| How to Display Embroidery Hoops Posted: 02 Oct 2020 01:00 AM PDT Embroidery hoop art involves a lot of effort and creativity, so you should put your hard work on display! Unlike other types of creative hobbies, hand embroidery designs are easy to display within their hoops, and don't need a lot of bells and whistles, like glass, to be admired. Before you can put your hoop on display, you first need to "finish" the embroidery, or tuck all the extra fabric within the hoop so your project looks really polished and nice. Once you've done this, you have a whole array of display options to choose from! [Edit]Finishing the Hoop - Lay your project face-down on your work surface. Find a clean, flat area where you can finish up your embroidery project. Flip your project over, so the actual embroidery is face-down while the back of the wooden embroidery hoop is face-up.[1]
- Sew a loose running stitch along the outside of the hoop. Thread a needle with a length of embroidery thread. Focusing on the excess fabric, weave the thread in and out of the fabric to create a line of loose stitches going around the outside of the hoop. At the beginning and end of this stitched loop, you'll have 2 extra "tails" thread dangling from the bottom of your embroidery project.[2]
- This stitching should look like a big circle.
- You don't need to do any fancy stitching for this—very simple stitches will suffice.
- Cut the extra fabric off the wooden hoop so there's only left. Snip off the excess fabric from around your hoop, leaving about margin of fabric outside of your stitching. Toss out any of the leftover fabric that you've trimmed away from the hoop.[3]
- Tug on the loose thread tails to pull the stitched fabric into the hoop. Grab both sections of leftover thread that are sticking out along the bottom of the hoop. Pull on them firmly, which will cause the leftover fabric to tighten and be pulled into the hoop itself. Continue tugging on these threads until the fabric cannot tighten anymore.[4]
- The fabric will look ruffled once it's pulled into the hoop.
- Tie the loose threads together in a single knot to secure the fabric. Knot the leftover tails that you just used to pull in the extra fabric. Once they're tied, leave them in the center of the embroidery hoop.[5]
- Trace and cut out a circular piece of fabric to cover the back. Place a piece of wool or felt on top of your embroidery hoop. Trace along the circular edge with a fabric marker, then cut out the circle.[6]
- You'll be using this to "back" your embroidery hoop, so it'll be ready to go on display.
- Glue the trimmed fabric down so it stays in place. Place a few dots of hot glue beneath the fabric ruffles, so they stay put behind the embroidery hoop. Wait several seconds for the glue to dry before you move your hoop around anywhere.[7]
- Secure the felt circle to the back with glue. Drizzle a ring of hot glue along the perimeter of your fabric circle. Lightly press this felt onto the back of the hoop, which will cover the leftover fabric. Give the glue several seconds to dry completely before you display the hoop.[8]
- You can also stitch this circle to the back of your hoop, but this may take a bit more time.
[Edit]Hanging Wall Displays - Attach a hanging loop near the screw on top of the hoop. Drape a loop of string along the top screw of your embroidery hoop. Hang this loop over any type of nail or wall hook, so you can display your embroidery wherever you'd like. To hide the screw and hanging loop, glue a nice bow to the top of your hoop as an extra decoration.[9]
- Try using mounting blocks for a nail-free solution. Grab a pack of mounting blocks, or small squares with a sticky adhesive that go directly on your wall. Stick 2 mounting blocks on top of one another to create a really thick "hook," then drape the top of the hoop over the mounting block.[10]
- This will work best if your hoop doesn't have a fabric backing on it.
- Hang up your embroidery hoop in a custom frame. Search online for specialty frames designed specifically for embroidery hoops, or other related products. Arrange and secure your hoop in this frame before placing it on the wall.[11]
- These types of frames are pretty inexpensive. You can find them on different crafting websites, like Etsy.
- Display your embroidery hoops in a group on a gallery wall. If you create a lot of embroidery designs, it might be worth displaying them in a group together! Look for an area in your home where you have a lot of open wall space, and display your hoops there! You don't need a special design or pattern in mind as you hang them up—all of your hoops together will create a really fresh, eclectic look.[12]
[Edit]Creative Display Options - Prop your hoop on a shelf as a simple decoration. Embroidery hoops have a lot of structure on their own, and don't need a lot of bells and whistles to be put on display. Look for any open areas on a bookshelf, hutch, or mantel, and see if you can prop your hoop up there.[13]
- For instance, you can prop up an embroidery hoop on a piece of furniture in your dining room as a simple decoration.
