| How to Crochet a Chevron Blanket Posted: 26 Sep 2021 05:00 PM PDT Crocheting basic stitches can be fun, but if you need a little challenge, make your own chevron blanket. By alternating simple stitches with skipped stitches, you'll create a blanket with the classic peaks and valleys or ripple shapes. It's a great classic blanket that's easy to customize. Use soft yarn for a baby blanket or crochet with different colored yarn to make the chevrons stand out. [Edit]Casting On - Get out 3 skeins of super bulky yarn in any color. If you'd like to make a blanket with just 1 color, you'll need 3 skeins that are each 10.5 ounces (300 g) or in size. To make a blanket with alternating colors, choose a main color and buy 2 skeins of it. Then, pick a contrasting color and buy 1 skein of it.[1]
- Super bulky yarn is also sold as just "bulky" or "roving" yarn.
- Make a slip knot and slide it onto a US size L/11 (8 mm) crochet hook. If you're using 2 colors, take the main color for your blanket and pull about of yarn from the skein. Wrap the yarn around your fingers to make a loop and pinch it so the working yarn hangs behind. Slide your crochet hook through the loop and grab the working yarn. Then, pull so the slip knot is firmly on your hook.[2]
- If you're only using 1 color for the entire blanket, don't worry about the instructions for working with a contrasting color.
- Chain 86 stitches to start the chevron blanket. For your first chain, wrap the yarn around your hook and pull it through the loop. Keep doing this until you've chained up a total of 86 stitches. This is the foundation you'll use for crocheting the blanket.[3]
- 86 might seem like a lot of chain stitches to count, but it goes quickly!
[Edit]Making the First Chevron Row - Skip 1 stitch and make 2 single crochet stitches into the second chain. Don't work the chain that's closest to your hook. Instead, skip it and put your hook in the following stitch. Grab the working yarn and pull it onto the hook. Then, wrap the yarn over and pull the hook through both loops to make a single crochet (SC) stitch. Make another single crochet stitch into the same space.[4]
- Single crochet into each of the next 6 stitches. You're working from the edge of the blanket that will be a peak down into a low point. Keep track of your stitches so you don't accidentally make the strip of single crochet stitches too long.[5]
- Skip 1 stitch and single crochet into the following 6 stitches. To make your chevron point back up in a diagonal direction, skip the next stitch. Then, continue to make a single crochet stitch into the next 6 stitches of your first row.[6]
- As you work, you'll see the crocheted strip begin to angle up and down diagonally.
- Make 3 single crochet stitches into the next stitch. To direct the crocheted strip back down, work 3 single crochet stitches into 1 stitch. This forces the work to go down diagonally, which gives it the chevron shape.[7]
- Repeat the chevron pattern until you have 1 stitch left on row 1. Continue to single crochet across the row, but skip a stitch when you reach a valley and make 3 single crochet stitches to make a peak. Keep following this pattern until you reach the last stitch:[8]
- SC into 6, skip 1, SC into 6, 3 SC into next stitch
- Make 2 single crochet stitches into the last stitch of row 1. Once you've almost finished the first row, work 2 single crochet stitches into the last chain stitch on your hook. Then, turn your work so you can start row 2.[9]
[Edit]Crocheting the Second Row - Chain 1 stitch and make 2 single crochet stitches into the first stitch. Don't count the chain stitch that you just made as the first stitch. Instead, insert your hook into the first stitch of the row and work 2 single crochet stitches into the space.[10]
- Single crochet into the next 6 stitches and skip 2 stitches. Make a single crochet stitch into each of the following 6 stitches. This makes a diagonal stretch of your chevron pattern. Then, skip 2 stitches to make the valley or lowest point of the chevron.[11]
- Make a single crochet stitch into the next 6 stitches. Work single crochet stitches for the next 6 stitches to make another diagonal stretch. Keep in mind that this row runs parallel to your first row.[12]
- Work 3 single crochet stitches into the next stitch. Now that you're at the top of a diagonal stretch, make 3 single crochet stitches into the top stitch. This makes the work curve around so you can begin crocheting down at an angle.[13]
- Repeat the chevron pattern until you reach the last stitch for row 2. Keep making the chevron pattern across the rest of the row and stop when you reach the last stitch. Then, make 2 single crochet stitches into the last stitch of the row. To follow the chevron pattern, work:[14]
- SC into 6, skip 2, SC into 6, 3 SC into next stitch
[Edit]Working the Chevron Blanket - Alternate the yarn colors after 4 rows if you're using more than 1 color. To make a chevron blanket with different colors, work 4 rows in the pattern using your main color. Then, switch to a contrasting color before you work another 4 rows.[15]
- Remember to switch colors every 4 rows so your blanket has even chevron rows.
- If you're only using 1 color for the whole blanket, don't worry about switching colors.
