| How to Pick Peaches Posted: 31 Mar 2019 05:00 PM PDT There are few things as delicious as a perfectly ripe peach that you've picked yourself. Go to the orchard and look for fruit that smells sweet and looks ripe. Once you've found juicy peaches, gently pick them. To pick peaches from a grocery store or farm stand, ask to sample the fruit before choosing. If you accidentally bring home peaches that aren't soft enough, place them in a paper bag at home until they're ripe. Then use the peaches in your favorite recipes or enjoy eating them out of hand! EditPicking Peaches at the Orchard - Choose shallow containers to hold the fruit. If you use a deep bucket to hold the peaches, the weight of the fruit will bruise or crush the fruit at the bottom. Instead of a bucket, take a shallow container with sides that are about high.[1]
- Some orchards will provide their own containers. If they only have deep buckets, take several into the orchard, but only fill them halfway to prevent bruising the fruit.
- Look for peaches on the edges of the branches. These peaches are exposed to more sunlight, so they're usually riper than peaches that grow near the center of the tree. Peaches on the periphery also grow larger and are sweeter because they have a higher sugar content.[2]
- If you're picking organic peaches, there may be tiny dents or spots on the peaches. These are harmless bug bites that won't affect the flavor of the peaches.
- Find peaches that are yellow, red, or orange. Depending on the type of peach you're picking, they'll turn a shade of yellow, orange, or red once they're ripe. Peaches that are still green aren't ready to pick.[3]
- Some white flesh peaches will have a pale white and yellow skin, but you still shouldn't see any areas of green.
- Smell the peaches to tell if they're fragrant. If you sniff a few peaches and can't smell anything, they're probably not ripe enough. Peaches should smell sweet and floral if they're ripe for picking.[4]
- The stronger the peach smell, the riper the fruit is.
- Squeeze the peach a little. The peach shouldn't feel firm or hard. When you squeeze it gently, the peach flesh should give a little so you know it's slightly soft. Avoid squeezing too hard or you'll bruise the fruit.[5]
- Pull the peaches off of the branches. Once you've found a ripe peach you want to take home, hold it firmly in your hand and gently pull it away from the branch or twig that it's on. Ensure that you don't pull so hard that you injure the tree or cause nearby peaches to fall.[6]
- If you're having trouble pulling the peach off of a branch, it's probably not ripe enough yet.
EditSelecting Peaches at a Store or Farm Stand - Ask to taste the peaches. Many farmers will offer to let you taste the peaches they're selling. If you're buying peaches at a grocery store, they may have samples set out or you can ask someone in the produce department to cut one for you.[7]
- Tasting the peaches is one of the best ways to decide which peaches to buy. If you taste a peach and aren't impressed with the flavor, they're probably not ripe.
- Decide which type of peach you want to buy. Although there are many varieties of peaches, you'll need to choose whether you want freestone or clingstone peaches. If you purchase freestone peaches, you'll be able to pull the flesh away from the pit, but you won't be able to if you buy clingstone peaches.[8]
- Purchase local peaches from the grocery store. If there aren't farm stands in your area, check the grocery store for peaches. Ask someone in the produce department where the peaches came from and try to choose fruit that came from somewhere nearby. This usually means the fruit will be riper.[9]
- For example, if your grocery sells peaches that came from 50 miles away and 500 miles away, the ones that didn't travel as far were probably picked closer to ripeness.
- Look for unblemished fruit that smells fragrant. Whether you're buying peaches at the farm stand or grocery store, choose peaches that don't have dark spots or bruises. They should smell floral and sweet. When you pick them up, they should feel a little soft, not hard like rocks.[10]
- If you're buying from a farm stand, the farmer has probably selected some of the best fruit to sell so you're more likely to get perfectly ripe peaches than what's displayed at the grocery store.
EditRipening Peaches at Home - Remove the peaches from the container you brought them home in. Peaches shouldn't remain stacked in a bucket or container and you shouldn't leave them in plastic. A plastic bag will trap moisture and cause the peaches the spoil faster.[11]
- Place the peaches in a single layer into a paper bag. Loosely close the top of the bag and set the peaches on the counter at room temperature. The peaches will release ethylene gas which will cause the fruit to ripen. Open the bag and check the peaches after 24 hours to see if they're soft and ripe.[12]
- Avoid putting the peaches in the refrigerator or in a hot room. These extreme temperatures won't help the peaches ripen.
