| How to Repair a Luggage Tear Posted: 15 Mar 2020 05:00 PM PDT Torn luggage is more than just an eyesore—if not addressed right away, it has the potential to lead to more severe damage, or even lost belongings. That's why it's important to act fast if you notice that the exterior of one of your bags or suitcases has ripped. Fortunately, all it takes is a needle and thread, a little fabric glue, or a suitably-sized patch to seal the breach and ensure lasting durability. [Edit]Sewing Small Tears - Thread a sewing needle with a heavy-duty type of thread. Most suitcases and travel bags are constructed of thick, hard-wearing fabrics, so it's a good idea to use a thread that can hold up to the physical demands of constant packing, loading, and shuffling from place to place. Multi-ply polyester, cotton-wrapped polyester, or nylon upholstery thread should do the trick nicely.[1]
- You'll find many different varieties of thread at your local craft store, or any shop that carries sewing supplies.[2]
- If all you have is regular thread, double it over on itself and tie the ends together to beef it up.
- Weave the needle back and forth through both torn edges in a zig-zag pattern. Keep sewing until you reach the far end of the tear where the material is still intact. The closer together you situate your stitches, the more you'll be able to make room for, and the more durable the finished seam will be.[3]
- Avoid inserting your needle too close to the frayed edge of the tear, or the resulting stitch could come out easily.
- This is nothing but your basic straight stitch, the most elementary technique in sewing.[4]
- Tie off your thread 2-3 times to make sure the knot will hold. There are a couple of ways you can do this. The first is to slip your needle under your last stitch and pull it through the loop formed by the thread before snipping off the excess length. The other is to cut your thread a little long, then gather up the loose ends and tie a series of half knots by hand.[5]
- Either of these methods will work just fine, as long as your knots are tight and neat.
[Edit]Gluing Clean, Straight Tears - Apply a small amount of high-strength fabric glue to both sides of the tear. Start by separating the two sections of fabric as much as possible without doing any further damage. Then, carefully dab some glue onto the top of one section and the bottom of the other. Be careful not to accidentally spread the glue to any other part of your luggage.[6]
- Make sure the glue you're working with is suitable for use on fabrics. Many ordinary superglues aren't effective on woven materials.[7]
- Gluing both sides of the tear rather than just one will improve its chances of staying closed.
- Align the top and bottom sections of the tear. Doing your best not to get glue all over your fingers, position the two edges so that the one with the glue on the bottom is directly above the one with the glue on the top. There should be a small amount of overlap between the sections.[8]
- If you don't overlap the fabric, the glue will have nothing to stick to but itself, and the tear will likely open back up before long.
- Press and hold the two sections together for at least 2-3 minutes. Once you get the edges of the tear lined up properly, clamp them together between your fingers and apply firm, steady pressure. It should only take a few minutes for the glue to dry to the point where you can let go of the fabric without it coming apart.[9]
- Be sure to apply additional glue as needed to any gaps or openings you notice in the mended fabric.
- Keep in mind that the more glue you slather on, the longer it will take to dry.
[Edit]Patching Large Rips and Holes - Purchase a fabric patch that matches your luggage. Shop around for a patch that approximates the look of your bag as closely as possible. Fabric patches come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one that fits the bill.[10]
- Most fabric patches are made from cotton or polyester, and aren't recommended for use on materials like nylon or rayon.
- There are also leather patches available for renewing leather bags and suitcases.
- Sew around the edges of ordinary fabric patches. Straight-stitch your way along the outer perimeter of the patch until you get back to your starting point, then snip your thread and tie it off 2-3 times to secure it. Provided you do this correctly, your finished patch should stand up to even the most crowded baggage claim terminals.[11]
- For maximum durability, use an extra-thick type of thread, such as cotton-wrapped polyester or nylon upholstery thread. You can also double-up a strand of normal thread to increase its strength.[12]
- Sewing your patch is the best way to guarantee that it will stay on.