- Drape the hoop over a doorknob. Attach a hanging loop or other type of sting to the top screw on your embroidery hoop. Place this hoop over your doorknob, so you can keep it on display in a subtle, creative way.[14]
- Place your hoop on a small craft easel as a cute display option. Visit your local craft store and pick up a tiny, decorative wooden easel. Keep this easel on a shelf, or another piece of furniture where it can be displayed prominently.[15]
- Display your small hoops as Christmas tree ornaments. If you made an embroidery design on a small hoop, think about repurposing it as a Christmas ornament! Attach an ornament hanger to the top screw along your embroidery hoop, then dangle it from a tree branch.[16]
- You can always cater your future embroidery designs to a holiday theme if you plan on doing this.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Finishing the Hoop - Embroidery thread
- Sewing needle
- Fabric scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
[Edit]Different Display Options - Bow (optional)
- Hanging loop (optional)
- Mounting squares (optional)
- Custom frame (optional)
- Spruce up the side of your hoop with some fun ribbon, or other small decorations![17]
[Edit]References |
| How to Cook Stuffed Clams Posted: 01 Oct 2020 05:00 PM PDT Stuffed clams make a delicious seafood dish, and you might think they're hard to cook. However, while they seem fancy, stuffed clams are very easy to make yourself! All you need are some clams, breadcrumbs, and whatever seasonings you want to add. After a little bit of prep work and baking, you can serve your very own gourmet-looking stuffed clams. [Edit]Ingredients - 16-24 little neck clams
- 1 cup (237 ml) of white wine
- 2 tbsp (7.2 g) of chopped parsley
- 1 tsp (1 g) of chopped dill
- 1 tsp (1 g) of thyme
- 1/2 tsp (1/2 g) of rosemary
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red and white onion
[Edit]Cleaning the Clams - Buy fresh, live clams from a fish market. Look for clams that are tightly-closed and don't have a strong fishy smell. This means that they're still alive and fresh. You could also ask a worker when the clams were caught and delivered, which should be the same day or the previous day for maximum freshness.[1]
- Don't buy any clams that are already open or cracked. These might be dead and could be spoiled.
- This recipe uses 16 clams, but you can get as many as you want and adjust the recipe.
- Store the clams in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook them. Clams spoil quickly in warm temperatures, so refrigerate them right away when you get home. Keep them in the refrigerator or on ice until you're just about to clean and cook them.[2]
- Clams only last about 1-2 days after you buy them, even in the refrigerator, so cook them as soon as possible.[3]
- Soak the clams in water for 20 minutes to remove any sand. Clams are full of sand and saltwater, and you definitely don't want to be eating all of that. Fill a pot or bucket with cold water and soak the clams for 20 minutes to make them expel sand.[4]
- Don't add salt to the water. This way, the clams will expel saltwater and sand while taking in freshwater.
- Be careful not to disturb the water too much when you pick up the clams. There will be sand at the bottom of the pot, and if you kick that up, you'll get the clams dirty again.
- Rinse and scrub the clams to get rid of any leftover dirt. Hold each clam under running water and give them a good scrub with a clean, firm brush. This should get rid of any leftover sand or dirt so it doesn't end up in your dinner! After you scrub the clams, transfer them to a plate or bowl and keep them close by.[5]
- You don't have to use soap to clean the clams. The boiling water should get rid of any germs.
[Edit]Steaming the Clams - Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil in a large pot. Turn the heat to medium-high, then pour in oil. Heat the oil until it starts bubbling a bit.[6]
- You can also add minced garlic and butter for more flavor.
- Saute 1 chopped red onion in the hot oil. Roughly chop the onion ahead of time and stir it into the pot. Cook the onion pieces until they soften and turn translucent, which is usually about 5 minutes.[7]
- If you prefer, you can also steam the clams with just water. This won't be as flavorful, but it works just fine and takes less time to prep.
- Add 1 cup (237 ml) of white wine and bring it to a simmer. Pour the wine into the pot and heat it until it simmers. When it starts bubbling, then it's ready. This gives the clams some extra flavoring.[8]
- Be careful not to splash when you're pouring everything into the pot. You could get burned.
