| How to Make a Sash Posted: 23 Sep 2019 05:00 PM PDT A sash is an essential accessory for beauty pageants. A sash is also a fun way to identify the guest of honor at bachelorette parties, baby showers, and other special occasions. You can easily make a sash customized for your needs with a few basic craft supplies and a sewing machine. [Edit]Designing the Sash - Get approximately of a ribbon. Wide ribbon makes a great sash and eliminates the need to sew as much. is enough ribbon for most adults, but you may need to adjust depending on the size of the person. Measure the ribbon on the person by wrapping it from their hip to their opposite shoulder and back down to their hip. You can always trim the ribbon if it's too long, so it's better to have more than you need than not enough. Choose ribbon in the color and texture of your choice.[1] wide ribbon will make it easier to add large lettering to the sash.[2]}}
- Opt for a thicker, matte type of ribbon to ensure that the iron-on letters will adhere to the ribbon.
- Choose some decorative trim. You can accent your sash with some fringe, lace, or another type of trim if desired. Make sure to get enough to cover the entire edge of your ribbon.[3]
- For example, if you have a long piece of ribbon, then you will need the same amount of trim to cover one edge of the ribbon, or twice as much trim to cover both edges.
- Try contrasting a red ribbon with some black fringe, or contrast a pink satin ribbon with some white lace.
- Select your iron-on letters. You can find iron-on letters in craft supply stores. Choose letters in the style and color of your choice. Make sure that the letters are the iron-on type and that they will fit onto the ribbon you have chosen.[4]
- Choose some sequins, crystals, and other embellishments. To add some extra color and sparkle to the sash, you can also glue on some sequins, crystals, and/or beads. Choose embellishments that have a flat side if possible. This will make it easier to glue them onto the ribbon.[5]
- Try adding light pink crystals to the edges of a dark pink beauty pageant sash.
- Add some red sequins to a black bachelorette sash.
- Enhance a white sash with contrasting baby accessory beads (rattles, bottles, booties, etc.) for a baby shower.
[Edit]Sewing the Sash - Pin the trim to the ribbon. To accent your sash, pin the trim to one edge of the ribbon or to both edges if desired. Make sure that the edges of the ribbon and trim are overlapping by at least . Place a pin through the ribbon and trim every to to secure them.[6]
- Sew the trim in place. Use your sewing machine to sew a straight stitch about from the edge of the trim to secure it to the ribbon. Make sure that you sew through the ribbon and the trim.[7]
- Position the letters on the ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half so that the two ends are matching up and lay the ribbon on a flat surface. Then, begin placing the letters so that they are centered on this section of ribbon. Start and finish placing the letters about to from the fold and the end of the section. Space letters out evenly as well.[8]
- If the word you want on the sash is a longer one, then place the first letter closer to the edge. For example, if you are making a "Bachelorette" sash, then start pinning the "B" about from the edge and space them evenly so that the "E" is also about from the edge.
- Iron the letters in place. Follow the instructions for the iron-on letters to iron them onto the ribbon. You may need to cover the letters with a towel or t-shirt to protect them from the heat. Apply even heat to all of the letters.
- Glue on any other embellishments. Apply a dab of fabric glue to the ribbon where you want to place a sequin, crystal, or bead. Then, press the embellishment into the glue. Repeat until you have attached all of the embellishments. Then, let the glue dry overnight.
- For example, if you are making a sash for a bridal shower, then you could glue on some wedding accessory embellishments, such as a wedding cake, wedding dress, or a bouquet.
[Edit]Securing the Sash - Pin the ends of the sash together. Before you secure the ends of the sash, try it on. Position the sash how you want to wear it and adjust the ends so that they meet near your hip. The ends should be overlapping at a slight angle. When you are happy with the fit, place a pin through the 2 ends to secure them.[9]
- Sew across the sash ends. Remove the sash with the pin still in place. Then, use your sewing machine to sew a straight stitch across the two ends. Sew just below where you pinned the ends together.[10]
- Remove the pin after you finish sewing.
