| How to Hang a Hammock Chair Posted: 06 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT Hammock chairs are the ultimate invitation to take a breather, and they can be installed nearly anywhere in and around your home. With the right tools, you can create a hanging oasis outside from a tree branch, or in your own bedroom. Once you know how to properly set up your hammock chair, you'll be able to relax at home in style and comfort. EditHanging the Chair Outdoors - Pick a spot with at least of space from ground to hanging point. The most common spot will be a strong tree branch that can withstand significant weight (at least ). A hardwood tree with healthy horizontal branches will provide the best support. Be sure your location offers of vertical clearance.
- Oak or maple trees are great hardwood trees to use.
- Check branches for any splitting or weak and worn points near the trunk.
- You can use a tape measure to figure out the diameter of your tree branch. Between around should hold your hammock chair.
- Use a meter or yard stick to measure the distance between the ground and the tree branch. It won't be exact, but it'll give you a solid estimate.
- You can also hang your chair on an overhead beam in a gazebo or on your porch.
- Throw your rope over the branch or beam at least twice. Spread the rope on the branch to distribute weight. This prevents tension from settling at a single point, weakening that spot and increasing the risk of a break later.
- Make sure you have enough rope to accommodate height and the knots you'll tie. With a rope, you'll have plenty of slack for height adjustments, and you can cut off the excess.[1] However, you can probably get by with of rope.
- Thread the rope ends through the hammock hanging mechanism. Your hammock chair might already have a reinforced loop, either directly on the chair, or at the end of a long rope or cord connected to it. Hold the rope ends in one hand and use the other to grasp the hammock loop. Slide the loop up, keeping the rope taut.[2]
- The hammock loop should sit right under the branch or beam.
- Knot the rope below the branch or beam with two half-hitch knots. Wrap the rope line on your left behind the rope line on your right. This forms a small loop beneath the branch. Insert the left rope line through this loop. Pull tight on the left rope. Then repeat, passing the left rope behind the right, then pushing through the new loop created.[3]
- Pull the knots tight for a strong, tight hold. This ensures the hammock doesn't fall when used.
- Use more knots for added security.
- Test the weight of the chair gradually. Pull on the hammock chair; use plenty of force to test its strength. If it holds, add more weight, like a stack of hefty books or several hand weights. Try to put about on the chair. After that, try lightly sitting on it yourself - or have someone else try. Slowly ease onto the chair until you're fully seated. If it holds still, the chair is solid.[4]
EditInstalling the Chair Indoors - Choose an area with at least of vertical clearance and behind the chair. With of space from floor to ceiling, you'll ensure there's room for your chair to hang properly. The space behind the chair offers room for it to spin or sway.[5]
- You can measure your space with a meter or yard stick. A tape measure also works.
- Survey the area so the hammock chair isn't blocking or hitting anything nearby.
- Use rope for a classic way to hang your hammock chair. Rope is a popular choice, and with indoor use, it'll last a long time. Rope also offers a beachy aesthetic that adds to the relaxing feeling of the hammock chair.
- Rope requires secure knots. Failing to use them risks damage to your home and could cause injury to whoever is using the hammock chair.[6]If knots are tricky, chains might be a better choice.
- Use rope with a working load of at least to ensure it can hold enough weight.
- Use chains to hang your chair with security. Chains provide enhanced sturdiness for your chair. Depending on the style of the chair or your home, they might not be as nice to look at. But you'll know that chain won't fray or break easily.
- Pre-measure your rope or chain so you have enough to attain the desired height. At least of rope will be sufficient for most needs, but if in doubt, it's better to have more rope than less.
- Locate a ceiling joist with a stud finder. These tend to be installed apart, so once you've found one, you can easily find more should that initial location not work. Use a stud finder, then mark both sides of the joist to find the center where you'll drill.[7]
- You can also use a magnet to find the ceiling joist.[8]
- If you're hanging your hammock chair to exposed wooden beams, you can simply install your hooks to the center of the beam.[9]
- Use a power drill to drill a pilot hole for the eye screw. The drill bit should be smaller than the eye screw's width. The pilot hole should be roughly deep and placed at your center mark.
