| How to Sew an Apron Posted: 08 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT 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! EditCutting 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.
EditHemming 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!
EditSewing 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.
EditThings 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
EditReferences
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| How to Get a Master's Degree Posted: 08 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT Earning a master's degree is a huge accomplishment and can open up new opportunities for your career. Most master's degree programs require 1.5 to 2 years of study, but you may take longer if you're also working. Before you can earn a master's degree, you need to choose a program, submit your application, and decide how to pay for it. Then, you can complete your coursework to succeed academically. EditChoosing a Program - Map out your career goals. The program you choose should match your career path and provide opportunities for employment in the location you want to work. Otherwise, your new degree may not pay off like you'd like.[1] Once you know the job you want, you can research the type of master's degree that best fits your goals.[2]
- For example, you might decide that you'd like to go into a career in teaching and eventually become a high school principal. Alternatively, you may want to open your own business and want to improve your credentials to make your enterprise more desirable to investors.
- Keep in mind that if you need a state certification to work in a specific area, you should attend a school that will provide you with the appropriate certification.
- Talking to a career counselor at your school or a local university might help you decide which degree is right for you.
- It's also helpful to talk to a mentor who has the career you want. Ask them about their educational background and what is currently expected in the field.
- Check the prerequisites for the program you want to attend. All master's degree programs will require you to first earn a bachelor's degree. Some master's degree programs do not require you to have a bachelor's degree in the same subject, but other programs will. Check each program for its required prerequisites, as they can vary.
- Programs in the liberal arts and humanities are more likely to allow you to work toward a master's degree with any bachelor's degree.
- Typically, programs in math, science, computer science, engineering, and healthcare require you to have a bachelor's degree in the same or a similar field as the master's degree you are seeking.[3]
- If you don't have a degree in the same subject, your school may allow you take make-up credits while you earn your master's degree.
- Take the necessary entrance exams 1 year in advance. Graduate programs have a different set of entrance exams, which you'll need to take to gain admission to your program. It is important to plan ahead and take the test well before you will be applying to the graduate program. This will help to ensure that the results will be available when you need them and also provide you with enough time if you need to retake the test. You can find testing information online or through your college or university's testing center. You'll need to take one of the following exams, depending on the program you choose:[4]
- Consider if you want to attend an online, in-person, or hybrid program. Online programs allow you to attend classes with your preferred college or university from anywhere. In-person classes allow you to attend seminars alongside your cohorts and participate in class discussions. Hybrid programs offer a mix between online and in-person classes.[5]
- Online classes might be best for you if you're currently working or need something you can fit around your schedule. However, some online classes, such as those that require labs, may require you to complete part of the coursework in person.
- In-person classes might help you if you learn better in a typical classroom environment.
- A hybrid program might work well for you if you'd like to attend a program in-person but enjoy the flexibility of attending online.
- Research the schools you're considering attending. Review the school's website to learn more about the program, and do an Internet search to gather outside information, as well as recent news stories. Check that the school is accredited by visiting the department of education website. Read about the professors working in your program, including their background, current work, and interests. Additionally, find out what type of career placement help or advice they offer. Consider the following information:[6]
- The school's accreditation status, which you can check here: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation
- The graduation rate of the program you want to pursue
- The school's career services
- The professors you'd be working with
- Financial aid packages and work-study opportunities
- Calculate the costs of the program you want to attend. Public, non-profit schools in your state are generally the least expensive. However, private schools and those that are for-profit are often more expensive. When calculating your estimated cost of books and materials, as well as related costs like transportation, you can price check potential supplies based on the posted syllabus for your program and can calculate mileage to and from school. However, many programs include these figures on their website, so check several and take an average if yours doesn't provide an estimate.[7] Consider the following costs:
- Tuition and fees
- Estimated cost of books and materials
- Related costs, like transportation, Internet service, or reduced work hours
- Room and board, if applicable
- Talk to the professors and students at the school you want to attend. Ask the professors about their research and their specialties to make sure they're a right fit for your goals. Similarly, talk to other students to find out how well they like attending the program and if they feel their needs are met. Consider how you will fit in with the students and faculty.[8]
- You will likely assist professors in their research, so it's important to know what their research is about.
