Problem: Article: Measure the length and width of your sofa from back to front and side to side. Use a flexible tape measure to get accurate figures. Don’t forget to measure the width and length of the sofa’s arms, as well as any removable cushions. Choose canvas, cotton duck, denim, or twill fabric for your slipcover.  Opt for a wider width of fabric when you buy it from the store. Anything that is 75 inches (190 cm) wider or more should work for your project. In general, you’ll need 12 yards (11 m) of fabric for a 6-foot sofa (1.8 m), 14 yards (13 m) for a 7-foot sofa (2.1 m), and an additional 1.5 yards (1.4 m) for each additional cushion over 2. If you aren’t interested in making separate covers for the cushions, modify your pattern so that the fabric will drape over the top of the cushions and connect to the armrests. In this situation, you won’t need the excess material for each cushion. Use cool water on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Hang the fabric up to dry, or put it into the laundry machine on a low-heat setting. Washing before cutting and sewing is an essential step. If you don’t do this, the cover will shrink and no longer fit your couch after the first time you do wash it. If the fabric is especially wrinkly after it has dried, consider ironing it. Remove the cushions from the couch first, as those will get covered separately. Drape an old sheet over the couch and pin it in place along the seams of the couch (don’t worry about putting pins into your couch—that material will be covered by the new cover anyway). Use a piece of chalk to draw the edge lines over the fabric so you know where to cut. If you don’t want to use an old sheet, use butcher paper or something similar so you can make the necessary marks and cut out the pattern without the risk of it ripping easily. Once you’ve made the pattern and washed the fabric, you’re ready to start cutting out the actual pieces for your slipcover. Add 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) of space around the edge of each piece for the seam allowance. To help yourself remember which piece goes where, use a fabric marker on the underside of the material to write a label. For example, you could write “RA” for “right arm.” Additionally, put an arrow next to the label to indicate which side of the fabric should be closest to the ground. Arrange the fabric so that the right sides will be pinned together, and put a pin along the seams every 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm). Remember to leave that 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) hem so that you’ll have room to sew the pieces together later. Once a section has been pinned together (for example, the left arm), place it on the sofa to make sure the fabric fits well and is lined up right. Make whatever adjustments you need to until it looks how you want it to. Take your time when putting the pins in, and don’t worry if you need to work in smaller sections to get things put together. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it’ll be done before you know it. You can sew the slipcover in parts, which might be helpful if you’re worried about getting turned around (there are a lot of pieces to keep track of!). Or, you could sew the entire slipcover together all at once, which would alleviate some of the back-and-forth trekking to the couch to test the pieces, but it could make it harder to fix mistakes. Use a straight-stitch for a secure hold. If you’re interested in creating multiple pieces rather than one large piece, that is okay to do, too! If you’re doing this, create a separate slipcover for the right arm, the left arm, and the back of the couch. Just make sure there is enough material to tuck down into the creases of the couch so that ends of the fabric won’t be visible. Measure the length, width, and depth of the cushions and cut out your fabric to fit those measurements. Remember that you’ll need double the length so that the fabric will wrap around the entire cushion, and leave enough room for a 1 inch (2.5 cm) seam all around. Sew the pieces together and put in an upholstery zipper at the back of each pillow. The zippers will allow you to easily remove the slipcover so you can wash it in the future. Once your slipcover and couch cushions are finished, go ahead and put them onto your sofa. The entire look of your room will instantly change and feel refreshed. Keep in mind that you can change out the slipcover as often as you want. Different patterns for different seasons, new colors, and fun patterns are great options to use to quickly update the look of a room.
Summary: Buy enough fabric to completely cover your couch, cushions and all. Wash the fabric before you do anything else to it. Make a pattern for your slipcover with an old sheet. Cut out the pieces for your slipcover from the pattern you made. Pin the pieces of fabric together and test them on the couch. Use a sewing machine to connect all the pieces of the slipcover. Sew covers for the removable pillows and install upholstery zippers. Slip the new cover onto your couch and enjoy your handiwork.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Though many herbal remedies are safe for most people, do not assume that because something is natural it automatically means it is safe. Herbs can interact with other medications, and some herbs can worsen other medical conditions or may not be safe for certain populations, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Always err on the side of caution and ask your doctor before trying a natural remedy. Licorice root should be simmered in water to create a gargle that will ease your sore throat. Licorice root has been shown to ease the discomfort of a sore throat post anesthesia, so it may work to ease a sore throat that was caused by throwing up as well. There are some medications that react with licorice, so check with your doctor if you are on medication for high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease. Marshmallow root tea has no relation to the fluffy white treat. Instead, it is a plant that has medicinal properties, including the ability to soothe a sore throat.  Marshmallow root tea is usually available at natural food stores and online. Marshmallow root can also ease stomach upset, so it may help with the cause of your vomiting, as well as the sore throat after vomiting. Slippery elm coats the throat with a gel-like substance that eases a sore throat. It usually comes as a powder or in lozenge form. If you get the powdered form you will want to mix it with hot water and drink it. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take slippery elm.

SUMMARY: Check with your doctor first. Do a licorice root gargle. Drink marshmallow root tea. Take slippery elm.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Depending on the state you live in, gun registration may or not be necessary. Visit your state's website to get information about its particular gun regulations. If registration is required, read up on the specific requirements for the application process in the section of the website dealing with licensing and regulatory affairs. .  Hawaii and the District of Columbia, for instance, require registration for all guns. New York requires the registration of all handguns. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York require the registration of  pre-ban assault weapons and 50 caliber rifles. States like Florida, Georgia, and Idaho prohibit registries of firearms. Hawaii requires all firearms to be registered within 5 days of their acquisition. If your state's website does not provide the information you need about gun registry, contact your state office directly. Look up the department's contact information to get an email address or phone number to communicate with a representative. This information may be listed under a link titled, "Contact Us," "Questions," or something similar. Some state laws require gun owners to register their guns in person at a local police station. Whether or not this applies to your state of residence, law enforcement will be able to provide you with information about gun regulations in your area. Phone or visit your local police department to find out if and how you have to register your gun.
Summary:
Look up your state's gun laws online before purchasing a gun. Contact your state's firearms department by phone or email for information. Inquire about registration regulations at your local police department.