- You're in the right spot if you see wood shavings on the bit. That means you've hit solid wood.[10]
- Install the eye screw into the pilot hole. These screws should be long enough to twist at least into the ceiling joists. Insert the eye screw, then turn it clockwise until it's screwed in tightly. When it's inserted fully, you shouldn't see any visible threading on the screw.
- Ideally, the eye screw's ring should touch the ceiling.
- Use a screwdriver to help tighten, if needed.
- Assemble your hanging chair with an S-hook. Link an S-hook to the eye screw. Next, attach your rope to the S-hook, knotting firmly with two half-hitch knots. At the chair's attachment mechanism, knot again.[11]
- Chains can be hooked directly onto an S-hook, but you might need another hook or a locking carabiner at the chair's attachment.
- Hang your hammock chair by attaching rope directly to eye hooks. Loop your rope through the eye screw. Tie tightly with two or more half-hitch knots. Weave the other end of the rope through the chair's attachment and use another strong knot or two.
- Test the weight little by little. Pull firmly on the hammock chair. If it holds, add more weight, like a few heavy jugs or some thick books. Next, try lightly sitting on the chair yourself. Keep most of your weight on your legs as you squat over the chair, then slowly ease into the seat until you're fully supported by it.[12]
- Use a freestanding hammock chair stand. They're useful indoors and outdoors, and relatively simple to set up if you're having difficulty hanging your chair, or if you're unable or not allowed to do so. You can also move the stand, so there's no fussing with hardware or knots.
- If your hammock chair comes with a chair hanging kit, use it. It will include all the pieces needed to properly install and support your chair.
EditReferences
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| How to Make Blackberry Jam Posted: 06 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT With its sweet, rich flavor and appealing purple color, blackberry jam is a favorite to make and eat. Use wild, fresh, or thawed blackberries to make a classic jam that you cook on the stove with sugar, spice, and pectin. Or skip the cooking process to make a fresh-tasting jam that sets up in the freezer with the help of a little instant pectin. EditIngredients EditClassic Blackberry Jam - 9 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberries
- 4 cups (800 g) of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (4 g) of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 3-ounce (88.5 ml) packet of liquid pectin
Makes 6 8-ounce (226 g) jars EditNo-Cook Freezer Jam (Low-Sugar) - 8 cups (1.1 kg) of blackberries
- 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (54 g) of instant fruit pectin
Makes 6 8-ounce (226 g) jars EditClassic Blackberry Jam - Sterilize the storage jars. Since this recipe makes 6 8-ounce (226 g) jars, you'll need to boil or run 6 half-pint jars through the dishwasher. If you prefer, sterilize 3 pint jars instead. Sterilize the jars no more than 1 hour before filling them, so they stay warm.[1]
- If you plan on canning the jam, you'll also need to sterilize the bands and warm the lids.
- Mash 9 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberries. Put the blackberries into a large bowl and use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to crush them. Keep mashing until the berries release their juice. You should get about 6 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberry pulp.[2]
- If you're using wild or fresh blackberries, rinse them well before mashing them.
- You can leave the seeds in the mashed berries or push the pulp through a fine mesh strainer if you want seedless jam.
- Heat the blackberry pulp and sugar over medium heat. Scoop the blackberry pulp into a large, non-reactive pot, such as a nonstick, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron pot, and pour in 4 cups (800 g) of granulated sugar. Turn the burner to medium and stir to combine the mixture.[3]
- Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon. Add 2 teaspoons (4 g) of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of freshly grated nutmeg. Then zest 1 lemon and juice it. Stir the zest and juice into the pot with the spices and berry mixture.[4]
- Use an organic lemon since these aren't coated in wax and they aren't sprayed with pesticides.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the pectin. Turn the burner up to medium-high and heat the mixture until it begins to bubble. You'll need to stir it so it doesn't boil over the side of the pot. Then stir in a 3-ounce (88.5 ml) packet of liquid pectin until it's incorporated.
- The pectin will thicken the jam so it sets.
- Boil the jam for 5 minutes to activate the pectin. Keep the burner at medium-high heat so the jam begins to boil again. Stir frequently as the jam boils for 5 full minutes. It should begin to thicken as moisture evaporates from the pot.[5]
- To test if your jam will set, dip a large metal spoon into the jam and lift it back out. Turn the spoon to the side so the syrupy jam runs off. The mixture should bead together and slide off the spoon in a single sheet.