- Get to know the culture of the program before you commit to attending that school. You can do this by attending any presentations or meetings that the school offers to prospective graduate students. This will give you the opportunity to meet the faculty, learn more about the program, and explore the space you would be learning in.
EditSubmitting Your Application - Check the deadline and required materials. Make sure you submit your materials by the due date. It's important to know what you need to submit, since it may take time for you to gather all of your materials.[9]
- Start preparing your materials at least 2 months before the deadline so you have time to collect letters of recommendation and write your statement of purpose.
- It's common for graduate programs to require writing samples or work you've previously completed. Select the best examples of your work from prior classes you've taken. As another option, you can prepare a writing sample or project for your application.
- If you decide to create a new sample of your work for the application, choose a topic that you plan to pursue in graduate school to show the school what you will bring to their program. If it's possible, incorporate research from the professors who work in the program you're hoping to attend to show them you'll be a good fit.
- Complete your application online and pay the fee. Fill in every blank on the application honestly. Then, submit your payment online.[10]
- For example, you may need to pay a $50 application fee. Each university will outline its own fee schedule.
- If you have any questions, contact the school's graduate admissions office for assistance.
- Upload your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Both a resume and CV include your educational and work background with the purpose of showing why you're qualified for the program. Highlight the courses you've taken in the past, any related work experience you have, as well as any special skills you have to offer.[11]
- Your goal is to show them you're an excellent fit for their program and will be an asset to their team.
- Write your statement of purpose to explain your goals. Your statement of purpose explains what you hope to achieve through your studies. Tell the admissions department why you want to pursue your master's degree, what you will bring to their program, and why you're a great fit. Discuss your professional goals and why you think you have what it takes to succeed.[12]
- Make sure to proofread your essay. If you can, have a friend or classmate proofread it, as well.
- Check the school's requirements for the essay before you submit it.
- Submit 2-3 letters of recommendation from prior professors. You may need to upload or mail in the letters yourself. However, some programs require you to have your professor email or upload the letter themselves. Check the requirements for your individual program.[13]
- Make sure your professor has at least 5-6 weeks to write your letter.
- Your program's admissions requirements will tell you how many letters of recommendation you need to submit.
- In most cases, the letters will be confidential, so don't ask your professor to let you read it.
- Send in your transcripts for your prior degrees. Contact the Registrar's Office at the college or university where you earned your bachelor's degree to order your official transcripts. You may be able to order them either in-person or online, depending on your university. You'll need to pay a fee before the transcripts will be sent to your university.[14]
- It typically costs about $5 per transcript. However, it may cost more depending on when and how you want them delivered.
- Some colleges and universities contract with services who manage and send your transcripts online. You can find out if your university uses one of these services by checking online or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
- Upload examples of your writing and work, if required by your program. Examples of your work might include papers you've written, research projects you've completed, plans you've helped develop, or strategies you've created. Check the admissions requirements for the program you want to attend to find out what type of work they expect you to send.[15]
- Choose your best work to showcase your knowledge and skills. You may even want to polish your old assignments to incorporate feedback from your professor during the grading process.
EditPaying for Grad School - Check for stipends for apprenticeships or research help. Many graduate programs offer stipends to help students cover the cost of tuition and books. These stipends may require you to work as an apprentice to a professor, provide research assistance, or teach undergraduate classes or labs.[16]
- You can also ask about other work-study opportunities at your school. For example, you may be able to earn tuition help by working at the campus library, tutoring undergraduate students, or doing administrative work.
- In some cases, your stipend may cover the full cost of your degree. However, they usually cover just part of the cost.
- Some programs offer stipends to online students, but you're more likely to receive a stipend for an apprenticeship or research assistance if you attend the program in-person or as part of a hybrid program.
- Apply for scholarships to lower your costs. Most graduate programs offer their own scholarships, so you'll need to apply with your program. You can also apply for scholarships through private foundations. Your school can provide you a list of available scholarships. You might also search online for opportunities.[17]
- Talk to a graduate admissions official at the school you plan to attend to find out about available scholarships.
