| How to Make a Halloween Costume Posted: 20 Oct 2019 01:00 AM PDT Some of the best costumes you will see on Halloween are made by the people wearing them. Making your own Halloween costume can seem like a lot of work, but if you select a costume idea that you really love, pick the right materials for the costume, and give yourself some time to make it, you can make a great costume, too. [Edit]Choosing a Costume Idea - Decide how much work you want to do. Before you decide what you're going to be for Halloween you have to decide how much work you're willing to do on your costume. Do you want something you can just throw together or are you planning on making something elaborate?
- Evaluate how much time you have to complete the project. If you are attempting to make a costume the day before Halloween, you probably want to create a last-minute costume that can easily be thrown together using items, clothing, and supplies that you already have lying around your house.
- Brainstorm your favorite characters. Once you know you how much time you want to spend on a costume, you'll need an idea. A good place to start is to make a list of your favorite characters: from books, movies, or TV shows. Dressing up as your favorite character always make a great costume.[1]
- Think about current events. Another good place to find inspiration for your costume is in current events. Recent news stories, celebrity mishaps, or current pop culture references always make a great costume.[2]
- Start with your accessories. If you're still stumped for a costume idea, start by picking up some great costume accessories that you love – a hat or a cape or a tiara – and build a costume around the accessory.[3]
- You might consider building your costume around a DIY latex mask if you are up to the challenge or want a unique look.
- Decide on an individual or group costume. Costumes that require multiple people can be fun and impressive if they are executed well.[4]
- A few examples of group costumes include: bands, superhero groups, celebrity couples, or a set of characters from a book, movie, etc.
- Make sure everyone in your group is committed to the group costume. If anyone backs out, it might ruin the costume.
[Edit]Picking Your Materials - Brainstorm material choices. Arts and crafts stores are great places to look for costume materials, even if you don't know exactly what you want before visiting the store. As long as you go in with a costume idea, you should be able to find fabric to make it work.[5]
- Pick a fabric that's easy to work with. If your costume requires you to sew clothing, you will want to pick a material that is easy to sew or piece together, particularly if you are a beginning crafter.
- For example, felt is inexpensive and can be glued together using a hot glue gun or even stapled together to create clothing. Basic cotton fabric is easy to sew with a sewing machine or by hand.[6]
- Take your measurements. Before you visit a fabric store, you'll need to take exact measurements of your costume. If you're unsure how much you need for your costume, ask for assistance.[7]
- Visit a thrift or recycled clothing store. If you're not up for sewing your costume, secondhand clothing stores can be great places to find cheap, wacky clothes perfect for a costume. Sometimes these stores actually have homemade costumes for sale if you choose not to make your costume from scratch.
- Think about possible embellishments or accessories. When you're choosing your materials, think about embellishments and accessories you can add to it. Many accessories can be purchased cheaply at arts and crafts stores.[8]
- Look for accessories like crowns - from big tiaras to small flowers crowns - or capes or feather boas.
- Good examples of easy to add embellishments include fake flowers, buttons, and glitter glue.
- Check out what you have at home. When you're searching for costume materials, look in the back corner of your closet or the drawer you never open in your dresser. You might have the stuff you need right at home![9]
- Repurpose a cardboard box. If all else fails, a cardboard box can serve as a good base for a costume. The boxiness lends itself well to robots, washer or dryers, cars, or a TV.[10]
- Box cutters work best for cutting through cardboard.
- Decorate your box after you've cut out the holes for your arms, head, and body.
[Edit]Putting It All Together - Gather your materials. Even if you're not sewing together your costume, you should still gather the materials you've decided to use. Lay everything out and start to make a plan for how you're going to put them together.[11]
- Double check your measurements. Once you have your materials together, make sure you have the correct measurements for the clothes you're creating. Double checking these measurements before you create a template and begin cutting out fabric can save you a lot of wasted time and money.[12]
- For pants, you will need the following measurements: waist, hip, crotch depth and full leg length from waist to floor.
