In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Contact your friend as soon as you decide to cancel. The more notice you can provide them, the better. This will allow them more time to readjust their schedule. This is especially true for last-minute cancellations. Getting in touch with them as soon as you can is the best course of action. In some cases, it's a good idea to give a friend a heads up even if there's only a chance you'll have to cancel. This will allow them to make a back-up plan if necessary. Reaching out directly indicates that you don't take cancelling lightly. Calling also makes it easier to gauge your friend's emotions, which will help you determine how to respond. If they don't answer, leave a message and follow up with a text or email. When cancelling plans well in advance, emailing or texting can be appropriate, especially in more professional contexts. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and use your best judgment when deciding how to contact them. Avoid texting simply because it's easiest for you. . Recognize that someone has made plans for you and you may be wasting their time. Take a moment to consider how upset they're likely to be based on the circumstances. Friends are likely to be more upset if they spent significant time or effort on these plans. It's also easier to forgive a close friend than an acquaintance. If you think they may be very upset with you, make sure to acknowledge the impact of your actions and express remorse clearly. Apologizing repeatedly may sometimes be necessary, but the initial contact is often your best opportunity to apologize effectively. If you're nervous, it can be helpful to plan an apology in advance. If it's a less important activity, you should still apologize but often something like a simple, "Sorry, can't make it this time!" will suffice. You'll want to mention why you have to cancel your plans. But avoid giving the impression that a new opportunity is more appealing than spending time with your friend. Don't try to come up with a long, contrived excuse. Friends can often tell when someone's not being honest, so tell the truth whenever possible. If you feel the need to lie, try to make it realistic. Avoid getting other people caught up in your lie. Discussing the other person's feelings can resolve potential rifts in your relationship. Be ready and willing to hear them out. Make a sincere attempt to understand how you've made them feel. When cancelling plans, many people tend to be overly self-deprecating, or go on about how busy they are. Try to avoid putting yourself at the center of the conversation. Remember that a good apology is about the other person. If your friend has already spent money on your plans, it's a nice gesture to pay for these expenses. They may be wasting a ticket to an event or have already bought supplies that they now don't need. Offering to cover these costs will help make up for inconveniencing them. If you're leaving your friend with extra tickets, you might offer to take on the burden of finding someone else to buy them.
Summary: Let them know immediately. Consider calling on the phone. Apologize sincerely Provide an excuse. Empathize with their emotions. Avoid making the conversation all about you. Reimburse your friend for any costs they are incurring.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Use a tape measure to measure the distance around the stomach, right around the belly button. Hold the tape measure parallel to the floor all the way around. Place the tape measure around the area at which you expect to tutu to be worn. Measure a band of 2-in (5-cm) elastic to match the distance around your stomach. Instead of black elastic, you could also use blue, green, silver, or gold. Choose elastic that is nice enough to wear without being covered by additional fabric. Use 2 to 3 yards (1.8 to 2.7 m) of 6-in (15-cm) tulle. Half the tulle should be green and the other half should be blue. If desired, you can also add in some black tulle. Cut the tulle into strips that are twice as long as the distance between your intended waistband and knees. Knot the tulle in a double layer over the elastic band. Cover the band completely. Alternate between green and blue tulle strips, weaving the occasional black strip in if desired. Fold each tulle strip in half and place it beneath the elastic band. Hold the fold just above the band and stuff the ends and the rest of the tulle into the loop made by the fold, crossing over the elastic band and pulling the entire length of tulle through the loop. This should secure the tulle strip onto the band. Use a needle and thread to hand stitch the ends of the elastic band together, forming a continuous circle. Use your fingers to gently "fluff" and position the tulle so that the tutu looks full.
Summary:
Measure around the wearer's stomach. Cut a band of black elastic. Cut out strips of tulle. Attach the tulle to the elastic. Stitch the elastic together.