DIY Life

It's a universal law of freshman year: Whatever can go wrong the first few weeks at college, will. Your calculus book will fall in a puddle, your cell phone will get knocked off the desk and break, you'll sleep through your first class of the day at least once, and you'll lose a button off your favorite shirt the day before Pledge Week starts.

Don't worry, DIY Life is here to help. Use book covers, a cell phone case, and a good alarm clock.

Now, about that shirt. When you were getting ready to move into the dorm, did you remember to pack a little sewing kit? Great! From replacing buttons to fixing a hem, there are a bunch of ways that little kit can save your bacon. Oh, and if you have any leftover thread, I'll also tell you how to kill time with your roommate on a Friday night before your dates get there.

• Sew on a button - this is actually the easiest of all sewing projects because it's practically mistake proof. Here's a set of simple instructions [video] that tells you everything you need to know. Two important points to remember: don't sew the button on too tightly or it will be difficult to get it through the buttonhole and, in a pinch, dental floss is a great stand-in for thread.

• Fix a hem - mending a fallen hem on a skirt of pair of slacks is a little tricky but these directions walk you through it step-by-step. If you've used up all your thread on other sewing projects, duct tape will work in a pinch (be sure to remove it before you wash the garment).

• Repair a split seam - if you accidentally tear your clothing at the seam, here are some great tips on how to make an easy, inconspicuous repair. Out of thread? Try stapling the seam to hold it together until you can sew it properly.

• Darn a sock - It might just be easier to go sockless (or buy new ones) than to fix a hole in an old pair of socks. If you've got a pair that you simply can't part with, however, here's how to mend it so your big toe won't jut out the top.

• Kill some time - Hang small, lightweight, unbreakable objects from your dorm room's ceiling fan with some leftover thread from your sewing kit. Use sticks of chewing gum or M & M's to place friendly wagers on which objects will fly off first -- and in what order -- once the fan is turned on. As an added bonus, you could videotape the results and email it to mom and dad. Let them know they're getting their money's worth for that college tuition.