Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Choose how you want your doll to look. Draw the outline for your doll on a cloth. Place a second layer of fabric underneath. Assemble the parts. Relieve the seams around curves and corners. Turn the doll right side out. Stuff the doll. Fold the edges of the opening towards the inside. Make arm and leg joints. Add the facial features. Make the hair. Create doll clothes. Find a purpose for the finished doll.

Answer: Choose a human or an animal. Start with the fabric color. Any plain fabric will do, but you might want to choose something approximately skin-colored. Decide on the color of the hair and eyes. If you're making an animal, you should also decide on whisker color. Traditionally, rag dolls were made from scraps of fabric (rags). Try to find enough fabric to recycle from a pillowcase, an old shirt, or clothes that don't fit. To make things easier, download free templates from websites like AllFreeSewing.com, Pinterest, or AllCrafts.net. Then, trace the outline onto the fabric. Add some extra width (half an inch to 5/8") all around the outside of your outline for a seam allowance. Use tailor's chalk or washable pencil to mark the fabric if you don't want leftover marks showing through. Place the right sides of the fabric together. Cut out the pattern on the outermost line. Make sure you're cutting both pieces of fabric at the same time. This is step will be easier if you keep the template on the fabric. Pin the fabric. Stitch around most of the outline. Leave an opening for the stuffing. Position your scissors between the doll's legs. Cut triangular notches in the seam allowance. Be careful to not cut into the seam itself. Do this by working the fabric through the opening. Use the eraser side of a pencil for smaller widths on the doll's body. Feel free to use whatever kind of stuffing you want. Buy polyester fiberfill at any craft store. For a more natural approach, use cotton balls. If you really want to go green, use yarn or fabric scraps left over from your old projects. Stitch it closed. You may do this by hand or with a sewing machine. Use your marker or chalk to mark the point where the arms and legs meet the doll's body. Stitch into these marks at all four points. Draw your needle through to the other side. When you're finished, there should be a small dip between the body and the limbs. Sew on buttons for the eyes and nose. If you're making the doll for a baby or young toddler, use embroidery floss to prevent a choking hazard. Use red yarn or embroidery floss for the mouth. Use yarn or string for this step. Choose black, brown, yellow, or red for natural hair colors. If you want to make a punk rocker doll, go for pink, purple, or other funky hair color. To complete the hairstyle: Decide how long you want the doll's hair to be. Cut the yarn to twice that length. Place the middle of the yarn at the center of the head. Pin it in place. Sew the middle of the hair to the head. This should form a part in the center of the hair. Glue or sew the rest of the hair to about where the ears would be. Glue or sew additional hair to the back of the doll's head, if desired. For long-haired dolls, braid or tie the sides of the hair into pigtails. Download free templates from crafting websites or design your own template by sketching the outlines on newspaper. Trace the template on your choice of fabric. Cut out the design, and stitch everything together. You can also make an easy no-sew outfit for your doll using fabric glue. Give the doll to a child in your life. Add it to the decor of your living room or kitchen. Depending on the doll's color scheme and clothing, you can also use it as part of our holiday decorating.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Discuss the issue. Be upfront about what you want. Focus on the relationship. Set boundaries.

Answer:
Some family members may not even realize they're still treating you like a child. It's hard for older adults in your family to let go of the thought of you being "little girl" or "little boy," even if you're well into adulthood. Therefore, you need to broach the topic with them and help them understand what you're feeling. Start with your feelings. That is, use an "I" statement to describe how you're feeling instead of a "you" statement that puts the blame on them. Blaming someone will put them on the defense. For instance, don't say, " You always treat me like a little kid." Instead, say "I feel upset when you still treat me like a child. I've grown up." Be specific by talking about particular statements or behaviors that bother you. For example, you could say, "I love that you help with the kids, but I don't like when you contradict the rules that I've made." You could also say, "I respect your rules when I'm in your house, but I don't like being asked where I am every second of every day." Tell them what you expect. For instance, you could say, "I would really appreciate if you would respect the rules I've set for my kids." or "I would appreciate it if you would treat me like any other adult who stays in your home." If you're telling your mom a story, tell her what you expect from her upfront. For instance, if you're just telling her the story to give her information and you don't really want advice, let her know that. You could say, "Mom, I need to tell you something, but I want you to promise me that you won't offer your judgment at the end. I feel like you need to know this information, but I don't want advice on my choices." That is, often in communication, people are trying to maintain control. It's a power struggle. Often, this type of communication pops up between a parent and an adult child, or even another type of relationship, such as an aunt and niece or nephew. The "adult" still wants to control the adult child, even if that person doesn't realize it. If you're the adult child, you may want to struggle to "win" in this situation. However, often letting go of the power struggle can lead to a healthier relationship. This type of power struggle can make people defensive. You probably feel defensive when another adult in your family, whether it be a parent, aunt, guardian, or grandparent, does it to you. However, by truly listening and letting go of the power struggle, you can cut through some of that defensiveness and both parties can feel more heard and valued. Sometimes, parents and other family members have trouble respecting boundaries because they still see you as a little kid they have a right to rule over. In that case, you need to politely but firmly set boundaries with them because you have your own life now. For instance, say your parents tend to just show up at your house unannounced. You could say, "We love having you here, but we'd appreciate it if you gave us some advanced notice. Sometimes, we have our family time planned, and we need that time to strengthen and grow together." Another way you could address an issue is to say, "I understand that you are concerned about when we're having children. However, it may be some time before we decide to do so. I will definitely let you know when we're thinking about it. Until then, I would appreciate it if you stop asking about it."