- Talk to your employer about tuition assistance. Many employers offer money for continuing education, especially if you can use your new skills to grow their business. Ask your boss or human resources department about the options available to you. Your employer might pay for classes or reimburse your expenses.[18]
- In some cases, your employer may pay for your entire degree if you plan to continue working for the company. However, they're more likely to pay for 1 or 2 classes a semester.
- If you're looking for a job, consider tuition reimbursement when comparing benefits packages.
- Get a student loan as a last resort. A student loan may be your only option for paying for your degree. You can apply for a federal student loan after you complete your FAFSA. Take out as little as possible to cover your expenses, as you'll need to pay back your loan after graduation.[19]
- Graduate students are typically able to borrow more in student loans than undergraduate students.
- Private student loans are also available if you still need assistance covering the costs of your program. You can apply for a loan online through your preferred lender.
EditSucceeding in Your Studies - Create a schedule for studying, completing assignments, and attending class. Falling behind can quickly lead to failure in grad school, so managing your time is important. Write assignment due dates and test dates in your planner as soon as you receive them, and write in mini milestone due dates to keep you on track. Schedule your reading and study time during the time of day when you're most alert.[20]
- Break big assignments, such as research projects, down into smaller milestone projects. For example, your first 4 mini milestones for a research project might include "get topic approval," "do literature survey," "write proposal," and "book lab time." Create self-imposed deadlines for yourself so you can stay on track with big projects.
- Organize your coursework and materials. Keep a folder or binder for each class, and hold onto all of your coursework for each class. If you're keeping your documents electronically, you can upload them to the cloud or keep them all on Google Drive. As another option, keep a flash drive on your key chain so your files are in easy reach. Not only will this help you study, you can also build off of your old work as you continue to do research.[21]
- Being organized will ensure that you always have what you need for class.
- Keep your notes organized in a notebook or binder to make studying easy.
- Keep up with your coursework. Graduate level classes are more in-depth and demanding than undergraduate classes. Every reading, lecture, and assignment is important, so do your work. Set aside time every day to read and study so you don't get behind.[22]
- Talk to your family or roommates to let them know how important your study time is so they don't interrupt you.
- Look for pockets of time you can dedicate to your studies, such as your lunch hour, the hour after dinner, or the hour between when you put your children to bed and when you go to bed.
- If you're struggling to complete your assignments, talk to your professor, a classmate, or your school's tutoring center. They can help you better understand the material and get caught up.
- Reach out to your professors for guidance and feedback. Build a reciprocal relationship with your professors. Just as you will help them with their research or publications, they'll give your valuable insights and direction. Use their feedback to improve yourself.[23]
- You will need to take a more active role in your education when you're pursuing a master's degree. While you'll have the opportunity to work more closely with your professors, they're going to expect you to show initiative and come to them.
- Create a support network to help you cope with obstacles. Graduate school can quickly become overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. You can create a support network out of your program advisor, classmates, family, and friends. Ask people to be there for you before things get rough. That way, you're prepared for any obstacles that arise.[24]
- Life is going to keep going while you're earning your master's degree. Your support network can help you balance your responsibilities and take care of yourself.
- Graduate programs involve more independent study than an undergraduate degree program.[25]
- Because graduate programs are so demanding, it's best to only work part-time or on campus while you're completing your master's degree.[26]
- Graduate programs have a much greater workload than undergraduate programs. Expect to read, conduct research, and write often.
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
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| How to Clean Lampshades Posted: 08 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT Lampshades are a great addition to your home's interior, but over time, they can become dirty and dusty. Wash your fabric lampshade in a soapy bath and then rinse and dry it thoroughly. If your lampshade is made from paper, simply use a dry microfiber cloth to remove the dust. Both these methods are quick, easy, and will leave your lampshades looking fresh and clean. EditCleaning a Fabric, Glass, Plastic, or Fiberglass Lampshade - Unplug the lamp from the wall and take off the shade. Turn off the power switch and then pull out the plug. Try to unscrew the lampshade. If the shade doesn't come off, remove the light bulb and then screw off the shade.[1]
- It is really important to make sure that the power is disconnected, as this avoids the risk of electrocution.
