#Fabric storage cubes

[bevanne46]

Craft Supply Storage: Great for Small Spaces, these Shelves come in 6, 9, 12 & 15 Cubes and can be found on Amazon, Walmart, Fred Meyers and many other places. The fabric drawers can be purchased at the dollar store.

[thingsifindonthegroundsometimes]

warsh clofs (flatworm?)

[hiveworks]

Convention Guide: Basic Tabling Gear

September 2023

Whether you’re an artist alley newbie or you’ve been doing the convention circuit for years, putting together your table essentials is a crucial part of selling your wares at events and ensuring your weekend goes smoothly. In this guide, we’re covering the basics of setting up your first ever table.

This list is a non comprehensive assessment of things a tabler might need and should be used as a simple starting point. The four main categories we will cover are:

The Display

Behind the Table

Money

Quality of Life Suggestions

—🐝—

1. The Display

a) Tablecloth

Starting from the base layer, we’ve got tablecloths– an easy way to add some color and personality to your table. Your tablecloth doesn’t even have to be an actual tablecloth! You can use a length of fabric cut from a bolt at your local craft store. Convention tables tend to be 6’ long, so when selecting your fabric, look for measurements longer than 72” (183cm).

Play with color and texture to find something that fits the theme of your work on display. Patterns can be fun, but might distract from your inventory or signage if the colors/design are too bold and busy. Tip: your cloth may get messy from food behind the scenes or dust/dirt if you do outdoor events. Get something that’s easy to wash in your machine!

b) Display supports

Most artists these days use cube organizers that break apart into flat panels and connector joints. They are easy to store when not in use, easy to transport in a suitcase or tote, and you can change the shape depending on your table set up and inventory. Tip: constructing your display to include shelves that face you behind the table helps organize your backstock during the show.

These cubes aren’t your only option. Some people use milk crates, picture frames, wooden boxes, custom built shelves, etc. Consider what works best for you, your aesthetic, and your storage/transportation needs. When in doubt, you can always lay your goods flat on the table.

c) Signage

Having clear signage on your items to denote price helps people feel more comfortable purchasing from your table. Your price markers don’t have to be fancy. Prices written neatly on pieces of paper and paperclipped to your books or taped up next to your stickers is a simple and effective strategy. Some people print out a price list or use a sign board. It’s totally up to you!

Include a sign with your name somewhere in your display, including your social media handle if it is different from your artist name. This will help fans of your work more easily recognize you. Tip: use a QR code prominently displayed on your table that links to your portfolio, linktree, etc.

d) Banner/backdrop

Look out behind you! Whether it’s a banner, a backdrop, or something else, the space behind your seat can be put to use. While it is relatively easy to print custom banners at most print shops, many tablers cite this as an unnecessary expense, especially for first time artist alley participants. If you’d like to hang a collage of your work behind you, look for photography backdrop tripods, which can collapse and fold up neatly. The behind-the-table space is shared with other artists, and it can get cramped. Be mindful of your needs when deciding how to do a backdrop. Some artists opt to exclude a backdrop and just use their cubes to arch over them.

Optional: Decorate your table! Flowers, string lights, plushies, etc. can all bring a special one of a kind experience to your set up.

2. Behind The Table

a) Inventory

Now that we’re behind the table, let’s talk about what’s going on back here. Starting with inventory. If you’re absolutely unsure how much to bring, a good starting number is about 10 of each item. If you sell out, congratulations! You’ll know what to bring more of next time, or you’ll know you should raise your prices. For storing inventory during transportation to the con and while at the show, you might consider simple boxes, an accordion folder, or a portfolio case, depending on what kind of items you’re bringing. Reminder: if you’re using display cubes, structuring them to give you shelves on your side of the table will help you keep things organized.

b) Suitcase/storage tote

Under your feet will be your suitcase/tote box, and perhaps a dolly, if you used one to wheel your boxes into the building. It is recommended that your suitcase/tote has a lock on it, as you’ll be leaving inventory overnight. Hopefully no matter what you use, it has wheels of some kind. All this gear gets heavy. If you are not using a wheeled device, make sure to check your pack’s weight as you assemble your supplies. You will have to carry it from the parking garage or bus stop through the convention center, and back out again at the end of the show.

c) Cover cloth

What else is in that box? Your cover cloth. This one is optional, but some artists like having a lightweight cloth to cover their table when the day is done. Something like a vinyl picnic tablecloth works perfectly. The cover cloth helps prevent anyone from accidentally knocking your things over or having things go missing.

d) Business cards

On your side of the table, you ought to have plenty of back up business cards. You’ll have some of these out on the table for passersby to pick up, but this item is the number one thing you’re going to hand out the most of. It’s always better to have too many rather than too few. For a single three day convention, you might need 200+ cards. Make sure your website/online shop is easy to find on your cards. Cute business cards go a long way to making your table memorable long after the con has ended.

Bonus supplies: Here’s a short list of things you might need throughout the weekend to touch up your display. Keep them in a bag and bring them with you every time you table!

Masking and clear tape

Spare paper for impromptu signage

Sharpies and pens

Zip ties

Scissors

3. Money

a) Card reader

The most commonly used card reader is Square, but there are alternatives. Research their fees and prices to determine what fits your needs. You’ll want to get a hold of a card reader and set up your account well in advance of your show. Card readers require wifi/data to work and will only work in your country of business, so take that into consideration when packing for your show. Most convention halls have wifi (sometimes at a cost), but if your show is outdoors you might be relying on data.

b) Cash/change

Cash is king! Make sure to bring enough cash/change for your show. About $25-50 in small bills is usually enough if you’re also accepting card. At the end of the day, consider tucking your big bills away in a secure location in your hotel room. If something were to happen to your bag, you’ll appreciate not having your entire weekend’s earnings in it!

c) Fanny pack

Keeping your cash attached to you at all times is smart. People often use fanny packs or cross body bags to manage their money.

