#but like. the pattern mixing the sizing the SOCKS

[kindahoping4forever]

Backstage @ The 5SOS Show Tour Philadelphia

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Child's Sock from Egypt, c.250-350 CE: this colorful sock is nearly 1,700 years old

This tiny sock was discovered during excavations in the ancient city of Oxyrhynchus, in Egypt, and it was likely created for a child during the late Roman period, c.250-350 CE.

Similar-looking socks from late antiquity and the early Byzantine period have also been found at several other sites throughout Egypt; these socks often have colorful, striped patterns with divided toes, and they were crafted out of wool using a technique known as nålbinding.

Above: a similar child's sock from Antinoöpolis, in Egypt, c.250-350 CE

The sock depicted above was created during the same period, and it was found in a midden heap (an ancient rubbish pit) in the city of Antinoöpolis. A multispectral imaging analysis of this sock yielded some interesting results back in 2018, as this article explains:

... analysis revealed that the sock contained seven hues of wool yarn woven together in a meticulous, stripy pattern. Just three natural, plant-based dyes—madder roots for red, woad leaves for blue and weld flowers for yellow—were used to create the different color combinations featured on the sock, according to Joanne Dyer, lead author of the study.

In the paper, she and her co-authors explain that the imaging technique also revealed how the colors were mixed to create hues of green, purple and orange: In some cases, fibers of different colors were spun together; in others, individual yarns went through multiple dye baths.

Such intricacy is pretty impressive, considering that the ancient sock is both “tiny” and “fragile."

Given its size and orientation, the researchers believe it may have been worn on a child’s left foot.

Above: another child's sock from Al Fayyum, Egypt, c.300-500 CE

The ancient Egyptians employed a single-needle looping technique, often referred to as nålbindning, to create their socks. Notably, the approach could be used to separate the big toe and four other toes in the sock—which just may have given life to the ever-controversial socks-and-sandals trend.

Sources & More Info:

Manchester Museum: Child's Sock from Oxyrhynchus

British Museum: Sock from Antinoupolis

Royal Ontario Museum: Sock from Al Fayyum

Smithsonian Magazine: 1,700-Year-Old Sock Spins Yarn About Ancient Egyptian Fashion

The Guardian: Imaging Tool Unravels Secrets of Child's Sock from Ancient Egypt

PLOS ONE Journal: A Multispectral Imaging Approach Integrated into the Study of Late Antique Textiles from Egypt

National Museums Scotland: The Lost Sock

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Prints & Patterns

Popular Prints and Patterns. Adding a bold pattern or print into your look is the easiest way to show that you've put real thought into your outfit. A pattern is any repeated design, whereas a print is a design that has been printed onto fabric, rather than woven or embroidered. The words are often used interchangeably to talk about any non-solid-color clothing. Some of the most popular patterns and prints include:

Gingham is a fabric made from dyed cotton yarn woven into a checkered pattern, usually white and one other color.

Stripes come in all different styles, from pinstripes (very narrow vertical stripes that often appear on dark-colored suits) to the classic French marinière T-shirt with its distinctive blue and white horizontal stripes.

Animal prints mimic the stripes, spots, and scales of wild animals. Snake, zebra, and leopard prints make a bold statement, but there are ways to incorporate them subtly.

Plaid, also known as tartan, is a woven fabric traditionally made from wool that is now a common pattern for flannel shirts. Multicolor plaid features repeating vertical and horizontal stripes of varying thicknesses.

Floral patterns feature flowers of all kinds. Floral prints can be tiny (aka ditsy) or large and detailed. They can be multicolor or monochrome. They are fun patterns to work with since they offer so much variety.

Polka-dots are a pattern of repeating circles of the same size. They can be big or small; smaller dots tend to look more neutral, while larger dots make more of a statement.

Geometric prints feature shapes such as triangles, squares, and trapezoids. They can be intricate and repetitive, or more abstract. Houndstooth is an example of a repeating geometric pattern in two colors.

Paisley is a Persian pattern featuring a teardrop design with a curved point. The interior of the teardrop often contains intricate geometric or floral-inspired designs. You’re likely to find paisleys printed on silk items like ties and scarves.

Herringbone is a fabric (usually twill) featuring a V-shape weave with a repeating pattern that has the appearance of a fish skeleton.

How to Wear Prints & Patterns

Learning how to incorporate just one pattern at a time will give you a great foundation for mixing patterns later on.

Wear a pattern under something more neutral. The easiest way to incorporate a print into your current wardrobe is to find a print that you can put under something—for example, a printed shirt underneath a suit or blazer. The jacket will cover most of the print, revealing just a hint of it. If you’re feeling bold, you can remove the jacket to show off the print.

Start with a subtle piece of clothing. If a patterned shirt or dress feels like too much, start with socks, a handbag, or a scarf. Patterned accessories can add a point of interest to your look without feeling over the top.

Trust yourself. Prints are personal: Just because you love a print doesn't mean everyone else is going love it, and that’s okay. Most neutrals are universally appealing. That's not the case with prints. So don't be disheartened if not everyone loves your print, and wear what makes you feel good.

Tips for Mixing Prints & Patterns

Conventional wisdom says you can't mix patterns, and yet some of the most stylish dressers mix patterns regularly. Mixing patterns is a way to show confidence and add an element of fun to your look. Here’s how to mix prints and patterns successfully.

Get to know your foundation prints. Start with classic, simple prints: stripes, polka-dots, and florals. Then, layer on a bolder print. For example, try a classic striped T-shirt with a more exciting geometric pattern layered on top. The lines in both patterns will compliment each other, and the simple stripe will act as a neutral.

Embrace the power clash. You don't always have to match patterns. Mixing bold patterns like leopard print and plaid may seem like a fashion faux pas, but there’s a lot of power in selecting two prints that don’t share any commonalities. Anchor the look with a neutral item, like a black blazer or denim jacket.

Choose patterns of different sizes. One of the simplest ways to mix patterns is to layer patterns with two different scales. Pairing a small-scale print with a large-scale pattern allows the smaller scale to work as a neutral. In this way, a skirt with a tiny floral print can work with a large-format plaid flannel for a grunge look.

Use color. When working with mixed prints, pay close attention to colors. Bold patterns in neutral colors, like black and white, can offset wildly different patterns in a more vibrant color scheme. One strategy is to mix a monochrome pattern, like a red-and-white polka-dot, with a multicolor pattern that features the color from the monochrome, like a red floral print.

Source ⚜ More: Notes ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs ⚜ How to Describe Clothing

[ama--ryllis]

Giving the blue lock boys a massage...♡

Part 2

Warnings: not proofread, contain spoilers for those who haven't read the neo egoist league, a little suggestive proceed at your own risk

Itoshi rin

Rin alway ended up with back and neck pain after training or a match. It drove him crazy, never going away, it was a pain in the ass. Had he known having a massage from you was alway an open solution he would ask for one each day.

You sat at his side, leaning over him, your thumbs pressing gently in his lower back. A low hum escaped his lips, his greenish hair feel on his eyes, giving his tired expression an attractive vibe. He looked at you from the corner of his eye, admiring your focused features. But his eyes slowly rolled up for a second as he felt your thumb press in just the right spot. "Right there..." He said with a low voice, pressing his cheek against the mattress. You didn't say anything pressing your knuckles in that exact spot again. Another low hum escaped his lips "hey dumbass..." You looked at him fron the corner of your eye, signaling you were listening. "You've got a knack for this, it's free service ?" He asked eith a hint of exhaustion in his voice " yea, you're the only one with that privilege" you said still focused on reducing in back pain. "Good...thank..you" he said with a slight blush on his cheeks. "You can massage me more often...." You hummed at his statement "please...?" He asked with a hint of embarrassment in his voice. "Sure thing" but when you looked over to him, his eyes were closed and he seemed fast asleep. You ran two fingers along his spine and pulled down his shirt, leaning to kiss his cheek "i love you...rin" you whispered in his ear before getting up to head to your dorms. He opened one eye, looking at the door, "i love you too..."

