Do you know who made the clothes you’re wearing? Do you even know the country they were made in? When it comes to ethics, more and more of us want to know where our clothes were made, what were the conditions like for the workers and was any exploitation involved. We also want to know that the fabric used in our clothing is sourced using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. If you have bought your Mini Dresses from a business like Umay they will be happy to tell you where they are from and even have their own fashion designer on site.

Dressmaking is becoming a much more popular hobby again. It’s a massively rewarding activity and a skill that not many people can claim any more.

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If you’re new to dressmaking, here are some tips to help you get started:

There are a few essentials you’ll need including access to a sewing machine, thread, needles, seam ripper, tape measure, iron, fabric scissors and dressmakers chalk. You don’t have to buy a sewing machine, see if you have friends or family you can borrow from. If you do buy one, an entry level should suffice for beginners and second-hand is always an option.

Spend some time learning every feature of your machine, read the manual and practice on some fabric scraps before you start a project. You’ll find a wealth of video tutorials on YouTube which can be really useful. Knowing how to read patterns in another skill you’ll want to develop. Don’t rush, put the kettle on and read through everything step-by-step before you start sewing. You’ll find loads of definitions and helpful guides to patterns online.

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Start with a pattern that’s marked as ideal for beginners. At this stage you don’t want to feel confused, frustrated or stress-out. Consider investing in some sewing magazines which are perfect for beginners and often come with a free gift! The free patterns are often ideal for sewing newbies and the magazine team are on hand for any queries or questions.

You’ll get advice on what fabric to use from the pattern itself and also information of how much fabric is required, so you won’t need to make any guesses or estimations. If you need to convert any measurements from imperial to metric or vice versa, it’s easy just to Google it!

When you start out, it’s best to avoid patterns that require accurate matching, such as those that use highly patterned fabric or anything with stripes. This is a skill that you’ll pick up as you gain more experience.

Another essential piece of advice for those new to sewing is that before cutting into any fabric, especially expensive fabric, create a voile with cheap or spare fabric first. A voile is a practice test garment, so you can check you’re cutting the correct size before doing it on the real thing. This will give you more confidence when it comes to cutting up the expensive material.

If you are a model maker you will be well aware that one of the most essential bits of model making kit that you could ever need is that of polystyrene. This is one of the most versatile products that you can use as it can be a variety of things. If you need buildings it can privied that. In some cases the complete unit of packaging from a TV or washing machine can even make an entire structure.  However it is the gentle sloping and  scoping of the polystyrene sheet that can really help to bring the landscape to life.

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There are many uses for polystyrene and model making is one of the great ways to make the most of polystyrene recycling just as a company in the included link can also provide. This is on a much lower scale however the artistic merit that a good model can provide is a great use for polystyrene.

You only have to look at a fantastic model railway set, complete with nice foothills for the rambler to traverse, albeit model ones and for tunnels for the train to emerge from as it makes its way to the local village or small town station. The basis for most of these details are the humble bits of polystyrene that you find left over. They can be painted with a base coat and then the hill colour applied. However this can be difficult as the paint may seep into the gaps of the polystyrene. This is why many modellers cover the polystyrene with card or paper mache. The polystyrene provides a base,

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Only the few problems with using polystyrene is how to cut it and shape it. In some case a very sharp knife can be used but this can have the effect of splintering the small plastic pellets that make up the polystyrene. Whilst this is ok if you are going to cover it, it also can make for an excellent ruined building effect, The best way to cut the polystyrene is to use a hot wire cutter. This is a specialist modellers tool that can vary in size and shape. It is as the name describes a simple wire that is heated via an electrical current. This allows for the polystyrene to be cut cleanly and without causing any splintering of the polystyrene which makes it so difficult to  model with afterwards.

This is a brilliant material for modellers and it should be used as much as possible. It keeps it away from the environment as well.

A study into whether marijuana could be an effective treatment for war veterans afflicted by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research commenced earlier this month, when the first veteran in the trial was administered cannabis.