- Wipe the lampshade with a damp microfiber cloth. Wet the microfiber cloth with cold water and then wring it out. Wipe the inside and outside of the lampshade to remove any dust or surface dirt. If the cloth is just smearing the dust around the lampshade, rinse the cloth and then try again.[2]
- Continue to wipe the lampshade until all the dust has been removed.
- Alternatively, you can remove dust with a sticky lint roller or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.[3]
- Fill your tub with warm water, or cold water if you're cleaning a fabric shade. If possible, fill the bath with enough water to completely cover the lampshade. This will make it easier to submerge the lampshade in the water. If you don't have a bathtub, use a large bucket or sink instead. Avoid washing a fabric lampshade in hot water as this can cause it to shrink.[4]
- If the bath is dusty or dirty, give it a quick clean before filling it with water.
- Mix of liquid laundry detergent into the water. Use your hand to swish the detergent around the bath until the water is frothy and bubbly. If the water doesn't have any bubbles in it, add a few more drops of laundry detergent.[5]
- If you don't have liquid laundry detergent, use dishwashing liquid instead.
- Add of white vinegar into the water if the lamp is greasy. This is particularly effective for plastic, glass, and fiberglass lampshades that accumulate grease when they are touched. Pour the vinegar into the bath and then use your hand to mix it around in the water.[6]
- Skip this step if the lampshade isn't greasy.
- Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and use it to wipe down the shade. Submerge the lampshade and the cloth in the bath water. Wring any excess water out of the cloth and then wipe the shade from the top to the bottom. If there are any marks on the lampshade, use the cloth to rub out the stains.[7]
- Hold the lampshade over the bath to avoid it dripping on the floor.
- If you have any mildew on your lamp, pay particular attention to these areas. Rub the cloth vigorously over the mildew to scrub it off.
- If your lampshade is made from silk, avoid rubbing it vigorously as this can damage the fabric.
- Leave the shade to soak in the water for 10 minutes if the marks aren't coming off the shade.
- Empty the tub and rinse the lampshade under warm water. Pull out the plug and then turn on the warm tap. Rotate the lamp under the stream of water until all the soapy residue is gone and the lamp looks sparkling clean![8]
- If your lamp is made from silk, rinse it under cold water.
- The rinsing process normally takes about 1 minute.
- Leave the shade to dry for 24 hours before reattaching it to the lamp. Place the shade on a clean surface, such as on a towel or in a laundry basket, to dry. If the weather is fine, leave the shade outside to speed up the drying process.[9]
- Make sure that the shade is completely dry before putting it back on the lamp.
- If you want to dry the lampshade more quickly, try gently drying it with a hair dryer on a low setting.
EditRemoving Dust from a Paper Lampshade - Put on a pair of gloves. Paper is easily stained by oil and moisture. Wear gloves to avoid accidentally marking the delicate paper. Disposable latex gloves or dishwashing gloves work well.[10]
- Purchase latex or dishwashing gloves from a supermarket or cleaning store.
- Turn off the power switch and remove the shade. This stops the risk of electrocution. If you're unsure if the power is off, simply remove the power cord. Carefully lift the shade off the lamp. If the shade won't come off, remove the light bulb and then try again.[11]
- Be careful not to bend or fold the paper when you are removing the shade.
- Wipe the shade with a dry microfiber cloth. These cloths work well because they trap the dust in their fibers, rather than simply moving it around. Start at the top of the lampshade and wipe down toward the bottom. Continue to gently wipe the shade until all the dust is gone.
- If you don't have a microfiber cloth, use a fluffy cleaning cloth instead.[12]
- You can also use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently clean away dust.
EditThings You'll Need EditCleaning a Fabric, Glass, Plastic, or Fiberglass Lampshade - Bath
- Microfiber cloth, sticky lint roller, or vacuum with a soft brush attachment
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Measuring spoons and cups
EditRemoving Dust from a Paper Lampshade - Microfiber cloth, fluffy cleaning cloth, or vacuum with a soft brush attachment
- If you have a dishwasher, place your glass lampshade on the top shelf and set the dishwasher to a cleaning cycle.[13]
EditRelated wikiHows Clean Paper Lampshades Clean Mini Blinds EditReferences
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