Itoshi sae

He was looking down at your much smaller frame, one of his hand pressing in his back. He looked to the side for a second before looking back at you. "Okay..." He said, a smile spread on your face, "great" you said with a calm voice, leading him to your shared bedroom. "Lay down on your stomach, i'll be right back" he did as said over the silk sheets of the king sized bed. He looked at the time

11:03pm

He smiled, laying his cheek against the pillow, he heard your slow footsteps enter the room, you dimmed the lights slowly. You put a candle on the bedside table, he admired your attire, a cream beige tank top with long sleeves, baby blue loose jeans and some mix matched socks. It was a soft comfortable outfit, just how he liked seeing you. He kept on admiring you while you changed the water for the flowers. The vanilla and soft lemon smell of the candle gave an intimate vibe to the room. When you came back, he felt the mattress dip a little before he felt you sit on the back on his thighs, trapping him there, not like he would want to move anyway. He let himself relax completely, helping you remove his shirt, tossing it to the side, not caring even just a bit. His body shuddered when he felt your warm hands slowly caress his back. "Where does it hurt ?" You said running your fingers along his back "lower back.." he said, closing his eyes, waiting for you to start massaging his sore muscles. It's crazy how he was completely at your mercy, you could anything to him and he wouldn't complain. A sigh escaped him when your knuckles rolled into his lower back, pressing hard, otherwise he wouldn't feel anything. "Mhmm" you could see he was enjoying it, you started pressing your thumbs instead, making a circle pattern. You kept one hand to massage his lower back and the other to twist some of his brownish red hair locks around your fingers. Scratching his scalp lightly, another low hum escaped his lips while he leaned back a little. A slight giggle escaped your lips "enjoying yourself, aren't you?" He nodded in response" don't stop..." This went on for a while and you actually both ended falling asleep at like one am, he had you trapped underneath him. Because you actually fell asleep well before him....

Chigiri hyoma

Chigiri was laying in your lap after practice with Manshine city. He was really exhausted, you ran your fingers through his hair, it really relaxed him, feeling your fingers scratch his scalp. But he kept letting out small grunt whenever he moved his legs just the slightest. "You okay ?" You asked, your voice filled with concern. "I got really bad leg cramps" you sighted a bit "want me to massage your leg ?" He looked up at you eith pleading like eyes "i take that as a yes" you moved his head to rest on a pillow, you yook an extra to support his legs and you sat to his side. "Where is your leg cramp ?" He looked st you with half closed eyes" back of my thigh" you moved slightly and slid your hands below his thigh" tell me if hurt you" you said as your hand started to rub his skin gently and pressing lightly in it. It didn't take long before a sight of relief escaped Chigiri's lips. His eyes were fully closed, focusing on the feeling of your warm hands massaging his cramps away. You hummed a song, lifting his leg a bit to place it on your lap, tracing two lines along his thigh to distract him from the pain. "This feels..good" you smiled stopping your humming "i'm glad" you said, gently pushing in his muscles "do you still have cramps ?" He hald opened his eyes" no but keep going, your hand feels nice" you chuckled, tracing along the side of his muscles, there were pretty well built. "Trying to fluster me, huh?" You chuckled again "i don't know what your talking about" you both started laughing, the others around the room started to laugh along with you two.

Micheal kaiser

You were in ness and micheal's room, it was pure silent because well, micheal wasn't there. But as he walked in he already started complaining "my neck hurt from looking down on these idiots all day" you sighted "i thought you'd be looking up at them instead" he looked at you "oh? My darling is here ? What a way to greet her husband" you looked up at him, tapping the floor with your foot. "Thank you very much" he said with one his smirks latched onto his face. He sat down on the ground leaning his back against your legs. You tossed your phone on the couch, cracking your fingers before, resting your hands on his shoulders. "Hold on Liebling" he said before taking off his shirt, allowing more access to his shoulder and neck, you smirked, leaning next to his ear "what a view.." he smirked "you feed my ego darling, i'm pleased that you think so highly of me, Liebling" you hummed, your hands resting on his shoulders again, pressing into them. Even the huge egoist that was your husband deserved a little reward. "Ahh~, missed my Liebling's touch" you kissed the top of his head, raiding your hands to his neck, pressing into it from the back. You could feel micheal relax under your touch "you've got something to make me weak in the knees dear" said micheal, with another confident smirk latched on his lips. You kissed the top of his head l, pressing your thumbs into his neck a little more. A low hum escaped him, "i'd stay here forever if i could" he said, feeling very pleased with the massage you were giving him. Another satisfied sigh escaped him, as he leaned a little more into you "enjoying yourself ?" You said calmly "very much" he answered, loving the feeling of your touch against his bare skin.

I'm still not taking request for blue lock but here a little vote since it's been a while, be quick though~

Love you guys!

[goldenshrikecomic]

First of all, BIG FAN of how you draw deers. They look fantastic in your style! 🤩

Also I was wondering, does every individual in the world of Golden Shrike have unique antlers? 👀 I've noticed that all the characters you draw have a very distinct crown that doesn't appear to follow a specific design or pattern (like the ones that are characteristic of the different sub categories that exist irl).

I just really like that detail and the fact that, much like their coats, they're never quite the same from one deer to another. :3

Thanks! Each species do have spesific antler designs though.

Woodlanders:

Fielders:

Stonekrovn:

Marshlanders (older):

Marshlanders (younger):

And every other species not listed too, except for mixed deer who can have whatever patterns. The size and numbers of tines differ depending on the age, but you'd never have a fielder with five tines no matter how old they were. There's a thought process and designs I follow behind every rack, believe me.

Marshlanders are a bit different since when I started drawing the comic, I didn't give much thought into how the antlers would grow from those simple spikes into such complicated crowns. But in the end GS is fantasy and the antlers are already not realistic at all, so they can also sprout tines and twist in ways real deer's can't.

Each species has its own colors and patterns too... All marshlanders are beige to orange and have socks, all stonekrovns are tones of grey and brown, northerners are grey to white, all woodlanders are brown with white tails and dark stripe on it. But sure there's distinctions inbetween every character to make it not dull.

[vanillablankcanvas]

Part 7 Trolls Headcanons/ Theories/ Thoughts/ Ideas

Part1 Part2 Part3 Part4 Part5 Part6 Part8 Part9 Part10

Trolls - varies amongst the tribes but hair length and thickness is a good indication of their physical strength and health. So long, thick hair means they're healthy and can lift heavy weights. E.g. Smidge, Bruce, Boom. Whereas short, wild or thin hair means they could be older, unhealthy or just not physically strong. E.g. Peppy and Thrash.

Trolls - eventually a hybrid Troll (e.g. Techno/Funk) is born in Trollstopia and the parents name the baby after Poppy.

Trolls - JD and King Peppy do the same pose in some stock images. I like to think it's like a Pop Village salute. (It probably has an actual meaning)

Putt Putt Trolls - all of them are wearing the same outfits because they used Bergen sized socks from the golf courses souvenir stand.

Poppy - When something is wrong and the brothers don't want her to know, she can immediately tell because they call her 'Queen Poppy'.

Poppy - besides giving Clay and Viva their titles, she considers the other brothers unofficially part of her 'court' as well. (She might knight them later on, who knows?)

Bruce - mortifies his kids by trying to use slang. "That was so very lit!" "Daaaaaaaaaadddddd"

Clay - bruises like a damn peach.

Clay - Viva made him co-leader after she gave up on the notion of being immediately rescued and realized Clay was already constructing and implementing long term settlement plans.

Clay - like the other Putt-Putt Trolls, he has basically become Nocturnal. Even with this, he pulls 'allnighters' to finish any work he has, so his sleep pattern is very inconsistent.

John Dory - always has some kind of weapon on him at all times.

