| How to Crochet Crop Tops Posted: 14 May 2020 01:00 AM PDT Crocheted crop tops are the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe! Instead of shopping all over for a crop top that you like, make your own crop top with a classic halter neckline. Since you're crocheting a single piece that covers the front of your torso and leaving the back bare, the top comes together quickly. Plus, you'll only need a few basic crocheting skills, a skein of yarn, and about 20 minutes. [Edit]Casting on and Crocheting the Band - Choose a skein of worsted weight yarn in any color. Get out a skein of yarn that's 4.5 ounces (127.5 g) or long. You can use any type of yarn you like, but pick yarn that's soft so your crop top is comfortable to wear. Keep in mind that you won't use all of the skein.[1]
- Avoid using 100% cotton yarn since it will shrink if you toss it in the dryer. If you'd like a soft, cotton crop top, choose a cotton-synthetic blend so it holds its shape.
- Make a slip knot and slide it onto a US size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook. Pull about of yarn from the skein and wrap it around 2 of your fingers. Pinch this loop so the working yarn hangs behind it. Push your crochet hook into the loop and grab the working yarn with the hook. Then, pull so the slip knot slides onto the hook.[2]
- Feel free to use a slightly smaller or larger hook if you usually crochet tightly or loosely. Keep in mind that loose stitches make the crop top see-through, so you'd want to wear something underneath the top.
- Stretch the measuring tape across your torso from 1 side to the other. Hold the end of a measuring tape on the side of your ribcage where you'd like the crop top to fall and stretch it to the opposite side of your ribcage. Write this number down so you know how long to make your foundation chain for the bottom of the crop top.[3]
- If you don't want to keep holding the piece up to you as you crochet, you can also measure from the ribcage to your neckline. Then, refer to this measurement as you crochet the body.
- Don't twist the measuring tape or your foundation row will be too long. If you're having trouble measuring, ask a friend to help you!
- Make a foundation chain that's as long as your measurement. To make a chain, wrap your yarn around the hook and pull the hook through the loop. Since there's no need to count chains, but you do need to stop and measure the chain as you work. Keep making chains until the foundation chain is as long as the measurement you just took.
- Hold the foundation chain across your torso from 1 side of your ribcage to the other. This helps you check if the bottom of the halter covers your torso the way you want.
- For example, you may need to chain for your crop top foundation. This would make a medium-sized crop top.
[Edit]Making the Body - Single crochet into every chain of your foundation row. To make a single crochet (SC) stitch, put your hook into the chain that's closest to your hook. Grab the working yarn with your hook and pull it onto the hook. Then, wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it through both of the loops. Continue to make a single crochet stitch into each of the chains on the row.[4]
- This forms the bottom of your crop top.
- Make 1 chain and turn your work. When you reach the end of the first row, wrap the yarn around your hook and pull up the loop to make a chain. Then, flip the piece of crocheted fabric over so you can start crocheting the next row.[5]
- You'll work back and forth across the row to make the band before decreasing rows for the crop top body.
- Work single crochet stitches across the row until the band is the size you want. Keep making 1 SC into each stitch and crocheting 1 chain when you reach the end of a row. Then, stop once this band covers as much of your torso as you like. To tell when to stop, hold the band piece directly below your breasts. You can make this portion of the crop top as long or short as you like.[6]
- To make a short crop top, crochet around 3 rows. For a longer crop top band, work up to about 10 rows.
- Make the first decreasing row to begin the halter portion. Don't chain a stitch when you reach the end of the row. Instead, turn the work and skip the first stitch. Then, single crochet in every stitch across the row. The decreasing stitches make diagonal sides that form the halter-style top. [7]
- If you'd like to make a V-neck crop top, you'll need to crochet 2 triangular pieces that cover your breasts. Then, you can attach them to the band that you just finished.
- Turn the work and crochet decreasing rows until you've finished the neckline. Continue to skip the first stitch of every row and make a single crochet into the rest of the stitches for the row. This creates the halter portion that covers your breasts and becomes the neckline.
- Keep doing this until the neckline is as high as you want. To help you get an idea of the size, hold the piece up against your torso frequently.
[Edit]Crocheting the Straps - Make a strap that's 120 to 150 chains long. Don't cut the yarn when you finish crocheting the body. When you reach the end of your last row, which is the neckline, start making a long chain that you'll use to wrap and wear the crop top.[8]
- If you're making a small crop top, crochet around 120 chains. For a larger size, work closer to 150 chains.
