#to use it to buy materials if i don’t want. i can use up yarn from my stash and keep the money as compensation for my time

[fingertipsmp3]

So I got commissioned yesterday and I was kind of nervous because I haven’t crocheted in a long time and have never made anything for this person before, but she is apparently beside herself with happiness over the colours I picked & the fact that I agreed to the commission, so I think this is going to go well

[sheerfreesia007]

Masterpiece of a Confession

Pairing: Hyunjin x Reader

Word count: 1,802

Content warnings: Fluff, mention of alcohol

Summary: You and Hyunjin have made plans to hang out tonight. What happens when you find him a gift that he’s been eager to get his hands on, and when you present it to him he confesses to you?

Seoltang: Sugar

There was just something so comforting to you whenever you went shopping for hobby supplies. The store was perfectly lit to be able to show you all the colors of the materials that you were looking to buy. Not to mention all the sales that would normally come along. As you walked slowly down the aisle with all the multicolored yarn and thread you smiled softly while your hands gently trailed over the ones you liked. You picked out a few for a project that you were just starting and then a few more that caught your attention.

Just as you moved further down the aisle your cellphone began to ring and you smiled when you recognized who the ringtone was for. Fishing the device out of your bag you quickly answered the phone and held it to your ear still smiling.

”Hey Jinnie.” You greet him happily and he chuckles softly on the other end.

”Hi Seoltang, where are you right now?” He greeted and asked kindly. You could hear the smile in his voice as you continued to walk down the aisle perusing the merchandise.

”At the craft store picking up some material for my new project.” You tell him as you stop to look at some hand dyed material that catches your eye.

”Do you want to come hang out later once I’m done with this photoshoot? I miss you.” He says softly into the phone as if he doesn’t want anyone else to hear how sweet and soft he’s being. You smile to yourself at his tone, Hyunjin has always been like this with you. He was always able to relax and be himself whenever he was with you and you loved that about your relationship. Plus the fact that you were able to be such a comfort to him made your heart sing with joy.

”Of course I do. Do you want me to pick up some food for us and Changbin?” You ask him kindly when you turn down the paint aisle and smile softly at the reminder of your friend.

”Changbin’s going out with Jisung and Chan tonight. It’s just going to be the two of us.” Hyunjin responds and you nod your head at his words as you spot Hyunjin’s favorite brand of paint before walking over to it.

”Alright so then I’ll grab us some food, anything in particular you’d like?” You ask as you grab some of the paint colors that you know he runs out of a lot and slip them into your basket.

”I don’t know, comfort food?” He muses curiously and you nod your head knowing exactly what he means. Today had been a bit of a gloomy overcast day and it really should’ve kept you in your cozy bed but you were on a mission to get all of your errands done.

”Italian from that little mom and pop place not far from your apartment?” You ask curiously and Hyunjin gasps and hums in delight.

”Oh you read my mind.” He gushes out softly and you chuckle at him as your eyes continue down the shelves of paints when suddenly something catches your eye. “Maybe we can try some of those Aracini balls that we weren’t able to try last time.” He suggested and you hummed in agreement.

”Oooh that sounds great. I’ll make sure to get an order of those for us.” You tell him as you move down the aisle closer to the multicolored box in hopes that it was what you thought it was. Hyunjin had been going on and on about this paint set that he wanted to try but every time he tried to get it in any craft store they were always sold out, as you reached up and grabbed the box you nearly let out a squeal in delight! It was the same set that he had been talking about, and luckily for you it looked like it was the last one on the shelf. 

“Well I really called you to talk about our days but it looks like I don’t have that long of a break today.” Hyunjin sighed softly and you frowned in response to his words before beaming as you slipped the paint set into your basket.

”That’s okay Jinnie, we’ll have all of tonight to talk about our days.” You reassured him sweetly and he hummed softly in response.

”I can’t wait to see you tonight Seoltang.” He said softly. “I’ll see you later, I gotta get back now.”

”I’ll see you later Jinnie.” You respond happily and hang up the phone before quickly making your way to the registers to pay for your things. You were eager to get home so that you could wrap the gift for him and give it to him tonight when you saw him.

