How to Sew an Apron Posted: 08 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PST Aprons are essential for keeping your clothes clean while working in the kitchen or doing housework, but they can be expensive! Making your own apron is easy as long as you have some basic sewing skills and a sewing machine. Buy, download, or create a pattern, choose the fabric you want to use, and get started! [Edit]Cutting Your Fabric - Choose a heavyweight fabric, such as canvas or laminated cotton. Aprons are usually made from a durable, washable fabric. Opt for natural material, such as cotton, but make sure to choose a fabric that is heavy enough to protect your clothing from any food or grease that may splatter onto it.[1]
- Buy, download, or create a pattern for the apron body. Purchase an apron pattern in a craft supply store. If you don't want to buy a pattern, find a free apron pattern online to download and print. To create a pattern, fold an apron in half lengthwise and place it on top of a large piece of paper. Then, trace around the outside of the apron to create a pattern for the body of the apron. Add an additional around the non-fold adjacent edges of the apron body for seam allowance.[2]
- Measure the straps and draw them on the pattern paper. Measure the length and width of the strap that goes around the neck. Do the same for the ties at the waist of the apron. Then, draw a rectangle that is twice the width and half the length of each of the straps plus to both measurements for seam allowance. Make a separate pattern for the neck strap and the waist straps.[3]
- For example, if the waist straps on the apron that you are using as your example are , then your rectangle would need to be plus seam allowance, so .
- Only make 1 waist strap pattern and cut it out 2 times to get 2 waist tie pieces.
- Fold your fabric in half and pin the pattern pieces on the fabric. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and smooth it out to make sure that there are no lumps or bumps. Place the body pattern piece so that the long straight edge is against the fold. Place the strap pieces so that 1 of the short ends is on the fold. Insert pins through the pattern piece and fabric. Place 1 pin every going all the way around the edges.[4]
- Pinning your pattern on the fold saves you the trouble of cutting out 2 pieces for each part of the apron and sewing them together again.
- Cut along the edges of the paper pattern pieces. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut out the fabric pieces for your apron. Do not cut along the fold! Cut out 1 body piece, 2 waist straps, and 1 neck strap. Cut out 2 waist strap pieces using the waist pattern piece you made.[5]
- Make sure to use a pair of sharp fabric scissors to cut out your pieces and be careful not to create any jagged edges as you cut.
[Edit]Hemming the Apron Pieces - Fold the strap pieces in half lengthwise with the right (front) sides facing. Open up one of the strap pieces to its full length. Then, fold the piece in half lengthwise to line up the raw edges on the long sides of the strap pieces. Make sure that the right (front or print) sides of the fabric are facing each other and only the wrong (back or non-print) sides are visible. Place a pin every to secure the folded fabric.[6]
- Repeat this for each of the strap pieces.
- Sew along the raw edges of the straps leaving a opening. Set your sewing machine to the straight stitch setting and begin sewing along the edges of one of the straps. Position the needle so that it is from the raw edges of the fabric. When you reach the center of the long edge, stop sewing and cut the thread. Then, resume sewing about from this position.[7]
- This opening is required to invert the strap fabric through, so make sure that you include it!
- Remove the pins as you sew! Otherwise, you may damage your sewing machine.
- Invert the straps and push out the corners. Use your fingers to turn the strap right-side out. Then, take the pencil that you used to draw the pattern. Push the pencil eraser-first into the opening you left and push it into the corners of the straps.[8]
- Repeat this for the other 2 straps.
- The back end of a chopstick or the back of a capped pen will also work to push out the fabric at the corners.
- Sew the opening closed and hem the edges of the straps. After you have finished inverting the straps, tuck the fabric under along the opening so that it is hidden and even with the rest of the seam. Place a couple of pins through the fabric to hold the opening closed. Then, sew a straight stitch all the way around the edges of the straps. Keep the stitch about from the edges of the straps.[9]
- This will close the opening you left and tack down the edges of the strap for a nice, neat look.
- Hem the edges of the apron body. Fold over the fabric on the edges of the apron body piece by . Make sure to fold the fabric over to the wrong side so that the raw edge will be hidden on the back of the apron. Insert pins every along the edges to hold the fabric in place. Then, sew a straight stitch about from the fold to secure the hem.[10]
- Make sure that you remove the pins as you sew. Do not sew over them or you may damage your machine!
