INPUT ARTICLE: Article: First, cut the side and shoulder seams and split the shirt into four pieces: the front, back, and two sleeves. Then cut off the hem of the shirt. Next, cut four 1.5" wide strips from the bottom of the front section only. Working with the front section of the tee, cut the bottom line of the bikini top by cutting straight across the panel, about 1.5-2" below the armpit. Then, cut the neck and shoulder straps how you want them to look,being sure to leave that ~2" of material below the armpit. Working with the back panel. Use an old string bikini or cut up an old pair of underwear to make a pattern and cut it out from the panel. Cut side strips for the bottom by cutting panels from the sleeves that are as wide as the sides you cut for your bottom piece. Sew together the side strips that you cut for the back piece. Then, attach the long strips that you cut from the front panel to the sides and at the neck of the teekini top you made. You're done! Tie on your new string teekini and enjoy the sun!

SUMMARY: Cut a tee shirt. Cut the top. Cut the bottom. Cut the side strips. Attach the side strips. Enjoy your new suit!

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Plant your lotuses in mid-spring once the average daytime high is over 70F (21C) and the pond maintains a warm water temperature. To help warm the water faster, you could also use a submersible pond or aquarium heater. Lotus plants will begin to grow only once the water and daytime air temperatures reach 70F (21C). If you don't contain them, lotuses will take over the entire pond. To maintain the water quality and keep fish and other plants healthy, plant individual lotus plants in separate 2ft (0.61m) wide containers. Containers specifically designed for lotuses are wide and shallow; you can find them online or at a garden center. Choose a round container, as square corners would choke the plant. Steer clear of standard aquatic plant basket meshes, which won't control lotuses' growth and could injure the roots. To ensure the lotuses' rhizomes are contained, go for containers without drainage holes. Black containers absorb heat well and can help keep your lotus plants at a comfortable temperature between 75 and 85F (24 and 29C). Black is also inconspicuous. Depending on your taste, you could choose other materials, such as terracotta. If you're using a container, cover the bottom with 4in (10cm) of sand, clay, and aquatic plant fertilizer. Whether you're using a container or planting directly into the pond, dig a shallow hole in the soil mixture for the lotus tuber. Dig the hole in the center of a container to give the tuber room to grow. If you're planting directly into the pond, placing the tubers along the edges in 2 to 3ft (0.61 to 0.91m) intervals will encourage them to spread. If you're planting directly into the pond, take care not to disturb the soil and muddy the water when you dig holes. While it might be a bit inconvenient, you can't plant the tubers directly into the pond before filling it with water. The water needs to time to dechlorinate and heat up to the right temperature. Lay the tuber in the shallow hole with the growing tips facing up. Position the tuber horizontally at a slight angle so the growing tips won't be covered by soil. Then gently cover the tuber with a 112in (3.8cm) layer of the soil mixture, and carefully weigh it down with heavy sand or gravel so it doesn't float. The growing tips are pointed and look like buds. The other end of the tuber is round. After planting a lotus tuber in a container, set the pot into the pond so the top of the soil is about 2 to 4in (5.1 to 10.2cm) below the surface of the water. If the pond is deep, elevate the container on top of bricks. Lotuses can grow in water up to 18in (46cm) deep, but they'll bloom a lot faster if the soil is covered by only 2 to 4in (5.1 to 10.2cm) of water. If you're stocking the pond with koi, plant several lotuses in individual containers. Koi will munch on plants; the more lotuses and other plants you grow, the less damage individual plants will incur.

SUMMARY: Plant your lotuses once the water temperature has reached 70F (21C). Use 2 to 3ft (0.61 to 0.91m) containers to control your plants' growth. Dig a 112in (3.8cm) hole in the soil. Place the tuber horizontally in the hole. Submerge the container if you used one.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you have pets, give them a flea bath and get a flea control treatment from the vet that's designed for their species and size. If possible, limit the amount of time your pet spends outside. Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, clean clothes and bedding in your washer's hot water cycle, and apply an indoor insecticide. If you don't treat all infested areas, fleas from inside or on your pet could just reinfest outdoor areas after you applied insecticide. The best way to check for fleas is to go outside wearing white socks pulled up to your knees. Walk over damp, shady spots and areas your pets frequent, which are most prone to flea infestation. You'll be able to gauge the infestation by the number of fleas you see on the socks. Take your socks off before going back into the house, especially if they're covered with fleas. If necessary, throw them out, spray them with mosquito repellent that contains DEET, or soak them overnight in soapy water. A single treatment is rarely enough to eliminate a flea infestation. You'll need to apply insecticide at least 1 to 2 more times. Schedule an application every 7 to 10 days for up to 8 weeks. Apply indoor pesticides every 14 days. Continue to mow your lawn regularly, collect grass clippings, and rake up leaves and organic debris. Maintaining your yard will remove hospitable environments and keep fleas from breeding. An insect growth regulator is a hormone that disrupts the flea life cycle. Spray an outdoor IGR 3 times a year to prevent infestations. Schedule the first application at the start of your area's flea season. Fleas can pose a threat year-round in most areas, but activity peaks during warmer months. In colder climates, such as Canada and northern portions of the United States, peak season is April or May through November. Peak activity is between February or March and December in milder climates, and lasts year-round in warm climates, such as the southern United States. You might need a professional if you don't want to apply insecticides yourself or can't eliminate the infestation on your own. If you try dealing with it yourself and don't have any luck by 8 weeks, contact a local exterminator. Even if you're dealing with a stubborn infestation, ask your exterminator to use the least toxic products available, especially if you have children or pets.

SUMMARY:
Treat pets, interiors, and outdoor areas at the same time. Walk around in long, white athletic socks to check for fleas. Apply an additional treatment in 7 to 10 days. Keep outdoor areas clean and well-maintained. Periodically apply an insect growth regulator (IGR). Consult a professional if necessary.