4. Quality of Life

a) Backup battery

Since you may be using your phone to complete transactions, or maybe you’re drawing on your iPad with time to kill, you’ll want to bring a back up battery. Most tables don’t have access to electricity, so having a battery and charging cables is a good idea.

b) Hand sanitizer & masks

One hand sani pump out front and one behind the table. You’ll be handling money, shaking hands with strangers, and touching surfaces that thousands of people have been touching all day. As long as there have been conventions, there have been con plagues. You don’t want to get knocked out with a cold (or worse) so masking is great!

c) Table buddy

If you’re able to, bring a friend to help you table. Cons will often give tablers 2 passes (one for you and one for a friend). They can help you grab coffee or lunch, get change, package a big purchase, cover you for bathroom breaks, etc. Table buddies are truly the unsung heroes of artist alley.

d) No table buddy? No problem.

Check in with con staff and volunteers. Many comic cons will have a green room for artists to take a snack break and decompress, and con staff will help guide you there. Some conventions also enlist volunteers to help sit your table while you’re away. They’ll make sure your table stays in order, direct people to your business cards, and inform curious patrons when to expect you back.

e) Fun stuff!

There will be plenty of downtime. Con hours are long and often slow in the mornings. Bring something to keep you occupied, but not too engrossed, so you can easily pull away to greet customers and fans. Fidget toys, a puzzle book, knitting or crochet project are all great ideas.

f) Get Comfy, Eat Well, Stay Hydrated

Going from your quiet desk to the high octane energy of artist alley can be a shock to the system. Some items to help reduce the fatigue are: noise canceling headphones during downtime and breaks, sunglasses to combat the fluorescent lights and rest your eyes, slippers or comfy shoes for under the table, and layers of clothing. Convention halls can fluctuate temperatures wildly. With lots of AC during the summer, sweaty crowds, and the flow of traffic to your table, you’ll be working up a sweat fulfilling transactions one second then freezing after sitting still for a minute.

Most importantly, have a small cooler with snacks and drinks. You may not get a break, but it’s important to stay hydrated and energized.

—🐝—

The next time you're at a convention, take note of displays that inspire you. #ArtistAlley and #ConTable tags on Instagram or TikTok can connect you with creators sharing their setups. Your table design is an opportunity to be creative and express yourself, while also learning along the way what works for you. Most tables, however, are built up over several convention seasons of trial and error, so while it’s good to take note of others' displays as a source of inspiration, try to keep your first table relatively simple. The more you table, the more you’ll be able to identify your needs for you and your merchandise.

We’ll close out this blog post with one final suggestion. Big, multi-day conventions can be fun, but they can also be expensive. Your tabling supplies and inventory aside, if you’re doing a show away from home, you’ll contend with table fees (often $250-450 USD), hotel, transportation, meals, etc. And not every convention is a good fit for your wares! Small, local events and art festivals are a great, low stakes, relatively cheap (or free) way to start tabling. Check your area for zine fests, queer makers markets, and craft fairs.

Sound off if there’s anything we missed! Good luck on your tabling adventures.

[mage-ical-character-person]

Architect Sanctuaries and Storage.

So! I feel like we don’t talk about the Sanctuary caches from Subnautica enough as it relates to Below Zero.

Like. First of all, Al-An, where are you going, your people are here. You’re not gonna check to see if anyone else is trapped in a sanctuary with failing power like you were? Granted, I think the Sanctuaries in The Crater are probably Hooked up to the Alien Thermal Plant so they’ll be fine as long as the lava zone continues to be hot. Probably why Ryley wasn’t getting any alien distress signals. But the threat of Kharaa has more or less passed, and these Architects were part of Al-An’s research team, you’d think he’d do something.

It’s recommended to put them in a compatible medium as soon as possible, you said it yourself get down there and fabricate more bodies!

Also. On the “factory reset” point. I feel the need to point a couple things out.

First of all, in the Dunes Cache, you can download this from the alien terminal

(Side note this entry specifically is so revealing about Architect society and stuff. PLUS entire other Architect character like I have so many thoughts. Might get its own post at some point I dunno)

It seems like they were storing the memories like… separately from the individual. They were probably also backed up on the network if Al-An’s comments in the whole “How do humans cope with the loss of memories” conversation are anything to go by.

I think the memories just end up feeling less like something the Architect actually experienced personally and more like something they heard about. Like they lose some personal connection to the events.

but still. I think if the Architect’s technology had a flaw like that they’d be working to fix it. And that leads me to a theory on why the Sanctuaries in the first game are so different to Sanctuary Zero where we find Al-An.

I think that with Kharaa meaning Sanctuary sites more vital than probably ever, improving the technology behind them would’ve probably been a priority. I think Sanctuary Zero is perhaps some sort of prototype for improved Sanctuary technology. Sanctuary Zero is bigger, despite storing only one Architect, while the Sanctuary Caches in the first game are implied to store multiple. It’s got this big bulky Architect Containment Cube to put Al-An in, and the PDA makes a point of noting that whoever’s stored inside is able to remain fully conscious with “whole brain emulation” something we don’t seem to see in the first game’s Sanctuaries.

I think the Network decided to stick Al-An in this instead of a normal Sanctuary both because they needed to test it anyway, and after what he did it’s possible they didn’t really care if it went wrong and he was lost in the process. If it did work, he’d have to continue to carry that emotional weight even if he got a new body, and he’d be forced to be awake, thinking about what he’d done in the thousand years before then. I think the Network would’ve found that to be an apt punishment, without it being only for punishment’s sake, but also part of Sanctuary research. More efficient that way.