John Dory - tends to manspread when sitting.

John Dory - has been targeted by Bounty Hunters before, resulting in a gnarly injury on his hand he now covers with his glove.

John Dory - for a time he was convinced that he was the last Pop Troll

Floyd - went through the seven stages of grief over his own death.

Floyd - can mix drinks. Messily. Was dating a bartender once and picked up some things from him.

Branch - will hold onto Poppy in his sleep like she'll disappear if he lets go.

Cloud Guy - gave Branch 101 reasons why he should officiate his and Poppy's wedding.

@misscinnamonroll16 😉 💕

[edenspoem]

Ellie trying to teach kiddo how to play guitar for the first time..♡♡

YES YES YES ok so obviously, context preluding, we're (voices in my head) thinking older kid. seven maybe? around there. ♡

"kay' so, press here.. and your middle here— andd.." the delicacy of her long digits shrouded over a pair of stubby ones, pinching and plucking them to particular spots along a column, "there— go ahead n' strum."

ellie was dead set determined on teaching the mastered art of acoustic guitar to your kid. like— earthbent on it. a promise spoken to soil and vicariously explored through you, and now your sweet baby. your little–more–than–a–babbler, little–less–than–a–tween now sat atop you and ellie's shared bed, just between the hurl and crease of blankets bedraggled, and with a bay oaken apparatus as big as them sloped in their lap— the one joel bestowed. and you always idled as a bystander, watching, leaning on that jutted doorframe.

their blunt fingertips pecked the chords in a row, the lovely resonance lighting something in the white of your child's eyes, "woahh, that sounded like how you play it.." they awed, their jupiter-like eyes darting up to hers for a token of validation— 'did i do it right mom?'

a token she gave, pearl teeth revealing under the fat stretch of her coral lips, "yeah buddy, cus' you're a natural." oh my goddess, the enthusiasm cracking in her voice. ahh, swoon.

"yes.." they exclaim quietly, their forearm perched on the guitars waist pulling back and jubilating with a backwards fist pump. just like mom.

'picturesque, beyond camaraderie', you deemed the whole diorama before you; streaky mix of light and gray–blue shade over their features, faces that proclaim content, the narrow sliver separating their knees, matching criss–cross apple sauce positions, the oval crater both their weights burdened in the mattress, the macro view. 'heartwarming, entangling endearment', if you cherry–pick the easily neglected traits; synchronized cocks of their heads whenever a strum rings, fiddly tapping of her fingers on their tucked shin and how it lowers into a full grasp when she expresses avidly how proud she is, thumbprint–sized dimples mirrored on both margins of their mouth, and funnily— the mismatched socks on hers and their feet. one a pattern of dinosaurs, one a spangle of stars. in gospel truth, they are a likeness of the same flesh and bone, indistinguishable. undeterred by the genetics, the same person.

"keep it up n' maybe we can start a band together." ellie proposes, clear as spring bloom to be an fun promise, nothing sworn, but the idea swirls their young mind a kernel of imagined prospect. she and they upon a stage, grandpa in the crowd, his smile tender in wrinkles boosting morale among the many elated face.

"really?" and he sounds so filled of that idea, eyes popping from their hold.

"mhm," she untucks her own feet and sprawls them, stooping her torso straight and lightly booping them on the nose, a golden orb so happy left under that gesture, "only if you pick a cool name." and weighing her elbow into her thigh, head laying and perched.

"oh, i'll pick a better name than you can."

and suddenly her head is perking back up, "what's that spose' t'mean?" 'offended.

"you tried to name mr. snuggles 'bootyhole bandit'!"

"ey' you can't say that word!" she grimaces fakely atop a curling lip and squints her thick auburn worms, positioning balled fists on her hips like a distressed mother. so esentially just mimicry of you. oh, how ellie cackled buffoonish along with your kid on any occasion you held a scold to their faces, pointer at their noses.

"pbbhhhh." their tongue peeks out and a known all-too-well blowing sound grates the air, only to be tackled by your lanky-limbed girl, guitar discarded to the sloven pillows far opposite of you.

this shall be an anecdote, unforgettable. "hmph, dorks."

have I worsened your domestic!ellie fever yet?

[dystopicjumpsuit]

Hey, Sunshine 💙

A/N: Wishing the happiest birthday to my beloved @sunshinesdaydream!

Pairing: Hardcase x Reader (GN; Reader has a nickname)

Rating: T but minors DNI as always

Wordcount: 1.1k

Warnings and tags: fluff; kissing; Star Wars swearing

Summary: Hardcase has a birthday surprise for you.

Suggested listening:

Masterlist | Sign up for my tag list

Three hours, twenty-two minutes, and thirty-seven seconds. 

That's how long you had left until you'd officially be on shore leave. A whole week off. No handing out uniforms; no listening to sheepish explanations about how exactly a trooper ended up with an undersuit three sizes too small (HOW?!); no defending your distribution numbers in pointless meetings with your supervisor. Just five days, all to yourself. You could do anything you wanted. 

Well. Almost anything.

You finished taking stock of the Resolute’s uniform inventory and sent a quick comm to the supply officer to let her know the ship was running low on socks—again—while you tried not to think about a certain heavy gunner with the sweetest eyes and the prettiest ink in the GAR. The truth, which you would never admit even under pain of torture, was that you'd happily skip shore leave if it meant you'd get to spend more time with him.

But you couldn't, so you didn't.

Instead, you'd be spending the week on Coruscant, NOT with Hardc—your friends, which was FINE. It was absolutely FINE, and you were excited to finally have some free time, and maybe it sucked just a tiny bit that you'd be spending your birthday alone in a hotel room in the mid-levels, but it was FINE. There was plenty to do on Coruscant, after all. You were sure you'd be able to find something—

“Hey, Sunshine.”

You shrieked and jumped in surprise as the voice sounded close behind you.

“Hardcase, you scared the kark out of me!” you gasped, smacking him in the chest with a compression suit and doing your best to ignore the way the world suddenly seemed a little bit brighter. “What are you doing here? Don't tell me you lit your dress uniform on fire again.”

“That was two times!” he exclaimed, affronted. “It's not like I did it on purpose.”

“Then why are you here instead of getting ready to paint the Entertainment District red?”

He eyed the compression suit warily. “If I tell you, are you going to hit me with that thing again?”

“Depends on what you say,” you replied with a cheeky smile.

Apparently unwilling to take any chances, he took the suit from you and folded it neatly, then set it aside. When he turned back to you, he looked almost… nervous? That was new; you'd never seen him display anything less than well-deserved confidence. He licked his lips, and with an effort so heroic that you mentally awarded yourself a medal, you kept your gaze steadily on his eyes instead of staring at his mouth.

“I, uh, have something for you,” he said. He fumbled in one of his many pouches—why do they have so many pouches?—and produced a small box wrapped in colorful flimsi. “It's nothing much, just, er—happy birthday, Sunshine.”

He shoved the box toward you and looked away quickly. Surprised, you accepted the gift and examined it curiously as Hardcase watched out of the corner of his eye. On closer inspection, you saw that the flimsi was covered in hand-drawn geometric patterns in your favorite colors, and your heart gave a strange little thump at the thoughtfulness and effort he'd put in.

“How’d you know my birthday was coming up?” you asked.

“I have my ways,” he said in a dignified tone that was utterly subverted by the eager expression on his face.

“So mysterious!” you laughed.

He grinned. “A mystery, wrapped in an enigma—”

“Shrouded in flimsi,” you finished.

“Exactly. Now open it!”

“But the mystery!” you teased.

“Mysteries are meant to be solved. Open it!”

He was practically vibrating, his earlier jitters obliterated by anticipation. Unable to resist tormenting him (just a little, as a treat), you took your time to unwrap the box, painstakingly avoiding tearing the flimsi. Once you had it completely unwrapped, you held up the flimsi and admired the artwork.