- Use the peaches as soon as they're soft. Since peaches will quickly begin to turn mushy once they're soft, it's important to use them as they ripen. Slice and eat the ripe peaches, bake with them, make peach jam, or freeze sliced peaches for later.
- If you'd like to enjoy the taste of ripe peaches year round, slice and can the fruit.
- If you're picking peaches at the orchard, bring hats, bottles of water, and wear sunscreen.
- Most grocery stores and farm stands don't want you squeezing or handling the fruit too much, so ask if you'd like to feel the peaches.
EditReferences
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| How to Measure for Jeans Posted: 31 Mar 2019 09:00 AM PDT Finding the right pair of jeans can take a lot of trial and error even if you do know your size. Once you've measured your inseam and waist, however, you'll be able to choose and purchase the right pair much more quickly. Measure yourself or have a friend help take your measurements before shopping for jeans so you know what to look for. All you need to do is match your measurements to the corresponding brand's sizing chart to buy jeans that fit well and flatter your figure. EditMeasuring the Inseam - Put on the shoes you plan to wear with your jeans while taking the measurements. You will finish taking the measurements at approximately where your shoes will meet the cuff. If you wear any orthotic inserts in your shoe, put them on as well to ensure an accurate reading.[1]
- Stand with your back against a wall. Keep your back as straight as possible so you can get precise measurements. If possible, have someone else take your inseam measurement while you stand, as measurements taken by another person are better than self-measurements.[2]
- Use a measuring tape to record the length from crotch to ankle. Start measuring at the top of your thigh down your leg to the top of your shoe, which should be around your ankle bone. This is your inseam, or leg length, size.[3]
- Keep in mind that inseam may vary based on the style. Most brands offer different inseam styles within a certain waist size like short, regular, and tall. Shorter styles may rest above your ankle, while longer styles may end at or below the ankle. Men's jeans, in particular, are varied in inseam size. Read the label carefully and make sure your inseam size matches the jeans you want before buying them.[4]
EditCalculating Waist, Hip, and Thigh Size - Do not pull the measuring tape too tightly around your body. When measuring your waist, hip, and thigh size, avoid pulling the tape tightly to get a smaller reading. For the most comfortable jeans fit, you will want to take loose and relaxed measurements.[5]
- Measure at the smallest part of your waist. Jean waist sizes are taken at the smallest section, around where their natural stomach crease is. For most people, this is about above the belly button.Try not to suck your waist in—although you may get a smaller reading, your jeans will be more uncomfortable.[6]
- Wrap the measuring tape around the widest portion of your hips. Although jean sizes usually don't include hip measurements, you may need it if you are getting your jeans tailored. Usually, the widest portion will be right below the top of your hip bones.[7]
- Take measurements along the widest part of your thighs. Like hip measurements, your thigh size will likely not be needed unless you are getting jeans tailored. Get your measurements around the widest part of your thighs, generally just below the crotch, so your jeans will be as comfortable to wear as possible.[8]
EditReading Jeans Sizing Charts - Use your waist/inseam measurements to determine your size. Sizing charts can differ based on country and gender, but most jeans sizing charts rely on waist/inseam measurements. Record your waist/inseam measurement and keep it on hand while shopping for jeans so you can reference it as needed.[9]
- Keep your thigh and hip measurements close as well if you are ordering customized jeans or getting your jeans altered.
- Recognize that sizing charts can vary depending on the brand. Although men's jeans are usually ordered by waist/inseam (ie: "26/28, 28/30, etc..."), women's jeans are usually assigned a number based on their waist/inseam measurements (ie: "0, 2, 4..."). Check the brand's sizing chart beforehand to determine which number corresponds to your waist/inseam measurements.[10]
- Even if 2 pairs of pants from different brands are assigned the same number, they may have completely different waist/inseam measurements.
- Keep fit in mind while choosing a size. Jeans come in different fits and styles, like baggy, relaxed, skinny, or boot cut. Depending on the fit, a brand's size may fit tightly or more loosely on your body. Choose a fit that you like so your jeans don't only fit well but feels comfortable and looks flattering.[11]
- Use SizeCharter to find the best jeans for your measurement. Put your waist, hip, inseam, and chest recordings into the SizeCharter website to match your measurements with the best pair of jeans for your size. If you cannot afford specially tailored jeans, this can help you find well-fitting jeans based on brand and fit.[12]
- If the jeans you currently have are not the right size, alter them yourself or hire a professional to make the alteration.