[wing-ed-thing]

Little Tea Cakes (Jean x Reader)

Synopsis: You and Jean were left to hold down the fort, but when night falls, and your friends aren’t back yet, you start to worry. Jean has the perfect plan to take your mind off of things and enjoy your cozy night in. 

Word Count: 2k

Tags/Warnings: Fluff

Notes: I’m ready to make this recipe

You stared out the window, practically curled up on the ledge as you waited. Jean had lit lanterns that flickered on the outside porch. If it weren’t for those, you wouldn’t have been able to see how the rain poured down in sheets outside in the blackness. 

You saw his reflection as he loitered behind you, unsure what to say. With the night as dark as it was, you could see in the glass how his mouth opened and closed again as he put his hands on his hips. He stared momentarily, watching as you kept your eye on the night.

“They’re fine,” he finally said. Jean slipped his fingers into the pockets of his slacks. He didn’t exactly sound sure of himself. “I’m sure they’ll be back any minute now.” 

“It’s coming down really hard out there,” you trailed off, rubbing the underside of your bottom lip with your finger. A large puddle had begun to form at the bottom of the wooden steps outside your cabin. You looked over your shoulder at Jean. “What if something happened to them, and they need our help?” 

Jean came to stand next to you, leaning the slightest bit back against the dining table. He stood with you, looking out the window at the storm. The wind howled outside, causing a few hung lanterns to sway and knock against the wood paneling. You watched the reflection again as Jean bowed his head acutely toward you. You noted the shrug of his shoulders.

“Captain Levi’s with them. They’re probably just caught up kickin’ ass.” Jean gave you a gentle nudge, but you couldn’t tear your eyes away from the window. 

A moment went by as the rain continued to pour. You found yourself lost in your worries, hardly registering as Jean pivoted to stand in front of you. A warm touch found your forearm. Your head shot up as you broke out of your daydreaming, and he gestured again with his head. 

“C’mon,” he said with a semblance of a sigh. You blinked a few times, caught off guard by your own spacing. Jean tugged at the fabric of your sleeve, gesturing again toward the kitchen. He repeated himself, and reluctantly, you let yourself be dragged over to the sink. You looked back over your shoulder.

“But—”

“They’re fine.” Jean washed his hands with the rigor of a surgeon, leaving the water running as he motioned for you to do the same. You followed as he proceeded to raid the cabinets. You waited, drying your hands on a towel hung on the island in the center of the kitchen.

Jean closed a cabinet somewhere to your left. You almost jumped as Jean placed a large mixing bowl in front of you. You stared into his honey-colored irises. 

“No use in worrying about something you can’t control.” He ducked down for a moment to pull something out of the island’s storage. Jean placed the container on the counter and shoved a cup between your fingers. “Two of those in the bowl,” he said, patting the container. 

You did as you were told, and by the time you were finished, several other supplies had appeared on the counter. He handed you a series of spoons, giving similar instructions for the next three ingredients before Jean wandered off to start the oven. The rain continued to pour outside.

“What are we making?” you finally asked, staring down at the bowl of mixed powders. Jean appeared to your right with a pile of sliced butter cubes and a tool that looked more like a claw than a kitchen utensil.

“Tea cakes,” he answered softly, dumping the butter into your mixture. He handed you the claw. “My mom used to make them on rainy days. I’m sure everyone will love them when they get back.” You stared at the appliance in your hand, missing the pink that tinged Jean’s cheeks. 

“What am I supposed to do with this?” 

“It’s to mix the butter in so that the mixture becomes crumbly.”

You gave him an uneasy look, gingerly placing the pastry cutter into the mixture and attempting to mix. Jean hummed apprehensively, his hand hovering over the bowl before firmly placing it over yours. 

“Like this,” he muttered, maneuvering himself behind you as he guided your hand. He held your opposite elbow as you kept the bowl steady, almost as if you’d shatter in his arms at any moment. Focused on your task, you hardly noticed the bright shade of red that slowly overtook the pink on Jean’s face. 

Once the mixture turned crumbly and the butter was well incorporated, Jean pulled away from you, his retreating body heat leaving a small chill in his wake. He exchanged your larger bowl of dry ingredients for a smaller one, placing two eggs in front of you with a cup of milk, honey, and a tiny dish of flavoring. During the time it took to measure the dry materials, it had apparently been enough time for him to portion out all the wet ingredients. 

One by one, you added them to the new bowl. Jean took the discarded eggshells for the compost and tiny dishes that held the preportioned ingredients to the sink. You went to place the pastry cutter back into the bowl of wet ingredients to demonstrate what Jean had just taught you, but Jean gently replaced the claw with a wooden spoon instead. 

You smiled at him sheepishly. Jean leaned on the counter, ankles crossed as he leaned on his elbows, watching as you beat the wet ingredients. Once incorporated, you were instructed to pour the liquid into the flour mixture. Jean watched you work as raindrops continued to hit the rooftop.

“See, you’re already getting the hang of it.” Jean nodded. You worked the spoon to incorporate the bit of flour left over on the side of the bowl. 

“Did you eat these a lot growing up?” You slide the finished batter toward him. Jean had already prepared a greased baking tin. 

“More than I’d like to admit.” He let out a light chuckle. The softness in his voice wasn’t lost on you as he spooned the batter into the tin. He scraped down the sides before handing you the bowl to put in the sink. “A lot of rainy days, I guess.”

You took to the dishes as he placed the tin in the oven. You stared out the window as the remaining batter stuck to the bowl washed down the drain. You were just starting to wonder what you did on rainy days as a kid when you felt a gentle nudge.

“I got it,” Jean said, gradually prodding you out of the way until you had no choice but to leave the bowl and sponge. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and once the sponge had been replenished with soap, he took to vigorous scrubbing. 