- Repeat the row 2 pattern until your blanket is long. Turn your work once you reach the end of the row and just keep crocheting the pattern that you made for row 2. When you think you're blanket is almost done, lay it flat and use a measuring tape to see if it's long.[16]
- If you're alternating colors, try to end the blanket so it completes 1 of the colors.
- Cut the yarn tail and weave in the ends. Use scissors to cut the working yarn so there's at least a tail. Then, thread it onto a tapestry needle and weave it into the blanket.[17]
- Don't forget to weave in the tail from the opposite end of the blanket.
- If you'd like to check your gauge, crochet 8 rows of 7 single crochet stitches. It should equal .
- This pattern makes a blanket that's in size.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 3 skeins of super bulky yarn
- US size L/11 (8 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
[Edit]References |
| How to Is It Bad to Wash Your Hair with Baking Soda Posted: 26 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT Step into the world of all-natural hair care, and you'll be swamped with exciting promises and rave reviews about the effects of baking soda as a shampoo replacement. But you'll also discover people who are disappointed with the results, or even report extensive hair damage. With all the conflicting stories, it can be hard to know whether to try it! If you're wondering whether it's even a good idea to wash your hair with baking soda, we have the answer to that—as well as your follow-up questions, too. [Edit]Can I wash my hair with baking soda? - Yes, but it may not be effective. Some people do find that baking soda leaves their hair clean and shiny. But others have found it to be virtually ineffective at removing oils from anything but their scalp, even after spending several minutes washing their hair.[1] Since everyone's hair and styling routine is different, there's no way to guarantee whether it'll work for you.
- Baking soda is pretty rough on the hair and skin. While some people might benefit from using it for an occasional deep cleanse, it's not a good choice for regular hair-washing.[2]
[Edit]What does baking soda do to hair? - It typically causes damage, like frizz and dryness. Baking soda is fairly alkaline, which makes it good for breaking down grease and grime—but there's a risk that it'll break down your hair, too. Some research has suggested that the more alkaline your hair product is, the more likely it is to give you rough, dry, frizzy hair.[3] In other words, it can cause some pretty serious damage that can take a long time to fix!
- Baking soda also risks irritating or damaging your skin, which is a concern if you have sensitive skin or any skin conditions (like eczema or psoriasis).[4]
- There's some chemistry behind this: baking soda has a pH level of around 8 or 9, whereas your hair and skin average around 3.7 and 5.5, respectively. The high pH of the baking soda "clashes" with the low pH of your hair and scalp, which damages it.[5] It's an interesting science experiment, but probably not one you want to try on your hair.
[Edit]What if I mix or dilute it? - That will change the scent or texture, but it won't prevent damage. There are tons of suggestions for "softening" baking soda shampoos with other ingredients, or rinsing your hair with something to neutralize the damage—such as water, apple cider vinegar, or tea tree oil. But there's no real way to prevent baking soda from causing mayhem on your hair. In fact, some of these combinations (like baking soda and apple cider vinegar) could actually cause more damage, because you're "shocking" your hair with the sudden contrast in pH.[6]
- Mixing baking soda with water won't reduce the pH, despite what you might have heard. Water's pH is 7, which is neutral, so adding baking soda just raises the pH of the water.
[Edit]Can baking soda cure dandruff? - Baking soda risks making your dandruff worse, not better. Some people tout baking soda as a permanent end to their scalp flakiness, but the alkalinity of baking soda dries out and breaks down the skin on your scalp. This can result in a stronger dandruff problem than before, because a dry scalp means more flakes. Scalp dryness and irritation alike can also mean more itchiness, meaning more scratching at your scalp![7]
[Edit]What about removing buildup? - It works, but only as an occasional treatment. It is true that baking soda breaks down anything that may have been building up on your scalp, like oil or hair products. Since it also breaks down skin, though, you don't want to use it regularly: there won't be enough buildup for it to remove, and you risk earning a raw and sensitive scalp for your effort.[8]
[Edit]Is it still safe to try it out? - Yes, if you have healthy, oily hair and don't have sensitive skin. If you really want to try baking soda shampoo anyway, you should assess your hair and skin before trying it. If you have thicker, oily hair and don't have sensitive skin, you can give it a shot. And it's a good idea to dab a little bit of the mixture on your skin before you wash your hair with it, just to make sure you don't have a reaction.[9]
- Avoid baking soda shampoos if you have thin or weak hair, sensitive or dry skin, or have reacted badly to other products based on baking soda.
- You should also not use baking soda shampoos if you've used any kind of bleach, dye, or relaxant on your hair.[10]
[Edit]How do I use baking soda shampoo? - Use it sparingly, and focus it on your scalp. The simplest way to make a baking soda shampoo is to combine baking soda with water; a common ratio is 1 part baking soda to 3 parts water. Then, use your fingers to massage the mixture into your scalp. After one to two minutes, rinse it out with water, being sure to get all of the baking soda off your scalp and out of your hair.[11]
- Don't leave in the baking soda for longer than two minutes. It can irritate your scalp.
