| How to Use a Needle Threader Posted: 17 Jul 2018 01:00 AM PDT If you're over it with the frustration of attempting to thread a needle the old-fashioned way, try using a needle threader tool. Just insert the wire loop through the eye of the needle, then slip your thread through the larger threader hole and double it over. When you slide the needle off the loop, it will catch the thread effortlessly, and you can knot it and get right to stitching without a lot of unnecessary squinting and poking. EditLoading the Thread - Hold the threader in one hand and the needle in the other. For most people, it will probably be easiest to have the needle threader in your dominant hand. If you're right-handed, for instance, you'll hold the tool in your right hand, while left-handed sewers will use their left. You'll have much more coordination that way, which will allow you to focus on manipulating the small items you'll be working with.[1]
- Make sure you're gripping the needle so that the eye is pointing upwards.
- Those with unsteady hands may find it helpful to stabilize the needle using a pincushion or piece of cork. The larger object will hold the needle in place while you're threading so that you won't have to.[2]
- Insert the wire threader loop through the eye of the needle. It may take a few attempts to get the two pieces lined up correctly. Push the threader until the needle rests in the shallow groove next to the base. This will keep it from accidentally slipping out.[3]
- If you're having trouble getting the threader loop through, turn the needle slightly so you can see the opening a little better.
- You may need to push the threader gently to force it through the eye of a smaller-sized needle.
- Guide the end of the thread through the threader loop. The wire threader loop will give you a much larger target to aim at. Once you've got the thread inside, pull the loose end to continue feeding it through.[4]
- Needle threaders take the imprecision out of threading by working in reverse. Instead of guiding the thread straight through, the threader allows you to anchor it in place, then pull the needle around it.
- Double the thread over on itself. Pull the loose end back on itself so that it runs alongside the length of the thread. Gather up both ends between the thumb and forefinger of your free hand. Be sure to create enough length to keep a secure grip on the folded thread.[5]
- You'll load the threader the same way whether you want to work with single or double thread.
EditThreading the Needle - Slide the needle over the thread. Pull the needle out of the groove at the base of the wire loop and fit it over the double thread. Continue moving it along until it clears the folded end. At the same time, pinch the ends of the thread together tightly.[6]
- At this point, it may help to set the threader down on the tabletop or your lap so you can get a better grip on the needle.
- Be careful not to let the needle slip back off the thread.
- Pull the loose end of the thread free. Give the thread a gentle tug to work it out of the wire loop the same way it went in. Work the loose end out with your fingers if needed. The thread should now be running straight through the eye of the needle.[7]
- Once you've successfully threaded the needle, unwind the spool to make the thread as long as you need it.
- Knot the thread around the eye of the needle. If you're content with using single thread, simply tie off the loose end. You can then begin sewing as usual. That's all there is to it![8]
- Tie off the knot 2-3 times to make sure it's secure enough to hold.
- When you're done, snip the thread off the spool. This will get the excess material out of the way while you're stitching.
- Leave the thread folded for stronger stitches. If you'd prefer to work with double thread, keep pulling the loose end back on itself to add more length. You can then tie the thread off when you're finished making your stitches.[9]
- Using twice the amount of thread creates a more durable seam, which is good for reinforcing items like torn clothing, buttons, pillows, and stuffed animals that see a lot of hard wear.[10]
- Doubling up your thread is particularly useful when you're working with thread that's thin or old.
- Keep practicing until you get the hang of it. Needle threaders are handy little devices, but they can take a little while to get used to. Don't worry if your first couple attempts feel a little awkward. After a few passes, you'll be threading like a pro!
- By using a needle threader, even crafters who know their way around a needle and thread can cut down dramatically on overall project time.
- A basic wire needle threader can be purchased for as little as $2-3 at most craft supply stores.
- It may be a good idea to buy more than one needle threader in case any of the delicate metal parts break.
- The needle threader's slender wire loop is small enough to fit most sizes of sewing needles.