You studied him: the way his bangs waved with his efforts, the curve of his nose, and the squareness of his chin. He placed the first clean bowl onto the drying rack, eyes flickering up toward the window for a split second as a clap of thunder resounded throughout the sky. Jean pursed his lip, and as he met your gaze briefly, he quickly glanced away. You wondered if he was as secretly worried as you were. 

You tugged open the cabinet to your right. Luckily, the kettle didn’t sit too high up. 

Jean had just finished the dishes by the time you came to fill up the kettle. His brows twisted up in confusion as you pivoted the faucet. You offered him a shrug. Jean dried his hands on a nearby rag. 

“You said tea cakes. What’s a tea cake without tea?”

“Mama always served them with milk,” he trailed off, the movement of his hands slowing as he found himself lost in thought. The realization of what he said aloud must’ve hit him instantly. His eyes widened, only to be met with your mounting expression of amusement. “I, uh—! I mean—”

“Don’t worry, Jean-boy. I’ll grab some milk,” you said, putting the kettle on before making a beeline to the fridge. Jean continued to fidget with the towel in his hands. 

“You really remember that?” he asked sheepishly, a twinge of cringe causing his eye to twitch. You prepared two cups, placing a milk carafe between the two of you. The air in the kitchen had already begun to smell sweet. 

“Nothing wrong with having a mother who loves you.” You poured him a glass of milk. “How is she doing?” You stood across the island from him, watching the oven. 

“She’s alright.” Jean nodded, slowly picking up the cup. He brought it to his lips. “I think she gets anxious while I’m away. Lonely.” You played with your empty cup with a sigh.

“That must be tough… You should visit her when all of this is over. I’m sure that after all the chaos, we’ll get to take a bit of a break.” Jean let out an amused puff, staring off at the near-boiling kettle. 

“Think so?”

“I’m sure she’d be happy to see you. Know that you’ve been thinking about her.” Jean didn’t get a chance to respond, cut off by the high-pitched whistling of the tea kettle. You perked up in surprise. “Oh, that was quick.” You grabbed the hand towel that Jean had thrown on the counter.

“I should probably pull out the tea cakes.” 

By the time you reconvened at the kitchen island, Jean had already put down two trivets. The tea cake had puffed up into a golden, brown pastry that steamed deliciously in the dark pan. You fixed yourself a cup of tea, cooing over the hot dessert. 

“That looks so good!” you exclaimed, the smell alone making you impatient to try. The corners of Jean’s lips twitched upward into a boyish grin. He gestured to you with a bow of his head.

“Well, it was all you. You should be proud of your good work,” he said, leaning the side of his cheek in his palm as he studied the shiny top. “I’ll cut it into squares when it cools down a little.” The thunder that cracked outside sounded so far away.

“Thank you,” you said, playing with the warm rim of your cup. “For distracting me and for sharing this.” You met his eye just in time to see the visible gentleness overtake his expression. Jean’s shoulders relaxed as he nodded.

“Of course.”

A figure moved on the balcony, passing through your peripheral. Just as quickly as you saw it, the front door slammed open. A dripping-wet Captain Levi stormed through the door, removing his boots at the entryway before stalking to his quarters. He gave you a stout, meaningful look as he went, and wordlessly, you worked on preparing him a cup of tea. The rest of the squad followed, a chorus of compliments about the aroma from the kitchen jumbled together as the squad shuffled to the kitchen. 

“Oh wow!” Sasha cried, practically drooling at the sight of the warm, golden pastry. Jean shooed her away, waving the hand towel at her as he protected the dessert the two of you had worked so hard on.

“Hey! You’re dripping everywhere!” he chided with a scowl. Jean crossed his arms. “There’s enough for everyone once you’re dry.”

“You don’t gotta tell us twice. I’ve been wanting to change out of these wet clothes all day.” Connie tugged at Sasha’s leather straps in exhaustion. “C’mon, I’m ready to get warm.” You pulled out some more mugs. 

“I’ll make everyone some tea!” you smiled, relieved that all your friends made it back safe. You missed the sentimental expression on Jean’s face as he stared at you.

“I’ll cut the cake!”

Thank you to all who liked, reblogged, followed, and supported. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.

Notes: I am definitely Jean when it comes to baking, so it was kinda fun writing someone who doesn’t bake haha. It was hard writing this because all I did was want to make the recipe! Maybe one of these days I’ll work in the kitchen to perfect a nice honey tea cake recipe and I’ll post the link here lmao. It’ll be “Kirstein Tea Cakes”!

I feel like the tea cakes were supposed to be made in something like a cupcake tin. But I also thought that Jean’s mom might not have one of those. Or maybe being a mom it’s easier to just put the batter all in one dish, hence why Jean calls them tea cakes when it’s just one cake sliced into squares. 

[tellioari]

Q&A !! With @leafenzo/aka Leah and myself, Eliza

Leah: We don't hold ourselves to a strict schedule, I will say though we are a large chunk of the way done - all basic dyed blocks (like wool, concrete, banners, etc) are already in. We're just ironing out extra features related to the dyes. Also- before it releases we will have a public playtesting period for a tad if anyone reallyyy wants it early :3 (albeit in a quite unstable form). The plan is to release it for Fabric, and for 1.20.1 through 1.20.3 for now.

Leah: teehehe chunk-of-fun :3 jfsljfkslj Eliza: well, for the most part, the new bugs we are adding are things i just find interesting and have a good model idea for. i like making them very large, fitting into the large bug precedent set by the bees and silverfish :3 Right now the planned blorbos are the beetle, the wooly beetle, mantis, dragonfly, mint slug and silk moth! I've also made a seahorse model, but I don't think I'll end up using it in the dye mod. I might add more in the future if I'm feeling up to it.