- Add the clams to the pot and let them steam for 5-7 minutes. After the wine simmers, add the clams to the pot and stir everything together. Cover the pot and let the clams simmer. When they're cooked, the shells will open up. Steam the clams until all of them open.[9]
- 1 or 2 clams may not open, meaning they were dead when you put them in the pot. This is normal and there are a few in every batch, so if all the other clams have opened, then the clams are done. Get rid of the unopened ones.
- Remove the clams from the pot and let them cool off. When the clams are open, turn off the heat. Scoop each clam out with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a baking sheet. Let them cool off until you can touch them without getting burned.[10]
- Remember to get rid of any clams that didn't open.
- Keep the broth from the pot to use in the clam stuffing.
- Separate the clam shells by pulling them apart. When the clams are cool enough to handle, grab each one near the front opening. Pull the 2 pieces of the shell apart until they separate completely. You might need to twist the shells a little bit to pull them apart. Repeat this for each clam.[11]
- This recipe only uses 1 side of each clam shell, so you can get rid of the other half of the shells.
- Slice up the clam meat and put it in 1 side of each shell. Pull the meat out of each clam shell and put it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife and slice each piece into roughly sections. Then lay the clam shells face-up. Scoop up the sliced meat and put it back into each shell. Press the meat down with a spoon so none falls out.[12]
- Keep the pieces from each individual clam separate so you can put the right amount back into each shell.
- If you prefer the clam pieces smaller, then mince them up into tiny pieces.[13]
- You could also keep the clam meat whole and leave it in the shell. This is a slightly different recipe that's just as delicious, and it's a little less prep work.
- If you want meatier stuffed clams, you could also mix in some minced clam meat to make the meal more filling.[14]
- If you're preparing the clams ahead of time, you can prep them up to this point and save them for up to a day in the refrigerator before cooking.
[Edit]Making Delicious Stuffing - Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil in a frying pan. Turn the heat to medium, then pour in the olive oil. Heat the oil until it bubbles slightly.[15]
- For more flavor, you can also use 1 stick of butter instead of oil to cook the onions and garlic. This will give you a saltier, creamier taste.[16]
- Saute garlic and chopped onion in a pan for 5 minutes. Chop up 1/2 of a medium white onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Then add them to the pan with the oil. Stir frequently until the onions sizzle and turn translucent, about 5 minutes, then turn the heat off.[17]
- Stir in breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings. Pour 1 cup (125 g) of breadcrumbs into the pan and stir it in. Then you have a lot of choices for seasonings and flavorings to add. For a classic recipe, try adding 2 tbsp (7.2 g) of chopped parsley, 1 tsp (1 g) of chopped dill, 1 tsp (1 g) of thyme, 1/2 tsp (1/2 g) of rosemary, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well so all the ingredients are distributed evenly.[18]
- Feel free to add more or less of each ingredient if you want to.
- There are a lot of variations for which flavorings to use for stuffed clams. You can add some Parmesan cheese, crab meat, or red pepper flakes to the stuffing as well.
- For a bonus, try adding some chopped bacon or pancetta to the stuffing too.
- Moisten the stuffing with clam broth. Run the broth that you cooked the clams in through a strainer to get rid of any sand. Then slowly pour the broth into the stuffing, one spoonful at a time. Just moisten the top of the stuffing with the clam juice to give the stuffing a nice clam flavor, then stir it all together.[19]
- If you made the clams ahead of time, strain out some of the broth and save it for the stuffing.
- Fill each clam shell with a scoop of the stuffing. Scoop out the stuffing in a spoon and press it into each clam shell, covering the meat. Smooth out the top of the stuffing with the back of the spoon for a nice presentation. Stuff each shell evenly.[20]
[Edit]Baking and Serving the Clams - Preheat the oven at . Set the oven to so you don't burn the clams. Then wait 10-15 minutes for the oven to preheat.[21]
- If you're cooking everything at once, start the oven before making the stuffing so it's nice and hot when you're ready to bake.
- Bake the clams for 25-30 minutes. Arrange the shells evenly on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. The clams should take about 25-30 minutes to cook. Remove the clams when the stuffing turns a nice golden brown color.[22]
- Check on the clams every few minutes to keep an eye on them. Take them out if the stuffing is getting dark. When the stuffing turns black, then the clams are burning.