- Have someone else take your measurements for the most accurate reading.
- Avoid taking measurements over your clothing, if possible. Even tight-fitting clothes can change your overall reading.[13]
- For professional measurements, visit a tailor.
EditReferences
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| How to Make Braided Bracelets Posted: 31 Mar 2019 01:00 AM PDT Braided bracelets are a great way to take your outfit to the next level. They are chic and trendy, and also fun and easy to make. Once you know the basics of making braided bracelets, you can experiment with using different numbers of cord or adding charms and beads. EditCreating a Double-Strand Braided Bracelet - Cut 6 strands of cord, 2 in each color. Choose 3 colors for your bracelet, such as pink, purple, and magenta. Cut 2 strands of each color, making sure that they are all the same length. The strands should be about long.[1]
- For best results, use 1.4-milimeter Chinese knotting cord. Rattail cord will also work well.
- Embroidery thread or embroidery floss are not recommended because they are too thin.
- Knot the strands together, then tape them to your desk. Gather all of your strands together, making sure that the ends are aligned. Measure down from the top of your gathered strands. Next, treating the strands as a single rope, tie them into an overhand knot.[2]
- An overhand knot is where you wrap the rope into a loop, then push the end through the loop.
- Make sure that the knot is below the tape. There is enough length in the tails to prevent the braid from sliding out.
- Separate the strands based on color. Divide the strands into 3 groups, keeping the colors together. For example, if your color scheme was pink, purple, and magenta, you'll have 2 pink strands on the left, 2 purple strands in the middle, and 2 magenta strands on the right.[3]
- You will be creating a basic 3-strand braid. Treat the 2 strands of each color as a single strand.
- Cross the 2 left strands over the middle strands. Treating the 2 left strands as a single strand, pick them up, and cross them over the middle strands. They are now your new middle strands. Make sure that the 2 strands are flat and not twisted.[4]
- Cross the 2 right strands over the new middle strands. Take the 2 strands on the right, and cross them over the new middle strands. Keep them together and make sure that they aren't twisted.[5]
- Tighten the strands. Gently tug on your outer strands so that the cross-over point scoots towards the knot at the top of your braid. Make sure that the tension is distributed evenly between the strands. You don't want 1 strand to be tight and have another so loose that it sticks out.[6]
- Repeat the process until the bracelet is the length you want it. Continue to cross the left 2 strands and the right 2 strands over the middle ones. After each set of cross-overs, gently tug on the strands to tighten them. Keep braiding until the braid is long enough to wrap loosely around your wrist.[7]
- Remember to treat the 2 strands of each color as a single strand.
- Knot the end of the bracelet, then cut the rest off. Treating all strands as a single rope, wrap them into a loop, then pull the tail through the loop. Slide the knot towards the end of the braid while tightening it. Cut the tails until they are long.
- Skip this step if you'd like to make an adjustable closure. Click here instead.
- Remove the tape, then tie the ends together. Peel the tape off of the desk first. Wrap the bracelet around your wrist, then ask someone to tie the 2 tails together. Trim off the excess tails, if desired.
EditCreating a 5-Strand Braid - Cut 5 pieces of cord that are all the same length. It would be easier if you used 5 different colors, or 5 different shades of the same color. If you are an experienced braider, however, you can use fewer colors. The strands need to be 2 to 3 times your wrist circumference.[8]
- If you want a wider bracelet, cut 2 strands of each color. Treat the pairs as a single strand for the rest of the tutorial.
- 1.4-milimeter Chinese knotting cord will work the best, but rattail cord may also work.
- Alternatively, you can use embroidery thread instead. It is not the same thing as embroidery floss. Instead of being made up of separate strands, it is twisted like a thin rope.[9]
- Knot and tape the strands to your desk. Gather all of the strands together. Make sure that they are aligned, then treating them as a single rope, tie them into an overhand knot, from the end. Tape the knot to your desk.[10]
- The knot needs to be below the tape. The tails are long enough to prevent the braid from sliding out.
