What is the purpose of fringe on buckskin jackets?

Not sewing related - but an interesting tidbit about how buckskin jackets were originally designed...

The fringe on buckskin jackets was originally cut to make seams more flexible while keeping the strips of hide available for use in tying things, and to allow rain to run off the coat instead of soaking in to the part that touches the body. 

In emergencies, a strip of fringe could be cut off to use as a tourniquet or to tie canvas and hides together to make an emergency shelter.

The Lemen website also describes the way fringe creates an illusion of movement that makes it popular with bronco riders.

On today's buckskin jackets, fringe serves a decorative function.

Source:

http://www.lemen.com/qa256.html

What is an inexpensive way to make a shower costume?

This is a no-sew project.

A shower costume can be made with a few household items, or items that can be purchased in most department stores, craft glue- and strong tape. Neither sewing skill nor ability to apply makeup is required when making this costume.

Step 1: Build the shower head

• Attach a flexible funnel to a hollow plastic broom handle with duct tape, then flex the end of the funnel so it points down. 
• Wrap the entire rod and funnel assembly in shiny foil or duct tape. 
• Pour a thick layer of craft glue around the funnel's inner edge and stick either tinsel or sparkly silver yarn segments in the glue to form the water running out of the shower head. 
• Set this aside to dry.

Step 2: Make the shower rod assembly

• Wrap a hula hoop in aluminum foil. 
• Use shower curtain rings to attach a shower curtain to a hula hoop. 
• Close the curtain and and tie two pieces of rope or heavy ribbon to the hula hoop to form straps that rest across the shoulders on each side of the wearer's head. 
• If the rope slides, use duct tape to secure it in place. 
• When the wearer has the curtain on, cut off the excess at the bottom.

Step 3: Accessorize

• Put on a shower cap. 
• Tuck the shower head assembly into a belt or hold it, then accessorize the costume with bare legs and either flip flops or shower shoes.