*-*-*-*

Your trek up to Hyunjin and Changbins’ apartment is an easy one for you as you eagerly stride up the stairs two at a time. You’ve got your tote bag that holds the wrapped gift for Hyunjin as well as a bottle of wine that you found in the family owned restaurant when you went to pick up your dinner order. It had looked and sounded like something the two of you would enjoy together while eating so you had bought it.

Just as you make it to the top step of their floor you stop for a second letting yourself catch your breath and you hear a soft sweet giggle coming from the side. Turning your head you grin at a giggling Changbin who eyes you happily.

”That eager to get to him yah?” He asks knowingly and you blush softly at his teasing which causes him to giggle more. “Don’t worry he’s just as eager for you.” He says before giving you a quick hug and then continuing on down the stairs. “I’ll sleep over at Chan’s place tonight so don’t worry if you have a sleepover.” He calls over his shoulder teasingly.

”Changbin!” You scold softly and he giggles loudly once more at you before waving at you over his shoulder.

”Was Changbin giving you a hard time?” Hyunjin asks you and you turn your head to see him standing in the doorway of his apartment looking at you worriedly. You grin at him happily and he reciprocates the grin with one of his own sweet smiles. “I’ll beat him up for you.” He offers and you laugh happily as you excitedly make your way over to him and wrap him in a tight hug.

”No, no nothing like that. Just a bit of teasing.” You explain as you bury your face in his worn cotton t-shirt. “And I’d never ask you to do that.” You scold him softly as he grins down at you while wrapping his arms tightly around you.

”The offer still stands.” He says with a shrug before guiding you into the apartment. “Wanna get changed in your pjs first and then we’ll eat on the couch while watching a drama?” He asks when he finally lets you go so that he could close and lock the door.

”Yes please.” You sigh out happily as you slip your shoes off and go to set the bag of dinner on the kitchen island and pull out the wine bottle as well. “I bought wine from the restaurant too. Sounded like something we’d enjoy.” You tell him over your shoulder as you walk away to the bathroom so that you could go get changed.

”Oooh, this is a good one. Good choice!” Hyunjin calls out and you chuckle softly as you quickly get changed into your pjs before walking back out to find that Hyunjin had already set up dinner on the coffee table and was just pulling up a recent drama that the two of you had gotten into. “C’mere Seoltang.” He calls from his spot on the couch and you grin while rushing over to tackle him in a tight hug causing him to laugh happily at your actions. The two of you stay like that for a few quiet moments before you remember the gift you had gotten him.

”Oh! Before we start. I have a gift for you.” You say with a hint of teasing and Hyunjin looks at you with wide eyes before he grins excitedly and holds his hands out.

”Gift, please!” He calls out and you laugh softly at him before shaking your head. He gasps and then dramatically throws himself on top of you groaning loudly. “I need whatever thoughtful gift you’ve gotten or I’ll perish Seoltang.” He cries out as he throws a hand up into the air and squints his eyes. “Darkness is already closing in! I Can feel death’s cold grip on me tightening.” He dramatically cries out and you laugh loudly as you shove him playfully off you before you reach for your tote bag and pull out the wrapped gift.

Hyunjin quickly sits up from his sprawled out position as he eyes the prettily wrapped gift with eager eyes. You look down at the gift in your lap and then look up at him with a teasing grin on your face. Hyunjin leans forward with wide pleading eyes and a pout on his lips trying to get you to give him his gift. You smile softly at him and lean over to press a sweet kiss to his forehead without even thinking about it, it just naturally came to you to do that.

”What’s the magic word?” You ask him softly and Hyunjin grins widely at you as his eyelids flutter with delight at your kiss.

”I love you.” He answers immediately before cupping your face and pulling you into a deep loving kiss that makes you squeak with surprise as Hyunjin smiles through the kiss. He pulls away softly and grins widely when your mouth moves to chase his making the love he holds in his body for you swell to consume him. He then pulls you back in for another kiss and whispers the confession between each kiss he gives you.

You’re giggling happily and adoringly as you try to pull away from him so that you can give him his gift before you give up and press the present into his chest before kissing him once again.

”I love you too.” You whisper against his mouth and Hyunjin practically beams at you before he pulls away and looks down at the gift in his hands. Quickly opening it his eyes widen as surprise and adoration fills him. He looks up at you with wide love filled eyes before he grabs onto your face and pulls you in for another deep loving kiss that he doesn’t let you up from for a few breathless moments.