- Fill the jars with blackberry jam to eat or can. Carefully fill each of your sterilized jars with the hot blackberry jam. Leave of headspace at the top of the jar so the jam won't leak out of the jars if you plan on processing them. At this point, you can refrigerate the jam for up to 3 weeks or can them so you can store them for up to 1 year.[6]
- To can the jam, process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes.
EditNo-Cook Freezer Jam - Sterilize the storage containers. If you want to use half-pint jars, get out 6 glass or plastic containers. If you want larger jars, get out 3 pint jars to use. Boil or run the containers through the dishwasher 1 hour before filling them.[7]
- Check that the plastic containers are food-safe and ensure that the glass containers are freezer-safe.
- Crush 8 cups (1.1 kg) of blackberries. Put 1 cup (144 g) of ripe blackberries into a large bowl and use a potato masher to crush them. Continue to add the blackberries 1 cup (144 g) at a time and crush them after each addition. You should end up with about 5 cups (1.1 kg) of crushed blackberries.[8]
- Rinse the blackberries before crushing them if you're using fresh or wild blackberries.
- If you prefer, put the berries in a food processor and pulse them until they're crushed with a few chunks visible.
- Mix the sugar with instant pectin in a separate bowl. Pour 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar into a mixing bowl and add 6 tablespoons (54 g) of instant fruit pectin. Whisk or stir the sugared pectin for at least 30 seconds so the pectin is incorporated.[9]
- You can substitute a no-calorie sweetener, such as Splenda.
- Stir in the crushed blackberries for 3 minutes. Spoon 5 cups (1.1 kg) of the crushed blackberries into the bowl with the sugared pectin. Stir or whisk the mixture for 3 minutes so the pectin combines with the blackberries.[10]
- Continue to stir for the full 3 minutes or the jam may not set properly.
- Transfer the jam to containers and let them sit for 30 minutes. Place the sterilized containers on your work surface and carefully ladle the blackberry jam into them. Fill each container from the top. Put the lids on the containers and let the jam rest for 30 minutes.
- At this point, you can begin eating the jam or refrigerate and use it within 3 weeks.
- Leaving headspace will allow the jam to expand a little as it freezes.
- Freeze the blackberry jam for up to 1 year. Label each container so you know what's in it and remember to put the date on it. Place the sealed containers of jam in the freezer and use them within 1 year.[11]
- To thaw the blackberry jam, transfer a frozen container to the refrigerator the day before you plan to use the jam.
- Avoid thawing frozen containers of jam at room temperature, especially if you used glass containers.
- In order for the jam to set up properly, don't double or triple the recipe. If you want to make more jam, make it in batches.
- Sugar acts as a preservative in jam, so avoid cutting back on the sugar in your jam recipe.
- Check the seal on any jar of jam that you've stored. It should hold firmly to the jar without bulging out.
EditThings You'll Need EditClassic Blackberry Jam - Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage containers
- Bowls
- Potato masher or wooden spoon
- Spoon
- Whisk
- Large, non-reactive pot
- Fine mesh strainer, optional
EditNo-Cook Freezer Jam - Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage containers
- Bowls
- Potato masher or food processor
- Spoon
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer, optional
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| How to Wear a Kilt Posted: 06 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT A kilt is a knee-length pleated garment typically worn by men. Originating in the Highlands area of northern Scotland, kilts resemble wrap-around skirts with overlapping aprons in the front and pleats in the back. They are typically made of wool and feature a tartan pattern. The tartan traditionally represented a family's lineage or clan, but today men choose tartans that appeal to them. The traditional kilt attire includes hosiery and other accessories necessary to achieve a Highlands look. To learn how to wear a kilt, follow these tips. - Wrap the kilt around your body with the pleats to the back. The top of the garment should be situated at the natural waist; the two aprons will overlap in the front. It should hang around your knee.
- Take your right arm and wrap it around your front. The edge of the right should meet up with the left, where there is a small hole in the lining for a strap to go through.