- Cut off the excess material. After you finish sewing the ends together, cut along the edge of the seam, about from the stitches you just sewed. Then, discard the excess fabric and your sash is ready to wear![11]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Ribbon
- Trim
- Iron-on letters or fabric paint or permanent markers
- Sequins, crystals, and/or beads
- Fabric glue
- Pins
- Scissors
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Thread
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Fix Your Credit Posted: 23 Sep 2019 09:00 AM PDT Having poor credit is stressful and can result in you paying more money than people with good credit when you go to finance a car or buy a house. However, there's no need to hire a credit repair company that claims they can fix your credit woes. In reality, these companies don't do anything you can't do yourself for free. Like losing weight, it takes time and effort to achieve financial fitness. Work on it a little each day and eventually you'll have a credit score you can be proud of.[1] [Edit]Correcting Errors on Your Credit Report - Get a copy of all three credit reports. Federal law entitles you to 1 free credit report from each of the 3 major credit bureaus every 12 months. To get your free credit reports, go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action and click the button to request your reports.[2]
- The reports you get from the free report site do not include your credit scores. They only include the entries on your report. However, this is all you need to check for errors.
- Compare your credit report with your own records. Read through each of the reports carefully and identify each account listed. Check your own records to make sure the account status, balance, and payments made are correct.[3]
- Not all creditors report to all 3 credit bureaus, so make sure you go through this process with each of your 3 credit reports.
- If you find an entry on one of your credit reports that doesn't match your own records, make a copy of that page of the credit report and highlight the entry. You'll need to send this to the credit bureau along with a letter explaining the error if you want to get it corrected.
- Write a letter to the appropriate credit bureau disputing any errors. Include the page of your credit report where you've highlighted the error, as well as any other documentation you have that would prove the entry was wrong. Even though the credit bureaus allow you to dispute the record online, it's still better to send a written letter so you have a record of the dispute.[4]
- Mail your letter and supporting documentation to the credit bureau. Before you mail your letter, make a copy of the signed letter for your records. Then send it using certified mail with returned receipt requested. When you get the green card back, keep it with your copy of your dispute letter as proof of delivery. Use the following addresses:[5]
- Equifax: Equifax Information Services LLC, PO Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30348
- Experian: Experian, PO Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion: TransUnion LLC, Consumer Dispute Center, PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
- Follow up to make sure the error is corrected. The credit bureau will investigate the entry and forward your documents and information to the creditor that provided the information for the entry. You will receive notice from the credit bureau when the investigation is complete, typically within 30 days. You'll still want to look at your credit report to verify the information has been changed.[6]
- If the credit bureau determines that the entry is actually correct, you can ask them to put a note on the entry explaining that you dispute it. Although it won't affect your credit score, anyone who requests your credit report will see this note.
[Edit]Working with Your Creditors - Contact your creditors as soon as possible if you can't make the minimum payment. Creditors are typically willing to work with you if you're proactive. As soon as you determine you won't be able to make your minimum monthly payment, call the customer service number for the creditor and let them know about your situation.[7]
- When speaking to a representative, tell them that you're concerned you won't be able to make the minimum payment and let them know the reason. If you have a good idea when the situation will be resolved, give them a time frame.
- Ask for a credit limit increase if you're carrying a high balance. Credit utilization makes up about 30% of your credit score. If you're carrying a balance, it shouldn't be more than 30% of your credit limit. If you aren't able to pay down a high balance quickly, the creditor may be willing to increase your credit limit. Then the balance will be a smaller percentage of the overall amount of credit you have available even though it remains the same amount.
- Credit card companies are typically more inclined to give you a higher limit if you have a good credit score and a good payment history with them, but even if you don't they still may be willing to work with you.
- Negotiate a lower interest rate on accounts you've had for a while. If you've had a credit card for several years and have a good relationship with the credit card company, you may be able to get a lower interest rate. If you're carrying a balance on the card, this can keep you from getting further into debt. Research other credit cards that are similar to the one you have and compare the interest rates offered.[8]
- Keep all your information handy and call your credit card's customer service number. Explain to the representative the reason for your call, and remind them of your good relationship with the company. Then, let them know that you've been shopping around and that their competitors offer a lower rate.
- While it's true that credit card companies will be more likely to lower your interest rate if you have a good credit score, it never hurts to ask. The account representative may even give you tips on what you need to do to be eligible for a lower interest rate.
- Pay for removal of collection accounts. If you have any credit accounts that have gone into collections, normally the collection entry would stay on your credit report for 7 years. However, you also have a lot of room to negotiate with collection agencies and get the entry removed from your credit report after you've paid the debt in full. These are called "pay for delete" agreements.[9]
- Many collection agencies will send you a settlement offer. If you want to have the entry removed from your credit report, however, you typically have to pay more than the settlement amount. In some cases, you'll have to agree to pay what you owe in full.