SKZ Taglist: @intartaruginha, @kayleefriedchicken

[car-sounds]

Woven Together

(I'm taking request btw, please I need more ideas)

Arcturus x (GN)reader

2nd person

799 words

Summary: Arcturus and you buy yarn together to knit and crochet sweaters for each other.

Arcturus and you had been assigned by Spica to go downtown to buy desserts for an upcoming banquet. It was from the same bakery as usual so Arcturus already knew what to order. The bakery was a bit busier than usual that day so they couldn’t get the order done as fast as they usually do and told you to come back in an hour to pick up the order. You suggested using that extra time to take a look at the shops downtown. 

Arcturus agreed and sent Spica a message notifying him about the delay before leading you out the bakery door. Since he has still yet to show you every part of downtown he led the way and showed you around a few stores. You're both having fun browsing around until you get to one specific store Arcturus wanted to show you. Turns out in the months he hadn’t been to the store it was replaced. A yarn store is what took its place, and while you were both a little disappointed you thought you might as well take a look since you're already out there.

The moment you both walked into the shop with its warm lighting and wooden decor you could feel the coziness radiating. You had both talked about your interests in fiber arts but seeing Arcturus giddy as he starts to browse through the selection certainly confirms it. 

He turns to speak to you, “They have so many options, I want to buy something but I don’t think I can decide on what.”

“I’m feeling the same way. Maybe we could try and pick things out to make each other sweaters.” 

“Oh, that sounds fun! Alright, I think it will be easier to pick something I think you would like.”

“We should probably be quick about this so we can be on time to pick up the desserts at the bakery. So I’ll need to start choosing right away.”

It had been about 5 minutes before Arcturus finished shopping and joined you by your side again. He’s picked out beautiful soft looking yarns that are in your favorite color combinations. 

“Have you picked out your colors yet?”

“Almost! You can go and wait by the cash register and I'll be there in a few minutes”

He nodded and walked off to wait for you. Like you said I didn't take much longer for you to find the right colors and materials. 

You go to the front of the shop, and Arcturus is gleefully chatting with the shopkeeper while he waits. 

“Mc, are you done?”

“Yeah, I hope you like what I picked,” from the look on his face you could tell he was happy with your choice. 

Once the yarn was all chosen and paid you two had just enough time to get back to the bakery and pick up the desserts. During the walk there you talked about fits and styles of sweaters so you both could make something you knew the other would like. 

The desserts got picked up and brought to Contell safely. Arcturus looked quite excited to tell you that he'd be free all evening to knit and crochet together, he needed to finish a few more things for the upcoming banquet so you part ways until then. 

Later that night, not too long after dinner you get a knock on your door. It was Arcturus, knitting needles and yarn in hand. You both agreed to bring your supplies outside to one of the gardens since the weather was nice. 

There were plenty of free benches placed along the garden path so you could sit down and get started. The air is cool and refreshing, Arcturus and you talk about whatever comes to your mind until it gets too dark to see what you're working on. Not much of the sweaters got finished for either of you but you both agreed to work on the projects during your free time and make time to crochet and knit together like this again. 

Eventually, after months filled with knitting and crochet dates the sweaters were finished. Even though you both knew pretty much exactly what each sweater looked like, you both decided to present the gifts all wrapped up. Arcturus had his gift in a box wrapped with colorful wrapping paper and a bow, similar to how you wrapped up your gift. 

He opened yours first and his smile widened when he saw it. He immediately tossed the sweater on hugging and thanking you before passing his sweater your way.

You do the same as Arcturus and put the sweater on before thanking him. It was cozy, soft, and warmed you up. The contagious joy was radiating off of Arcturus’s face and you both spent the rest of the night chatting.

[notexactlyrocketscience]

I hand-knit the folklore cardigan so [with my v important pointers] you totally can, too!

Pattern

Taylor Swift's folklore the "Cardigan" by Lion Brand (free)

I have several qualms about this pattern, and though it’s easy to comprehend for the most part, I kind of hate it. But! I have tips below so that you can use this free pattern and OG cardigan reference pictures to make the perfect finished project. It’s also super easy actually even if you’ve never done cables or a large project before.