- For shirts, you will need the following measurements: neck, chest, shoulder width, arm length, armhole length and shirt length.
- For shorts, use the pant measurements you have, only shortening the pant length to the desired length.
- For skirts, you simply need waist and hip measurements. The length and fullness of the skirt will vary depending on what type of skirt you want to make.
- Make sure that the material you choose to use is not see-through or itchy if you are making clothing as part of your costume.
- Create a template. Creating a template for your costume on paper first gives you a chance to double check measurements. This is a good technique regardless of whether you're gluing or sewing your costume Transfer the template to a piece of felt with a pen and use scissors to cut out the template before gluing it together.
- Make the clothes of your costume. Using your template, make clothing for your costume out of fabric. This might require either sewing or gluing material together. It's best to take this step slowly as you double check measurements and try things on as you make them.[13]
- Add embellishments. Using a glue gun, paste on objects or embellishments to the clothing you've made or the existing clothing you're using for your costume. For example, you and a partner could cover a green outfit in real or fake leaves, wrap a toy snake around your neck, and hold an apple in your hand for a quick and easy Adam and Eve costume.
- Add accessories. Once you've got the base of your costume, add your accessories. This might mean gluing or sewing additional material, or simply draping a cape over your shoulders or adding a tiara.
- Try it on. You'll want to check out how everything looks together at least once before you wear your costume on Halloween. Once you have everything put together, try it on with all of the accessories and make sure you're happy with the result. You should do this a few days before Halloween so you have time for changes if they're necessary.
- If you are making clothing, be sure that it will not fall off of you or fall apart unexpectedly. You may want to wear clothing or spandex underneath your costume as a precaution.
- Be sure to include seam allowances in your measurements when you make a fabric template if you are sewing your costume.
- If you don't want to make a costume yourself but you want the homemade look, you can buy a homemade costume online from a website such as Etsy.com or check a recycled clothing store in your area for homemade costumes.
- Think about making a pun costume. Those are fun and easy to make.
- Take some fabrics from around your house that you're not using as clothes. Get some more fabrics, and when you think you're finished, sew it together. If your costume contains head accesories, or any other add ons, make sure you have the right stuff in your house. Like if you need to make a wig, take some yarn (if you have it) and cut it to the correct length and make sure it fits your head and your liking.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Leotard Posted: 19 Oct 2019 05:00 PM PDT Leotards are essential for gymnastics and ballet, but they can be quite expensive! If you want to make your own leotards, you will save money and you may even find that they fit you better. Start by making a pattern using an existing leotard, and then use the pattern to cut out your fabric and sew the pieces together. [Edit]Creating the Leotard Pattern - Choose a leotard that fits you well to create your pattern. You can use an old leotard with sleeves to make a pattern for your new leotard. Make sure that the leotard you use fits you (or the person who will wear the leotard) well.[1]
- A 1 piece swimsuit will also work if you do not have a leotard.
- Fold the leotard in half lengthwise and trace the outline. Position the folded leotard so that the front side is visible and the sleeves are stacked on top of each other. Fold the sleeves in to trace the body of the leotard. Then, place the leotard onto the pattern or butcher paper. Use a pen or pencil to create an outline of the folded leotard body. Then, unfold the sleeves and trace around these separately to create a sleeve pattern.[2]
- Make sure to trace right along the edges of the leotard.
- Measure and draw a line from the edges. Use a ruler or tape measure to find this location along the edges of the leotard body and sleeves. Then, draw a line with a piece of chalk that follows the outline of the leotard. This will provide the seam allowance for your leotard and sleeves.[3]
- Make sure that the line goes all the way around the edges of the leotard body and sleeves.
- Cut out this piece and mark it as the "front" piece.
- Repeat to create a pattern for the back of the leotard. Fold the leotard in the opposite direction and use a pen or pencil to trace the outline.[4] Then, draw a second line outside of the outline for the seam allowance.[5]
- Keep in mind that the back of the leotard may have a lower back than the front.
