INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Mark a vertical center line on the wrong side of your outer bikini top fabric. Hand sew a gathering stitch along this center line using a strong thread and long, straight stitches. Adjust the volume of this gathered piece so that it's the same width as the narrow center part of the bikini top lining. Sew over your gathers on the machine using a straight stitch for reinforcement. If the center of your “bowtie” lining piece is 3 in (7.6 cm) tall, gather the outer piece down to 3 in (7.6 cm). Pin premade bust pads or soft molded cups to the wrong side of your lining fabric. Position the cups so they're centered on either triangular half of the lining. Sew them in on the machine, using a 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) zigzag stitch around the edges.  Trim the pads or cups down to size using craft scissors, if necessary. They should not extend into the center or over the edges of the lining. Whatever padding you use, make sure it will tolerate water and machine washing. With right sides together, match up the fashion fabric and lining fabric along the edges, 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) away from the cut edge. Pin them in place, then sew along the top and bottom edges only with a machine straight stitch. Then, turn the pieces so that the right sides face outward. Do not sew a side seam at this point. The back ties will be self-lined. With right sides together, pin the back ties and the self-lining pieces together along the edges. Sew a 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) seam along the long end of the triangle, as well as the hypotenuse, with a machine zigzag stitch. Turn them both out so the right sides face outwards. Do not sew the short sides together at this point. With right sides together, pin the left and right back ties to the left and right sides of the bikini top. When positioned upright, the back ties should taper downward to a “V.” Machine zigzag stitch the two straps onto the bikini top front. Fold the right sides of each halter strap together lengthwise. Pin in place so that the edges meet up. Sew a machine zigzag stitch  1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) away from the cut edge, down the long edge of each strap on the machine. Turn them right-side out once they're sewn up. Sew one of the short ends closed (the tapered one if you've chosen to do this) and leave the other end open. Once you have the back ties knotted and the bikini top front positioned comfortably across your bust, pin the halter straps in a comfortable place along the top edge of the bikini top. Remove the top and re-pin the straps so that the right sides are together. With right sides together, zigzag stitch the straps onto the top edge of your bikini top. Do this 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) below the finished edge of the bikini top. You may want to do a few passes of machine stitches to make sure the straps will be secure. This completes the top half of your bikini.

SUMMARY: Gather the center front of your bikini top. Sew pads into the bikini top lining. Sew the padded lining into the outer bikini fabric. Line the left and right back ties with the same fashion fabric. Sew the back ties to the sides of the bikini top. Fold the halter straps in half and pin. Zigzag stitch the straps and turn them out. Pin the halter straps in place while trying on the bikini top. Sew the halter straps to the bikini top.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Pursue opportunities to lead using your skills. Being a leader creates value in the skills you’ve developed and authority in your knowledge and experience. If people look up to you as a leader, they may expect you to be an expert, to make decisions, and to handle difficult situations. Having these roles can help you approach things in different ways and consider things in a new perspective. If you have an idea, don’t wait for someone else to step up, go do it! Offer to oversee volunteer opportunities or organize a toy drive for children. You can step up at work and take on additional responsibilities or create new programs. Mentoring someone else who shares your interests is a great way to approach your interests in a new way. You now have a role as a teacher and guide, which means you have opportunities to creatively approach learning in new ways. Knowing that others are watching you or looking up to you can push you to do great work. Feeling competitive is both natural and healthy. Competition can also help us grow. Engage in some friendly competition with someone else who shares your skills.  Compete to sell the most paintings in a month or create the most original designs. Find a business competitor and ask if there’s interest for a short-term competition. It’s easy to forget all the overwhelming positive feedback when you receive one negative comment. Keep in mind your passion for using your skills, and keep trying. Approach criticism as constructive, listen to what is said, don’t be defensive, and realize that failure always accompanies risk. Realize that sometimes people are just mean. Take negative feedback with a grain of salt, see what can be improved, and move on. This can be a great way to network and to keep up-to-date in your field. Whether it’s a professional organization or a hobby convention, joining with other people in a formal setting can help you improve your skills or keep them sharp. Attend workshops or lectures provided by the organization. Immerse yourself with the culture. You may experience temporary lulls in productivity, or feel like your work has become stagnant. Don’t give up. Find creative ways to approach your difficulties, then keep going. Do it, master it, then improve it.

SUMMARY:
Engage in leadership. Be a mentor. Engage in some friendly competition. Balance criticism. Join an organization. Be persistent.