- Spread the strands out, with 3 on the left and 2 on the right. Spread the strands out on the desk. Create a large gap in the middle of the strands. Make sure that you have 3 strands on the left and 2 strands on the right.
- The exact width of the gap does not matter. It needs to be wide enough to distinguish it from the spaces between the other strands.[11]
- Again, if you cut 2 strands of each color, treat them as a single strand and group them together.
- Weave the outermost left strand towards the gap. Take the first strand on the left. Weave it under the second strand and over the third. Stop when you reach the gap.[12]
- Repeat the process for the outermost right strand. Take the last strand on the right. Weave it under the second-to-last strand, and over the next one. Take a moment to straighten and tighten the strands.[13]
- Continue to weave the outermost strands under and over to the middle. Work your way across the braid until you get the length you want. Every so often, tug on the strands to tighten them and straighten them out. You want the tension to be even; you don't want 1 strand to be tight and another loose.
- Knot the end of the bracelet once you get the length you want. Continue to braid the bracelet until it is long enough to wrap loosely around your wrist. Gather all of the strands together, and wrap them into a loop. Pull the tails through the loop, then tighten the knot right above the braid.
- Skip this step if you'd like to make an adjustable closure. Click here instead.
- Trim the tails to 5 inches, then tie the ends together. Cut the excess string down to . Peel the tape off, then wrap the bracelet around your wrist. Ask someone to tie the 2 together into a secure knot. Cut off the excess tails, if desired.
EditCreating a Mixed-Media Bracelet - Find 3 strands of ribbon or chain. A basic braid consists of 3 strands woven together, but there are no rules as to what those strands have to be made from. Find 3 strands of ribbon, string, or chain. They can be all different, or you can have 2 be the same. Here are some ideas:[14]
- For a trendy look, use 2 suede ribbons and a thin chain.
- For a vintage look, use 1 velvet ribbon, a thin chain, and lace trim.
- For a bohemian look, cut 2 different types of fabric into wide strips. Use a thin chain or suede ribbon for the third strand.
- Cut the strands until they are all the same length. Wrap a measuring tape loosely around your wrist, then triple that measurement. Cut all 3 of your strands down to that length.[15]
- Use fabric scissors for fabric strands, including ribbon and lace.
- Use sharp scissors for non-fabric strands, including pleather and suede.
- Use wire cutters for chains.
- Secure fold-over cord ends to fabric suede strands. You will eventually slip the ends of your strands over a jump ring. You can do this easily with a chain, thanks to the loops, but you can't do it with fabric, string, or suede strands. Buy a pack of fold-over cord ends from the beading section of a craft store, then do the following:[16]
- Slide the end of your strand into the cap of the fold-over cord end.
- Use heavy-duty pliers to clamp the cap shut.
- Don't do the other end yet. You may need to cut the strands shorter.
- Repeat the process for the other strands.
- Gather the ends together and tape them to your desk. Gather all 3 strands together. Make sure that the ends all match up, then tape them to your desk. Make sure that the tape is strong enough to hold the strands; a piece of masking tape will work especially well here.
- Braid the strands until the braid is the length you want. Cross the left and right strands over the middle strand. Tug on the strands to tighten them, then repeat the process until the braid is long enough to wrap loosely around your wrist.[17]
- Keep the strands flat for a nicer finish. This is especially important for velvet strands, which have a fuzzy and non-fuzzy side.
- Cut off the excess, then add the remaining fold-over cord ends. Use the same tools as before to cut off any excess ribbon, lace, or chain. Slip fold-over cord ends over ribbon, lace, fabric, or suede cords, just like before, and clamp them shut.
- Open up a jump ring. Pinch 1 half of a jump ring between your thumb and index finger. Pinch the other half of the jump ring with a pair of pliers. Make sure that the seam in the jump ring is facing up. Pull the pliers away from you and your fingers towards you until the seam widens.
- Slip the ends of the strands over the jump ring. Find the end of your chain, if you are using it, and slip it over the jump ring. Slide the ends of the fold-over clamps over the jump ring too.[18]
- Fold-over clamps have a tiny loop at 1 end.
- Close the jump ring using the same technique you used to open it. Pinch the jump ring between your fingers and pliers. Move the pliers towards you until the jump ring closes. If there is a gap in the seam, use the pliers to pinch it shut.