- Make sure to write "back" on the back piece to indicate what it is.
- Draw the straps plus a seam allowance. If the leotard is a tank top style, then you will not need to do this part. If the leotard has straps, then use a ruler or measuring tape to measure their length and width. Then, add the seam allowance and draw a strap onto the paper.[6]
- For example, if the straps are , then draw a strap that measures .
- Cut out this piece and mark it to indicate that it is the pattern for your straps.
[Edit]Cutting Out the Leotard Pieces - Choose of fabric that has some give to it. A stretch fabric such as lycra, spandex, or stretch cotton will work well for making a leotard. It is important for the fabric to have some give, but it should also be strong and durable. Select fabric in the color or print of your choice.
- You may only end up needing around to make your leotard, but get just in case!
- Place the pattern pieces on the folded fabric. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and then place the front and back body and sleeve pattern pieces on the fabric. Align the long, straight edges of the front, back, and sleeve paper pattern pieces with the folded edge of the fabric. Position the strap pattern (if using) away from the folded edges.[7]
- Make sure that there are no lumps or bumps in the fabric before you place the pattern pieces on it.
- Pin or place weights around the outer edges of the pattern pieces. If you use pins, insert a pin every along the edges of the pattern pieces. If you use pattern weights, place a weight about every along the edges of the pattern pieces.[8]
- Make sure to insert the pins so that they are perpendicular to the edges of the fabric. This will make it easier to remove them when you sew the leotard.
- Cut along the edges of the pattern pieces with a sharp pair of scissors. Use the outside of each of the paper pattern pieces as your guides. Cut out a front and back piece along the fold, but do not cut through the folded fabric. Cut the straps all the way around (if using).[9]
- Be careful not to create any jagged or crooked edges! This will interfere with sewing.
[Edit]Sewing the Leotard - Pin the front and back leotard body pieces together. Make sure that the right (print or front) sides are facing each other. Line up the sides, leg openings, and crotch portions of the front and back pieces.[10]
- Do not pin along the leg openings, armholes, or neckline. These must remain open!
- Sew a zigzag stitch along the sides, crotch, and shoulders. Do not sew the neck, arm, and leg openings closed! Set your sewing machine to the zigzag stitch setting. Then, place the pinned leotard pieces under the presser foot. Lower the presser foot and apply gentle pressure to the pedal to start sewing. Sew all the way across the edges and then press the reverse lever to backstitch by about .[11]
- Remove the pins as you sew. Do not sew over them or you may damage your sewing machine!
- Fold the straps or sleeves in half lengthwise and sew from the raw edges. Ensure that the right (front or print) sides are together and the wrong (back or non-print) sides are facing out. Continue using the zigzag stitch to sew along the raw edges of each of the straps to connect the raw edges. Leave the short ends of the straps open.[12]
- Make sure to remove the pins as you sew.
- Keep in mind that you can skip the straps or sleeves if your leotard has a tank top style.
- Attach the straps to the top corners of the front and back pieces. Invert the straps and the leotard so that the right sides are facing out. Pin the end of 1 strap to the topmost corner of the leotard. Make sure that the end of the strap is hidden on the inside of the leotard. Sew a zigzag stitch across the end of the strap, and then press the reverse lever to backstitch across the end of the strap.[13]
- Repeat this for each of the straps.
- Make sure that you do not sew the arm or neck opening closed as you do this!
- Cut any loose threads where you have attached the straps.
- Pin and sew the sleeves onto the armholes. Turn the leotard body inside out and insert the sleeve arm-first into the leotard. Match up the seam on the armpit area of the leotard with the seam on the armpit area of the sleeve. Place a pin every all the way around the armhole and sleeve with the right sides together and the raw edges even. Then, sew a zigzag stitch around the edges of the sleeve to secure the sleeve onto the leotard body.[14]
- Make sure to remove the pins as you sew.