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Potential benefits

This research is the first attempt to discover the worth of treating returned soldiers with marijuana. A growing body of evidence has suggested that cannabis can be helpful in alleviating PTSD. The clinical trial services are being conducted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, a not-for-profit organisation that conducts research in California. The trial will examine the effects of cannabis on more than 70 returned soldiers who have experienced trauma, and it will provide data on the benefits of using marijuana, along with important data on side effects and dosages. The results will be studied by physicians and lawmakers.  You can even smoke marijuana through normal cigarettes or vape devices these days so veterans can have the medications while they are out and about. If they don’t want this type of flavour then you can get all kinds of choices these days of chocolate, donuts, puddings and even cotton candy.  To see the huge range on offer head over to a Vape Shop Gloucester website at links such as https://www.lazyjuice.co.uk/.
War veterans generally appear to be happy that this study is underway, as some have long felt that marijuana would help with the conditions that many soldiers face after being in a war zone. The largest combat veterans’ group in America, The American Legion, took an official stance on the issue last year, as detailed in this report from The Guardian. In the US, marijuana is classed by the Drug Enforcement Agency as a Schedule 1 substance, along with cocaine and heroin. Members of the Legion have expressed support for the use of medical marijuana. Scientists have found that there is a series of endocannabinoid structures in the brain that are activated by around 60 chemically active substances in marijuana.

Increasing options

A representative from the Marijuana Policy Project, which aims to change cannabis laws, said that medical marijuana was effective against PTSD and the long-term pain frequently seen in returned soldiers. The representative said that medical marijuana could help war veterans lead a more rewarding and healthier life and they deserved access to medical marijuana as a treatment option.

A survey that was conducted last year among members of one of the largest US veterans’ groups indicated that nearly 70 per cent of respondents were in favour of legalising marijuana for medical use.

The collar and cuffs of your shirt not only help with keeping the shirt’s structure but also make a statement. If you choose to go without a jacket, the collar and cuffs make all the difference.  You can literally wear these where ever you like like a ball, a wedding or even in a Nightclub Cheltenham way which you might be able to see some pictures of on the link latenightcoco.co.uk/. Here are some tips to help you stand out and look great on your night out. Continue reading Shirt collars and cuffs need an introduction →

Loft conversions can be completed for a variety of purposes, whether it’s for an extra bedroom, a home office or a games room. They offer a great use of extra room, giving modern families more flexibility in their living space. As well as the countless benefits, a loft conversion can also add value to a property. So, now there is all this additional living space, it’s time to turn thoughts towards how to go about decorating it to be the most welcoming room and entirely fit for the required purpose. Continue reading Tips for decorating a loft conversion →

Whilst you don’t need to understand the history of conveyor belts to use one, it’s still fascinating to learn about these machines that have revolutionised factory and warehouse processes. Here is a brief recap of the birth of conveyors and how they have evolved:

You might be surprised to learn that the first conveyor belts actually appeared in the late 1700s. They were fairly rudimentary and consisted of leather belts that moved over wooden beds. They weren’t very long and had to be operated via hand cranks and a system of pullies. They were mainly used to move goods from farmers onto ships in a port.

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Steam engines were being used to power things long before the advent of conveyor belts, and it didn’t take long for the two to be combined to produce a steam powered conveyor in 1804. It was used by the British Navy to produce biscuits for the crew.

The industrial revolution saw huge advancements in how conveyor belts were constructed and applied. The very first steel belt was produced in 1901 in Sweden, enabling bulkier materials to be transported, such as charcoal and stone.

By 1905, an underground conveyor was installed in Ireland for the first time which significantly enhanced and improved mining processes. Three years on and the first patent for a roller conveyor was submitted, making conveyor belts much smoother with the addition of internal ball bearings.

Conveyors really hit the big time when they were used by Henry Ford, the world-famous car manufacturer. He had seen such belts being used to great effect in slaughter houses and believed they would also benefit the production line in his factory. Ford created the first assembly lines in 1913 for the production of the Model T automobiles. Find out more about Flexible Conveyors by visiting a site like https://fmhconveyors.com/products/flexible-powered-conveyors/

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The parts moved along the conveyor, which saved the workers time and effort by removing the need to keep moving their tools to a different work area for each car needing assembly. This had the amazing impact of reducing the time needed to manufacture a car to just 93 minutes and one every 24 seconds, revolutionising the industry!