- Needle threaders can make the perfect aid for those who are just learning how to sew.
- Keep your fingers a safe distance away from the needle point. Getting pricked doesn't feel pleasant!
EditThings You'll Need - Sewing needle
- Thread
- Wire needle threader
- Pin cushion or cork (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Move Your LLC to Another State Posted: 16 Jul 2018 05:00 PM PDT If you need to move your LLC (limited liability company) to a different U.S. state, there are two good options available. The simpler option is to register your LLC as a foreign entity with your new state while keeping your registration active in your old state. This is your best option if you will continue to do business in—or plan on moving back to—the old state. You'll have to pay taxes, file reports, and maintain permits in both states, so this method could be costly if you're completely cutting ties with the old state. If that's the case, file articles of domestication with your new state and dissolve your LLC in the old state. EditRegistering as a Foreign LLC in Your New State - Keep your LLC if you'll do business in your old state. In some situations, it's beneficial to register as a foreign (out-of-state) entity and keep your LLC registered in your old state. You'll have to file reports, maintain licenses, and pay taxes in each state, but it's worth it if your business will still be active in the old state or if you plan on moving back in the near future.[1]
- Keep in mind you'll need to complete duplicate reports and file any annual paperwork required by each state.[2]
- Your tax liability may also increase significantly. For example, if you originally formed your LLC in California, you'll owe an annual franchise tax just to stay registered, even if you don't make any income in California.
- Visit your new state's secretary of state website. You can find specific information about foreign registry and access application forms on your new state's secretary of state website. Search online for "business entities," "secretary of state," and the state's name to find the right page.[3]
- Complete a foreign registration application form. Find a link on the secretary of state website to your new state's official application for foreign registry. In some states, you can complete and submit the form online. Other states require you to mail it or submit it in person.[4]
- You'll enter information about your LLC's original registration, including its name, date of registry, and the state where it was originally formed.
- Choose an alternate business name, if necessary. States have various rules about formatting an LLC's business name. If your business includes words prohibited in the new state, or if there's already a registered business with that name, you'll have to choose an alternate name. If necessary, enter the alternate name into the designated field on the application form.[5]
- Select a registered agent for service of process in your new state. A registered agent is an individual or company that receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. You'll need to appoint a registered agent based in your new state and enter their information on the application form.[6]
- Most business owners use a registered agent service. Look online to find a company based in your new state.
- Provide a certificate of good standing from the original state. Precise names for this document vary by state; your old state might refer to it as a certificate of status, existence, or facts. You can order one from your old state's secretary of state website.[7]
- You'll be sent a printable digital copy of the certificate. Print it and include it with your foreign registration application if you're filing via mail or in person. If you're filing online, check your state's instructions to see if you should upload or mail the certificate and any other supporting documents.
- Submit the application and pay the filing fee. File the application online, mail it, or submit it in person according to your state's requirements. You'll need to pay a filing fee when you submit the application, which is usually around $100 (USD). Processing times vary by state and time of the year, but you should receive a certificate of registry within 5 business days.[8]
- In some states, you'll receive an email notification and digital copy of your certificate in as little as 24 hours.
- Obtain any required state or local licenses. Depending on the nature of your business, you'll need licenses to operate in the new state. For example, if you're opening a restaurant, you'll need a food service license, liquor license, certificate of occupancy, and other permits required by your new jurisdiction.[9]
EditDomesticating Your LLC in a New State - Ensure your new and old states allow domestication. Most states allow foreign (out-of-state) business entities to domesticate, or convert to a domestic (in-state) entity. However, if either your old or new state don't allow domestication, you'll need to register as a foreign entity with your new state or as a completely new LLC.[10]
- Registering a new LLC from scratch is undesirable, since you'd lose your employer identification number and business credit history.
- Complete an articles of domestication application. Head to the business entities section on your new state's secretary of state website. Look for links to application forms for domestication or conversion (the precise name varies by state). Enter information about your LLC's original formation, its initial and converted business name (if they differ), and the new designated office, or the business's address in the new state.[11]
- If your business name isn't available in your new state, you'll need to select a new one.