- Repeat for the other sleeve to complete your leotard.
- Trim the excess threads after you finish sewing, and then turn the leotard right side out.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - A leotard or leotard pattern
- of stretch fabric (depending on the size of the leotard you're making)
- Pattern paper or butcher's paper
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Scissors
- Pen or pencil
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Get Air Quality Alerts from the EPA Posted: 19 Oct 2019 09:00 AM PDT Exposure to polluted air can lead to heart disease, asthma, and other complications.[1] With all of the issues that air pollution can cause, it certainly seems like a good idea to know when there is high air pollution. Luckily, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows you to sign up for alerts so that you know whenever air pollution is high. This wikiHow will teach you how to sign up for air quality alerts from the EPA. [Edit]Signing Up for Alerts - Navigate to the EnviroFlash website. The URL is enviroflash.info.[2]
- Click on . It's a green button near the top right corner.
- Enter your subscriber information. You have to enter your email and ZIP code.
- If you want to get alerts via text message instead of email, then click on "Receive as a text message?" and use the chart to find your cell phones email address to enter.
- You can also add your first and last name, but it is not recommended for security reasons.
- Select in the "City Selection" section.
- You may be able to skip this step if your city comes up after you enter your ZIP code.
- Enter your ZIP Code or select your state. Once the information is entered, then your closest city will be displayed next to "Nearest EnviroFlash City:" and it will be highlighted yellow. Once this happens, then you can move on to the next section.
- You may be able to skip this step if your city is already displayed.
- Select what type of email format you want to be sent. It's recommended that you chose "HTML" to receive the best-looking email, however, if you are receiving text notifications, then you should select the "Short" format.
- Decide which alerts you want to receive. You can choose to receive a total of three different alerts. Once you chose an alert, then select the checkmark next to the alert and fill out any additional information that is requested. A description of the alerts can be found below:
- Receive Action Day Notifications: Action Days are days when the EPA declares that it is unsafe to go outside because of very hazardous air pollution. It is best to stay inside during Action Days and limit the use of chemicals. All subscribers will receive Action Day notifications.
- Receive Forecasts: When this is selected, you will get an email every morning with the expected air quality forecast if the forecast is over your set level.
- Receive Current Conditions: When this is selected, you will receive an email whenever the current air quality for your city goes above your set level. This option is not available in most areas.
- Read the Privacy Policy. If you agree with it, then select the checkbox next to "I have read the privacy policy:". If you do not agree with the privacy policy, then you cannot use this service.
- Click . Once you click this, then you will get an email with a confirmation code.
- Enter the Confirmation Code. Once you get the confirmation email, then copy and paste the code into the box and click on . Once you confirm your email, then you will be subscribed. You will be given an option to subscribe to another city, or you can simply close the window.
[Edit]Managing Your Subscription - Navigate to the EnviroFlash website. The URL is www.enviroflash.info.[3]
- Click on . It is a blue button near the top right corner of the page.
- Enter the email address that you used to sign up for alerts. Then, click .
- If you get text message alerts, then use this form to help you find your cell phones email address.
- Click on the city that you want to edit. You will only see this screen if you are subscribed to get alerts for multiple cities. If you are only subscribed to get alerts from one city, then skip this step.
- Change the settings that you want to change. Once you are done, click at the bottom of the page.
- If you want to stop getting alerts, then click the red button near the top left corner, and then click the green button.
- If you want to subscribe to multiple cities, then sign up for alerts using the steps in method 1 for each city.
- EnviroFlash is only available in the United States.
[Edit]Warnings - If an Action Day is declared in your area, then stay inside as much as possible. For more information on what to do during an action day, read How to Respond to an Air Quality Action Day for Ozone (USA).
- It's not recommended that you enter your first and last name because EnviroFlash does not require a password to access information related to your email, which means that any random person on the internet can find your first and last name using your email address if you provide your name to EnviroFlash.
- You may not get EnviroFlash emails during a government shutdown.
[Edit]References |
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