Make yourself this rainbow of a belt using two simple crochet stitches. Never crocheted a day in your life? Go to girlslife.com for an online lesson.

What you need

* 4 balls of 50% cotton/50% acrylic heavy worsted weight yarn in white, pink, red and orange

* 1 crochet hook, size H/8

1) Use the white yarn to make a slip-knot, leaving a 6-inch strand, and loop it securely onto your crochet hook. Work a row of 114 chain stitches.

2) Once you get to the end of the row, switch to the pink yarn, make a single-crochet stitch into the second chain from your hook. Skip a chain, and continue single-crocheting into every other chain, ending with a single crochet in the last chain.

3) Switch to the orange yarn, make one chain stitch, and turn.

4) With the orange yarn, make a single-crochet stich into the first single crochet of the previous row. Skip a single crochet, and continue single-crocheting into every other single crochet space until you reach the end of the row.

5) Switch to the red yarn, make one chain stitch, and turn.

6) Follow the instructions for Step 4, using the red yarn.

7) At the end of the row, switch to the red yarn, make one chain stitch, and turn.

8) Follow the instructions for Step 4, using the red yarn. Repeat again with the orange yarn, then the pink. Do the last row in white, and fasten off.

9) To make the fringe, cut a 25-inch piece of cardboard. Wind strands of yarn in each color around the cardboard several times, then cut the yarn along the lower edge.

10) Working a few strands at a time, use the crochet hook to pull the fringe evenly onto each end of the belt. Match up the yarn ends, trimming if necessary.

11) Work the fringe into braids for about three inches on each side of the belt. Tie knots to secure the braids. Again, trim the ends if necessary. Now, pull your crafty new accessory through the belt loops of your favorite jeans, tie it off to one side, and strut your stuff.

My friend and I like to borrow each other's clothes. Problem is, she always returns my stuff all balled up or stained.

I hate to cut out the swapping, but I'm sick of my BFF not taking care of my stuff! Why can't she be more responsible?

I had the same problem, so I fibbed and told her my morn didn't want me sharing clothes. But I got busted in my lie. Later, I spilled the truth to my friend. She took it well. If your friend is really a friend, she will too. So just be honest.

--Abby, 11

Kindly tell your friend that, if she expects to keep trading, she must keep your clothes clean and neat. Give her one last chance. If your clothes are stained, dirty or wrinkled, don't trade anymore. You deserve to have clean clothes!

--Valerie, 13

Reconsider having her as a swap buddy, even if she has awesome stuff. Do you still want great clothes? Try selling your old ones at a consignment shop and using the money for new, cool styles.

--Sonia, 11

Don't give up on her yet. Let her know you're disappointed with how she treats your clothes. Tell her she must respect your stuff. If she doesn't get the message, kindly tell her you don't want to trade anymore.

--Jasmine, 12

If you can wash the stains, is it that big of a deal? On the other hand, if they're ruined, suggest a deposit system--insist she lay out cash when you swap. If she returns your clothes completely trashed, keep your friend's money.

--Maria, 11