- Appoint a registered agent in your new state. Your business's registered agent accepts documents for your business in the event of a lawsuit or other legal procedure. You'll need to select a registered agent in your new state and list their information on the conversion application form.[12]
- Business owners usually prefer to hire a registered agent service. Look online to find a company based in your new state.
- Provide a certificate of good standing. Order the certificate on your old state's secretary of state website. The certificate verifies that your business exists, that you've filed proper annual or biennial reports, and that you're up to date on taxes. Include a copy with your conversion application form.[13]
- Ordering a certificate of good standing is free in some states. In others, ordering one costs between $10 and $20.
- Submit the application and pay filing fees. Depending on your state's procedures, you'll file the form online, in person, or by mail. Filing fees vary by state and could cost anywhere between $20 and $150. After submitting your application, you should receive a registration certificate within several business days.[14]
- If you need to expedite your application, you can usually pay to have it processed in 24 to 48 hours. Expediting your application can cost up to $500.
- Dissolve your old LLC after your application has been accepted. The most important part of the process is to domesticate first and dissolve second. If you dissolve first and your domestication application is rejected, you could find yourself without a business in any state. The dissolution process varies by state, but always involves filing articles of dissolution (or a certificate of dissolution) with the secretary of state.[15]
- Domesticating an LLC allows you to keep your bank accounts, lines of credit, credit history, and tax ID number. However, you'll need to update your business accounts with your new office address, phone number, and any other changes in contact information.
- You might need to submit a certificate of dissolution to your new state in order to finalize the domestication process.
- Apply for state or local licenses, if necessary. After you've domesticated your LLC, you'll still need any licenses required to operate in your new location. Examples include liquor or food service licenses and signage permits. Look online or consult an attorney to learn more about your new jurisdiction's applicable codes.[16]
- Switching registration locations and and converting or domesticating an LLC can be complex and could significantly impact your finances. It's best to consult an attorney or accountant to ensure moving your LLC is financially beneficial.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Sell Silver Posted: 16 Jul 2018 09:00 AM PDT Selling your silver can be a great way to make some extra cash. Maybe you have old sterling silver jewelry pieces that you don't wear anymore, or you've been hanging on to your silver coin collection and now want to get rid of it. Whatever your reason for selling is, there are many options for finding a buyer. Whether you take your silver to a pawn shop, smelter, or private buyer, make sure you're happy with the price before selling. EditEvaluating Your Silver - Separate your silver into coins, collectibles, sterling, scrap, or junk silver. Figuring out what type of silver you have will help you choose a strategy for selling it. Most silver is either a bullion coin, rare coin or collectible, scrap silver (which includes rounds and bars), sterling or flatware, or junk silver. If you have more than one kind of silver, separate them so that you can find a seller for each one.
- Bullion coins are best for investing, while if you have a rare coin it's most likely part of a collection or hobby.
- Junk silver refers to all of your extra change that was issued before 1965 and is made of 90% silver.
- Determine if your silver is sterling or plated. Plated silver is worth significantly less than sterling, so sterling silver is what you want to try to sell. Silver should have identifiable marks, so to figure out if your silver is sterling or not, check to see what it's labeled as. If it says "sterling," "ster," or ".925," the silver is sterling. If it says "silver-plate," "plated," "EP," or "EPNS," the silver is plated.[1]
- Sterling silver might say ".925" because it's 92.5% pure silver.
- When talking about plated silver, "EP" stands for electroplated and "EPNS" stands for electroplated nickel silver.