“Hardcase, this really is gorgeous. I didn't know you could draw like this.”

“Kriff the flimsi, open the box! I know you're doing this on purpose.”

With one final, mischievous smile, you complied. Your breath caught when you saw what was inside: a simple cord necklace, and on it, a crystal pendant that flashed purple and green in the light, intricately wrapped in silver wire.

“It's beautiful,” you whispered. “Did you make this?”

He nodded. “I found the crystal on Saleucami. Reminded me of you.”

“Saleucami was months ago,” you replied, confused.

“I know.” 

Your eyes flitted from his face to the necklace and back again. On impulse, and before you could lose your nerve, you asked, “Can you help me put it on?”

He didn't reply, but he stepped closer to you and picked up the necklace. He fumbled with the clasp a bit and paused to tug off his gloves with his teeth. Once he got the clasp open, he lifted the necklace and fastened it gently around your neck, his calloused fingers ghosting lightly over your skin.

Maker, he smells so good, it's not kriffing fair, you mused, trying to refrain from huffing him like glue.

“Thanks.” Your voice sounded suspiciously hoarse, even to your own ears.

His thumb stroked softly down the side of your neck.

“Hey, Sunshine?” he whispered.

You swallowed, suddenly feeling a little lightheaded. “Yeah?”

“Can I kiss you?”

Your breath stuttered to a halt. “... Yeah.”

His eyes dropped to your lips, and he slowly closed the distance between the two of you. As his hand slid around to cup the back of your head, your heart hammered so hard you were sure he must be able to feel it. He glanced back up at your eyes, as though looking for confirmation that you wanted this, and whatever he saw there seemed to satisfy him. His lips touched yours softly, his kiss achingly tender at first. Then you brushed the tip of your tongue against his lips, and he drew in a sharp breath, pulling you tightly against himself.

How many times had you imagined kissing Hardcase? Dozens? Hundreds? It didn't matter, because none of them even came close to the reality. He kissed you like you were the only being in the galaxy, like you were his entire world. When at last you drew away, breathless and dizzy, he whispered your name—your real name—like a plea, quiet and reverent.

His thumb traced around the shell of your ear. He nuzzled your cheek, then pressed his lips to the corner of your mouth one more time.

“Been wantin’ to do that forever,” he murmured against your skin.

“What took you so long?” you asked in a hushed tone.

“Didn't want to kark it up,” he replied. 

“Oh,” you whispered. “Well. You didn't.”

He held you close to him, his breath soft and warm across your face as his fingertips drew tiny circles in the downy hairs just where the back of your neck met your head. After a moment, he spoke quietly.

“Did you have plans for shore leave? Because if not, I have a few ideas.”

---

Looking for more Hardcase fluff? Check out my ficlet, “A Question of Seman-dicks.”

Taglist:

@secondaryrealm @sev-on-kamino spicy-clones @wings-and-beskar @523rdrebel @merkitty49 @anxiouspineapple99 @sinfulsalutations @arcsimper5 @starrylothcat @clio3kantarella @cloneloverrrrr @goblininawig @ladytano420 @arctrooper69 @wolffegirlsunite @sunshinesdaydream @mandos-mind-trick @littlemissmanga @stunkbiggu @starqueensthings @clonemedickix @marierg @idontgetanysleep @moonlightwarriorqueen @dudewhynotthis @sleepycreativewriter @tcwmatchmakingau @littlemissbshine @multi-fan-dom-madness @heavenseed76 @wizardofrozz @bobaprint @sweetcream-coldfoam @banksys-rat @skellymom @pickleprickle @trixie2023 @mythical-illustrator @dickarchivist @cw80831 @kimiheartblade @meredithroseg @flyiingsly @lightwise @swcowgal @reader6898 @cdblake1565 @epicy0n

[umactuallyidkbutsparkles]

Just want to say that numberjacks meanies are overpowered.

Numbertaker: Not that op, just a guy. UNTIL HE STEALS YOUR EYEBALLS BECAUSE HE LIKES THE NUMBER TWO. Give the guy a chainsaw and he'd probably take the rest of your limbs. And how strong is his vacuum?

Spooky Spoon: She can swap stuff, and change the order of things. Swap your heart for something of equivalent size: a potato. You just die, you spud-hearted fool. She could also just. Swap your clothes for a swimsuit. And swap your you with a polar bear. Enjoy being cold af in the Arctic! Or swap the order of things you do, like fall asleep before nighttime (thanks, 5's anxiety spiralling for that idea) while you're fighting. So you're unconscious. If she wasn't so full of herself, she'd realise spoons are well known for their eyeball scooping powers. Swap socks for handcuffs and they fall over. Or just make you stop moving. Fighting by a cliff? Mix things up, you start walking (ep 16, Stop and Go). If she wasn't so lazy, she'd actually be the scariest (or spookiest). Most heroes are very colourful, and apparently she can just??? Vanish colourful things????

The Puzzler: Very confusing powerset. His honour is the only thing stopping him from being the worst (he keeps his deals :D). He frequently kidnaps the bigger numbers, he screws with patterns. Y'know how your heart beats 1,2, 1,2? He can canonically make it go 1,1,2,2. He could also bubble a hero and use their reality warping powers. Also his domain expansion Puzzle Place??? Coloured circles making orders go screwy? OP.

Shape Japer: You suddenly have triangles for eyeballs. See that very structurally sound building? Now the bottom constricts into a pinprick, and it collapses, countless casualties from both falling and being squished. Also, everything is made of shapes (ask Geo from oomizoomis) so technically. She can do anything. Like cut a person exactly in half down the middle.

Problem Blob: Consider- goop on your head. Your skull shrinks at an alarming rate. Your brain doesn't. Or, make you so large you physically can't stand with your muscle formation (ask Charles Darwin), and you just collapse under your own mass. Also, what if he aims really well and hits your teeth? They could grow so long they wreck the rest of your mouth.

In conclusion: The MHA cast would get their asses whooped by a spoon. Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Also, if all the numbers can act like 0 and 1, just say "x" and the amount becomes that, or "x more" and increase it (or "x less), that's also kinda overpowered. I want a fanfic where the meanies are the good guys and the Puzzler kidnaps 1 because 0 has been off disappearing things again. Also the Brain Gain song has been stuck in my head almost as much as the Animal Jam Gecko song. British children's shows in a nutshell, everyone.

[missultimatepsycho]

I did it I finished the Valkyries description.

So hear it is.

The Valkyries.

Lily Evans:

Basics:

Name: Lily Mea Evans

Middle Name: Mea

Nicknames: Lils

Age: 17

Gender: female

Sexuality: bisexual

Birthday: January 30th 1960

Physical description:

Skin-tone(+descriptors of skin): pale, rosy and freckled

Eye-color+shape:green, almond

Hair-color+texture: copper hair, straight hair but curly when styled

Height: 5’3

Weight: 161.2lbs

Body build: chubby, curvy

Voice: sweet, bubbly

Distinguishing marks: she has dimples, she has very rosy cheeks and her nails are painted green and pink, and she has very straight teeth.

Overall attractiveness: 7.5/10

What would they rate themselves: she would rate herself a 6.2/10, she knows she’s pretty but she’s just kind of insecure

Tattoos and piercings: she wouldn’t have any tattoos, she does have little gold earrings that she’s always wearing.

Everyday outfits: a long flowy skirts and a shirt with some sort of of pattern on it, a cardigan and with one of those old news paper boy hat and a pair of Mary Jane’s with ruffle socks, another outfit a pair of jeans and when she was dating James he would give her his quidditch jersey.

Make-up: not much but she usual just wears some lip-gloss and mascara and maybe some blush. And on party nights she wears green eyeshadow with pink lipstick.

Personality: she is very outgoing and kind person, and also very smart and wise(she also always smiling)

•<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>•

Mary Macdonald:

Basics:

Name: Mary Elise Macdonald

Middle Name: Elise

Nick Name: none

Age: 17

Gender: female

Sexuality: sapphic

Birthday: February 14th 1960.