- Slip stitch back through each of the chains to create a thicker strap. To make the strap sturdier and more comfortable, insert your hook back through the last chain you made. Wrap your yarn around the hook and pull it through the loops to make a slip stitch. Keep slip stitching through each of the chains until you reach the neckline where you started the strap.[9]
- Single crochet across the neckline to reach the end of the row. Instead of cutting the yarn to begin another strap, just make 1 single crochet stitch into every stitch across the neckline.[10]
- Now, your hook and yarn are positioned to make the opposite strap.
- Crochet an identical strap. Chain up another strap that's the same length as the opposite one you made. Then, slip stitch back through it as you did with the other one. Remember to make the same number of chains so the straps are even.[11]
- Pull each strap through the bottom at the opposite corner. Lay the crop top so it's face down and take 1 of the straps. Pull it diagonally across the crop top. Repeat this for the other strap so they both form an X shape. Then, push your hook from the underside of the top through the bottom corner and grab a strap. Pull the strap through and repeat this for the other side.[12]
- Now, you can put on the crop top and tie the straps behind your back.
- To make a multicolored crop top, use multicolored yarn or switch yarn colors after you finish the band section.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 1 skein of worsted weight yarn
- US size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
[Edit]References |
| How to Treat Neck and Back Pain Naturally Posted: 13 May 2020 05:00 PM PDT Back and neck pain can have a big impact on your daily life, and make it hard to get from place to place. Although this pain may be a sign of a more serious condition, like spinal stenosis, a bulging disc, or spinal arthritis, it may also stem from your age and current lifestyle.[1] Within a few minutes, you can try a variety of natural remedies that can alleviate some of the pain in your neck and back, which will help you lead a more relaxing and fulfilling life. While you should always discuss serious concerns and possible injuries with your doctor, you may be able to treat your symptoms from the comfort of your own home. [Edit]Getting Immediate Relief - Use a cold compress if you're dealing with a recent injury. Fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap a clean towel around it. Place the ice on the affected area for 10 minutes, then remove the pack.[2] Use ice therapy up to 3 times a day if your pain persists.[3]
- You can also use a bag of frozen peas or other vegetables instead of an ice baggy. Be sure to wrap a towel around the bag before you use it, though.[4]
- Apply a hot compress for existing pain. Check online or visit your local pharmacy and pick up a heating pad or hot compress for the affected area. Set a timer for 20 minutes, and leave the hot compress on the affected area for that amount of time. Be sure to remove the compress before falling asleep.[5]
- Talk to your doctor about what type of heat or cold therapy is best for your specific symptoms.
- Compresses work especially well for lower back pain.
- Use a TENS device to treat your neck and back pain. Search online or in your local pharmacy for a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device, which uses light amounts of electricity to soothe away the pain. Place the electrodes on the affected area, then power on the battery-operated device to start your treatment. Be sure to follow the provided instructions, or ask a doctor for advice if you're unsure.[6]
- TENS units don't work for everyone, but they might have positive results for you!
- Visit an acupuncture professional to get rid of your pain. Check online to schedule an appointment with a specialist near you. See if the treatment provides any relief for your pain—if so, you may want to schedule a follow-up appointment, or figure out a regular treatment plan with the acupuncture specialist or your doctor.[7]
[Edit]Stretching and Exercising to Alleviate Pain - Perform a simple stretch to ease your neck pain. Keep your head upright, then look forward. Pull in your chin and glide your head backwards in a straight line. Once you've moved your head back, hold it in place for 5 seconds. Repeat this stretch 5 times throughout the day to get the full effect.[8]
- Do these stretches on a daily basis and see if you notice a difference!
- Do a bridge exercise to stretch your back. Set out a yoga mat or find another comfortable surface to use. Lay on your back with both feet planted on the floor and knees bent and pointing upwards. Engage your core and glute muscles, then lift your hips off the ground. Inhale and exhale 3 times before lowering your hips and bottom back to the ground.[9]
- Try to do 5 reps of this each day. As you feel more comfortable with the exercise, add a few more reps to your routine each day.
- When you lift your hips, you should create a diagonal line from your shoulders to the top of your knees.
- Prioritize regular cardio exercise. Talk to a healthcare professional about creating a workout plan, or develop an exercise plan on your own. Opt for exercise that gets your heart pumping, like going for a run or jumping rope.[10] Ideally, aim to exercise around 150 minutes each week, or follow your doctor's specific recommendations.[11]
- Perform regular strength exercises to reduce your pain. Find a comfortable surface to exercise on, then lay on your stomach. Lift yourself up so you're only placing weight on your toes and forearms, then hold this plank position for 30 seconds. Give yourself 30 seconds to recover, then try another rep of this exercise.[12]
- Ask your doctor for specific strength training suggestions.