- Stick on patches with flat backs using fabric glue. Spread a liberal amount of high-hold glue onto the backside of the patch and carefully move it into place over the tear. Press down firmly on the patch for 30-60 seconds to make sure it will stay put. Afterwards, avoid handling the patch for at least 10 minutes as the glue begins to set.[13]
- Other types of flexible, waterproof glues, like Gorilla Glue, multi-purpose industrial glue, or hot glue sticks, may also work for this project.[14]
- Once the glue has had a full 24 hours to cure, it will be safe to expose your luggage to rain, sleet, snow, and other adverse weather conditions.
- Heat iron-on patches for quick and easy repairs. Place the patch on the damaged spot and take a moment to get it positioned right where you want it while your iron heats up. Place a thin piece of cloth (such as a bandanna or pillowcase) over the patch and press the hot iron into the cloth for 30-45 seconds. If possible, flip the luggage fabric over and iron the other side as well to further cement the bond.[15]
- Spraying the backside of the patch with a bonding agent can help lock it down for good.[16]
- The backs of iron-on patches are coated with powerful adhesives that form a strong bond when activated by heat.
- Each of the methods described here will work for rips, tears, and holes in your luggage's inner lining as well as its outer shell.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Sewing Small Tears - Sewing needle
- Thread
- Scissors
- Heavy-duty thread (optional)
[Edit]Gluing Clean, Straight Cuts - High-strength fabric glue
- Heavy object (optional—for clamping tear)
[Edit]Patching Large Rips and Holes - Matching fabric patch
- Sewing kit or needle and thread
- Fabric glue
- Clothes iron
- Hand-cut custom fabric patch (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Cook Cactus Posted: 15 Mar 2020 09:00 AM PDT Are you up for a fun cooking challenge? Learn how to prepare cactus by mixing into a salad or tossing it on the grill. Start by scraping the prickles off the cactus paddles and trimming the edges. Then you can boil the cactus and mix it with chopped onions, peppers, and tomatoes to make a simple salad. You can also throw the paddles directly onto a hot grill to give the cactus a delicious smoky flavor. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Boiled Nopales Salad - 6 cactus paddles
- 1 tomatillo husk
- 1/4 of a white onion, cut into wedges
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) of chopped tomatoes
- 2 serrano peppers, minced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) of chopped onion
- of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (25 g) of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon (1 g) of Mexican oregano
- of olive oil
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup (60 g) of fresh cheese (queso fresco), crumbled
- Corn tortillas or tostadas to serve
Makes 4 servings [Edit]Grilled Cactus Paddles - 6 to 8 nopales cactus paddles
- of olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground pepper
Makes 4 servings [Edit]Boiled Nopales Salad - Trim the edge from 6 paddles and scrape off the prickly spines. Cut off the outer from the edge of each cactus paddle. Then hold each paddle by the stem and carefully scrape against the prickles using a sharp knife. The prickly spines should fall off.[1]
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp thorns.
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cut the paddles into any size you want. Fill a pot that's at least in size with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. While the water is heating, cut each of the cactus paddles into pieces or strips.[2]
- You can slice or cut the cactus paddles into any size you want, but keep the pieces uniform.
- Put the cactus pieces, tomatillo husk, onion, garlic, and salt into the pot. Carefully put the cactus pieces or strips into the boiling water, so the water doesn't splash you. Add 1 tomatillo husk, 1/4 of a white onion, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt, and 1 garlic clove.[3]
- Keep the water boiling over high heat after you add the ingredients.
- Boil the uncovered cactus mixture for 8 to 10 minutes. Let the cactus pieces and seasonings boil vigorously so the cactus begins to soften. As the cactus boils, it will release a sticky substance that floats to the top of the water.[4]
- You may need to adjust the burner if you think the foamy water will boil over the side of the pot.
- Drain the mixture and rinse it under cold water. Set a colander in the sink and turn off the burner. Use caution as you pour the mixture into the colander. To stop the cactus from cooking, immediately run cold water over it and let it drain again.[5]
- At this point, you can refrigerate the boiled cactus in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days.