- Broil the clams for 1-2 minutes if you want crunchier stuffing. If you prefer a little crisp in your stuffing, then the broiler is just what you need. When the clams are done baking, put them under the broiler for another 1-2 minutes. This should crisp up the stuffing with a nice finish.[23]
- Remember to keep an eye on the clams to make sure they don't start burning.
- Garnish the clams with lemon and parsley before serving them. Once the clams are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool. Before serving, you can sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley over them and squeeze on some fresh lemon juice for extra flavor. Then enjoy![24]
- If you have leftovers, baked clams can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator if they're in an airtight container.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Pot
- Frying pan
- Oven
- Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- There are tons of different recipes for the clam stuffing, so don't be afraid to experiment! Add different spices and flavorings if you want to branch out.
- Baked clams go great as a side dish in a seafood meal, or with pasta for an Italian twist.
[Edit]References |
| How to Do Office Yoga Posted: 01 Oct 2020 09:00 AM PDT Have you ever gotten done with a long day at work and felt completely drained? You may not realize it, but work stress and sitting at a desk all day takes a toll on your body. If you start feeling tired and sore while you're on the clock, you can luckily do some simple yoga stretches right in your office! While you can't get into all of the complex poses from a yoga class, you can still perform a lot of them without getting out of your chair. Even if you only have a few free minutes, you can use them to rejuvenate your work day! [Edit]Neck and Shoulder Relief - Tilt your head so it touches your shoulder if your neck feels tight. You might feel neck strain if you're slouching or tensing your shoulders throughout the day. Sit up straight so your back isn't touching your chair. Keep your head directly above your spine and your shoulders relaxed. Slowly tilt your head to the left so your ear touches your shoulder. Hold the position for 5 counts before returning to the starting position. Then tilt your head to the right and hold it for another 5 counts.[1]
- If you want a deeper stretch, gently push your head further down with your hand.
- You may also feel relief if you massage your neck lightly as you stop stretching.
- Do neck circles when you're feeling stiff. If your neck still aches, you may need to try this deeper stretch. Lower your head and tuck your chin against your chest. Slowly roll your head to the right so your ear touches your right shoulder. Bring your head back until your chin points up to the ceiling. Roll your head onto your left shoulder and back down to your chest to finish the circle. Then do a full circle moving your head in the opposite direction.[2]
- If you feel any pain while doing neck circles, stop immediately so you don't strain or hurt yourself.
- Roll your shoulders if they're tense. Make sure you sit up so your back is off of the chair. Lift your shoulders up as high as you comfortably can and hold them there. Slowly push your shoulders back and lower them back down in a circular motion. Do 4–5 shoulder rolls going backward. After that, reverse the direction so you move your shoulders back before lifting them up.[3]
- This stretch can also improve your circulation near your shoulder joints.
- Bend at the hips and reach out in front of you to loosen your shoulders. Stand up and move your chair to the side so you have some more room. Put your palms flat on your desk and walk backward until your arms are fully extended. Keep your back straight and bend 90 degrees at the hips. Press down on the table and push your hips back for 5–10 counts before you relax again. [4]
- Try to keep your legs straight during this pose, but don't worry if you need to bend your knees a little bit.[5]
[Edit]Upper Body Stretches - Try a cat-cow stretch when you want to improve your posture. If you're looking for something that's discrete and easy to do while sitting down, this is the stretch for you. Sit at the edge of your chair with your legs shoulder-width apart. Put your hands on your thighs and slowly inhale as you arch your back. Tilt your head back as you do this. When you exhale, round out your spine by dropping your chin closer to your chest. Go through 4–5 breaths to feel relief throughout your back.[6]
- This pose can also help your circulation.[7]
- Avoid jutting your chin forward when you're arching your back since you could compress your neck vertebra.
- For a variation on this, lean forward with your elbows on your thighs. Relax your body as you lean forward—you can even deepen the stretch by reaching your hands down to touch the floor or resting your hands on your ankles.[8]
- Twist to the side while you're sitting down if your upper back feels stiff. Sit on the front of your chair and inhale as you lengthen your spine. When you exhale, turn either to the left or the right side. If you need to, you can hold onto your table, desk, or the side of your chair to gently twist out to one side. You can rotate your head to gaze back as well. Hold this for about 5 breaths, then come back to the middle before repeating for the other side.[9]
- If you're sitting in a rolling chair, hold onto your desk or lock the wheels while performing this stretch.