- Once you've rinsed out the baking soda, treat your hair and scalp with a moisturizing treatment, like conditioner, hair oils, or hair masks. (Baking soda wears down and dries your hair and scalp.)
[Edit]How often can I use baking soda on my hair? - Limit it to once or twice a month. You shouldn't replace your normal shampoo with a baking soda shampoo; since baking soda is much stronger than other cleansers, using it regularly will hurt your hair and scalp and give you dry, unhappy hair. It's better for removing excessive oils or product buildup. Depending on how oily your hair is and your typical hair routine, that could mean using it monthly, or every two or three weeks.[12]
- If your hair is weak or treated, you shouldn't use baking soda at all, because it can damage your hair and cause it to break.[13]
[Edit]Do commercial shampoos work better with baking soda? - There isn't much evidence for that, but that doesn't mean you can't try. Some hair-care resources claim that if you combine baking soda with a store-bought shampoo, it'll do a better job of cleaning your hair. There isn't research to back that up, though; it's most likely to change the pH, which doesn't mean it's cleaning your hair any better.[14] But if you're curious, you can give it a try! You can either add commercial shampoo to a homemade baking soda shampoo, or you can try adding a very small amount of baking soda to a bit of store-bought shampoo.
- Like with a baking soda shampoo, test a little bit on your skin before you wash your hair, to make sure you don't react.
- Keep in mind that store-bought shampoos with high pH levels will still damage your hair. Consider testing the pH of the mixture before you try it.
[Edit]Are there any gentler alternatives? - Yes, there are options that are softer on your hair and skin. If you're curious about baking soda shampoo, but are worried about harming your hair or skin, don't worry! There are other cheap or natural ways to care for your hair, regardless of whether you just want to wash your hair or are trying to resolve some kind of hair scare.
- If you use baking soda on your hair, it's a good idea to regularly inspect it for dryness, split ends, or a loss of strength. (Those with curly hair can give their curls a gentle tug to see if they bounce back, too.)[16]
[Edit]References |
| How to Be Diplomatic with Your Boss Posted: 26 Sep 2021 01:00 AM PDT You've probably heard to be assertive in the work environment, but talking to your boss often requires a little more tact—especially if whatever you have to say isn't really "good news." In the world of international politics, diplomats navigate the complex and sometimes tense relationships between two countries with politeness and finesse. Here, we've compiled some tips you can use to channel that diplomatic nature into your dealings with your boss so you can get things done without ruffling any feathers. [Edit]Choose the right time and place for difficult conversations. - Your surroundings impact how your boss receives your message. Finding the right time and place to say what you want to say is a crucial part of being diplomatic. Choose a setting in which you're both comfortable, can easily be heard, and are less likely to be interrupted. Give critical feedback in private, rather than in public or in front of coworkers.[1]
- For example, you might invite your boss out of the office for a coffee and then raise your concerns there.
- If your boss is particularly busy, it's a good idea to ask them when would be a good time to chat. Keep it casual! Just say something like, "There's something I'd like to chat with you about for maybe 5 minutes. When would be best?"
- Tell your boss about something they're doing really well. This is less about buttering your boss up before delivering criticism, and more about giving them a balanced picture. Starting off with what's going right also helps set the tone and puts you on a constructive path.[2]
- For example, you might say, "I'd like to take a moment to thank you for implementing the new reporting system. Things are going much more smoothly on the floor and our productivity has increased."
- The comment should relate to the focus of your conversation as much as possible. For example, if you're going to discuss the problems you're having with a recent hire, you might start by mentioning the things that person is doing well.
[Edit]Emphasize your own perspective. - Speak in "I" statements to clearly express your thoughts. Present your thoughts or ideas as belonging to you without projecting them onto your boss or anyone else. If you frame your statement with "you," it can make your boss feel attacked—and that's hardly being diplomatic![3]
- For example, you might say, "I'm concerned that John isn't adapting to his new role." This is far less confrontational than saying, "you shouldn't have promoted John."
- Use "I" statements when you respond to your boss as well. For example, rather than saying "you're wrong," say "I disagree." This is assertive, diplomatic communication that leaves room open for discussion.
[Edit]Offer a solution to any problem you raise. - Explain anything you've already done and provide a couple of other options. Most likely, your boss is less concerned with the problem that exists and more concerned with how to fix it so that it doesn't continue to happen. Let your boss know that you've thought about this before you brought it to their attention and have some ideas.[4]
- If you have more than one possible solution, present the pros and cons of each. Then, let your boss know which you recommend. At the same time, you also want to reinforce that you're open to other options and will ultimately go along with whatever your boss decides.