Character description:

Skin-tone(+descriptors of skin): mixed, smooth and a few moles.

Eye-color+shape: brown, and up-turned

Hair color+texture: brown and very curly(sometimes a bit frizzy)

Height: 5’2(5’5 in heels)

Weight: 148.3lbs

Body build: mid size and very curvy.

Voice: she had a very loud and appealing voice.

Distinguishing marks: very long eyelashes, a mole on her upper lip and stretch marks on her thighs and stomach

Overall attractiveness: 8.9/10

What would they rate themselves: she is very confident and loves everything about her self sooo she would say 10/10

Tattoos and piercings: a heart tattoo above her collarbone, she has a nose piercing and a piercing on her ear lobe

Everyday outfit: she’s very girly, a lacy tank top(any color, besides dark colors;she doesn’t like dark colors), a pair of jeans with some sort of pattern on the back pockets and a pair of boots.

Make-up:she’s always wearing mascara(you can’t catch her without mascara), and pink tinted lip-gloss and a light pink eye shadow

Personality: she’s a total girls girl(kind of girl to always have period products on her or like extra chocolate ect.), she’s confident and sweet, outgoing and popular. Everyone either loves her or hates her.

•<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>•

Marlene McKinnon.

Basics:

Name: Marlene Isabella McKinnon

Middle name: Isabella

Nick names: Marls, Leney

Age: 17

Sexuality: LESBAIN

Gender: female

Birthday: August 13th 1960

Characters description:

Skin tone(+ descriptors of skin): ivory, lights freckles and dimples.

Eye color: a type of hazel with blue, deep set.

Hair color+ texture: dirty blonde, a lot of layers.

Height: 5’7

Weight: 126.8lbs

Body build: some what muscular for playing quidditch, lean.

Voice: loud & bold at times a bit snarky.

Distinguishing marks: she has a scar above her right eyebrow from when she was 3, very thick eyebrows, chipped red nail polish.

Overall attractiveness: probably about a 7.6/10

What they rate themselves: she would rate herself a 8.4/10.

Tattoo and piercings: she has a few tattoos, like a rose and other things, she has a bunch of piercings all of her ears are pierced and a septum piercing.(Sirius has done all her tattoos and piercings)

Everyday outfit: a band shirt(like the run-aways, Blondie, Queen) and a pair of ripped jeans, a leather jacket with patches on it and combat boots. And other outfits a red tank-top with her quidditch jersey over it and a Jean skirt with red-pair of converses.

Make-up: heavy eye-liner, mascara and sometimes a red lip.

Personality: she’s a very bold and confident person, and if you say something rude to her or her friends she with (verbally) fight you. She’s also very loud and sometimes a little snarky, she says what’s on her mind.

[mysticalsoot]

halloween costumes & anxiety

part 1 of 'glances of love'

➸ note; I bit the bullet. alright so context, glances of love is a fic series based off my chaos dr which is basically just a streamer dr hybrid. some details, like the dynamic between reader and Wil, readers behaviors and anxieties, experiences like this fic, are all pieces of my dr. so if it's unconventional, I'm sorry but it's my Dr, my blog, my writing. i choose to share this bc I want to and I want other people to enjoy my work. anyways! on with the reading (please don't throw stones at me, my bones are like brittle glass)

➸ pairing; male!reader x cc!wilbur, he/him

➸ summary; reader avoids going to wilbur's shows for one reason--the fans. he has no qualms against them, they just scare him. he decides to go for the second Halloween gig, dressing up as a humanized tardis as wilbur is the tenth doctor. everything goes smoothly until it's time to meet fans. Wilbur then comforts reader yay!

➸ warning; uses of babyboy including other nicknames, one use of daddy but in a sfw/jokingly sweet context! maybe swearing? mean depiction of some Lovejoy fans-- sorry! wilbur dresses up as the tenth doctor.. nerdy and dorky shit. reader has much panic and anxiety, some hints of an anxiety attack mixed with an autistic shut down (haha me-- /lh)

➸ age-rating; 15+

➸ wordcount; 3.2k

main masterlist

glances of love masterlist

you love wilbur, that was something you were sure of and wholeheartedly so. you supported him, mostly from the safety of your shared home. making posts online basically being his biggest cheerleader, helping him calm down from panics or spirals, smiling and cheering whenever he shows you something knew. you love him. you support him. you adore him.

but his fanbase scares you. it's nothing against them, really. maybe it's the daunting size and intensity of the group of people. maybe it's the negativity that manages to be at the forefront of your mind. whatever it is, they scare you.

you haven't been to one of Lovejoy's shows in ages, and you really hadn't planned on it. you still sort of don't yet Wil's been talking about the next big gig; the Halloween show in Brighton. he wants you to be there, wherever comfortable of course, all dressed up in a matching costume, cheering him on and right there so he can kiss you the second he steps off stage, utilizing that adrenaline to his advantage. he wants you by his side through everything, and while he'd never push you to something you don't want to do, he can't help but be a little pushy about it. he isn't mean or harmful, he just mentions it more. he talks and he talks about it, bouncing and stimming in joy at the mentions of it and the plans he has for it and how cool it's going to be. he wants you there so bad, and it's painfully clear.

"so, what do you think, baby?" he asks as he spins around in front of the TV, showing off his costume in all its glory. you made a joke a few months prior that he reminded you of David Tennant's doctor who, and he took it and ran with it. he's clad in his old converse, some of his funky socks, a pair of brown patterned pants. he tucks in the white shirt a bit more, adjusting the tie before putting the trench coat on. he smiles widely, hands in his pockets just like Ten.

you smile and nod, clapping softly, "you look lovely, darling!" you try your best to sound as excited as possible, giggling when you see him try to stick his hair upwards, but it flops down over his forehead and he sticks his lip out in a pout. "don't think your hair is made for that, bub."

you shake your head with a smile as he shrugs, striding over to you and plopping down beside you on the couch, tossing his legs up on the coffee table in front of you. he tugs you into his lap, "c'mere," and you oblige with a giggle, settling between his thighs comfortably, your legs around his waist as you rest your hands half on his chest half on his shoulders. he holds you by your lower back and hips, hands flat out on your body.

"why don't you come, just this once?" he speaks barely above a whisper as he pushes a bit of hair out of your face, a kiss placed on your opposite cheek.

you think for a moment, you need to go sometime. being on the sidelines won't cut it for much longer, and going means more time with him, less time spent alone. but that also means being near a lot of people, or being in a crowd. or meeting fans--

"yeah, why not?" you smile softly, part of you immediately regretting your words but holding up to your word anyhow.

the following week is spent in preparation, costumes, after show plans, travel, rehearsal, set list writing-- most things Wil handles alone. alot of time spent tucked away in the office in the flat, or on the phone or in the studio. but you both manage time to spend together, and to work on your costume. you both decided on a simple costume, a flowy shirt, a leather jacket, some boots and a tardis key around your neck.

a simple omage to the doctor's forever partner, the tardis. you both thought it was sweet, a nice way to say "forever?" in a rather dorky and cute way.

the day of the show snuck up on you both much quicker than expected, Wil was scrambling to leave early and you were trying to calm your nerves the moment you woke. of course you'd be home on your own for a bit, until you went to the venue a couple hours before it started. you'd help out in whatever way you could and then help wil with makeup if he decided he wanted to add some, just for a special touch.

"if you need anything from me, don't hesitate to call okay? or text. I'm right here, baby. I'll make sure you're okay." he smiles, kissing your forehead as he goes through his mental bullet points of what to remind you on.

• I'm here

• you're safe

• text me

• call me

• I love you

• goodbye/see you soon

the way he had this little pre-venue routine was sweet, and it helped calm your nerves even for a bit. it brought you peace of mind and helped settle that fire that always lit in your stomach in moments of anxiety.

he was like a natural anxiety remedy, and you loved every second of it.