[Edit]Sewing the Apron Pieces Together - Pin the ends of the neck strap to the top edges of the apron. Place the end of the strap so that the right side will be facing out and then the seam will be hidden on the wrong side of the apron body. Make sure that the end of the strap overlaps the top edge of the apron by about . Position the end of each strap so that the outer edge of the strap is parallel to and even with the outer edge of the apron.[11]
- Place a couple of pins through the fabric to secure the strap ends in place.
- Sew a straight stitch in a square shape to secure the ends of the straps. Start sewing at the top most corner of the apron body to attach the first end of the neck strap. Position the needle so that it is about from the edge of the strap and apron body hem. Then, sew straight down by . Turn the fabric 90 degrees and sew across the bottom edge of the strap. Repeat to sew a complete square through the end of the strap and the corner of the apron.[12]
- Repeat this for the other end of the neck strap.
- Pin the ends of the apron ties to opposite edges of the apron body. Attach the waist straps so that they are horizontal and the long edge is parallel to the middle of the apron. Arrange the end of the strap with the right side facing out and the seam facing away from the front of the apron. Overlap the top edge of the apron by about . Position the end of each strap with the outer edge parallel to the outer edge of the apron.[13]
- Repeat for the other strap.
- You may want to slip the apron over your neck to locate your waist before you pin the straps in place.
- Sew in the shape of a square around the edges of each of the straps. Position the needle from the edge of the first waist strap and apron body hem. Then, sew a straight line over from your start point. Rotate the fabric 90 degrees and then sew a straight line down the bottom edge of the strap. Continue to rotate and sew until you have completed the square.[14]
- Repeat for the other waist strap on the opposite side.
- Cut the excess thread and try on your apron. After you have finished attaching your straps, cut the excess threads. Then, slip the neck strap over your head and try on your apron! Tie the waist straps behind your back to secure the apron.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - An old apron
- Paper
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- of heavy cotton fabric, such as laminated cotton or canvas
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Thread
[Edit]References |
How to Exfoliate Your Face Posted: 07 Mar 2021 04:00 PM PST If you dream of having softer, more even skin, you've probably thought about incorporating exfoliation into your routine. Exfoliation can smooth out rough skin and may even help some skin treatments work better![1] However, you have to use the right kind of exfoliation for your skin type to get the best results and avoid irritation.[2] It's best to consult with a dermatologist about how to exfoliate your face. Depending on your needs, there are a number of products and medical procedures you can try. [Edit]Using an Exfoliating Scrub at Home - Pull your hair back. If you have long hair, pull all of it away from your face and secure it with a hair tie. If you have bangs, you may need a headband or pins to hold them back away from your face as well.
- Some exfoliating products are gritty or gunky, so it's best to avoid getting them in your hair!
- Cleanse your face with your usual cleanser. You'll get the best results if you clean your skin before exfoliating it.[3] Splash on a little lukewarm water and apply your favorite cleanser with your fingertips, then rinse it away with more lukewarm water.[4]
- To prevent irritation, choose a gentle cleanser that's free of harsh ingredients like alcohol, perfumes, or dyes.
- Don't use hot water, since it can irritate and dry out your skin.
- Apply your exfoliant in circular motions with your fingertips. Whatever exfoliant you're using, have it ready to go. Maybe you decided to make a scrub at home, or maybe you've purchased a product at the store. Either way, apply the exfoliating paste to your clean, wet skin. Use your fingertips to gently rub the paste in circular motions over your entire face for about 30 seconds.[5]
- Using your fingertips is the safest way to apply a scrub without irritating your skin. If you use a sponge, brush, or washcloth, keep your strokes very short and light. Don't rub the exfoliant into your skin!
- Don't exfoliate if you have open cuts, wounds, a sunburn, or active cold sores.