- Stir the cactus with tomatoes, serrano peppers, cilantro, and onion. Put the drained cactus pieces into a serving bowl and add 1 1/2 cup (300 g) of chopped tomatoes, 2 minced serrano peppers, 1/2 cup (25 g) of chopped cilantro, and 1/2 cup (75 g) of chopped onion.[6]
- For a rustic salad, keep the pepper and onion pieces large.
- Mix the juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Get out a small bowl and pour in of lemon juice along with of olive oil. Whisk in 1 teaspoon (1 g) of Mexican oregano along with salt and pepper according to your taste.[7]
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
- Toss the dressing into the nopales salad. Immediately pour the dressing over the cactus and vegetables in the serving bowl. Then use a large spoon to stir the ingredients until they're evenly coated with the dressing.[8]
- Taste the salad at this point and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
- Serve the nopales salad with tortillas and your favorite toppings. Warm corn tortillas and spoon some of the nopales salad onto them. Then top the nopales with freshly sliced avocado, 1/2 cup (60 g) of crumbled fresh cheese, and sauce.[9]
- Refrigerate the leftover nopales salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
[Edit]Grilled Cactus Paddles - Light a gas or charcoal grill. If you're using a gas grill, turn the burners to medium heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, fill a chimney with charcoal briquettes and light them. Once the briquettes are hot and lightly covered with ash, dump them in the center of the grill.[10]
- For additional flavor, consider adding mesquite or hickory chips to the briquettes before you grill the cactus paddles.
- Cut the outer edge off of 6 to 8 cactus paddles. Put the paddles on a cutting board and trim off the entire edge from each paddle using a sharp knife. You only need to trim away from the edge.[11]
- Consider wearing gloves to protect your skin from the prickly spines of the cactus paddles.
- Scrape the prickly spines from each paddle. Carefully use a chef's knife to scrape against both sides of the cactus paddles, so the spines or thorns fall off. Keep scraping until you don't see any black spines left. Then rinse the paddles and dry them completely.[12]
- To make it easier to handle, grasp the cactus paddle by its stem as you scrape.
- Season the paddles with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Dip a pastry brush into of olive oil and brush it onto each side of the cactus paddles. Then get out 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of salt and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground pepper. Sprinkle the salt and pepper evenly over the cactus.[13]
- Remember to turn the paddles and season the other side as well.
- Place the paddles on the grill. Arrange the cactus paddles so they're directly over the coals. While it's alright if the paddles touch each other on the grill, they should be in a single layer.[14]
- If you can't fit all of the cactus paddles on the grill in a single layer, grill them in batches.
- Grill the cactus paddles for 6 to 8 minutes. Cover the grill and cook the cactus paddles until they turn a yellow-green color. This should take 3 to 4 minutes. Then use tongs to carefully turn each cactus paddle over and finish grilling the other sides of the paddles until they're yellow-green.[15]
- The cactus paddles should look charred in spots.
- Slice the paddles and serve them while they're hot. Use tongs to transfer the grilled cactus paddles to a cutting board. Then use a sharp knife to slice the paddles into long strips. Serve the grilled cactus paddles with warm tortillas, grilled corn on the cob, or fresh salsa.[16]
- You can refrigerate leftover grilled paddles in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days, but their flavor can become bitter as they're stored.
- If you find wild barrel cactus, avoid using it in these recipes. Barrel cactus is best eaten raw, although you can separate and bake with the seeds.