[Edit]Using Credit Responsibly - Review what factors go into calculating your credit score. It can take months of hard work to get your credit score where you want it to be. Once you get it there, strive to keep it there or take it even higher. Knowing how your credit score is calculated can help you stay on top of it. Generally, a FICO score is calculated according to the following:[10]
- Your payment history makes up about 35% of your score. Even a single late payment can be enough to drop your score a few points, so it's important to pay all your bills early or on time, every time.
- About 30% of your score is based on your credit utilization, which looks at the amount of outstanding debt you have relative to the credit you have available. If you have to carry a balance on a credit card, make sure it's not more than 25% or 30% of your total available credit.
- About 15% of your credit score is based on your credit history. To keep this portion of your credit score sound, avoid closing your oldest accounts.
- Inquiries make up about 10% of your credit score. Try not to apply for more than 2 or 3 new lines of credit per year to avoid a negative impact on your score.
- The final 10% of your credit score deals with the different types of credit accounts you have. Ideally, you want a mix of credit cards, auto loans, a mortgage, and other types of installment accounts.
- Create a monthly budget and stick to it. All the hard work you put into fixing your credit will go to waste if you end up getting yourself in debt again because you're over-extended. Figure out your actual take-home income each month and subtract from that the bills you have no control over, such as your utilities, rent or mortgage payment, food, and transportation costs.[11]
- If you find that you have a shortfall each month, see what you can do to cut your expenses. For example, you may be able to buy in bulk and share with friends and family to reduce food costs.
- Getting a side gig is another option if you find you have repeated difficulty making ends meet. Signing up with a ride-share app or a delivery service could net you a little extra cash. For example, you might do ride-sharing on weekends to cover your car payment.
- Calculate the true cost of big-ticket purchases before you buy. It can be tempting to plunk down a credit card if you want to buy a new TV, gaming system, or computer. But even though your monthly payments may be relatively low, you'll pay a lot more for that item in interest, especially if it takes you several years to pay down the balance.[12]
- For example, suppose you see a new computer that you want for $3,000. You could put it on your credit card and pay the minimum payment of $60 a month. However, if your interest rate is 15%, this will end up costing you an additional $400 or so a year. Even worse, if you only make the minimum payment, it'll take you 16 years to pay it off! By then, the computer would be well past obsolete and you would have paid your credit card company $3,641 in interest – more than the initial purchase price of the computer.
- Pay your bills on time and in full. Create a bill calendar and write down each bill on the day that it's due. This can help you keep track of your bills so they don't sneak up on you. You can also set reminders on your computer or smartphone. Try to pay your credit card balances in full every month whenever possible.[13]
- Setting up autopay can be a good option to ensure that you don't miss a payment due date. However, make sure you're going to have enough money in your bank account to actually cover the bill. Otherwise, you may get hit with fees for overdraft or returned payment.
- Use a credit tracking app to keep on top of your credit score. There are a number of free credit tracking apps, such as Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and WalletHub, that allow you to check your credit score for changes whenever you want. Many of these apps also have budgeting and planning features that can help you save for your next big purchase.[14]
- Make a habit of checking your credit at least twice a month. If you've had errors on your credit report before, or have been a victim of identity theft, you may want to check it more often.
- Avoid the temptation to apply for new credit cards. Every time you apply for a credit card, an inquiry goes on your credit report. While inquiries only make up about 10% of your total credit score, most creditors look askance at applicants who have applied for a significant number of new credit cards or loans.[15]
- If you're shopping for a car or a house, most creditors will take this into consideration. However, if you're just applying for a bunch of credit cards, it makes it look like you're having financial trouble.
- If you have a lack of credit, ask a responsible friend or family member with a good credit score if they would be willing to add you to one of their credit cards as an authorized user. They don't even have to give you a card, but your credit score will improve when they make their payments on time.[16]
- Whether you're talking to an original creditor or a collection agency, make sure you get any deal you make in writing. If the creditor or collection agency later doesn't follow through with their end of the bargain, you'll have something to enforce.
[Edit]Warnings - This article discusses how to fix your credit in the US. If you live in another country, the process may be different. Talk to a local financial advisor or credit specialist.
- Credit repair companies offer to improve your credit for a fee. While many of these companies aren't necessarily scams, they won't do anything for you that you couldn't do for yourself.[17]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Make an Autumn Bunch Posted: 23 Sep 2019 01:00 AM PDT Autumn is a beautiful season with a unique colour palette. Far from the frosty shades of winter or the vivid ones of summer and spring, autumn colours range from warm gold to soft auburn to bright red, and all shades in between. Rather than letting the beauty of this season simply "fall", why not cherish it?