- Side planks are another great way to build your strength.
- Take up yoga to reduce your symptoms. Focus on easy exercises that work on stretching and strengthening the muscles around your back and neck. Specifically, look for poses or exercise that force you to focus on posture and breathing.[13] If you don't know how or where to get started, ask your doctor for advice.[14]
- It helps to work with a professional instructor, as they can make sure that your posture and form are correct.
- Lose some weight to reduce your spinal pain. Work on maintaining a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, which may help you lose a little weight. Talk to your doctor about making a customized workout plan that is designed for your needs that won't put a lot of strain on your back and neck. Don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away—losing weight is a big endeavor, and it takes a lot of time and dedication.[15]
- If you weigh less, your back may feel a little less strained and sore.
[Edit]Making Diet and Lifestyle Changes - Opt for foods with anti-inflammatory qualities to reduce your pain. Fill your diet with lots of fresh produce, leafy vegetables, mixed nuts and seeds, healthy oils, and fatty fish. Add these foods into your meals on a regular basis—while you may not feel different at first, you may start to feel better several weeks or months. With this in mind, don't go for greasy foods with a lot of trans or saturated fats, as these might make your inflammation worse.[16]
- Look for fruits and vegetables that are super colorful, like beets, blueberries, oranges, tomatoes, and strawberries. Additionally, be on the lookout for leafy greens, like broccoli, kale, and spinach.
- Sardines, mackerel, and salmon are some great fatty fish that you can try.
- Healthy oils are chock full of monounsaturated fats, like canola and olive oil.
- Try to avoid foods made with refined grains, like white bread.
- Choose foods that are high in calcium to ease pain over time. Opt for sardines, low-fat dairy, soybeans, and leafy vegetables to supplement your daily calcium needs. If you're having some trouble getting your daily calcium requirement, ask a doctor if supplements or vitamin D pills are a good option for you.[17]
- Ideally, you need to consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium and 600 mg of vitamin D each day.
- Calcium may help reduce your back pain if you suffer from a bone-related issue like osteoporosis.
- Know your limitations when you go out and about. Don't perform any tasks that put a lot of strain on your back and neck, like lifting a heavy box or pushing a piece of furniture. If you think you may be at risk for straining or further hurting your back, ask a friend or family member for help.[18]
- There's no shame in asking for help! Your friends and family will be happy to assist, especially if it means preventing an injury further down the line.
- Select comfortable shoes that don't strain your back. Avoid stilettos and other high-heeled shoes that mess with your internal alignment. Instead, choose flat, comfortable shoes that don't put a lot of strain on your lower back and spine. If you're really attached to a certain pair of shoes, use special inserts that cushion your feet while you walk.[19]
- Get a good night's sleep with a comfortable pillow and mattress. Choose a pillow and mattress that support your back and neck. If you share a bed with someone, make sure that there's enough space for both of you to lie and rest comfortably. Select pillows that support your sleeping habits, instead of providing extra strain.[20]
- For instance, belly sleepers are better off sleeping with a flat pillow, along with another pillow under their tummy and hips. If you're a side sleeper, you may want to support your spine by securing a sturdy pillow between your knees.
- Try to not to sleep on a bunch of pillows, as this may strain your neck.[21]
- Fix your posture if you find yourself slumped a lot. Pretend that there's a meter stick or other straight object going from your ears to your ankles. With this in mind, try to keep your shoulders, knees, hips, ankles, and ears all lined up in a straight line. Lift your head and keep your hips rigid so you can stand in a sturdy, comfortable position.[22]
- When you're sitting, keep your feet parallel and flat on the floor. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and your head facing forward, so you don't feel slumped or uncomfortable.
- Check here for several posture exercises that you can try: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/posture-and-back-health.
- Use caution when trying popular remedies. Talk to a doctor and reconsider before using any herbal supplements or trying any other type of experimental remedy. Instead, use safe, medically-proven treatments to address your neck and back pain, like heat and cold therapy or regular stretching and exercise.[23]
- If your pain is very severe, your doctor may be able to prescribe more intense painkillers. Physical therapy or surgery may also be an option for more extreme cases.
[Edit]Seeking Medical Care - Go to the doctor immediately if you've injured your back or neck. If you hurt your back during a fall, car accident, or sporting event, see your doctor immediately to have your injury evaluated. They'll make sure you don't have a broken bone or more serious damage. Then, they'll help you create a treatment plan to help you feel better.[24]
- Don't try to treat an injury on your own. It's possible that some injuries can get worse if you don't get proper care.