Eliza: We have a lot of compatibility features in the works - including Suppementaries' Presents, every dyeable block in Create, Farmer's Delight's signs, and compatibility integration with Nature's Sprit as well. I've also thought about making dye compat with Another Furniture, but... that is a monumental task that I'd probably need help with/be able to streamline. We will also try and add compatibility textures to mods that autogenerate new dyed blocks - but that will have to be a case-by-case basis, and will be figured out during beta testing.

Eliza: I would love to make a tutorial at some point! - however, my process right now is very spur-of-the-moment and kinda random, haha. Maybe I'll make a post in the future if i'm feeling up to it. At the very least, I do follow some basic principles with designing my models:

Try to use clever techniques to minimize the amount of cubes used - this creates a confine that makes me get creative with what cubes i use while also optimizing the model at the same time.

Try to be as expressive as possible with cubes being used, no cube should be left untouched in the keyframes of animation.

Keep colors interesting by shifting hue a lot depending on lighting and what kind of material i want to convey (for example, if most of the model is smooth and green to blue, i'd go for green to yellow for the rougher parts)

Eliza: I would like to add some more storage blocks in the future, mainly stuff from new updates and any other random things I think of. I was thinking of making a create compatibility submod maybe, but because of the effort it takes to come up with textures its still just a thought. Leah: If by that you mean creating mods that add new features to squashed, or compatibility fixes, of course! and that goes for our other mods too! :D We'd seriously feel honored.

Leah: For me, the hardest part was just the frustration of it, frustration at the code, the tutorial, or far more often just at myself. Just know that it's the hardest at the beginning, but if you stick with you'll get your bearings and it will somehow start to get a bit easier. Also, datagen! It's useful as can be but gosh did that take me a while to figure out even just the basics of how to generate a model haha.

Thank you for all the questions!! We apologize if we didn't quite get to your question, there were a lot and we tried to pick the most general ones :3 If you still have a question that wasn't answered here, be sure to join and ask it on our discord!: https://discord.gg/eJePAPE27T

[hotforharrison]

It’s now been 12 weeks since we separated, and 8 since he moved out of what used to be our home completely. (A lot of his stuff is still here, though, because he doesn’t have space for it at the moment in his new place.)

Living alone in and of itself is something I despise, which I already knew from my college days and life before I met him, but living in the house we made into our home is devastating in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

I thought at one point that I’d adjust after a little while and find a roommate or two and stay here after the agreed upon period of time I have to get back on my feet – just pay for my portion of the rent and utilities.

But it hasn’t gotten any easier over the last two months – if anything, it’s gotten harder.

Days go by now when we don’t speak at all, and I can’t stop the constant reminders of him when his things and the memories we made here still surround me.

I can’t use a pencil eraser to erase a page covered with pen marks of the last decade we called this our home.

I’ve been gradually making changes, but it doesn’t override how fully and completely that this place was –well, still is in my heart– ours, and how much it’s a part of the 17 year long story we shared.

I’m not sure how to fully end this chapter while I’m still here, while he’s still my “landlord” of sorts, and I can’t make a clean break and have to live in this terrible in-between.

I’ve transitioned from making changes to make this house more “mine” into making strategic changes of things I don’t already have that I can take with me if I do choose to move out at the end of the agreed upon period, which I’m reasonably certain I will.

I have a handful of things that are definitely my own – a desk, a bookcase, a couple of fabric storage bin cube organizers. I think I could convince him to let me take the futon in my new room so I have a bed, but the vast majority of the furniture and things here are his and in his style.

I was happy to let him decorate and furnish our home with the things he likes because they’re a part of him, and I loved him and all of those parts.

There are a few money making apps I use (but I don’t recommend because of the return based on time investment) that I get cash or Amazon gift cards from, and my next purchase is going to be an inexpensive TV stand for the living room to put the TV I own on.

It’s not even close to as nice as his TV, but it doesn’t have to be. I don’t use it often at the moment – it’s more for spending time with guests watching something. It’s a Roku TV (a 6 year old model that hopefully still works with free streaming options). I use it so little that I won’t be buying any subscription services.

I’m boxing up his decor, and there’s so much of it, dividing down what is mine from the media bookcase (not very much, doubt it’s even a single shelf worth from a completely full tall bookcase). Something to put my paltry amount of media on is also on my list of things to acquire.

I’m in the process of rearranging the furniture in the living room so it might make me a little less sad when I hope to eventually host people, including my (fingers crossed) next boyfriend.

A divorce lawyer in a podcast I was listening to said 86% of people who divorce end up remarried within 5 years.

I hope I’m one of them.

I want to have someone to go through life with instead of walking this path alone.

[fall-of-achilles]

Dorm Essentials

Here is a super comprehensive list of every item I could think someone would need in a dorm. Obviously this will differ from person to person and room to room.

*Check your university's rules surrounding these items

Uni Essentials- a comprehensive list of electronics, stationary and clothing

Storage

Carts that roll under your bed

Loft equipment to add extra space

Collapsible fabric bins

coffee cart

desk organizer

If you have a private bathroom

over toilet shelving

shelving for shower

hand soap

Toilet Plunger

toilet brush and cleaner

speaker (don't bother your neighbours)

toothbrush holder

shower mats

toilet paper

small trash can

shower curtain

If you have a communal bathroom

shower caddy

shower shoes/ slides

General Bathroom needs

towels

shampoo

conditioner

body wash

skincare

makeup

toothbrush

toothpaste

body wash

loofah/ wash rag/ body scrub

Q-tips

Cotton balls/ pads

Hand soap

If you have a microwave/ kitchen area

Ice cube trays

microwave ramen cooker

single cup coffee maker*

plates/bowls/silverware/cups

rice cooker*

Hot plate*

milk frother wand thing

paper towel holder

salt and pepper grinder

Pitcher

Brita

french press

measuring cups/spoons (liquid measure)