- If the jump ring is very small, you may have to hold it between 2 pliers instead of your fingers and 1 pair of pliers.
- Repeat the process to add a lobster claw clasp to the other end. Remove the piece of tape sticking your bracelet to the table. Open up the jump ring on the end of your lobster clasp. Slide it through the loops at the ends of your chains and fold-over ends, then close it.[19]
EditCreating an Adjustable Closure - Complete a braided cord bracelet. This method only works for bracelets made from Chinese knotting cord, rattail cord, or embroidery thread. It will not work for mixed-media bracelets. The bracelet needs to be long enough to wrap loosely around your wrist. Do not cut or tie the bracelet off.
- Tie 1 of the outer strands around the rest. Find 1 of the strands on the outside edge of your bracelet. Wrap it around the other strands to create a loop, then pull it through the loop. Pull on the strand to tighten the knot.[20]
- It does not matter if you use the left or right outside edge.
- Use the same cord to create a second knot. Take the same cord you just used to wrap around the other cords. Wrap it around the other cords a second time to create a loop, then pull it through the loop. Tug on the strand to tighten the knot.[21]
- Cut the remaining strands, then seal them. Use a pair of scissors to cut the other strands as close as possible to the knot. Do not cut the strand you used to make the knot. Seal the cut ends as follows:[22]
- Chinese knotting cord or rattail cord: hold the cut ends over a flame until they melt.
- Embroidery thread: place a drop of liquid glue over the ends, and let the glue dry. Super glue will work the best, but you can use tacky or fabric glue.
- Repeat the process for the beginning of the braid. Remove the piece of tape first. Undo the knot, then tie 1 of the outer strands around the rest 2 times. Cut the other strands and seal them. Do not cut the strand you used to make the knot. The beginning and end of your bracelet should look the same.[23]
- Try to use a different color for the knotting cord than you did for the end of the cord. This will make the next step easier.
- Tie the first cord around the second cord 2 times. Take the first cord at the end of your braid. Measure along it, then wrap it around the second cord. Pull the tail through the loop to tighten the knot. Make sure that the knot is from the end of the braid, then create a second knot.[24]
- Make sure that the braid is not twisted for this step.
- Do not use the second cord from the beginning of the braid to make the knot. You should be able to slide the knot along the cord.
- Cut the cord close to the knot, then seal the end. Take the rest of the cord you just used to make the knot. Cut it as close as possible to the knot. Seal the cut end using the same method as before:[25]
- Chinese knotting cord or rattail cord: candle or lighter flame.
- Embroidery thread: liquid glue.
- Slide the knot towards the beginning of the braid. You should be able to slide the knot up and down along the second cord. Slide the knot towards the base of the second cord so that it bumps up against the beginning of the braid.[26]
- Repeat the knotting process with the second cord. Measure along the second cord. Wrap the second cord around the base of the first cord, right next to the end of the braid. Tie the cord into a knot twice, using the same method as before. Cut the excess cord, and seal the knot, just like before.[27]
- Pull on both knots to open and close the bracelet. Slide the knots along the cords to move them. The closer you move the knots together, the wider the bracelet will become. The further you move the knots from each other, the smaller the bracelet will become.[28]
- Keep knots from coming loose by sealing them with glue or clear nail polish.
- You can use cords that are all the same, but it will be harder to tell them apart.
- Experiment with other types of cording, such as suede.
- Add large seed beads to the outer strands of a basic braid before each cross-over.[29]
EditThings You'll Need EditCreating a Double-Strand Braided Bracelet - Chinese knotting cord or rattail cord, 3 different colors
- Tape
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
EditCreating a 5-Strand Braid - Chinese knotting cord, rattail cord, or embroidery thread, 5 colors
- Tape
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
EditCreating a Mixed-Media Bracelet - 3 different strings (ribbon, lace, suede, chain, etc.)
- Fabric scissors (for ribbon and lace)
- Shape scissors (for suede and pleather)
- Wire cutters (for chain)
- Fold-over cord ends (for ribbon, lace, and suede)
- Heavy-duty pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Jump ring
- Lobster clasp
EditCreating an Adjustable Closure - Completed braided bracelet
- Scissors
- Candle/lighter or liquid glue
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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