"I know, I know. I'll tell you if anything's wrong. now, go have fun at soundcheck. i love you, bee," you lean up to try and reach his lips to kiss, yet you don't quite reach that height. he leans down and closes the gap for you, your lips moving in sync with one another as you sigh into the feeling. it's nice, it's warm and it buzzes your skin. he pulls back, smiling before biting his lip. he brushes some hair out of your face as he admires you.

"I love you so so much, thank you for coming tonight.." he peppers kisses all over your face, holding your head in his hand as you giggle, holding his arms gently.

you giggle, smiling sweetly as he kisses all over your face and then he kisses your nose and stops, pulling back to smile down at you.

"I love you soo much more!" you giggle, kissing one more time as you both bid one another a sweet 'see you later'. you drop down onto the couch the moment the door clicks shut. you take in a deep, shakey breath, spending the next few hours wondering and pondering on how you expect to handle being at the show.

a few hours pass and you're on the walk to the venue, it isn't far from Wil's apartment building so you manage a swift 10-minute walk, wilbur's acoustic guitar slung on your back. you managed to avoid the crowds lining up and queuing for the show, slipping into the venue through the backdoor, sighing in relief once the door was shut and locked behind you. you hurried over to the green room, holding the guitar strap on your chest and putting the guitar down in the corner. Wil walks in a moment later, hurrying up behind you and wrapping his long arms around you. he rests his chin on your shoulder and you sigh happily. turning in his grasp, you shove yourself into his chest and keep close.

"I'm glad to see you, honeybaby.." he moves to rest his chin on your head, his hand on the back of it, scratching at your scalp with his fingertips and he presses kisses onto your hair.

"'m glad too.." you mumble against his chest, hands grasping at his back, fingers pressing into the fabric of his shirt.

"how was your walk, baby?" he picks you up by your waist, placing you gently onto his lap after he finds his spot on the couch. you rest your hands on the bottom hem of his shirt. his fingers and thumbs rub at your thighs, trying to soothe you.

"good, I got to come in through the back," you shrug, leaning yourself down to press against his chest. you nestle your body between his thighs as you gently whine in content. he presses a hand against your back, as his other grazes your cheek gently.

"mm, good, baby," he smiles, kissing your nose. you both stay like that for a while, wrapped up in each other's limbs. legs tangled, arms around one another, fingers fidgeting with each other's. your head is nestled on his shoulder and his head on top of yours. it's sweet and it's warm, and your anxiety slips away with every breath of his you hear. every tingle of your skin at his touch.

"I have to go soon, hun," he whispers against the shell of your ear, placing a kiss there as he rubs your upper arm. you whine at him, hiding your face in his chest, head tucked under his chin. he giggles at you, kisses placed on your hair before he gently pulls you back.

"I have a show to play, baby boy," he smirks, kissing your forehead. he's so.. sweet, you think, kind and gentle and you love his touch and affection.

"how much longer?" you hold a gentle pout on your lips, playing with the hem of his shirt.

"mm.." he pauses in thought, not actually thinking but pretending to, only to make you laugh, "five minutes? is that good for you, baby?"

you nod, resting back on his chest as you rest your legs on either side of his thighs, cuddling close to him and letting your eyes rest. wilbur draws shapes on your back with his finger tips. his other hand plays with your hair, twirling strands around his fingers before letting go and massaging your scalp. you let out soft, contented sighs with every touch, simply taking in every feeling and savoring it.

the five minutes pass and he's putting you back to stand, hugging you and kissing you as you help hype him up. he runs on stage and you head into the crowd. you thought it might help your anxiety, to be around everyone. you easily slip into the crowd, finding a spot off to the side and clapping and screaming with the crowd.

you blend in easily, getting drawn into the music and enjoying it just as anyone else. you eye wilbur lovingly, watching him bounce around and perform in his costume. he looks so silly to you, adorable and lovely. you smile so widely and he glances over to you every once and a while, a smile and a wink thrown in your direction.

the show moves along smoothly, he talks in between songs when he's tuning his guitar. he's careful not to point you out, but he talks about you. gushing over his boyfriend, how sweet you are and how you're the reason he has a costume this year. he smiles so wide, and his eyes sparkle. he really loves you.

once the show ends, they go out to the back, and you slip back through the backstage door. the crowd finds their way out to the back, ready to meet the guys and your heart starts to pound at the idea. you fully plan on going out with Wil, wanting to be beside him despite your fears. surely it'll be fine? no one will bother you and all in all, he'll be there so you'll be okay.

he meets you in the hall outside of the green room, picking you up by your waist and spinning you around before kissing all over your face. you giggle, humming and grabbing at his shirt.

"hi, baby-" he coos, pulling back and resting his forehead on yours.

"hi, wilbee.." you let your words fade, sighing and shutting your eyes. he rubs your cheeks with his thumbs as he looks down into your eyes.

"ready, lovey?" he smiles, pulling back and dipping his head to meet your eyes.

you nod and he puts out his hand for you. you wrap your hand around his finger, not bothering with holding his whole hand as he leads you outside through the backdoor. you keep your hold on him, hiding in his side or behind him. you're sure to hold onto him, so you don't lose him somewhere in the crowd. there isn't a barricade outside like there sometimes is, so fans crowd around and cluster up in his (and your) personal space. you stay quiet about it, keeping your fast breathing and spinning mind under wraps. wilbur tells a few people to back up just a bit, for safetys sake as he speaks with a few fans. he lets you keep that hold on him, only letting go when he takes photos.

your mind wanders until a few voices catch you. they're simple whispers, ones that surround you and come from behind you. you don't turn around to see the source of the voices but you hear what they say as clear as day.

"does he really have to bring his boyfriend everywhere?"

"we're here to see Lovejoy, not wilbur's lost puppy."

they laugh together, and wilbur doesn't even hear, and you don't bother to speak up either. you try your best to zone out, to pull those voices out of your mind and crush them, but they seem to consume you.

"everyone knows he's probably just a gold digger. someone like him can only be a gold digger."

"wilbur's too old for him anyways. we all know wil would be happier with someone older."

you lean your head on wilbur's side, whining softly as your brain spins and drowns in fear and anxiety. he doesn't stop his conversation for a bit, not until you grab onto his shirt and tug it slightly. your head is tilted back and your eyes are sad as they look up at him.

he pulls you aside gently, crouching just barely so your eyes are at the same level. he holds your face, kissing your lips once before pulling back to smile at you.

"what's wrong, baby? do you need to leave?" he asks in a gentle tone, you shake your head gently. you know you aren't convincing but if you can be just enough, maybe he'll go back out again. maybe you won't ruin the night.

"no, no, I'm okay. just tired. um.. let's go back? i don't want anyone to be upset." you hold a soft, yet fake, smile on your lips. wilbur frowns, not believing your facade for a second but taking it knowing how stubborn you are. you grab onto his belt loop this time, following him back over into the crowd of fans.

he continues going about interactions, signing things and talking amongst everyone, he takes photos and he hugs people.

you tune yourself out of what he's busy with, not wanting to be bothersome. but as always, you regret that decision.

more people start talking about you.

it's driving you crazy.

"such a pitiful guy, his boyfriend protecting him- Jesus, wilbur deserves someone better."

tears start to prick at your eyes due to the words thrown at you. you bite your lip and let go of wils jeans, walking away and wiping tears from your cheeks with your sleeve.

you hear more comments, most are seemingly happy about your absence and you don't get a cool breath until you're back inside the venue. you decide packing up would be your best bet, putting away what wilbur brought. his laptop and charger, a book and guitar picks. you pack everything you can, letting sobs rip through your chest as tears pour down your cheeks. you're a mess and you feel it. you aren't even sure if wilbur had noticed your absence but you sort of hope he didn't. you didn't want to steal him from everyone anyways.

a few minutes pass of frantic packing and burning tears before footsteps are heard. wilbur opens the door to the green room gently, walking over to you and pulling you into his arms. he's silent, not a word needs to be spoken for you to know how okay it is. you let it out, crying into his chest as sobs ripple out and you grasp at his shirt. he rubs your back with one hand while the other pets your hair. he kisses the top of your head, shushing you sweetly.