New synthetic materials emerged from advances made during the Second World War, partly as a result of restrictions on the use of natural materials that were greatly needed for the war effort. This had a significant impact on the evolution of conveyor belts, as they could now be made from materials like synthetic rubber and urethane. Rolling and V-belt systems were also developed around this time.

1957 saw the Goodrich Company patent the very first turnover belt, adding a twist into the belt to extend the life of the belt, evening out wear and tear to both sides of the belt and not just one repeatedly.

The modern conveyor belts that we are more familiar with came into operation during the 1970s. They are now seen throughout industrial operations, distribution facilities, shopping centres, packaging plants, factories, airports and warehouses.

The processing of powders along vacuum conveyors can bring up a number of important issues and it’s essential to deal with these effectively. One of the most important factors is to be aware of the harm to health is any of the powders were to leak out of your system. You may want to utilise a Dust Monitor from places such as mattsmonitors.co.uk/construction-dust-monitors.html  to monitor the levels of dust and other airborne particles in your surrounding atmosphere.

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The bulk density

You need to know the specifics of the powder, especially the bulk density. This is a crucial element for calculating what size of vacuum receiver you’ll need as well as that of the conveying line, which has an effect on the conveying velocity and vacuum producer.

The conveying distance

There are both vertical and horizontal factors in determining the conveying distance and you need to understand that the flow of powders is different to that of liquids. Therefore, it’s essential to limit the amount of back to back elbows in the system and vertical conveying runs shouldn’t be more than 12–15ft.

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The conveying rate

The weight of the powder that is being conveyed each hour is required to calculate the conveying rate, along with whether it will be a continuous or batch process. Batch systems work differently and have an impact on the overall size.

Bulk material characteristics

The characteristics of powders can vary considerably – some are fine, flakes, cohesive, pastilles, granules or pellets, and the sizes and distribution relate to the filter assembly and receiver size.

How raw materials are received

Materials can be introduced to a vacuum conveyor system in a variety of ways, and it’s important to understand how they are introduced in order to minimise dust production.

The upstream process

The upstream process that introduces the materials has an effect on the design of a vacuum conveyor. The frequency (continuous or batch) will also impact on the conveying process and the behaviour of the material.

Headroom requirements

When retrofitting equipment, headroom height is a crucial factor as the factory may not have been designed with an automated system in mind.

Batch or continuous process

You need to clarify whether you are working with a batch or continuous process and how this is conveyed and discharged.

Atmospheric conditions

There are certain atmospheric conditions that can impact on the conveying process, such as a high altitude, humidity or temperature.

Construction materials

The materials used in the construction of the system can cause functionality problems – for instance, plastics can result in contamination or static, whereas stainless steel minimises contamination and is low maintenance.

Stop. Look. Listen. Three is the magic number used across a variety of mediums for instant effect and winning charm.

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Three words in a row can drive home a point. The rule also has visual applications when used for emphasis and aesthetic effect.

Here are some suggestions on how to incorporate the rule of three into your life.

Images and video

Based on the rule of three, nine equal parts are created when an imaginary grid is imposed on an image. Photo tools often include a grid for camera screens – the iPhone has one, for example – helping users to capture an image.

You often find that Car Leasing Gloucestershire companies such as mphvehiclesolutions.co.uk, and product companies will include three images of their items when posting them on their websites. There is also a move towards people posting on social media using a carousel of images on their posts and more often than not this will include three images.

Lists

Lists are an excellent way to create impactful content, and three points can be perfect. Three components add weight but do not overwhelm the audience. These can be displayed in bullet point format to keep the text looking clear.

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Many charismatic speakers have used the rule of three in their addresses for emphasis. In writing, this is known as a tricolon.

Popular culture

Note the domination of trilogies in books and movies, such as Star Wars, The Hunger Games and Lord of the Rings.

Make your project or story effective

Just as there are three acts in a play, divide your content into three parts. The project will be easier to understand and navigate. As with a drama, tell the user a story that flows and opens up using an architecture based on three.

Marketing materials

Do you remember the saying ‘thinner, lighter and faster’ on the release of the Apple iPad 2? This made a catchy and memorable phrase.

You can do this in your work. Describe your project in three words and use them whenever talking about your attributes. It can be fun to play with words to reach the most effective combination.