toaster*

tupperware

lunch box

Chip clips

Mayo, ranch, salad dressing

Popcorn popper* my dorm allows a hot air popper

Snacks and Food

granola bars

trail mix

Chips

instant matcha/coffee

Kcups

peanut butter (or other nut/soy butter)

jam/jelly

candy

mints

gum

Brita water filter

reusable water bottle

olive oil

vinegar

cookies

salt/pepper

instant coffee

honey

Popcorn kernels

Butter/ margarine

Cleaning Supplies

Broom

swiffer/ mop

disinfecting wipes

all purpose cleaner

duster

scrub daddy

dish soap

laundry detergent

dryer balls

baking soda

vinegar

cleaning rags

Pinsol/Fabuloso

small steamer/ iron*

stain remover

Medicine/First Aid

bandaids

gauze

tape

liquid bandaid

nyquil

ibuprophen/tylenol

cough drops

cough medcine

pepto bismol

covid tests

hand sanitizer

Neosporin or my personal favourite PRID

Cooling and heating packs

Antacid ( tums)

Other

Nightstand

area rug

Desk lamp

Night light/ small lamp

large trash can

room spray/ oil diffuser

desk chair

laundry hamper

sheets

pillows

curtains

towels

wash cloths

paper towels

tissues

Pads/tampons

hangers

Command hooks

heated blanket*/ weighted blanket

extension cord*

printer*

small fireproof safe (with all your legal documents in it)

tool kit

flashlight

Bedside organiser

Door draft/ window draft stopper

Clothing shaver

Batteries

pepper spray

security birdie

Condoms

From home

Photos

blankets

stuffed animals

decorations

[beccagetscrafty]

Below the cut are links to some of my favorite cross stitch supplies.

I'm not getting kick backs or anything for the links below, I just wanted to share what I use with everyone.

Storage

Storage: Plano 23700-20 Stowaway with Adjustable Dividers

Floss Drop Bobbins: Ultimate Bobbin Drops by GWStitchinDepot on Etsy

Floss Reel by CreativeKeepsStudio on Etsy - used to cut precut my floss in equal lengths to use with my floss drops.

My fav bobbins (above) are on the expensive side, but I do have some cheaper ones I use as well.

White Plastic Bobbins

Clear Floss Drops

White Paper DMC Bobbins

For projects, I also have colorful floss organizers so I don't have to have a bunch of bobbins out.

Labeling

I'm a label nerd so I've made all my own labels and printed them on Vinyl sticker paper, but there are ready made labels you can find.

DMC Labels

Scissors

Embroidery scissors - I highly recommend buying a pair meant for embroidery because they tend to have a sharper, thinner tip. You can use a seam ripper to undo errant stitches, but I find embroidery scissors work better for that. You can get these anywhere, I got my latest pair through amazon.

Fabric Prep

Zig Zag Craft scissors - they say that cutting aid with a pair of zig zag scissors keeps it from unraveling... and I have experienced that, however, I also find that it still sheds, just teeny, tiny pieces. I got mine through amazon.

Nylon Upholstery Thread - this is my preferred thread for whip stitching the edge of my aida. I fold the edge of my fabric in two or three rows and then use the whip stitch to go around the edge of the whole project to keep the edges from fraying. I currently use navy blue because that's what I have, but there are multiple colors to choose from.

Gridding

Sulky Metallic Thread - the thread I use to do the gridding on my projects. You can find it on Amazon, but their website allows you to use Amazon Pay and you get a wider selection and better pricing ordering through them directly.

Aida

Plain white Aida - Walmart usually has the best price, but be aware that sometimes that comes with a cost in the form of rectangles instead of squares

Amazon - they have some WILD multicolored Aida for reasonable prices.

Mill Hill - they have a perforated PAPER for cross stitching and I was skeptical at first… but after using it… I love it! And it doesn’t hurt my hands like the plastic Aida I used to use. You can get this product on Amazon and on Everything Cross Stitch.

Wax/Thread Conditioner

Premade Beeswax Rounds in Plastic Containers - I used to use these all the time because it helped with knotting and my thread fraying... but they kept getting soooo expensive.

Now I just buy beeswax. Originally, I bought bars but I found them too hard to cut.

So I melted them down and make my own cubes that I can remelt, remove any thread bits and reuse.

Beeswax - the bars I bought are no longer available, but you can really use anything.

Square molds - I ended up cutting mine into smaller sections because it was easier to handle.

Silicone Measuring Cup - the first time I did this, I melted the wax in a candle making container... but now I just melt them in this on a cheap candle warmer and it works perfectly.

Beading

Bead Storage - this has become more important with me doing Mill Hill designs.

Bead trays - these are meant for diamond painting, but they work great for beads.

Misc

Stitch Starter by Blue Ribbon Designs on Etsy - 3” square ruler to help you find the perfect place for your first stitch

Cross Stitch Gauge by SnugglyMonkey on Etsy - basically a ruler to help you with determine which size Aida you are working on

DMC Thread Color Card - you can get this as multiple places. Most have the printed version, but if you can get (or make) the one that has the actual thread samples… I highly recommend.

Telescoping Magnet - a must for finding needles that fall on the floor. It will happen. Protect your feet.

Silicone Finger Protector - I originally got these for using hot glue, but I found that I use them more for cross stitching. I did end up cutting one so it just covers the my finger to the first knuckle, otherwise I find my fingers get too sweaty.

[fishthegenderwitch]

I DID IT

I finally sorted my crafting materials and tools into just the wire storage at my desk and a couple of clear bins underneath. I still have yarn and fabric to sort, and I'm not sure where that'll go. I do have a wire storage organiser (2 cubes by 3) but it doesn't really fit anywhere except maybe by the window, that I could limit my fabric and yarn stashes to. Still gotta talk to the roommates about the placement of that though.