"shh.. shh, baby it's okay. I'm here? okay, I'm here." he mumbles between kisses to your head. his fingers rub and press on your back to help ground you. eventually you're able to catch your breath, voice still shakey but at least you aren't crying. the tears have been shed and all that's left is a broken voice and stains of sorrow on your cheeks.

he holds your face, rubbing away the tear stains with his thumbs. you sigh, holding his wrists with your hands, rubbing the inside with your thumbs.

"what happened?" he asks again and you want to brush it off, but instead you spill. you tell him of all the horrible things you've seen and heard, how you feel like the only one that experiences it. you ask why you're so hated, and he doesn't have the answer. he can only see the beauty in you, he sees no reason for one to hate you or even dislike you one bit. he nods and sighs, kissing your forehead before pulling you into his lap and placing soft kisses to your neck and jaw.

"you're okay now, baby. I'm here, I won't let anyone hurt you. i promise, none of those things are true and I promise I love you, and I love you for who you are." he smiles, watching your eyes sparkle with an admiration at his words. you feel the sobs build up in your throat and you want to cry again, to sob hysterically just by hearing such sweet words.

"i mean how can someone be a gold digger if they insist on helping pay bills on an apartment they're not even on the lease for?" he chuckles, kissing your forehead as you find giggles escaping you instead at his silly words. it's true, if anything you're farther from a gold digger than anything, "they don't know you, hun, so don't let them get to you."

he kisses your forehead one more time, before pulling back and letting you tuck into his lap for a few minutes rest. he lets you lay there, rubbing your back until he has to pick you up. he does so, and you both begin to pack the van up, ready to go home as soon as possible.

he stops you by the back door, holding your hand and looking down at you, "home, my tardis?"

"home, doctor," you smile up at him and he kisses you once, twice, three times before hurrying you both to the van. he helps you in first, buckling you in before he slides in next to you.

"what was that for?" you inquire gently, his hand reaching out to you, insisting you wrap your hand around his finger and you do so, but keep your gaze on him in order to keep his attention.

"I wanted to show extra care, that's all."

you nod softly in agreement, resting your head against his shoulder as he sighs.

"g'night, baby," he kisses your temple with a sweet smile.

"goodnight, daddy.." you smile to yourself as sleep takes over and you finally feel a blanket of peace over you.

it wasn't the best experience, but at least you had wilbur along the way.

taglist; @lcvejoy @lillylvjy @ella-fella-bo-bella @lotusanonymouse @ughtreyparker @whos-nicooo @zebonos

© 2023 mysticalsoot

[newborngirlclothing]

Budget-Friendly Newborn Outfit Sets for Girls: Top Picks & Buying Guide

Looking for an adorable and budget-friendly newborn outfit set for a girl? The best options combine comfort, durability, and style—all without breaking the bank. Here’s a detailed guide to help you find affordable and high-quality newborn outfit sets that are perfect for your little one.

What to Look for in a Budget-Friendly Newborn Outfit Set

When choosing an outfit set, consider these key factors:

Material: Soft, breathable cotton or organic fabrics are ideal.

Comfort: Look for tag-free labels and seamless stitching to prevent irritation.

Versatility: Multi-piece sets offer better value and mix-and-match options.

Ease of Use: Snap buttons and envelope necklines make dressing simpler.

Affordability: Prioritize quality over brand names to save money.

Top Budget-Friendly Newborn Outfit Sets for Girls

1. Gerber Baby Girls’ 4-Piece Set

Why we love it:

100% cotton, gentle on sensitive skin

Includes bodysuit, leggings, hat, and socks

Affordable multi-pack options available

2. Simple Joys by Carter’s Newborn Essentials Pack

Highlights:

Multi-pack savings (bodysuits, pants, sleepers)

Trusted Carter’s quality at a lower price

Machine washable and durable

3. Hudson Baby Cotton Bodysuit and Pant Set

Features:

Soft, lightweight cotton for all-day comfort

Stretchy waistband for a snug fit

Cute prints and patterns at an economical price

Money-Saving Tips for Buying Newborn Outfits

Buy in Bundles: Multi-piece packs offer the best value.

Shop Off-Season: End-of-season sales bring big discounts.

Use Coupons & Cashback: Retailers like Amazon and Walmart often have deals.

Consider Second-Hand: Gently used baby clothes from thrift stores or marketplaces can save money.

FAQs

1. How many outfits does a newborn need?

Newborns go through 8-10 outfit changes daily, so having 10-12 sets is ideal.

2. What fabrics are best for newborns?

Cotton and bamboo are best due to their breathability and softness.

3. Where can I find affordable newborn outfit sets for girls?

Amazon, Walmart, Target, and discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls offer budget-friendly options.

4. Are organic baby clothes worth the cost?

Yes, organic fabrics reduce exposure to chemicals and are gentler on sensitive skin, but budget-friendly cotton options are also safe and comfortable.

By considering these options and money-saving tips, you can find the perfect newborn outfit set for a girl without overspending. Happy shopping!

[fastwiemagie]

It's all about the socks baby!

Currently I'm always knitting. (Well before the current heatwave hit at least. I have a heat enforced knitting break right now!) It calms me down and gives me my "crafty" fix (where I need to do something with my hands). Knitting is a lot like stimming, in my opinion. The soft click-clacking of the wooden needles and the rhythmic movement of the needles relaxes me a lot. Good thing for my mum - as she asked for a couple of new pairs of socks for the coming autumn.

All her current pairs (except ones) have become holey and are over-repaired (eventually you can no longer darn - or at least it's not comfortable). So she'll receive a patch of new socks for the colder seasons!

[id]Picture 1: A pair of green coloured socks just being cast on - only the first row of the first green sock is yet on the needles!

Picture 2: The green sock is coming along and the cuff of the sock is growing nicely, showing the moss-coloured different green hues of the multi-coloured green yarn.

Picture 3 & 4: A multi-coloured orange pumpkin-themed sock (or Kingdom Hearts themed as my friend @trasno-personal commented on the socks) in the making. In the pictures you can see the heel of the sock forming - seeing the round part form is always very satisfying!

Picture 5: Two finished blue socks (in various hues of blue) grouped together with the orange "pumpkin" sock, all three laying on top of a red patterned pouffe, with a little orange pair of scissors and a big blunt silver needle next to the group of socks.

Picture 6: The green sock continues! As I don't have enough left over of the multi-coloured green yarn (already knitted one green pair for my aunt a couple of years ago), I switched to the leftover blue yarn after the cuff of the sock. The heel wall (seen marked with red flower stitch markers) is already being knit in blue multi-coloured yarn mixed with the single colour moss green.

Picture 7: The green sock (with a blue heel and bottom) is coming along! The blue heel has been knitted. The project is laying on top of a cream-and-brown towel in this picture.

Picture 8: The green sock (with a blue heel and bottom) laying next to the 3 finished socks! Together they are technically two pairs of socks (as they are all knitted the same way, are the same size, etc) but of course the green sock and pumpkin-coloured sock will get their matching partners! So we will have 3 pairs of socks in total

Picture 9: Again the red pouffe is in the background. The finished green sock (with a blue heel & bottom) is laying on the red pouffe. The mix of green & blue hues reminds me of the ocean and seaweed. Next to the finished sock are the balls of leftover yarn I have to make the matching second sock. It will probably not be an exact match colourwise, but i think the yarn I have available will suffice.

Picture 10: 4 socks are stacked on each other, laying on a red pouffe. In the background you can see a wooden chest, some white furniture with flowers on it and stacked boxes.