- Try doing this about once every hour to keep tension from building up in your body.[10]
- You can also stretch your sides by leaning sideways over first one arm of the chair, then the other. As you lean to one side, reach the opposite hand over your head. Hold this for 4-5 breaths.[11]
- Lace your fingers behind your back and raise your arms to open your chest. You can do this stretch whether you're sitting or standing. Scoot to the front edge of your chair and lean forward slightly so there's enough room to fully extend your arms behind you. Reach behind your lower back and lace your fingers together. Keep your arms straight as you lift your hands up. Raise them as high as you comfortably can and hold the position for 10–15 breaths. Slowly ease out of the pose when you're finished.[12]
- Try leaning forward slightly so you can feel the stretch deeper in your chest.
- Extend your arm and pull your hand back to help your wrist flexibility. Working at a computer all day really strains your wrists and can cause a bit of pain. When you feel your wrist getting tight, extend your arm straight out in front of you with your palm face-up. Grab the tips of your fingers with your other hand and gently pull them back toward your body for 5 counts. Then, turn your palm face-down and push down on the back of your hand for another 5 counts. Switch arms so both your wrists stay loose.[13]
- You can do this stretch seated or standing.
- Perform the reverse prayer pose to loosen up your hands and wrists. Sit on the edge of your chair so you have room to do the pose. Reach your hands behind your lower back and keep your elbows bent. Turn your hands so your fingers point up and press your palms together. Try to scoot your hands as far up your back as you can. Take a few 4–5 breaths and relax on your final exhale.[14]
- This pose requires a bit of flexibility, so you might not be able to perform it at first. Keep working on it and eventually you'll be able to press your palms together.
[Edit]Lower Body Exercises - Lift your knees up to release tension in your hips. Sit up straight with your back slightly off of the chair and your feet shoulder-width apart. Grab the crook of your knee with both hands and pull it straight up as high as you comfortably can. Make sure you keep your back relaxed so you feel the stretch in your hips. Hold the position while you inhale and slowly lower it back down as you exhale. Then repeat the stretch with your other leg.[15]
- This stretch might also help with your digestion.
- Do hip openers if you want to stretch your glutes. Sit at the edge of your seat so your legs are shoulder-width apart. Lift up your right foot and rest your ankle on your left knee. Gently lean forward at the hips to help loosen up your glutes. Hold the pose for 5 counts and relax when you exhale. Then do the same stretch with your left leg.[16]
- It's normal if the leg you dominantly use is more flexible than the other. Your dominant leg is usually on the same side of your body as your dominant hand.
- Try the seahorse pose for a deep stretch through your torso and legs. Sit near the right corner of your seat or sideways on your chair if it doesn't have any arms. Keep your left foot firmly planted on the ground in front of you. Bend your right leg back so your knee drops down and the top of your foot touches the floor. Bend backward at the hips and hold the position for 1–2 counts. Then switch legs so you stretch them evenly.[17]
- Hold onto your chair or a sturdy object while doing this stretch so you don't fall.
- Put your foot on your chair and lean forward to stretch your legs. If you have room in your office, lift your foot onto your seat and straighten your leg. Bend forward at the hips until you feel the stretch running down your legs all the way to your foot. Stay in your pose for 3 counts before resting. Then stretch your other leg the same way.[18]
- This stretch really helps circulation in your legs so you don't develop varicose veins or swelling.
- Try side bends when you're feeling tight around your waist. You can do side bends sitting, but they work best if you're standing. Step forward with your left foot and keep your toes slightly pointed out. As you inhale, raise your right arm above your head. When you exhale, slowly bend to the left at your hips. Keep your core activated so you don't arch your lower back. Hold the position for 3 counts before stretching on the right side.[19]
- This pose can strengthen your core muscles and improve your balance.
- Even just practicing deep breathing meditation can help you refocus throughout the day. Close your eyes when you're feeling stressed at work. Inhale for 5 seconds and exhale for 7 seconds for 10 breaths.[20]
- Ask your coworkers if they want to set aside time to practice yoga together.
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful stretching in your chair if it has wheels. Either lock the wheels or hold onto your desk so you don't roll away.[21]
- If you're working in an office with other people, make sure you're not disrupting your coworkers while you're stretching. Try some more discrete poses or find a different time to do yoga.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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