- See your doctor if you have numbness, tingling, or severe pain. Try not to worry if you feel any severe symptoms, as it's possible that you have a pinched nerve. Visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis so you can treat your symptoms.[25]
- Tell your doctor how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and what you think caused them.
- Get immediate medical treatment if you have serious symptoms. While you don't need to worry, severe symptoms may be a sign that something is wrong. It's best to get checked out by your doctor to make sure you're okay. You may need additional treatment to help you recover. Go to the emergency room or get a same day doctor's appointment if you have trouble urinating, feel numbness in your legs, have a fever, feel weak, or experience other severe symptoms.[26]
- Visit your doctor if your pain doesn't improve in 1 week. In most cases, your back and neck pain will improve in a few days with self care. If it persists or worsens, see your doctor to find out why. They can diagnose the cause of your back pain and help you find a treatment that helps.[27]
- Tell your doctor about the symptoms you've been experiencing, how long they've lasted, and what you think caused them. Additionally, discuss the treatments you've already tried.
- Ask your doctor if anti-inflammatory or relaxant drugs are right for you.[28]
- Keep your glasses prescription up-to-date, if you can. If your glasses are too weak, you may lean forward a lot and strain your neck.[29]
- If you sit at a desk or computer a lot, use a chair that supports your neck and back.[30]
- Consult a doctor or therapist and see if meditation is good option for your back and neck pain.[31]
- Quit or cut back on smoking, which can cause some back pain over time.[32]
- Lie in bed for a few hours if your pain is severe.[33]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Get Rid of Spiders in the House Posted: 13 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT Most spiders prefer living outdoors, but all too often, you may run across a few spiders that have found their way indoors in search of food or shelter. Getting rid of these pests is most easily accomplished by keeping them out, but after they get inside, there are a variety of proven and unproven remedies you can use to scare them off or kill them. This wikiHow will offer a few common pest control methods to use against spiders the next time they infest your house. [Edit]Keep Spiders Out Of Your Home - Seal up your home. Patch up cracks and holes leading from the outside in to prevent spiders from finding their way indoors.[1]
- Use caulk to fill in large gaps of space in closed doors and windows. Also apply caulk around wires, cables, faucets, and electrical components, since all of these must run to the outside.
- Replace or fix torn window screens. Spiders can easily find their way in through even the smallest holes.
- Cover your vents and chimney with fine mesh insect screens.
- Keep your outdoor lights off. While outdoor lights will not attract spiders, they will attract other pests that can serve as appetizing food sources for spiders.
- On a similar note, block indoor lights from shining through your windows by using opaque blinds or shades.
- Consider switching to yellow sodium vapor lights. These are less appealing to insects and less likely to draw in a food source for your spiders.[2]
- Remove vegetation away from the perimeter of your house. If you have a serious spider problem, consider transplanting shrubs, trees, ivy, and other plants from the perimeter of your house to the opposite side of the yard.
- Vegetation attracts spiders because it serves as an ample hiding spot. When spiders need to seek out warmth or new food sources, they crawl from the vegetation toward your home, getting in through cracks.
- You should also remove mulch, stones, leaves, or other debris near your home.
- Keep a tidy house. Clean homes give spiders fewer places to hide out in, making them less likely to stay even if they do slip inside.
- Do not leave leftover food lying around. Food crumbs will attract other pests like ants, which, in turn, will attract spiders.
- Regularly sweep and vacuum your floors. Wipe down your counters and tables, and avoid letting your dirty dishes sit out for more than a few hours.
- Pick up as much clutter as possible. Old newspapers and piles of dirty clothes make the ideal hiding place for spider species that thrive in darkness.
- Use plastic storage containers. Airtight plastic containers are difficult for spiders to crawl into, but cardboard boxes are fairly easy.
[Edit]Verified Pest Control Methods - Vacuum spiders and spider webs. One of the simplest methods for getting rid of spiders is vacuuming up egg sacs and webs as you run across them.
- This method works best when trying to get rid of a few spiders. It may not be very efficient if you have a large spider population living in your home, however.
- You can also use a broom to sweep away webs.
- Rather than killing spiders, you should transport them outside if possible. Spiders are a species that is very beneficial to humans, and they're rather noble once you understand them.
- Web-building spiders that spend most of their time along the ceiling are not likely to fall victim to the glue trap, but these are very effective against ground-dwelling spiders like jumping spiders and house spiders.