Materials (used as recommended by the pattern)

Needles: Takumi Clover US 9 (5.5 mm), 29" circular needles—My first time trying bamboo needles and this brand, I LOVED it. It made continental knitting so easy and fluid. I would recommend longer cables to make the button band part less stressful, and perhaps smaller diameter needles to make the ribbing prettier

Lion Brand Wool Ease: see rant below

Buttons: 3 1.25"-diameter La Mode buttons (there are prettier ones out there though they can get frighteningly expensive, pick what you like)

A summary of issues

the sizing runs very large

the button band (and, by extension, side panels) is all wrong for sizes other than S/M (the whole pattern is based aound S/M with suggested alterations for other sizes)

the arms turn out way too long for any size if you follow the instructions

the back cables (and possibly some others) are spaced distinctly differently from the OG folklore cardigan from Taylor’s site

the suggested yarn (Lion Brand Wool Ease) is scratchy on sensitive skin, stiff, thicker, more fuzzy than the folklore cardigan (and sheds a lot!), and stretches a lot which makes the cardigan larger than expected

Biggest tips (if you want to knit a cardigan similar to the OG)

CHECK YOUR GAUGE

measure yourself to pick size, and size down

find a bunch of pictures of the OG cardigan in the size that you want & count the stitches from the photos + graph the Lion Brand pattern, and compare before you begin

make alterations as needed

DO NOT BLIND BUY LION BRAND WOOL EASE

My best advice would be to just do a big guage swatch (as recommended on the pattern), run it through the wash, block it, measure it, plus assume that the cardigan will additionally stretch out on your body whenever worn. (Also if you’ve never knitted a garment before, the individual pieces absolutely look bigger once assembled and seamed than when they do on the needles while being knit.) The button band will add some width as well.

The button band is the current object of my misery. The cardigan fits like a cute tent, but the buttons beginning near my stomach is a no-go. I would definitely recommend double checking the spacing of the buttonholes on the button band because I kind of wish I’d altered them a little bit according to how I want the front to look. But then, the side panels would have to start slanting higher up towards the neck, so the whole neck should have been a smaller V. And I don’t have the heart to frog all the way back to to that. Still wondering if I should just shift the buttons higher and redo the button band, but I might just leave it as is and call it a day.

The recommended yarn is Lion Brand Wool-Ease, but actually I regret using it because it’s so stretchy and bulky, so the cardigan turned out a lot more chunky (and a lot more stretchy too I’m guessing) than the OG. I even found the finished measurements on the pattern misleading due to the cardigan stretching due to its own weight.

The pattern also calls for very long arms so I would advise just doing 4.5 diamonds for the back and then 4 diamonds for the arms, just like the OG! I thought 4 diamonds would be too short but the off-shoulder fit makes 5 diamonds incredibly long for me, and 4 would have been perfect!

I’m not sure why the instructions were that misleading with the sizing—Partly it’s me messing up with my guage, but I’m thinking it might also be because Lion Brand was basing it off the OG folklore cardigans from Taylor’s website, which I’ve heard run immensely large in a similar fashion. Still, I’m not sure exactly how the sizing compares to that of the XS/S and M/L OG cardigans

I usually am an S for perfectly fitted T shirts, and I get M sized crewnecks/hoodies for a perfect, comfy, borderline oversized fit that isn’t snug over layers. I was confused between knitting the S/M and L/XL because I wanted an oversized fit. I worried the S/M might be too snug and figured it was better to err on the side of it being a bit larger than expected because it’s still possible to style that, while a too-small cardigan would just be unwearable. But I think sizing down is the best way to go for that pattern and yarn if you’re picking between two sizes. The S/M pattern would probably produced something that fits more like a regular L/XL you would expect to see in a store.

Also, the yarn is fuzzy and pills a lot! It’s also slightly scratchy even after conditioning. So I would say just pick a durable yarn that creates a fabric that you love first before you start the project!

The Lion Brand pattern’s back cables are spaced slightly differently from the OG cardigans. (The OG had some moss stitched space between the two left cables on either end and the group of other cables in the center.) There might be other differences too. I know there are some other patterns out there you can pay for and they might be more accurate to the OG, but I would recommend simply looking up pictures of the OG cardigan in the size that you’re aiming for, and then taking note of the differences and making the alterations yourself! The stitches are fairly easy to count!