I'm pretty stoked! I have crafting desk space now! (My phone is currently charging as it died before I finished, but I'll get a pic soon)

[msbarrows]

I sometimes get unreasonably delighted by silly little things, and today is such a day. I recently ordered a new duvet online, my old one having been in use since the 90s, and showing its age in terms of shifted batting and general wear. Ended up buying it from Silk & Snow, a company I'd previously splurged on buying linen sheets from when they were on sale (the dark blue ones on the bed in this photo, actually). It was one of three I was considering, and then it showed up on a list of "Top down alternative duvets made in Canada" (I have a feather allergy, so real down duvets and pillows are a hard NO THANK YOU, unfortunately). When I checked their web site it was on a Valentine's Day sale, so that tipped the scales in their favour, even though they were still the priciest option (though not by a huge amount).

Anyway, I am rather delighted with their packaging. The sheets (and a recently ordered new duvet cover) had all arrived in same-fabric drawstring storage pouches (not the first time I've seen that, but always a nice touch). The photo shows what the duvet arrived packaged in; yup, not a stinky vinyl bag, but a zippered storage cube of the same cotton fabric that the duvet shell is made of. With the top and bottom edges reinforced with stiff wire-cored piping, even - it's really well-made. I very much doubt I'd ever be able to refold the duvet tightly enough to fit back in the bag, but it's 100% going to be a keeper for storing other bedding inside. Unlike smelly vinyl would be.

(Think the old duvet is going to be placed underneath my pillow-top mattress topper, for extra padding, because why not; it's still got some wear in it.)

[critical-patrick]

The next Blackmirror episode just got featured!! 🥳

An object which exists in this story's world:

Memory Archive Cube: The Memory Archive Cube is a physical object that represents the storage and preservation of memories. It is a small, transparent cube in which people store their recorded memories. Each cube contains a collection of personal experiences, emotions and sensations that can be recalled at any time.

Some other objects not directly related to the story's world:

Reflection Mirror: In this world, a mirror is a ubiquitous object found in almost every home. Equipped with augmented reality capabilities and facial recognition technology, these mirrors constantly analyze and reflect society's perception of beauty and social norms. The mirror displays readings in real-time and provides instant feedback on a person's appearance, body shape, and social acceptance.

Privacy Shield Cloak: The Privacy Shield Cloak is a wearable garment made of advanced nanofiber fabric that shields the wearer from surveillance and data collection. When activated, it forms an impermeable barrier that blocks all attempts to access personal information, ensuring privacy and anonymity.

[audiovisualrecall]

So my 3 drawer dresser kind of works - the top 2 drawers I actively use, I almost always fold and put away anything that belongs in those drawers. The bottom most drawer is sort of a mix? It's got bathing suits, rash guards, some sweaters, and some random stuff like older socks I don't love but want to hold onto in case I need them (has happened before!) Sweaters have 3 or 4 different 'homes' in my room and hardly ever get put back particularly if they're something I'm using frequently or might use. This includes inside and on top of a fabric storage bin, over the top of multiple chairs in the dining room, as well as inside the drawer, inside on a shelf in my closet, and inside a fabric storage bag at the foot of my bed. Multiple types of sweaters. Oh plus I have a top drawer in my 2nd dresser for the pullovers, which has been 90% empty since October. Instead all of the pullovers are on top of my smaller dresser. Which also houses my undershirts/tanktops, jeans, and any and all clothing that needs to be hung up that I haven't had the energy or time to hang up and out away and/or that I've been actively likely to use in the next few days so hasn't made sense in terms of using energy I don't have to put some of it away but also the mess is driving me nuts. Also two shortsleeve polo shirts that I'm not sure where to store bc they won't fit in the short-sleeve shirts drawer in the 2nd dresser and I don't want to hang them up. Uh, the jeans and tanks are also stuff I wear basically every day outside of my days off, so putting them away hasn't made sense. When it gets warmer out consistently I usually put away some of them and the capris (and later shorts) join them (and/or replace the full length jeans later on) on top of the dresser.

Anyway.... I'm wondering if maybe instead of the 2nd dresser I should get like the ikea cube storage unit? And then just fold stuff I use frequently and stick it on one of the cube shelves. And stuff I use less often can get put into fabric bins and then put into the cube shelves.

I also have like some clothing I dont wantnto get rid of bc it's sentimental and/or useful for something specific (ie the breast cancer walk we go on in the fall, steph made shirts for it and I have both designs and am keeping them!) Or the type of shirt or pants that I don't love but I have needed to wear before when I didn't have a better option. So ig I'd get containers or something for some of that....? Also the bathing suits and rash guards could go in a fabric bin or 2 of their own in the cube shelving unit! And then I'd do something else in that bottom drawer. Maybe that could be tee shirts - at least one type, I could do favorites or patterned ones or non-work shirts in the cube shelving and the rest of my short-sleeved shirts could live in the bottom drawer of the smaller dresser.

Still haven't figured out a real workable solution for the sweaters/sweatshirts or for the closet situation but that may not be solvable.

Also once the heavy comforter gets washed and put away (have to find the bag it goes in or use the one the sweaters are in for it.....) I can use the fabric hamper for clothing that I only wore for a little while or half a day or a couple hours so it can be worn again (I like changing after work into comfier clothing when I get home and I could wear the same lounge pants and shirt for 3 hrs each across 2 days tbh) and that will prevent the sweater pile on the bin from becoming a 'sweater and half worn/not quite dirty clothes' pile instead.