- Keep the trap flat to prevent it from curling up into itself.
- Discard the trap as soon as you collect a few spiders on it.
- Note that this is ineffective against spider eggs and webs, so you will likely need to use this method in conjunction with other techniques.
- Apply a residual insecticide.[3] Spiders are attracted to places where there are other bugs for them to hunt, so you should apply a residual pesticides to get rid of those bugs.[4] Look for a pesticide that is safe to use indoors, and then spray it around your home. Make sure to apply the insecticide in corners and and other hard-to-reach places, which is where bugs will likely be found.
- Carefully follow the instructions marked on the label to prevent the accidental poisoning of yourself, a family member, or a pet.
- Understand the limit of residual insecticides. These poisons only work if spiders drag themselves through the chemical after it is sprayed. If a spider manages to avoid the spray, the insecticide will have no effect on it.
- Call a professional exterminator. If you have a large spider infestation and measures you take yourself are unable to control the problem, a professional might be able to apply a stronger chemical pesticide.
- Be aware that some professional pesticides are so strong that you will need to vacate the premises for several days while the effect dies down.
- In general, the repellents or transporting a spider are better options for everyone than squishing the little bugger. If you can handle it, picking up a spider and moving it to your porch with a paper towel or jar will save you from meeting a few bugs.
[Edit]Folk Remedies - Deter spiders with horse chestnuts.[5] Place a few horse chestnuts in each corner of the house and in any area of the house where you frequently run across spiders.
- Chestnuts, walnuts, and the fruit of the Osage orange tree are thought to have the same effect.
- Little is known about why this treatment repels spiders, and there is no scientific evidence or explanation backing the solution.
- Some speculate that horse chestnuts have some form of noxious chemical that repels spiders based on scent. To this end, consider poking holes in the chestnut or splitting it in half to release the odor.
- Spray your house down with peppermint oil. Fill a standard spray bottle with water and mix in 15 to 20 drops of peppermint oil. Spray down all the cracks and corners of your house.
- The idea is that spiders cannot tolerate the smell of peppermint oil and will run away in the opposite direction when they detect it. As a result, it is most effective when applied to possible entrances to the home.
- For a more potent effect, you can dab undiluted peppermint oil onto a cotton ball and stuff the cotton ball into cracks or other possible hiding places.
- Try eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil if you have a thing against peppermint. They reportedly have the same effect as peppermint oil and can be used in the same way.
- Spread diatomaceous earth around.[6] Scatter a fine layer of this powder around cracks, corners, windows, and basements. Spread it anywhere and everywhere you expect a spider to be.
- This powder is made from naturally-formed fossils of a water creature known as the diatom. It is safe for both people and pets.
- When a spider crosses over the diatomaceous earth, its exterior gets cut up, causing bodily fluids to leak out. The spider eventually dries out and dies as a result.
- You can also protect your home and prevent spiders from crawling in by spreading diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your house.
- Attack spiders with vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply it to any area in which spiders gather and spray it directly on any spider you see.
- Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is thought to burn and kill spiders upon contact.
- You can also place small dishes of vinegar in dark corners to ward away spiders. The odor alone may be enough to repel them.
- in winter, spiders are more likely to invade your home, so in winter clean your house very well once or twice a week.
- Fill a spray bottle with peppermint essential oil and spray it all around your home.
- Eucalyptus branches from a craft store, the really aromatic ones placed under furniture really help repel spiders & other pests.
- If you don't want to use vinegar, lemon and eucalyptus scents can also help with a spider problem.
- If you love animals, consider getting a cat. Cats are hunters by nature, and many domestic felines turn their instincts on small vermin, insects, and spiders that find their way indoors. Note that this is not a wise move if you are dealing with highly poisonous spiders, though.
- Spiders hate tobacco and lemon, so if situations are getting worse, you can sprinkle tobacco soaked in water or lemon juice to keep them away.
- Keep a pet frog. Most spiders are vulnerable to frogs. The frog will eat the spiders and also the insects that can attract spiders to come.
- Remember that spiders, although scary, are actually quite docile and as long as you do not disturb them, they will not disturb you.
- You can also use baking soda. Sprinkle some into corners, on window sills, on carpets, etc., and vacuum it up after letting it sit overnight.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Caulk
- Insect screens
- Sodium vapor lights
- Vacuum cleaner
- Glue traps
- Residual insecticide
- Horse chestnuts
- Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or tea tree oil
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Vinegar
- Diatomaceous earth
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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