I have a breadth of regrets about this project (and some of it is just post-project blues, y’know?), but you live and you learn, folks! And I definitely learned a lot from this project. :) Will come back here and update once I add the (very expensive) silver star patches I’ve been procrastinating to buy because I’m so broke and so sad about how it turned out. I’m confident all the time I’ve spent on her will culminate in me surely falling in love with her soon enough. <3

[gabriel-xander]

Don't Forget

[Sans x Female!Reader]

8: Am I Gregnant?

♪────✿⁠(⁠✧◕⁠ᴗ⁠◕✧⁠)✿⁠────♪

Toriel is standing outside the bathroom door with concern, respecting your privacy enough that she isn’t going to barge in, but still nosey to stand right outside. You knew this day would come, you just… you just weren’t ready for it.

“[Y/n], my child. I’m sure it’s not that bad,” Toriel says loudly.

“I’m gonna be bleeding out of my vagina for the next seven days, Toriel. This is as bad as it gets for me!” You shout from the bathtub, “Monsters don’t get their periods, so the Underground can’t sell me any pads or tampons!”

“I-I’m not sure I know what that is-”

“Further proving my point!”

“-But I’m sure we can find something that can help you.”

So you may or may not have started your period. Whoopdie-fucking-doo. Just as you were afraid of, you have no idea how you should navigate these (red) waters. You don’t have any pads or tampons, and monsters don’t have a menstrual cycle so there aren’t any products you can use.

The only solution you can think of is Dr. Alphys.

‘Sounds crazy, but LET ME COOK!’

From what you’re understanding in these books Toriel has, monsters don’t necessarily get sick, so there is no need to have primary doctors the way humans do. There is also no need to learn about human biology (obviously), but as the Royal Scientists, Dr. Alphys (and Sans but you still don’t really want anything to do with him) is more capable than everyone else in the Underground of learning something as complex as basic human biology.

You’re sure if you disguise it as allowing yourself to become a focus of study, Dr. Alphys will be eager to take the opportunity to learn about how you tick. In return for being a test subject, you ask her to help you make tampons that are safe for your body.

You know at the very least tampons are made of a bunch of cotton and rayon, but you’re no fucking expert (yet) so you can’t be so sure.

The only problem is that this requires Dr. Alphys to learn about your identity. You’re not too sure if this is a problem you want right now. You can’t just spend the whole week in the bathtub as your blood gets washed away (TMI, who cares), but you’re not too sure if you’re comfortable with sticking cotton up in your vagina either.

Hm…

Actually, wait.

”Toriel!” You call out, “Do you have any cotton and thin string?”

”Huh? We have a lot of leftover yarn from the sewing kit, but I don’t think I have any cotton… Give me a moment to look.”

She doesn’t leave you waiting for long, but she doesn’t come back with the best of news.

”I’m afraid I only have a few cotton balls left. Is that enough?”

Shit, it won’t be at all. Also, cotton balls aren’t the most ideal materials. Hmm… another option could be utilizing diapers and somehow turning them into pads. Wait, why don’t you just do that? It’s not the most ideal, but when you don’t have many options, there isn’t much room to complain. Besides, you’re pretty sure they’re more absorbent than actual pads anyway.

”You wouldn’t happen to have baby diapers, would you?” You ask loud enough for her to hear.

”Ah… baby diapers? No, I’m afraid not. Would you like me to buy some?”

”YES! Please!” You nearly sob in relief, “Just… Ughh, I really don’t want you to buy what’s unnecessary since they’re so expensive-”

“-Expensive? Pfft—Perhaps on the surface, but diapers are quite affordable.” Toriel knocks on the door, “I will buy a few different sizes, and you will decide which size is best for you. Though, I’m unsure how you would even use them…”

You chuckle, ”I can give you the human TLDR when you get back. Please hurry, T. I don’t wanna stay in this tub much longer.”

”Yes, I will be back soon, my child!”

Great. What a wonderful way to spend your morning. It had attacked you so randomly, and you didn’t even get cramps the days before. You had stained your sheets and frantically explained to Toriel that, no, you’re not dying and your vagina is NOT broken. Since monsters don’t need toilets, you opted to bleed out in the bathtub with the water filled up to your waist.

Oh shit, you completely forgot you asked Napstablook to hang out today. Hopefully, he decides to take his sweet ass time today and doesn’t arrive soon.

────

Toriel stares at the ghost like a deer caught in headlights.

Here comes Napstablook!