Autumn bunches are a pretty, easy and flexible decoration that require no special talents or items. All you really need is the season itself, and a ribbon or two. Because they aren't as large as regular flower bunches, autumn bunches can be tied to baskets, hung from windows or car mirrors, or feature on their own. You can choose from a variety of plants and colour ranges. So rather than watching autumn fade away, why not make something out of it?
- Gather the things you'll need. Remember that there's no strict list; you can mix and match what you like. You can gather a variety of differently sized and coloured autumn leaves, or make them all identical. It's generally best to stick with medium sized to small leaves though, as you want the bunches to be graceful, not oversized and untidy. As for autumn plants, you can take your pick depending on where you live; pine cones, berries or flowers.
- Make sure all of your items stick to a colour palette; typically, you'll be looking for a range of auburn, browns, gold and reds. Make sure that the ribbon you select adds the ultimate touch – a deep red or gold ribbon, or perhaps a striped or checked one, will be perfect. When gathering your items, remember the following:
- Your flowers should be removed from sunlight as soon as they are cut so that they will dry with their colours preserved.
- Your flowers should also not be fully mature; else they will lose their petals quickly.
- Dry your flowers. You can use the microwave technique for drying daises or roses, or tie your flowers in small bunches and hang them upside down in a dark, dry area such as an unused closet. Allow your flowers to dry for two to three weeks. Yes, this takes time and patience, but it ensures that your bunch lasts longer and makes it look all the more attractive.
- Dry your autumn leaves. In the meantime, take care of your autumn leaves. There are various methods for drying and preserving autumn leaves, and they don't take the same amount of time as flowers, so get to work. You can choose to:
- Microwave them. Try microwaving your leaves until they're completely dry, between double layers of paper towels. Be careful, though, as they could catch on fire.
- Use wax paper. Place a leaf between two pieces of wax paper, place a towel on top and press it with an iron to seal the wax paper. Do both sides and then cut around the leaf. Carefully peel the wax paper off.
- Soak them in glycerine solution. Mix glycerine and water so that it's one part glycerine and two parts water - you'll need about one cup of solution. Pour the solution into a flat pan, place the leaves in and put some kind of weight (such as a plate) on the leaves to keep them submerged. Soak them for 2-6 days and then dry them gently with a paper towel. This method helps keep the leaves more flexible.
- It also helps to spray the leaves with hairspray once you're done with drying them, to keep them preserved.
- Dust your leaves with glitter to enhance their beauty. Shades of gold, silver or white are all great colours to add. This is optional.
- Arrange your bunch. The hardest part - waiting – is over, and your bunches will be complete in minutes. Gather up your flowers and leaves and work on arranging them how you would like. Keep in mind the colours and sizes and what kind of look you're trying to achieve – graceful, pretty, bright? Be gentle and carefully with your plants.
- Tie them with ribbon. Once your bunch is perfect, carefully tie it with your ribbon. To secure the bunch, you may want to tie it with thin but strong string first, because the silkiness of the ribbon may not hold the bunch together as well. Then tie the ribbon around it for decoration. You can simply tie it and let the two sides of ribbon dangle, or tie it in a bow. You could also thread small charms or beads along your ribbon, which work especially well if you're going to hang the bunch up.
- Let the bunch dry, if you like. You can keep the bunch in a cool, dark and dry area for a week or so to ensure it is preserved and dried properly.
- Enjoy! You can make several bunches, drying flowers at different periods, and then use them to decorate your house for a special occasion. Or you can hang these bunches from your window, or car mirror, or add them to a gift or basket for that final autumnal touch.
- You can make bunches for any season; simply follow these instructions but replace them with different colour themes and plants.
- You can braid two ribbons together and then tie the bunch up to add a special touch.
- You could try gathering scented plants so that the bunch smells pretty as well.
- Be careful when handling your bunches.
[Edit]Warnings - Delicate flowers may not respond well to some methods of drying, so remember to be gentle.
- Supervise children while they do this activity.
- Leaves can catch fire in the microwave, so be careful.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Autumn leaves
- Glitter (optional)
- Ribbon
- 2 to 4 autumn plants
- String
- Place to dry flowers
- Strong, thin string
- Iron/Glycerine/Wax paper (or other method for preserving leaves)
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