happy for two reasons. 

1) We had power. 

You see we had this huge storm and lost power.  I couldn't work, we had to light candles everywhere, and so eventually we just went to bed early.  Of course the power came on at 12 am and woke Elizabeth, so I had to lay down with her.  I finally got back to bed around 3 am.

2) My work week had reset. 

I'm officially not behind at work.  I'm going to stay on top of my hours, at least, that's the plan.  There aren't any major trips ahead of us or parties...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll maintain this week.

But my happiness was short lived.  Everything fell apart pretty quickly...

We loss power.  I was looking into playing with my new sewing machine, finally, and we lost power.

Evie started coughing again and getting upset.  I started to call the dr, but couldn't find the number.  No power- no internet and the yellow pages didn't list our dr.  Then Elizabeth had an accident.  She took a step forward and fell backwards.  I dropped the phone book and checked her.  By this time, Evie was screaming.  I settled Elizabeth down and tried to calm Evie.  It didn't work. 

I picked the phone book back up and found them in the white pages, I got the nurse on the phone.  The verdict- bring Evie in and just watch Elizabeth (I'm super paranoid about head bumps).  I got Mark home, got Evie ready, and we were out the door.

Two hours later- Evie has a URT infection and is on antibiotics.  Power is finally back on, the house is a wreck, but I did manage to get both of them asleep at the same time.  I'm hoping I can just play a little with my machine.  I really want to get started on some projects, especially because I have a baby shower in a week to go to...but work comes first.

Life sometimes seems like a comedy of errors, only it's not so funny when it's happening to you. ;)

Kate vs. the Sewing Machine

So yesterday and today, I had a rematch with my archnemesis the sewing machine.  Only this time, I won!  I've not only gotten better, but I'm learning why my sewing machine was having troubles.  Most of its troubles are because it's a little tempermental, but considering it is over 30 years old I'll let it have some attitude.  Though if it gets anymore, I'm showing it pictures of its replacement to be.

Acting like a perfect angel at the moment...

Anyway, I managed to finish the valances for our bedroom and all but one window in our den/office.  I've got to get one more yard of fabric to finish the last valance in the den, so that's why I'm not done.  Tomorrow I'm hopeful that I will start and finish the drapes in our bedroom too.  After that all I will have left is the hem on the lace curtain for the bath, hemming a decorative panel, fixing my living room curtains, and dresses for my girls!!  I'm most excited about the dresses, but I need to finish the curtains first.  When baby arrives, I'd like the house to look complete...

Finished valance for the Den/Office.  Simple I know, but I have four windows in this room, one of which is a HUGE picture window...with that amount of coverage I think valances are better.