Conclusion

Look around – you might be surprised at how many examples based on three are out there. We never normally notice these incidences because of the innate harmony of the examples, with the rule of three embracing us all with a mystic bond.

1 David Brent

Britain’s favourite and worst boss, bumbling Brent is the boss that wants to be a friend as well as a boss, and considers himself more of a comedian and entertainer! Unfortunately, he is so keen to be liked by his employees, that he forgets that he is actually the boss and eventually ends up getting fired from his job! With Life on the Road out back in August 2016, it was a chance for all Brent fans to catch up with what he has been up to since! I think he would be the best boss and let you have fun as long as you did your work.  He might even let you have smoking and vaping breaks if he likes you and would probably like the flavours of juices you can get from the Gloucester Vape Shop who do free same day delivery from sites including https://www.lazyjuice.co.uk/.

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2 Alan Sugar

The owner of Amstrad, and of course the line ‘You’re Fired’ from the TV show the apprentice, Lord Sugar started out at 16, when he left school to start a small business selling aerials and electronics. Amstrad was probably what he was most famous for (before he started The Apprentice of course!) Lord Sugar is also a keen pilot!

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3 Richard Branson

The founder of Virgin, Sir Richard Branson is also famous for his round the world balloon flights and daredevil antics. He owns Necker Island, which he bought to impress a girl (now his wife!) He now has his sights set on the stars with Virgin Galactic in the pipeline!

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4 Simon Cowell

The real ‘Mr Nasty’ of television, Simon Cowell famously turned down the Spice Girls years ago! But that hasn’t stopped him becoming one of the richest men in the UK, with his show the X Factor about to enter its 12^th year, he shows no sign of slowing down! He became a dad in 2014 to son Eric, hopefully he has inherited his dads’ business sense, but not his style of trousers!

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5 Mr Burns

The much feared boss of Homer Simpson Montgomery Burns is the worst boss on the list to work for by far! Power crazed and evil Mr Burns (assisted by his assistant Mr Smithers), is driven by money and greed and has no concern for anyone else! Who can forget the time he wanted to skin all of Bart’s puppies to make a fur coat, or, when trying to be nice actually became more evil by killing off the local sea life!

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You are more likely to get sun damage from skiing than you are from sitting on the beach because of the high altitude and the fact that the snow reflects the damaging UV rays. In addition to causing wrinkles, sunburn and other skin damage, over-exposure to UV rays can result in skin cancer. The following tips outline some steps you can take to protect yourself.

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Facial work

Any facial work you are having done you will want to give it plenty of time to heal as high pressures could cause damage or even infection.   If for example you gave work from a Botox Cirencester way you don’t then want to go climbing potentially knocking it or even causing it to over pressurise.
Use High-SPF Sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or higher. A sunscreen that contains a moisturiser such as glycerin or lanolin will help to protect your skin against the harsh winter conditions, strong winds and bitter cold.

Apply Before Skiing

Apply your sunscreen half an hour before you hit the slopes and remember to reapply it at regular intervals. It is helpful to carry a travel-sized sunscreen with you and reapply it every few hours and immediately after sweating. Lip balm should also be regularly reapplied. The NHS reports that according to The Guardian, damage to skin cells from UV rays can continue hours after exposure.

Be Generous

Apply your sunscreen generously to all areas of skin that are exposed. Make sure that you include your ears, the area around your eyes, your neck, under your chin, your scalp and your hands. These areas are often missed. Be sure to apply a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher because your lips can be very sensitive to the effects of sun.

Protect Your Eyes

Your eyes need protection against the sun. Goggles or sunglasses should offer 99 per cent UV protection. Choosing a wraparound style will also help to protect the skin around your eyes, reducing the likelihood of crow’s feet developing.

Protective clothing

Wearing a hat or helmet adds protection against the sun, protects your scalp, and protects against the cold. Ski masks also help because less skin is left exposed.

If you take all these precautions and your skin does end up suffering from sun damage, all is not lost. Clinics offer treatment to reverse the damage. In London Obagi skin treatment is available to treat sun-damaged skin in the same way as a chemical peel.

Keeping your skin healthy and moisturised can protect it from damaging UV rays.