- For an extra-savory flavor, lay a slice of your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or queso fresco, over the paddles just before serving them. The heat from the paddles should melt the cheese.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Nopales Salad - Measuring cups and spoons
- Large pot with a lid
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon
- Colander
- Serving bowl
[Edit]Grilled Cactus Paddles - Knife and cutting board
- Gas or charcoal grill
- Tongs
[Edit]References |
| How to Celebrate Women's History Month Posted: 15 Mar 2020 01:00 AM PDT Since 1987, the United States has celebrated National Women's History Month during March to correspond with International Women's Day, which is March 8. While women have always played an important role in society, historical records often focused more on the contributions made by men. During the month of March, people around the country recognize and celebrate the contributions women have made to society, as well as the struggles they continue to face.[1] It's fun and easy to celebrate women's history during March and every day of the year. [Edit]Promoting Women's History - Study women who made history, created inventions, or spread ideas. The key goal of women's history month is to honor contributions by women. Read books and online articles about historical and modern day women who are making a difference. Additionally, watch documentary films about women in history.[2]
- Learn about the important roles that women play in society. Throughout history, women have shaped society by becoming leaders, raising families, promoting ideas, and creating inventions. While some of these roles were overlooked in their time, society wouldn't be where it is today without the work of women. Read about the historical roles women played and the diverse cultures around the world, some of which were matriarchal, meaning women were in control.[3]
- Read about famous female leaders like Queen Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great, Harriet Tubman, Cleopatra, and Aung San Suu Kyi.
- Recognize how women's roles in the home helped communities grow and thrive.
- Lean about matriarchal societies. Historically, Hawaii once had a matriarchal society. Currently, matriarchies still exist in parts of China, Indonesia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Ghana, and India.[4]
- Research the current issues women face in the modern world. While women are making big strides toward achieving an equal society, there are still issues that many women face in their everyday life. Learn more about these issues so you can help further women's issues and educate others. Here are some examples:[5]
- Studies show women are not paid equally to men for the same work.
- Women face pressure to work and be perfect homemakers.
- Women reportedly experience harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
- Many women report being harassed online.
- Women face different health issues than men and sometimes struggle to get the correct treatment.
- In general, women are underrepresented in positions of power.
- Interview an important woman in your life to learn her story. Choose a family member, friend, educator, or mentor. Ask her about her life, her struggles, her career, and how she became who she is. Record her story so you can share it with others.[6]
- You might post her profile on social media, with her permission, so others can learn more about her.
- If you're in school, ask your instructor if you can read a short report on your interviewee.
[Edit]Supporting Women's Issues - Advocate for equality between the sexes. Unfortunately, women still face discrimination and unequal treatment in society. However, you can help change things for the better. Speak out about women's issues and support policies that help women.[7]
- For instance, you might join a women's walk, attend protests against discriminatory practices, or hand out flyers about women's issues.
- You can also donate to women's rights agencies and can write to your government officials, encouraging them to support women.
- Educate others about the issues women face. Women's issues aren't consistently taught and discussed, so some people aren't aware of why they're important. Fortunately, you can help people gain a better understanding of both women's history and current issues women face. Share your knowledge with others and encourage them to follow up with their own research.[8]
- You might say something like, "I just read this report that says women don't make the same amount as men for the same work. Have you heard about that?" or "Did you know women who are having heart attacks are more likely to be sent home than men? What do you think we could do to change that?"
- Speak up if you witness mistreatment or discrimination against women. One person can make a huge impact by standing up for what's right. If you see someone treating a woman poorly, say something. Tell them that their behavior is inappropriate and demand that they stop. Then, report the behavior if possible.[9]
- Let's say you witness a coworker say, "That short skirt is giving me ideas," to a female coworker. Say, "It's not okay to make sexual comments in the workplace, so stop." Then, report the incident to management.
- Similarly, let's say you see a man catcalling women on the street. You might say, "Your comments are really disrespectful. Women have a right to be in public without being harassed."
- Support women-owned businesses by patronizing them. While there's nothing wrong with buying products and services from businesses run by men, seeking out female-owned businesses promotes women in society. Look for businesses in your area or online and use your dollars to show women your support.[10]
- For example, you might frequent a local coffee house that's owned by women or purchase clothes directly from a woman who hand-makes them.
