How to Make a Scarf Without a Sewing Machine
Fleece scarves have become very popular cold-weather accessories due to their softness and warmth. You can find them in most clothing and accessory stores in the winter. They look so easy to make, but are they? Why yes, they are!
Just because you make it yourself doesn’t mean you have to settle for a plain old strip of fleece. If you get some fleece in a pretty pattern and follow these instructions, you can create a beautiful fringed scarf that no one will ever suspect was handmade. But you’ll be so proud of it, you’ll just have to tell them.
Supplies
- 2 yards of fleece
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Measuring tape
- Disappearing ink pen
Instructions
- Cut a piece of fleece that is 27 inches wide and 72 inches long.
- Figure out how long you would like your fringe to be. The best length is between 5 and 9 inches. Mark and cut a square in the desired size from each corner of the piece of fleece, taking care to make sure the edges are nice and straight.
- Fold the fleece in half lengthwise, being careful to keep all edges even. Smooth the fleece out, and pin it together in several places just past the length you will be cutting the fringe.
- Make cuts the desired length of the fringe, about 1/2 inch apart, all the way around the scarf.
- Tie each piece of fringe to the piece behind it, double knotting it. For best results, tie a few pieces at each corner before tying the pieces in the middle. This will keep the fabric from bunching up.
- Remove the straight pins. Add beads to the fringe if desired. Knot the ends underneath each bead, and add some seam sealant to keep them in place.
Why not make one for yourself and a matching one for your sister, mother or best friend? These make great holiday gifts. And since they’re so easy to make, you could make one for everyone on your list. They’re also great for winter birthdays.
You could also adjust these instructions to make a scarf for a child. You’ll need to cut the fleece shorter and narrower, and cut the fringes a little bit shorter. Other than that, the technique is the same.
You don’t have to know how to knit or sew to make a warm and fashionable scarf. If you can operate a pair of scissors, you can create this easy project in no time. But be warned: once you get started, you might not be able to stop until you have a scarf to match every piece of your wardrobe!
Pineapple Dessert Bars
Ingredients:
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks in it own juice, drained
1 large egg
1/2 cup pineapple juice, unsweetened
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
Place 1/4 cup of the pineapple chunks in the blender. Puree until very smooth. Place in a large bowl. Place the egg in the bowl with the puree and mix slightly. Add the pineapple juice, orange extract and oil. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until combined well. Add the flour to the mixture. Stir slightly with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle in the baking soda and baking powder. Use the electric mixer on medium speed and beat until completely combined and all dry ingredients are well moistened. Use the rubber spatula and gently stir in the remaining pineapple chunks. Set the oven at 350 degrees. Spray a square baking dish with a non stick cooking spray. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before cutting.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Values):
82 calories, 2 g protein, 1 g total fat, 0.2 g saturated fat, 14 g carbohydrate, 0 g dietary fiber, 18 mg cholesterol and 146 mg sodium per 2 square serving.
Nap Time - How it Affects You?
Naps increase creativity, memory and alertness, says Sara Mednick, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, and author of Take a Nap! Change Your Life.
A six-year study of 23,500 healthy adults by Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Athens Medical School showed that taking naps at least three days per week reduced coronary mortality by 37 percent.
Some workplaces have designated sleep areas. If people need a 15 or 20 minute nap in order to finish the workday with a clear mind, they can take one. Mednick recommends 20 minutes to increase alertness and motor performance but 30 minutes will put a person into deeper sleep, which may leave them feeling groggy.
You don’t need a designated sleep area. Have a nap at a desk, a quiet spot in the gym, or in your car. Get comfortable and snooze but not too long. You might consider setting a watch alarm.
