Space Aliens Laughed at my Cardigan - early help

As Tom said in his review, this isn't the best game about (though
it does have a great title!). But I hate to be beaten by any game
so here are some early hints. Maybe someone can help me complete
the adventure.

To pass the woman at the counter in the cafe:
.pleh nac enoemoS
.retaeJ ot snub eviG
.reh yb 'kaerbaet' yas ,detcurtsni sA

What does the male tramp want?
.mih enimaxE
.knurd eb yam eH
.egdirf eht morf reeb eht mih eviG

What does Ford Perfect (sic) want?
.naf cisum a s'eH
.seirettab emos teg ot oerets lanosrep eht mih eviG

How can I get some knitting needles?
?emos ekam dluoc enoemos ebyaM
.pohs tfarcidnah eht nI
.erots eht morf doow eht nosrep eht eviG

What does the female tramp want?
.doof emos gnivig yrt dluoc uoY
.ekac eht reh eviG
.loow emos dna nioc a uoy evig dna kcab ti evig ll'ehS

And there I'm stuck. I can't get back past the dog with the
'presents' from the female tramp unless I get killed and
resurrected. If I do that (which smacks of cheating!) I can get
the device in working order I still can't actually use it. I also
can't leave the old house safely. Also is it possible to open the
two doors in the store or are they red herrings? Help!

                                                Sue