”Oh, Napstablook,” Toriel blinks, “You’re here.”

”hi miss toriel… is [y/n] ready yet…? she told me she wanted to hang out again…” Napstablook shrinks back from Toriel’s stare, “um… is this a bad time…?”

The goat monster winces slightly, “It’s… certainly bad timing. Um…. Oh!”

The ghost flinches at her sudden loud noise.

”Why don’t you accompany me to the store first? [Y/n] needs some time before she can entertain guests right now.”

‘…uhhhhhh-‘

“oh… okay…” Napstablook waits for Toriel to lead the way before following after her, “is [y/n] feeling okay…?”

”Yes, yes… I-I think.”

‘YOU THINK?!’

“It’s a human thing, I believe. I’m ashamed to admit I’m not as knowledgeable about humans as I used to be.” Toriel tells him, “She asked for me to buy her… baby diapers.”

….HUHH?!?!? IS THE HUMAN 38 + 2 weeks… PREGANANANT?!

“uhhh… huh…” Napstablook isn’t sure what he should say…

The walk to the store was quick, awkward, and quiet. The ghost is too nervous to ask more if you are actually in labor, and the goat is too focused on her very serious mission of buying diapers for you.

Newborn monsters don’t need diapers for very long, hence why they’re not very expensive. When they’re too small to eat anything other than breast milk (don’t ask…), that type of liquid does pass through their body. However, after about a month or so, monster babies grow strong enough to eat regular monster-baby food.

Different monster types require different diaper sizes though, so Toriel buys one box of each size they come in. She and Napstablook were getting weird fucking looks though, people were getting the wrong idea about them shopping for diapers together. The poor ghost was blushing red as Toriel remained oblivious to how bad this might look for them. The ghost is also wondering why you need so many different types of diapers. You didn’t seem pregananant, but maybe humans experience that type of stuff differently?

Oh… Oh, God. You’re not… You’re not having, like… a thousand babies, are you?! Napstablook isn’t sure if he’s ready for that! He’s not ready to be a father! Yes, he knows you two are barely friends, but as the only man(?) in your life right now, surely that role falls onto him, right?!

“Alright, I think this should be enough.” Toriel nods, turning to look at the other, “Oh, dear. Are you alright, Napstablook?”

He is in tears: “i’m not ready to be a dad…!”

”…”

”…”

”…”

”…”

“…What?”

────

Safe to say that Napstablook greatly misunderstood the situation. After calmly explaining the situation more to the ghost…

HE’S NOT REASSURED AT ALL!!

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU’RE BLEEDING OUT OF YOUR HOO-HA?!?!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS IS NORMAL HUMAN BEHAVIOR, AND AS A MATTER OF FACT, THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN FOR SEVEN DAYS EVERY MONTH?!?! HOW ARE YOU NOT SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER AND CRYING YOUR EYES OUT?!?!

Or perhaps you are screaming bloody murder, they just don’t know it because they’re not with you at the moment. That’s soon about to change, however.

They’ve made it back to Toriel’s home, with Napstablook using the power of friendship and magic to help carry the paper bags holding the diapers. The goat mom was gently explaining some rules.

”That is why we shall wait for [Y/n] to take care of her business first. Afterward, we can ask her some questions about what exactly she is struggling with.”

The ghost nods along, “yes, miss toriel…”

She giggles, “You were quite ready to become a father, hm? Now, why would you come to a conclusion like that?”

Napstablook blushes again, “uuhhgg… please…! that was so embarrassing…!”

”Even if [Y/n] just so happened to be pregnant, why did you assume you would have to be the father, anyway?”

”w-well… i-i don’t know… i can’t be the mom since [y/n] would be the mom…”

That’s… not what she meant at all, but she supposes it doesn’t matter all that much. She doesn’t know if she should be concerned that the ghost assumed that he’d have to take a prominent role in your life if that were the case for some reason. Or if she should be happy that he would be there for you if you were going through a pregnancy.

Strange.

“Anyway, once we go in, it would be best to keep all questions and comments to ourselves. Understand?”

”yes, miss toriel…”

Upon entering the house, Napstablook looks around with awe and curiosity. This is, of course, his first time seeing the inside of Toriel’s house. It’s so cozy and welcoming, making Napstablook feel as if he’s at home. He does find the books messily scattered on the living room floor funny; somehow he just knows it’s your doing. There isn’t much time to actually sight-see since Toriel is beckoning him to follow her down the right hallway.

