Oars can be stored horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, so you just need one dimension of the space to be as long as the oars. This space can be in whatever storage area you have, such as a garage or basement, but make sure that you will be able to access them when you need them. Functional oars can be stored diagonally if your space is limited, but they might be a bit less convenient to get off the wall. If you have a variety of lengths of oars to store, be sure that the area you pick is large enough for the longest oar. Before you begin to put decorative oars up on a wall, you need to make sure they will fit in a pleasing arrangement. Measure the oars and make sure that you have a space on the wall where they will fit. Since the oars can hang at an angle, you can measure a space diagonally to see if the oars will fit that way. Remember that oars can be put up vertically, so they can be a nice decorative element in a narrow wall space. Once you are sure you have enough space, you can begin playing with how you want the oars to be arranged. Hold the oars up at a variety of angles to see what arrangement will look best. One pleasing arrangement for oars is placing them crosswise in an "x." However, simply hanging them horizontally, one on top of the other, is also a good choice. Even if you want the oars to be parallel, that doesn't mean they need to match each other perfectly. Try putting up oars that are parallel but flipped in opposite directions, so the handle of one is next to the head of the other. Oars are most easily stored on racks made specifically for oar storage. These vary in design, from simple blocks of wood with pegs coming out of them to specially cut pieces that hold the exact shape of the oars. However, oars can also be stored on a variety of other racks or hook systems, such as racks made to store brooms or rifles, so look at a variety of options before choosing. When choosing your rack, consider whether you want to store vertically or horizontally. There are different racks for these 2 configurations. When picking out a rack, take into consideration how many oars you need to store. Storage racks vary widely in the number of oars they can hold.
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One-sentence summary -- Find a location where functional oars can be stored. Make sure you have room to put up decorative oars. Plan the arrangement. Purchase an oar storage rack for a convenient option.

There are many beautiful sewing patterns available for making a ballgown. Take some time to visit your local craft store and look through the pattern catalogs. Consider the styles that suit your body type best to help you narrow down your choices. Then, purchase the pattern that suits your style for the ballgown. Sewing patterns require varying degrees of skill to use. Consider your level of sewing expertise as you consider patterns. For example, if you are a beginner sewer, then stick to patterns that are labeled as "beginner" or "easy." If you are an experienced sewer, then look for patterns labeled as "intermediate" or "advanced." When using a pattern, it is important to use measurements to determine what size you need to make your ballgown in rather than relying on the size you normally wear. Measure around your bust, natural waist, and the widest part of your hips. Then, check the chart on your pattern to determine what size you will need to make your ballgown. Your ballgown will probably require a large amount of fabric since most ball gowns have long, flowing skirts. Check your pattern's package to determine how much fabric you will need to buy. Depending on the style of your ballgown, you may need more or less fabric. The required amount of fabric should be indicated on the back of the pattern's package. When you are working on a sewing project, it is always better to buy more fabric than you think you will need. Consider rounding up the patterns suggested fabric amounts to the nearest whole amount. For example, if the pattern recommends 2 yards of a specific type of fabric, then you might want to round up to 3 yards. Consider your pattern's recommendations for fabric type when you are selecting a fabric. For example, if the pattern recommends using a lightweight fabric, such as satin or crepe, then stick to these types. Subbing for a heavier fabric may affect the way the dress hangs and moves. Check the pattern's indications for what you will need to execute the design. Along with fabric, your pattern may also require you to buy interfacing, a zipper, hook and eye closures, ribbon, or other notions. Make a list of everything you will need and purchase these items before you begin working on your ballgown.
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One-sentence summary -- Select a pattern that matches your skill set. Take your measurements. Buy your fabric. Buy your notions.

Because toddlers are so inquisitive, they may try to open doors. If your front door is unlocked and your child opens it, he or she could wander out into the world. To prevent this, you can buy special child-proof doorknob covers that will keep your child from opening the door. These covers usually need to be squeezed from two sides in order to grip the doorknob and allow it to be turned. Toddlers cannot wrap their small hands around the covers and squeeze them sufficiently to turn the knob. However, these covers should not be the only method used to keep toddlers from getting out of the home. Some ingenious toddlers figure out how to bypass these covers by inserting their finger into the hole in the cover and manipulating the doorknob or actually managing to remove the doorknob cover entirely. An added measure of security on doors is to lock them, preferably using two locks. Any doors that could lead to danger for toddlers should be locked. This includes doors to stairs and balconies as well as any other rooms that pose a hazard. Although coffee tables are functional and look nice, they are also the cause of many head injuries to toddlers that fall near them. If you would prefer not to remove the coffee table from the room, you can pad the edges and corners with a soft material. This can be done with special soft, plastic corner protectors that you can generally purchase at home furnishing stores. There are also protective strips that can be used along the side edges of the coffee table. One strangulation hazard that many people overlook is the pull cords on curtains, shades, and blinds. These long strings are usually hidden from sight, but toddlers are notorious for finding things that they are not supposed to find. There are special cord holders that wind the cord up short and keep it securely hidden in a plastic case so it stays out of reach. You can purchase these at your local home furnishing store. Kids generally love to climb so keep your child from climbing up to the window by moving your furniture around. Move any furniture that is near a window so that your child cannot reach the window and accidentally fall out Consider getting a lock that does not let you open the window more than a few inches. This way the child will not be able to open the windows and drop through it. Sometimes, light-weight furniture that has hard surfaces can cause injuries. Toddlers might try to use the furniture to assist them in standing or try to climb up onto the furniture. Their weight causes the furniture to topple and sometimes fall onto the toddler.
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One-sentence summary --
Purchase special doorknob covers. Keep doors locked, particularly if they lead outside. Pad the corners and edges of coffee tables. Tie up the cords on curtains, shades and blinds. Move any furniture away from the window. Avoid using light-weight furniture.