- Keep your silver unpolished. It may be tempting to polish your silver before selling it so that it's looking shiny and new, but this can decrease its value or worth. Don't use any polish on your silver, and if you need to clean it up a bit, use a jewelry polishing cloth.[2]
- Research the potential value of your silver online. It's better to try to sell your silver with an idea in mind of about how much it's worth. This will keep you from being scammed when it comes time to actually sell your silver and will allow you to gain the most profit. Online valuations will help give you the approximate value of your silver, usually for a small fee.[3]
- Take your silver to get appraised if you know a local professional. If you'd rather get your silver appraised in person, take it to a local antique shop, pawn shop, jewelry store, or similar dealer. They should be able to give you an estimate for how much money your silver is worth.[4]
- You can find a professional appraiser through the Appraisers Association of America or the International Society of Appraisers.
EditChoosing a Buyer - Compare prices with several different potential buyers. Instead of just selling your silver to the first buyer that gives you an offer, do some comparison research to find out who's going to give you the best price. You can do this by asking people you know for recommendations, checking the Internet for respectable buyers, or calling the businesses themselves and asking how much they pay per ounce.[5]
- Sell your silver at a pawn shop if you have quality items. Most cities have pawn shops, making them a popular choice for selling silver. Pawn shops are great because you get paid on the spot, but you won't get a good price for your silver unless it's super valuable. If you have quality items, such as sterling jewelry, firearms, or a nice watch, visiting a pawn shop could be the right choice for you.[6]
- You can also stop by a coin shop or jeweler if you have quality coins or sterling silver jewelry to see what their price estimate is.
- Visit a coin show if you have silver coins. While coin shows only happen every once in awhile, if you do happen to visit one, you could end up very pleased with your sale — they're full of tons of dealers and experts interested in your coins. If you have silver coins you'd like to sell, do some research online to find out when and where the nearest coin show will be taking place.[7]
- Complete sets of coins are easier to sell than just a few from a random collection, and they're also much easier to price.
- It's easier to sell at a coin show if you have a transportable amount of coins.
- Sell your silver to an online dealer for convenience. Many people choose to sell their silver online to avoid the hassle of visiting a dealer in person. Selling your silver online gives you access to dealers from all over the world, and you can easily compare prices with several different buyers. If you're OK with shipping valuable silver through the mail, go online to research reputable online dealers.[8]
- Popular online dealers include Kitco, GoldSilver, Apmex, and Provident Metals.
- Shipping a huge amount of incredibly heavy silver through the mail can get pricey, so make sure you have a manageable amount of silver if you're planning on working with an online dealer.
- Sell your silver scraps to a smelter or refiner if you have a large quantity. Smelters and refiners melt your silver down so that you're paid according to its weight. While you can take most silver to a smelter or refiner, it's the best choice if you have scrap silver. Smelters or refiners usually pay well, but they're often only interested in large amounts of silver.[9]
- If you have less than 10 ounces of silver, you should choose a selling option other than a smelter or refiner — they're not usually interested in such small amounts.
- Check your local newspaper for private buyers looking for silver. Sometimes private buyers will be looking for silver to purchase. While private buyers can be harder to find than most other options, they're often willing to pay a great price for valuable silver items. Check your local newspapers or online ads to see if any private buyers are looking for silver.[10]
- Sell your silver on eBay or at an auction to see how high the bids will go. Online auctions, such as eBay, as well as live auctions have the potential to be great selling options — there's a wide audience, and your silver could sell for a high price due to multiple bids. However, there's always the possibility that it could undersell during an auction as well. If you have unique silver items that you think would get high bids, try out an auction.[11]
- Auctions will oftentimes take a commission from the seller.
- If you're thinking about selling your silver on eBay, contact a professional silver matching service for a bid.
- Research all of your options before selling. Don't rush through the process of selling your silver. Take the time to research your options and get several different appraisals, if desired. Knowing roughly what your silver is worth before contacting a buyer will make you look more knowledgable, and the buyer will be more likely to give you a better price. When it comes time to make the sale official, make sure you're confident and happy with your decision.[12]
- Haggling is common at pawn shops or when dealing with rare coin buyers, but it won't always work. If you do want to try to haggle, name a price higher than what you'd actually like to earn for your silver to start with.
EditSources and Citations
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