- Fasten the kilt by buckling the aprons. Most kilts have a leather strap on the right apron, which is often called the under apron. Pull the strap through to the outside until it's comfortable. You should be just able to get your thumbs inside the waistband.
- Fasten it to the buckle, just like a belt, at the outer edge of the left waist.
- With your left hand on your right hip, fasten the leather strap on the left apron, or front apron, to the buckles on the right; usually, there will be two. Do the top strap first.
- If your kilt features a third strap further down the right hip, fasten it to create a smooth fit across the stomach. Make sure it's not bunching toward the top or along the buckles.
- Adjust the kilt. If you have buckled the kilt correctly, the fringed edge of the kilt should be along the right side and the kilt should be centered on the body. Most kilts feature a pivot point in the tartan in the center of the front apron. This is the place where the tartan pattern mirrors itself. This pivot point should be in the center of your body.
- It should have a good A shape to it. Adjust as necessary, making sure that you're comfortable and everything is lying correctly.
- Put on the kilt hose, garters (an elastic band) and flashes (colored ribbons). Generally, keep the flashes with the kilt they match. Pull the kilt hose, which resemble knee socks, over the knee before you deal with the other two pieces.
- Fasten the garter and flashes just below the knee. The flashes should be off to the outside of the leg.
- Fold the kilt hose to below the knee about 3-4 fingers down and over the garter, displaying a few inches of the flashes. Smooth it all out and adjust as necessary, making sure both sets of flashes are displayed at the same angle. eg: Left Hand at 11 am, Right Hand at 1 pm.
- Put on your brogues. Don't tie them halfway up your legs! There are two ways to tie them; choose the one that appeals most to you.
- The High-Front Tie: Start by making sure your laces are the same length. Tie half a knot, keep some tension on the laces, wrap them around the back of your ankle, twist once or twice and then again around the front,(sometimes around the back twice, depends on laces length)making an X.The when back at the front again, tie it off to the side of the shin bone with a Half Hitch Bow is best.
- The Low Tie: Follow the steps described in the High-Front tie method, but scrunch everything down so that it remains around your ankle instead of up your calf. With this method, tie in a bow or a half hitch bow.
- Attach the sporran. A sporran is a leather or fur pouch that is traditionally worn at the front of a kilt. Fasten the sporran strap using the loops at the back of your kilt. The sporran should be centered and hang about 1 hands width below the bottom of the Waist Belt.
- Otherwise, place the sporran at the back of your body and fasten the buckle in front of you. Swing it around so the sporran is now resting on your abdomen.
- Attach your favorite kilt pin. They're available in a huge variety of styles and range from the classic to the contemporary. Pin your kilt pin through the front apron only. Pin it 4" (10 cm) up from the bottom hem and 2" (5 cm) in from the side.
- In addition to being decorative, the kilt pin's weight helps keep the kilt from flapping, preserving your modesty when a breeze whooshes by.
- Put on your jacket and vest. This part is fairly self-explanatory. The only thing to remember is that in the back of the vest there's a little strap that can be adjusted to your size. Use it; you'll look better if the vest fits you right.
- For less formal occasions, the waistcoat is unnecessary. Use your judgment.
- Don't forget your sgian dubh! That's your knife (a traditional part of Highlands attire) -- arguably the most exciting part. This little dagger goes in your right sock if you're right handed, left sock if left handed. If you have a kilt pin, it's a good idea to have it match.
- Push it down into your sock, just enough to have about 1 inch of the handle showing.
- Make sure your kilt is buckled snugly to keep the garment in position, but not so snugly that the kilt forms wrinkles along the waistline.
- A variety of shirts may be worn with a kilt, but the traditional style is a white collared button-down shirt with cuffs.
- Some people think women shouldn't wear kilts. Some people think it's okay, but the buckles should be on the left. Still others think kilts are a gift that should be given unto both sexes. If you're a woman, do what you think is right.
- While there is much conjecture about what men traditionally wore under kilts, modern manners dictate that men wear underwear, especially at public events.
- The hem of the kilt should fall at the middle of your knee. Get down on your knees and the edge of the kilt should be about 1 inch to a half inch off the ground.
- Because the sgian dubh is considered a weapon, you may not want to include this as part of your attire at public events for security reasons.
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