[Edit]Focus on the good of the company. - Root your argument in the common goals you and your boss have. This helps your boss to see that you're looking after the best interests of the company, not your own selfish desires or interests. State how your idea benefits the company and back that conclusion up with hard data.[5]
- For example, you might say, "Doing away with TPS reports would increase productivity by 25%, which could increase sales by as much as 50%."
- You could also explicitly acknowledge this common ground. For example, you might say, "I know we both want to increase the productivity of this department. Eliminating some of these reports that aren't actually used by anyone would be a good way to do that."
[Edit]Rephrase negative statements in more positive terms. - Include words like "able" and "yet" to signal you're still working hard. This technique works especially well if you've hit a snag on an assignment or project. Using some form of "able" implies that you would have it done had something out of your control not intervened. Adding "yet" lets your boss know that it will be completed soon.[6]
- For example, you might say, "I'm afraid I've not been able to close the Dunder Mifflin account yet. I could use a few more days to wrap it up."
- Verbs in past-progressive tense indicate that you're still working, which is more positive than simple past tense. For example, "I haven't finished that project yet," rather than "I didn't finish that project."
[Edit]Use helping verbs to express possibility. - Verbs like "could," "should," "would," and "might" soften a demand. You want your boss to do something for you, but you can't just demand that they do it—after all, they're still your boss. Add a helping verb that indicates what you're asking is a possibility or suggestion, rather than a requirement.[7]
- For example, you might say, "It would help to have a little more time to finish that project," or "I could use a little more time to finish that project. It might also help to have someone else assist me with the final numbers."
[Edit]Soften forceful statements with polite language. - Add an apology or a qualifier to make your statement less harsh. While being direct is typically important in business communication, a little politeness can go a long way when you're talking to your boss. Use this to show empathy for your boss's position.[8]
- For example, you might say, "I'm so sorry that I won't be able to attend the meeting. Could I have someone else go in my place?"
- Don't be afraid to include a statement acknowledging your boss's work as well. For example, you might say, "I know you've put a lot of work into this presentation. I'm so sorry I haven't been able to compile these numbers yet. Would it be okay if I got them to you on Friday?"
[Edit]Ask questions to gain a better understanding. - Listen actively and get clarification when necessary. Part of being diplomatic is making sure you're both on the same page. Asking your boss questions shows that you're listening to them and making an effort to understand them. It also shows that you're interested in their viewpoint and value what they have to say.[9]
- For example, you might say, "I'm sorry, but why is the CEO so concerned about the Stanton office? I thought everything there was under control."
- If you don't have any questions, you might also restate something your boss said in your own words. That helps you make sure you understood them correctly. For example, you might say, "Am I hearing you right? You think that Avery would do better if you transferred them out of my department and into sales?"
[Edit]Control your own emotions. - Stick to the facts and keep the discussion professional. Discuss your concerns in a calm manner and avoid lashing out at your boss in frustration. Keep a cool head and look towards solutions for whatever problem you have, rather than harping on about the problem itself.[10]
- It can be hard not to take things at work personally—especially if you have a complaint! Just try to remember that you and your boss both have the same overall goals to help the company succeed.
[Edit]Maintain positive and assertive body language. - Sit or stand straight with your shoulders back and make eye contact. This body language communicates to your boss that you're confident and open to them. Avoid crossing your arms and legs, which will make you seem closed off.[11]
- Keep a positive or neutral facial expression. An angry or frustrated facial expression can make your message come across far more negatively than you intend.
- If you have a hard time with assertive body language, practice in front of a mirror or get a friend to help. With some time, it will become second nature.
[Edit]Listen actively to your boss's response. - Make eye contact and ask clarifying questions to show that you're listening. Being diplomatic isn't just about what you say—paying attention to what your boss says in response is equally important. Lean forward a little as they speak, perhaps mirroring their body language or facial expressions.[12]
- Before you say something in response, briefly summarize what they said in your own words. This ensures them not only that you were listening but also that you understood what they were saying. And if you happened to misunderstand, you've given them an opportunity to correct that.
[Edit]Be open to criticism from your boss. - Turn negative statements into ways that you can improve. It can be all too easy to beat yourself up when your boss gives you negative feedback. Take a few deep breaths if you need to and remind yourself that all feedback is intended to help you become better at your job. Your boss wouldn't give you feedback at all if they didn't believe you could improve.[13]
- For example, if your boss mentions errors in your report, you might reframe that as "I need to give my reports an extra round of editing before I submit them."
- It can also help to ask your boss about what you came up with. For example, you might say "Would it help if I edited my reports one more time before I submitted them?" They might also give you other ideas you can use to correct whatever problem they've raised.
- Try to understand the reasons that your boss made the comments they made. Ask questions if you're not sure! It's important that you understand their expectations so you can fulfill them to the best of your ability.
[Edit]References |
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