INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Choose a flat surface, such as a table, bed, or floor, and lay the sweater out with the front facing up. Smooth out the surface of the sweater and spread the sleeves out to the sides. This first fold brings the outer right edge of the sweater to the middle of the sweater. Keep the right sleeve extended straight out and lay it across the left arm so it's almost perpendicular. Fold the sleeve back inwardly just above the elbow, forming a triangle shape. Line the cuff up at the bottom of the sweater with the initial right-side fold. Fold in the left side and the left arm just like you did with the right, forming another triangle with the sleeve and a straight line along the left side. Once you’re finished, the whole sweater will look like 1 long rectangle. This creates a thick rectangle shape that can stand up on its own. Using this method will help keep your long-sleeved sweaters neat and perfectly folded. Once you're finished, store your folded sweaters in drawers standing up. Line them up in a row so you can easily see each piece of clothing.

SUMMARY: Lay the sweater out in front of you, faceup, with the sleeves spread out. Fold the right side of the sweater over with the sleeve straight out. Fold the right sleeve back and down so it lines up with the first fold. Repeat the process on the left side to form a rectangle. Bring the bottom to the top to fold the sweater in half, then in half again.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A granny square is made up of clusters of double crochet stitches and chain stitches.  It is crocheted in rounds rather than rows.  Blankets and many other items can be made up of small granny squares stitched together.  However, it's very easy to make a blanket that is essentially one big granny square. The second round builds and expands on your foundation round.  Slip stitch across the top of the first three stitches until you reach your first corner. Working your stitches into the corner, ch 3. Then 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. You're  now at one of the sides of the granny square.  Ch 2 to "bridge" over those stitches.  In the next corner, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 2 again, and continue around until you reach your starting point. Join with a slip stitch in the top of your turning chain. Repeat the third round over and over again until your blanket reaches the size you like. To finish, you can add a simple border, end off and weave in the ends.  To make a simple border, ch 1 and insert your hook into the corner of your fabric.  Make 3 sc into the corner.  Sc all along the edge of your fabric until you reach the next corner, make 3 sc in the corner and continue around in this fashion until you reach your starting point.  You can add another row of border in the same manner if you wish. To end off, ch 1 and make a big loop with the yarn.  Slip the hook out of the loop and cut your yarn, leaving a long tail.  Pull the end of the yarn through the  loop and tighten to make a knot. To weave in the ends of the yarn, hold your fabric with the back side facing you.  Thread the end of the yarn through a tapestry needle.  Insert the needle through the bottom of several stitches (about two inches).  Skip the last half of the last stitch, then weave the needle back through the same stitches for about an inch.  Pull the yarn through, and clip the end of the yarn close to the fabric.

SUMMARY: Understand the design and technique. Make the second round. Keep making rounds. Finish your blanket.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If there is a nice walking path or scenic hike nearby, this can be a good way to clear your head and get some exercise. Try to find some place you haven’t been before.  If there aren’t any scenic nature areas around, try walking through an interesting neighborhood you’ve never been too before. Prepare a quick meal like sandwiches and cold drinks in a basket and enjoy having them at the park or by the riverside. It will be even more fun if you have a simple game to play with your friends or family. Riding a bike is good exercise and it can get you much further than your feet would on their own. Use a bike ride as an opportunity to explore a place you’ve never been before. Going to places that you haven't been before is one great way to learn more about history, people and culture. You can backpack to save money. If a trip abroad is outside of budget, consider traveling to a nearby city you’ve never been to.

SUMMARY: Go for a walk. Go for a picnic. Go on a bike ride. Consider traveling.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Select the plates or china you want to display. They can be funky, eclectic, or come in different colors and sizes. Or you can pick plates or china that are all the same size, style, or color. Decide if you want to hang them symmetrically or create a unique, asymmetrical design.  If you don't to hang the plates, you could hang a plate rack to set them on or prop them against a sideboard or hutch. To create a fun gallery wall, intersperse hanging plates with artwork. to enlarge the space. If you want to make a small dining room appear larger, hang a large mirror on a wall. Try to hang it on the wall that's opposite from a window so the mirror will reflect more light. You could also hang lots of smaller mirrors in different sizes to create an interesting effect.  Choose mirrors with frames that match the style of the room. For example, if you're decorating an elegant dining room, choose a mirror with a thick silver or gold frame. Or if you're decorating a vintage kitchen, look for a mirror at your local antique store. A great place to put a mirror is above a buffet table. For an earthy or dramatic look, arrange branches above the windows or hang plants from the ceiling. Decide if you want plants that trail as they grow or if you'd like to hang small, potted plants on wall-mounted vases. Or, use high-quality faux plants and flowers.  Plants can also introduce a pop of color into the dining room. If you want to use branches, leave them natural or paint them to stand out against your wall. For low-maintenance plants, suspend succulents from small containers or place them on shelves. Put large arrangements of flowers on your sideboard or in the center of your dining table. . You can easily choose or make paintings that reflect the style of your dining room. Mix or match painting styles to create a gallery-type wall. Play around with grouping the paintings until you find an arrangement that you like. Or choose one large painting to be the focal point of a wall. You can also hang photographs instead of paintings or hang a mixture of paintings and photos. For example, hang black and white photographs with colorful paintings. If you have a window in your dining room, don't forget to hang curtains, blinds, or drapes. These will soften the space and complete the walls. For a casual dining room or breakfast nook, consider installing Roman shades that can easily be raised and lowered. Use rich, billowy fabrics for elegant dining room windows or install interior shutters, for a rustic look. Consider the lighting in the room when you purchase window treatments. For example, if you want to let in more light, stick with sheer fabrics.

SUMMARY:
Arrange decorative plates. Hang mirrors Place plants or branches along the walls. Hang paintings Select window treatments.