- Rinse the scrub off of your face with lukewarm water. Wash off all the exfoliating paste with warm, not hot, water. Make sure you've removed all of the scrub, otherwise your face will be sticky or grainy from the leftover scrub.[6]
- You can use a clean, dry towel to gently blot away excess water, but leave your face a little damp to make your moisturizer more effective.[7]
- Smooth on a moisturizer with sunscreen. Right after you're done exfoliating, while your face is still damp, apply a bit of moisturizer. This will help prevent your skin from drying out, which can cause irritation, breakouts, or peeling.[8] Choose a moisturizer that's non-comedogenic (won't clog your pores) and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 to prevent sun damage.[9]
- Your skin may be extra sensitive after exfoliating. Choose a gentle moisturizer that's free of harsh ingredients, like alcohol, dyes, perfumes, or parabens.
- Experiment to find the ideal exfoliation schedule. Some skin care specialists advise exfoliating as often as once a day.[10] However, if your skin is dry, sensitive, or easily irritated—or if you're using particularly strong exfoliants—you may need to do it less often.[11] If you're not sure how often to exfoliate, ask your doctor or dermatologist.
- Exfoliating too often or too aggressively can be counter-productive, leaving you with damaged, rough, or inflamed skin.
[Edit]Choosing Exfoliating Products - Examine your skin for oil or dryness to determine your skin type. Everyone's skin is different, so it's important to get the best exfoliant for your needs. Look at your skin closely to determine whether you have oily skin, normal skin, or dry skin before buying an exfoliating product. Dry skin is often flaky or itchy, while oily skin can feel greasy or look shiny.[12]
- If your skin tends to have a greasy sheen or is prone to breakouts, especially in the "T-zone" around your nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin, then you probably have oily skin.
- If your skin is dry, flaky, or prone to redness and itching, you may have dry or sensitive skin.
- Many people have a combination of the 2 types in different areas, in which case you may need to use different products on different parts of your face.
- Choose products with gentle acids or benzoyl peroxide if your skin is oily or acne-prone. When you buy an exfoliant, check the label and look at the active ingredients to make sure it's formulated for your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a product that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.[13]
- These ingredients can help to improve and prevent breakouts. You can also apply an alpha-hydroxy-acid or lactic acid cleanser, which helps remove dead skin cells.
- Use a product with retinoic acid to balance out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.[14]
- If you are allergic to aspirin, you should not use any product containing salicylic acid.
- Try an electric exfoliating brush for thick, oily skin.[15] Brands like Clarisonic, Foreo, and Anisa have developed tools that can be used to remove the outer layer of dead or uneven skin from your face. These brushes use sonic frequency to remove dirt and debris from your face without irritating your skin.[16]
- Though not as effective as a professional microdermabrasion treatment, these tools are much less expensive. They're a great alternative to microdermabrasion if you have uneven skin that's not super dry or sensitive.
- It is important to clean your brush once a week since it comes into contact with the dirt, bacteria, and oils on your face whenever you use it. Check your owner's manual for instructions on how to clean your brush properly.
- Opt for gentle scrubs if you have sensitive or dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, you'll need to give it more delicate TLC to prevent irritation. Look for products that are labeled as suitable for sensitive skin. Choose a gentle scrub with mild, anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal, instead of harsh chemical exfoliants.[17] These products are good for dry or easily irritated skin, too.
- Avoid scrubs with plastic microbeads, which are harmful to the environment.[18]
[Edit]Trying Professional Services - Treat yourself to a spa facial. Make exfoliating your face part of a relaxing spa day. Spas offer many dermatological services during facials, from exfoliation to deep cleansing treatments. Every once in a while, enjoy a relaxing day of pampering.[19] While you're there, treat yourself to a massage, too!
- During a typical spa facial, your aesthetician will cleanse, massage, and moisturize your skin. They may also apply masks or gentle exfoliating treatments.[20]
- If you have any skin concerns, such as unusually dry or sensitive skin, talk to a dermatologist about which spa treatments may be safe and beneficial for you.
- If you want to get a more intensive exfoliating treatment, such as a chemical peel, consult your dermatologist first. It's usually best to get those kinds of treatments in a dermatologist's office.
- Get professional microdermabrasion for deeper exfoliation. Also referred to as mechanical exfoliation or micro-resurfacing, microdermabrasion uses a mechanical suction tube with an exfoliating tip to get rid of dead or dry layers of skin.[21] It cleans out pores and rejuvenates skin, though the process does need to be repeated every few weeks to maintain the positive effects. Talk to your dermatologist about whether this treatment is right for you.
- Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that is performed in-office by a dermatologist. On average, a microdermabrasion procedure costs around $136 in the U.S.[22]
- Depending on your needs and the condition of your skin, you might need treatments anywhere from once a week to once a month.[23]
- Don't do microdermabrasion if you scar easily or have used the medicine isotretinoin within the past 6 months. If you are on any type of acne medication, ask your dermatologist before getting any microdermabrasion treatments.
- Try a chemical peel as an alternative to microdermabrasion. If you do not have dry or sensitive skin, you may be a candidate for getting a chemical peel from a dermatologist every 4-6 weeks. Chemical peel solutions contain acids that help to remove dead skin, speed cell regeneration, or both.[24] The top layer of your skin will be red and irritated for a few days after a chemical peel, and then it will begin to heal itself and generate fresh, smooth skin.[25]
- On average, a chemical peel costs around $644 in the U.S. However, the price can vary a great deal depending on factors like the type of peel you're getting and the doctor's experience level.[26]
- Chemical peels can be done at light, medium, or deep levels depending on your desired results. Deeper peels take longer to heal.
- Your skin will probably look red for a little while after a chemical peel. Other less common risks include scarring, changes in skin color, and infection. The carbolic acid in deep chemical peels can also cause heart, kidney, or liver damage, so talk to your doctor before trying this treatment.
- Before you use a new product, especially if it's a chemical exfoliant, do a patch test to make sure that you don't have an allergic reaction. Choose a square on the inside of your wrist or your elbow. Dampen the area and apply the exfoliant. Wait for 24-48 hours. If you notice any reaction, such as itching, burning, a rash, redness, or hives, don't use the product on your face.[27]
- Over-the-counter products that contain retinol or alpha-hydroxy acid can both help exfoliate your skin by increasing cell turnover.[28]
- Be gentle with your skin and avoid using too many exfoliating products. Over-exfoliating can cause redness, irritation, and other skin problems.[29]
[Edit]Warnings - Be sure to consult with a dermatologist before exfoliating if you have a darker skin tone or if you scar easily. Using improper technique could result in skin color changes.[30]
- Some skin products can make your skin more sensitive or more likely to peel, like those with benzoyl peroxide or retinol.[31] Be careful exfoliating if you already use one of these products.
- If you have a mole or discolored spot on your skin that is growing or changing, see a doctor right away to get checked for skin cancer.[32]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Be Authentic on Instagram Posted: 07 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PST Portraying your authentic self on Instagram makes your experiences and interactions a lot more meaningful. Since Instagram is such a public platform, it's normal to want to show the best aspects of your life, but if that's all you post, your profile can end up feeling overly curated and dishonest. There are lots of ways to prevent that, though! We'll start with tricks that anyone can use to improve their authenticity on Instagram and then move into some specific tips for brands and influencers. [Edit]Create and share original content. - Original content that reflects who you are is peak authenticity. It's fine to share content created by other people occasionally (as long as you credit them), but if you want your true personality to shine through, the content needs to be created by you and reflect your real personality. Try to cultivate your own unique style, both aesthetically and through audience engagement.[1]
- Really think about your content before you post. Make it a point to use imagery and ideas that come from within each time.[2]
- For example, if you're an avid hiker, you might post images of scenic landscapes from your outings. Common themes might appear in your images because you're drawn to certain things, like unusual trees and plants. Go with what you're drawn to and build on that to create your own unique style.
[Edit]Use hashtags to attract like-minded followers. - Hashtags help you connect more quickly to your ideal audience. Using hashtags is one of the best and easiest ways to connect with people who are similar to you or who share your interests. Shared interests and passions create strong connections that feel communal and authentic.[3]
- For example, if you're into science fiction novels, try hashtags like "#sciencefiction," "#scifi," and "#scifiart."