And I did add two hooks, one on the outside of my closet door and one on the back (inside) of my bedroom door, which I have been using but I need to put stuff away more often anyway so that one of those hooks is just for the buttondowns and such that I don't want to put into the closet bc I'm gonna wear it the next day or whatever. That should help the clutter on the top of my small dresser. I'm just not sure I want to get rid of my 2nd dresser bc sentimental attachment. It was part of the og set, it was my sister's and then mine. Maybe it could go into the guest room, that might work yeah...

[haliasjane]

actual craft content

shocking, i know

inspired by @startenthousand, i am going to try making a list of my Craft Goals for this year

1- No Buy for ALL craft supplies for at least the next 6 months. i recently bought some fabric storage cubes to put my bedroom yarn (the yarn that lives on the bookshelf in my bedroom, which is separate from the yarn that lives in my closet, both of which are separate from the yarn that lives in the living room by my armchair), which necessitated dumping everything out so i could organize it. i uh....have Enough. same with cross stitch/embroidery stuff, and with quilting stuff.

2- after 6 months, if i need to buy something to finish a project (not start one, finish something already in progress), i have to buy it from a local yarn or fabric store. no online ordering.

3- frog or finish old WIPs. if i haven’t worked on it in more than 6 months, i am not going to finish it, so it needs to be frogged and the yarn repurposed.

4a- chose projects to fill gaps in my wardrobe/accessory stash, or things that i will otherwise heavily use. don’t make shit just to make it.

4b- go through finished objects to compile a group of items that can be given as gifts. i didn’t spend time making things to have them sit unused in a drawer.

[tvccreator]

Replaying Subnautica - Have Some Tips

...I should be doing college work, yet here I am. o-o’

Oh, well.

SUBNAUTICA!!

I really love this game. It’s terrifying as all hell, but I love it so much. I haven’t really played through Below Zero due to being a goddamn coward, but I have put nearly 100 hours into OG Subnautica. Here are some little tips for anyone who maybe hasn’t played it in a long time or hasn’t played it at all but wants to later on. Here are Ellie’s Top 10 Tips for New/Returning Gamers Playing Subnautica.

1. Make fins and an oxygen tank as soon as feasibly possible and keep upgrading them when you can. You’re going to want that extra O2, and the fins, while not the best, can be upgraded to either Ultra Glide Fins or Swim Charge Fins - the latter being able to charge your electronic devices and the former being twice as fast as normal fins.

2. Harvest a lot of salt deposits and coral tube samples. While you can use salt to cure your food, I’d recommend saving it and making bleach out of it. While Bladderfish water gives you +20 to your fluid intake, bleach can make two water bottles that give +30 each. It’s a little thing, but one I find handy until you can make the Water Filtration system.

3. Use the vehicles and the Seaglide sparingly. Most of the enemies in Subnautica are attracted to lights, sound, or both, so moving through the water as silently as possible is key. Especially around the damn Reaper Leviathans.

4. Build bases in the different biomes. This one’s a given, but it helps to have a habitat at the ready in most biomes, especially ones that are deeper underwater. It’s a great storage place, you can fix up your vehicles if you have a Moonpool, and you can build things with a Fabricator if you need emergency supplies.

5. BEACONS. Those will be your best friend, so get the Beacon fragments as soon as possible. Believe me, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost my way trying to find the damn mushroom forests and, when I finally find it, I lose it almost immediately after. (My most recent escapade to find the mushroom forest ended up with me going right to the giant-ass gun island by accident. That was not fun for my heart when I started hearing Reapers and I immediately thought I had gone into the Dunes.) 

6. You can desensitize yourself to the Reapers’ roars. It’s been too long since I last played, so I have to get used to them again. However, it’s pretty easy to desensitize yourself. Go into a creative world, go build a base in a Reaper-infested area (I used the Crash Zone for mine, but I plan on using the Dunes next) and just sit down and watch the Reapers for a few minutes. The roaring will be really loud, but it will help you warm up to the Reapers so that way you don’t go into “deer in the headlights” mode when you hear one in a survival world.

7. Don’t be afraid to stock up on supplies. You will find that, as you get further into the game, some resources become pretty damn scarce, so make sure you stock up. Most common things to stock up on would be copper, cave sulfur, silver, diamonds, ion cubes (and tablets), nickel, table coral, and most types of growable flora. 

8. To quote Jacksepticeye: “Okay, do not tempt fate! Fate will come back and bite you in your hairy ass!” For God’s sake, if you see a hostile leviathan or any variation of hostile creature, do not approach them. Leave them the hell alone to do whatever they were doing beforehand. If you haven’t seen Jacksepticeye playing Subnautica, then go watch his playthroughs if you want - both the early release and the full playthrough. He tempts fate way too many times.

9. Stasis Rifle + Scanner + Survival Knife = Safety. Almost everyone who has played Subnautica knows this general rule, but I thought I’d still say it. The stasis rifle, when you get it, will be an absolute necessity if you want to go scan the more dangerous creatures of Subnautica, especially the hostile leviathans. Make sure to charge the blast all the way, then get in close as fast as possible if the shot connects and scan that fucker before the stasis field dissipates. Then, if you really need to, use the survival knife in tandem with the stasis rifle to kill the hostile creature if it still poses a threat.

And Number 10. Don’t be upset if you’re afraid. Believe me, that feeling is very normal. It’s alright to be scared of Subnautica, even if you’re not a thalassophobe. It’s supposed to unnerve you; it’s survival horror where you can’t really defend yourself against the threats. That’s the entire point of the game. I love the ocean, but even I’m terrified of going anywhere near the Reaper Leviathans and the Sea Dragons because of the threat they pose. A lot of people will say that there’s nothing to be scared of when you play the game for a long time, and sure, that may be true for some people, but it’s not true for everyone. Don’t be mad at yourself for getting spooked by a crashfish or by backing away when you see a crabsquid. You’re not alone.

[giantimpex]

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