- Donate money to organizations that promote women's issues. Women may have a way to go in gaining equality, but there are many organizations that are working to further women's issues. Consider giving money to an agency of your choice to help make a difference. While there are a plethora of great options, here are a few organizations you might consider supporting:[11]
- Global Fund for Women
- National Women's Law Center
- National Organization for Women
- The Malala Fund
- CARE
- Planned Parenthood
- Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID)
- Girls Not Brides
- Girls Who Code
[Edit]Engaging with Creative Works by Women - Read books, articles, and poetry written by female writers. You likely already have a few favorite books that are written by women, whether it's a modern work like the Harry Potter series or a classic like Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Women have a unique perspective when it comes to literature, so seek out women writers and enjoy their writing. This supports the creative work by women and helps promote the female point-of-view.[12]
- Look for women writers at your library or bookstore.
- Follow female writers on social media.
- Watch films directed by and starring women. You've likely seen articles and posts about the lack of diversity in filmmaking, which includes women. Fortunately, women are gaining ground when it comes to jobs in the film industry. However, they can't be successful if people don't watch their movies. Enjoy films that feature a female director or star so they become more mainstream.[13]
- You can find films about and directed by women in all genres. For instance, the recent comedy Booksmart featured 2 female leads and had a female director. Similarly, the action film Wonder Woman stars a female protagonist and is directed by a woman.
- Listen to music by female artists. Like with literature and film, women are actively writing and recording music but haven't always gotten the recognition they deserve. Women contribute to all genres of music, so sample different artists and genres to find songs you enjoy. Share your favorite songs with others to spread awareness about female artists.[14]
- You might start with current artists like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lizzo, Halsey, Adele, Alicia Keys, and Kelly Clarkson. Then, start sampling musicians of the past.
- Seek out art exhibits that celebrate female artists. Historically, male artists have dominated the art world, but that's not because women aren't creating art. Fortunately, it's easier than ever to enjoy art by women, so look for an exhibit in your area. Additionally, learn more about female artists and their works through books or online.[15]
- For instance, Frida Kahlo is currently one of the most celebrated artists, but in her time she was overshadowed by her husband. Now, you can view traveling exhibits that include Kahlo's work or her personal items.
[Edit]Attending Women's History Month Events - Look for women's history events in your area. Across the country, events to support and promote women will take place all throughout the month of March. Find the events closest to your area and attend one or more of them. Invite your friends and family so that more people are participating.[16]
- Check with your local schools, including colleges and universities.
- Talk to your librarian to learn about events.
- Follow a local news site on social media to learn about events.
- Visit websites for local governments to see a listing of upcoming events.
- Consult local museums and cultural institutions to find out about events they may be hosting.
- Visit your local museum to check out a gallery exhibit. During the month of March, museums around the country will unite with the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and other educational institutions to present exhibits about women's history. Attend your local museum's exhibit to learn about women who impacted history.[17]
- Check your museum's website to learn about their upcoming exhibits and when they open.
- Keep in mind that different types of museums will be participating in different ways. You might be able to enjoy different exhibits by visiting art museums, science museums, history museums, and holocaust museums.
- Attend lectures about women in history or women's issues. Look for lectures at a local college, university, or library. You may also find a lecture at a local women's event. Invite your friends or family to attend the lecture with you so you can all learn about an important woman or women's issue.[18]
- Most colleges and universities will provide a list of all of the lectures in the area before the beginning of Women's History Month, which makes it easy to find events.
- Organize a women's history event in your community. If you can't find an event near you, host your own. Ask friends or neighbors to help you plan the event. Then, choose a location, date, and time. Create flyers for your event and distribute them across the community. Invite important women to speak at your event, book a female musical act, or plan educational projects for children.[19]
- Ask local schools if they'll help you host an event.
- Talk to your local library about offering a community event through them.
- Contact your local government to arrange a public event with their help.
- Ask your kids what their school is doing for women's history month. Consider volunteering to help promote women's history.
- Tell other people how you're celebrating Women's History Month so they can get involved, as well.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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