[Edit]Engage with your followers on a real level. - Interaction shows others that you're a person not a product. Engagement takes time and effort, but that's how authentic connections are forged! To engage in a meaningful way, follow other people, comment and "like" their posts, and reply to thoughtful DMs and comments on your posts.[4]
- It's also important to show appreciation, especially as your audience gets bigger. Remember to thank them for their support regularly.[5]
[Edit]Limit your use of Photoshop and heavy filters. - Perfection isn't sincere or relatable. Social media always involves some level of curation, but you don't want your Instagram platform to feel like a performance. Cranking up the contrast or saturation can look cool, and using filters like FaceTune might make you feel more confident, but your followers can't relate to perfection. At the end of the day, perfection just isn't real or honest.[6]
- You don't need to completely avoid cool filters or Photoshop, but avoid using them in every single post.
[Edit]Post images that don't feel hyper-curated. - Showcasing only your best moments paints a fake portrait. The desire to portray your best self on social media is completely natural and understandable. However, if all you post are images are of you meeting cool people, doing cool things, or traveling to exotic places, you're curating the story of your life rather than honestly depicting it.[7]
- That doesn't mean you have to post images of you at your worst or reveal private aspects of your personal life that are embarrassing or humiliating. Just try to avoid treating Instagram like a highlight reel of your life.
- Pepper in occasional images of you acting goofy with your friends, doing silly things, and looking less-than-perfect to strike a balance between honesty and curation.[8]
[Edit]Post manually rather than using automated tools. - Going fully automated usually feels robotic, aloof, and callous. Automation tools can definitely help your brand meet marketing goals and complete more tasks every day, but overusing them breaks the human connection you have with your followers. That doesn't mean you can't ever use these convenient tools, but try to engage in a manual, organic way at least once a day.[9]
- Spending hours on social media every day simply isn't feasible. When you're busy, aim to comment, like, or respond to people a couple of times throughout the day. This won't take tons of time and goes a long way toward humanizing your brand.
[Edit]Maintain a consistent style as your brand grows. - Super-slick images and videos tend to feel like blatant advertising. It's normal to use more professional equipment as your brand grows, but don't overdo it. As an influencer, you want to present polished images to your audience, but going too far could alienate them. Try to maintain the same style and look that attracted your followers in the first place.[10]
- For example, upgrading to more professional camera equipment makes sense, but you probably don't need to invest in high-end stuff like drones.
- If you've always posted colorful and quirky images from your beach travel adventures, that's the style your audience expects from you. Be sure to maintain that as your brand develops! That doesn't mean you can't evolve or try new things, but if you suddenly start posting stark images of urban locales, your audience will be pretty confused.
- Ask your followers for their preferences and feedback. It's easy to get caught up in brand-building and forget that you're conversing with actual human beings, not just faceless followers or customers. Create a more personal atmosphere by asking your followers what you can do to improve both your brand and your content. Demonstrate that you care about their needs and want to provide the best product, service, or experience possible.[11]
- For example, if you do a weekly podcast, ask your followers if they prefer how-to episodes or episodes with guest interviews.
- If you're a radio DJ, ask your followers if they like your voice spots between songs, or if they'd rather have uninterrupted blocks of music.
[Edit]Cultivate relationships with brands that share your values. - Vet brands and/or individuals before partnering with them. Working with and cross-promoting brands that aren't on the same page as you devalues your brand and comes off as fake to your followers. Build relationships with brands/people that complement your own goals to create authentic connections in the public eye.[12]
- For example, if your brand values gender equality and you often emphasize creative women in your content, partnering with women in your industry who own and operate their own businesses would be advantageous and authentic.
- To cultivate relationships, start by researching hash tags in your niche to explore what your industry peers are doing. For example, if you're a zero-waste skin care brand that uses organic ingredients, check out other organic beauty brands and zero-waste packaging companies.
- DM brands that stand out or have a similar/complementary vibe to your own about possibly working together. You might suggest ideas like cross-promoting each other's products, teaming up to offer discount codes to customers, or collaborating on a joint product.
[Edit]Break up sponsored content with normal selfies and posts. - Posting non-stop sponsored content can be distracting or off-putting. Constant marketing makes people feel like you want one thing from them—their money. As an influencer, sponsored content is your bread and butter, but if you start focusing only on sponsored content and let your personality fall through the cracks, your followers might start hitting that "unfollow" button.[13]
[Edit]References |
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