They reach the last door on the right across a big mirror. Toriel knocks on the door gently.

”[Y/n], my child, we have returned.”

”Oh, thank God! Wait—We??”

”Yes, I ran into Napstablook on my way to the store,” Toriel explains, “He helped me carry everything back here.”

”uhm… hi, [y/n]…”

“…Hey, Blooky.” You sigh, “Not that you aren’t the bee's knees, Blooky, but I need Toriel to bring in the goods. I mean, unless you wanna see a nake-”

”I-I think just myself will suffice!” Toriel interrupts, flustered, “Hand them over, Napstablook.”

The blushing ghost nods, “i’ll-i’ll wait in the living room…”

────

The smaller diapers worked just fine as regular-sized pads, and while they can’t exactly stick to your undergarments correctly, they were a perfect substitute in these trying times. You explained this to Toriel (and poor Napstablook) when she asked about it once you exited the bathroom. When he asked you why you needed them at all, you figured it was time for a brutal lesson.

You didn’t get your biology degree for nothing, after all.

“So!” You clap your hands together, “That’s why I gotta bleed for one week every month, every month, for the next 30-ish years of my life until I reach menopause around 50 years old.”

Toriel and Napstablook look fucking traumatized.

────

Sans, much to Napstablook’s gratitude, doesn’t spook the ghost this time when he leaves the Ruins. He’s leaning against one of the trees on the path close to the double doors, his arms crossed while taking a little nap. Becoming alert at another presence makes Sans wake up fully. His grin falters at Napstablook’s weary expression.

”woah…” Sans cautiously walks up to the other, “you okay, bud?”

Napstablook gives him a tired look, “i was almost a father-”

“what?!”

“-but it was a false alarm… turns out the human just bleeds a lot for no other reason than just being a girl…”

“…????” Sans squints his eye sockets, “i’m—not sure i’m following you here.”

”maybe that’s for the best…” Napstablook sighs, floating away, “sorry, sans, but the menstrual cycle took a lot out of me… i just wanna get home…”

………..The what????

“okay… see ya, bud.”

Sans… isn’t really sure what to make of all that.

────

You sit with Toriel in the lounge, cleaning up the books off the floor. Napstablook was a little overwhelmed after your little revelation on female anatomy. Understandable, to be honest. You’ve dealt with this shit for the better part of the last twelve years and you still aren’t used to it. Toriel seemed a little more familiar as she kind of remembered from her time on the surface in the past.

It makes you curious about how old she is. You think you remember that boss monsters tend to live a VERY long time, longer than most monsters anyway. Though, as far as you’re aware of, only Toriel and Asgore are the only ones in the game that show their souls persisting after death. Do they have something similar to Lobster Immortality? What about other monsters like the turtle in Waterfalls (that you totally remember the name of haha-)?

Speaking of…

You put the last book back on the shelf, “Hey, Toriel. I’ve been meaning to ask you something, but I’ve never had the chance to ask.”

Toriel, sitting on the beloved Chariel and solving a word search, looks up with a smile, “Yes, my child?”

“Is there a way to look at my soul without being in battle? Us humans never had a way to look at our souls, and never imagined that one day we could see it. I want to see it again.” You explain to her, putting a hand on your chest.

Toriel’s cheek dusted a light pink, “Yes, there is a way, but before I show you, I should explain something important first.”

You laugh nervously, “What, you’re not gonna tell me that souls are actually really private and intimate outside of battle, are you? Isn’t that a little cliche?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Oh, God damnit.”

“I’m afraid these are just the customs here in the Underground.” Toriel chuckles, “Usually, it’s fine to show your soul with family and friends you absolutely trust with your life. During a fight, the intentions are extremely different, so it feels different when you bring out your soul during intimacy, and even just to bring it out.”

Hm, you guess it makes sense all things considered. There was a book in the Librarby talking about the vulnerability of souls based on the situations, so it would make sense if it’s different outside of battle, too.

It doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a little cliche, but you guess there’s no way of going around that.

“So, in the future, I should be careful about who looks at my soul. I got it.”

“Yes, precisely. There is also the matter of Soul-Bonding, but perhaps that can wait for another day. It’s a rather lengthy discussion.”