[/id]

[thissilentcloth]

Fresh off the needles: socks! (ft. Lulu)

26 Jan. 2024 - 31 Jan. 2024

Ravelry project page

Yarn: Schoeller+Stahl Fortissima Coloria Socka Color sock yarn in the colorway 9096 Blau Wei.

Needles: 2.75mm bamboo DPNs

Pattern: Improvised

What I binged: like 80% of the Technology Connections.

I normally wouldn't buy this yarn, as I'm team natural fibers. I thrift all of my yarn, and last year they had a ton of Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk (on half off day!!)....mixed with other yarns and divided amongst several bags 🙄 They included two sock "kits" (two skeins of yarn each + a printed out pattern).

This week I found one of the kits in my stash. I'd recently used DPNs for the first time to knit some sweater cuffs and found that I liked them for that, so I decided to give them a go with this sock yarn since my only DPNs were the same size called for in the pattern.

Long ago I had the goal of never buying socks again, but I really struggled with knitting them on circulars and gave up. I started many, many socks but had only finished one pair, which ended up being huge.

The "pattern" was basically just a generic 60 stitch cuff-down recipe, but I prefer knitting socks toe-up, so opted to just improvise a toe-up pattern. I bumped the stitch count up to 65 stitches as I have large feet. I do wish I'd stuck with 60, as they are a little loose on me.

The yarn is self-striping and I decided that I wanted them to match, so it was interesting having to think about that. It was challenging getting the striping to work out well on the heel, but I appreciated that it made it easy to ensure they'd be the same length. I did, however, underestimate how much yarn I'd need for the bind off of the first sock and ended up binding off about 1/4 of the stitches with the white yarn. I'm trying to convince myself that it's charming so I don't have to redo it.

I spent a lot of time thinking about how they might have looked had I decided to go in a different direction with the striping, I kinda wish I had several more skeins so I could try a few variations. I do think I could squeeze some ankle socks out of the remaining yarn (a little over 40g out of 100), but I do still have the other sock kit somewhere, so I may want to combine the extra yarn from both kits.

[serenity-cove-bitty-foster-house]

Papsynnian Rescue

Name: Sprocket

Species: Papsynnian

Morph: None

Age: 1.5 years

Size: 12 inches at the shoulder, 17 inches to top of head

Personality: Sprocket is an exuberant, warm-hearted bitty who seems to run on boundless enthusiasm. He’s the type who greets every day like it’s a grand adventure and thinks every guest is a potential new friend. Incredibly energetic, he thrives on attention, activity, and having a job to do—even if that job is just holding a feather duster in his mouth while you sweep. He is intelligent, expressive, and unafraid to vocalize his excitement, opinions, or deep love for you in his own boisterous way. If left without interaction for too long, he can get into mischief just to entertain himself.

Compatibility: Sprocket meshes well with other energetic or similarly social bitties and can often bring more reserved ones out of their shells. He may struggle in households with very low-energy or overly grumpy companions, as their disinterest might make him feel rejected. He loves caretakers who will actively engage with him through play, training, or exploration. Apartment-friendly as long as he has daily enrichment, but he absolutely thrives with larger indoor spaces or even a bitty-safe enclosed garden. If another bitty doesn’t like to share toys or attention, he may try too hard and accidentally irritate them.

Main Info: Papsynnians are feline-bodied skeletal bitties based on Papyrus from Undertale, known for their athleticism, strong personalities, and high social intelligence. They’re perfect for caretakers who enjoy a companion that feels like a mix between a dog, a cat, and a personal cheerleader. While they don’t require specialized care, their need for stimulation is significant—they’re happiest when they feel useful or included. Many are talented climbers, jumpers, and puzzle solvers, and some enjoy agility courses or learning tricks.

Additional info: Sprocket has an adorable habit of bringing his owner "gifts," usually things like socks, kitchen sponges, or crinkly bags. He’s obsessed with organizing toys and sometimes lines them up by type or color. He will often curl up across your shoulders or perch on your furniture like a smug gargoyle, proudly watching over the room. Despite his intense energy, he is gentle when cuddling with small bitties or napping beside his caretaker.

Feeding habits: Sprocket prefers nutrient-dense kibble and cooked pasta with sauce (yes, even without the meat). He has a soft spot for crunchy snacks and will paw at snack bags if he hears the sound. Crinkly food wrappers are also toys to him—keep an eye out so he doesn’t stash them around the house.

Injuries: Minor sprain in his rear leg from a high jump gone wrong, now fully healed. He’s still fearless about leaping, though.

Special requirements: Lots of daily activity and interaction. Enrichment toys like crinkle tunnels, treat puzzles, and feather poles are strongly encouraged. If bored, he may start climbing shelves or “redecorating” your space.

Warnings: Will knock over light objects when zooming through the house. He’s also extremely vocal—if ignored for too long, he will meow-squawk-yell until given attention. Not recommended for caretakers who are noise-sensitive or frequently away from home.

Reasons for rescue: Sprocket was surrendered by a previous owner who underestimated his energy needs and social demands. He began acting out by stealing things and jumping on counters out of frustration. In foster care, he’s been much happier with structured playtimes and a more stimulating environment.

Difficulty: Basic–Intermediate

Color/Pattern: Rich orange tabby striping on his feline half, with skeletal limbs and face. Bright amber eye sockets with subtle heart-like glints when excited. His nose bone has a faint pink tint.

[akasshhkumarsinha]

Affordable Gift Ideas: Top Gifts $10.00 and Under for Every Occasion

Finding the perfect gift doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Whether you're looking for a birthday present, holiday stocking stuffer, or a spontaneous surprise, there are plenty of thoughtful and unique gifts $10.00 and under that make a big impact without stretching your wallet.

Why Choose Gifts $10.00 and Under?

In today’s fast-paced world, people appreciate meaningful gestures more than expensive ones. Gifts under $10 are:

Budget-friendly

Great for bulk gifting

Ideal for casual acquaintances or coworkers

Perfect for last-minute surprises

Here’s a handpicked list of creative, fun, and practical gift ideas under $10.00 that are sure to impress.

🎁 15 Best Gifts $10.00 and Under

1. Scented Candles Mini candles in lavender, vanilla, or sandalwood make for calming and budget-friendly gifts.

2. Coffee Mugs with Quotes Motivational or funny quote mugs are practical and personal.

3. Pocket Notebooks or Journals Great for writers, planners, or anyone who loves jotting down ideas.

4. Reusable Metal Straws Eco-conscious and super handy—plus they often come with a cleaning brush.

5. Fun Socks Bright colors, cool patterns, or holiday-themed—everyone loves cozy socks!

6. Lip Balm Sets Natural, organic, or tinted—lip care is always appreciated.

7. Keychains with Personality From name initials to cartoon characters, keychains are fun and functional.

8. Plantable Pencils Eco-friendly pencils that grow into herbs or flowers once used—perfect for the nature lover.

9. Compact Mirrors Decorative or personalized, great for anyone on-the-go.

10. PopSockets for Phones Trendy, helpful, and budget-friendly phone accessories.

11. Mini Succulents Cute, low-maintenance plants ideal for desks or windowsills.

12. Stress Relief Toys From squishy balls to fidget spinners, perfect for work-from-home warriors.

13. DIY Cookie or Brownie Mix Jars Homemade with love and costs next to nothing.

14. Travel-size Skincare Sets Face masks, lotions, and cleansers all in one mini pack.

15. Pen Sets or Stationery Kits Colorful pens or cute sticky notes are perfect for students or professionals.

Where to Find Gifts $10.00 and Under?

You can score great deals at:

Online marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and ZilotyShopping

Dollar stores or discount retailers

Local craft fairs or handmade bazaars

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a lot to show someone you care. With a little creativity, you can find meaningful gifts $10.00 and under that deliver joy, smiles, and surprise. Start shopping smarter and gifting better—your wallet and your loved ones will thank you.