Soul-Bonding? It should be pretty self-explanatory, but if Torlel said it should wait then you’ll have to take her word for it.

You put your hands on your hips,  “Gotcha. Well, what about now? Can you help me bring out my soul?”

“…” Toriel is looking at you with wide eyes, “You… Do you truly… trust me to such a degree?”

You don’t hesitate with your smile and nod, “Yeah, of course, Toriel. I know you’d never hurt me. At the end of the day, you are the family I come home to now, and I wanna keep it this way for as long as you’ll let me.”

Tears swell up in her eyes; she looks away while clearing her throat. You’re a little smug that you got her emotional, you’re not gonna lie. You hope she can feel your sincerity, all jokes aside because you mean what you say. It’s hard for you to be serious a lot of the time because of your past, but you always hope that others know you’re being honest whenever you are being heartfelt.

“I greatly enjoy your company as well, my child. You are the first human to have fallen down here in a long time, and… and you would be the first human who wanted to stay,” Toriel puts a hand on her chest, the amount of warmth and love in her smile catches you off guard, “If it’s something you’ll allow, then… I’d like to share my soul with you as well.”

Now THAT made you tear up so fucking fast. For Toriel, a boss monster, someone who has lived for centuries, for someone who understands incredibly well… for her to want to share her soul with you… the very culmination of her being…

You really shouldn’t be so surprised, but you are. These monsters barely knew Frisk, yet they loved and accepted them so quickly. It’s not completely far-fetched if they (Toriel more specifically) would also grow to have an affection for you. Especially because you’re actually spending time with them and getting to know them more personally. You just… You never expect those nice things to ever apply to you as well.

You’ve always had to earn your spot in the room, you’ve had to earn the recognition and love you get today. It was only when you had met and then lost your first love that you started to accept that the only person you ever had to prove was yourself (and him, of course…).

To be given this love now… after doing nothing at all other than just exist…

You wipe your eyes with the back of your hand, sniffling quietly. “Yeah…. It’d be an honor, Toriel. Thank you for trusting me.”

Her smile softens as she steps a little closer,  “Now, copy me, and do your best to mimic what I do.”

Toriel puts her dominant hand over the center of her chest, so you do the same.

“This part can be very tricky, but it becomes easy over time. First, imagine what you are trying to show me. How is showing me your soul supposed to show me who you are? Your soul is all you are now, all you were in the past, and all you will ever be. All insecurities, all confidence, all of your secrets that not even you allow yourself to see, everything of who you are…”

There’s a white glow underneath Toriel’s hand. When she pulls it away, a white, upside-down heart follows out of her body. You can’t describe its glow, only that the soul looks almost flat in color, with the glow surrounding it. There are small, dark gray cracks scattered randomly as if it has been damaged over the years from heartbreak and loneliness. The light bounces off the surroundings, illuminating the space between you two.

This is the first time seeing a monster soul in person, yet you somehow understand that not all souls are like this. This is unique to Toriel, and to who she is as a person.

That soul…. That is Toriel…. This is Toriel.

Toriel smiles, “…Bring it forward with the trust that whoever you are sharing yourself with will accept you. Your body and what you are willing to show on the surface is like a bouquet of flowers. But your soul is like the roots. And sometimes, no one knows what to do when Autumn comes. This is why it is so important to show your soul only to those you can absolutely trust. Do you understand now, my dear [Y/n]?”

You nod slowly, entranced by the soul in front of you.

Toriel doesn’t feel in danger, rather she feels… happy that you aren’t turning her away.

She lowers her hand, letting her soul float freely, ”Now that you understand more of what it means to share your soul, I understand if you might have second thou-”

You remove your hand from your chest, letting a yellow heart leave your chest without resistance. It looks the same size as Toriel’s, shiny and less flat than hers in terms of color.

It’s you!

”My…” Toriel stares in awe, “What a beautiful gold… I’ve never seen a golden soul before…”

…Huh. Actually, now that she said it, your soul does look more gold than it does yellow or orange. Maybe because it’s a mix of yellow and orange? You’re—still not sure if you think Justice best describes you, but maybe whatever orange means is good for you? IF your soul is a mix of colors, that is.

There’s a type of melody that plays from someone's soul that, from what Toriel understands, only monsters can hear. With a bit of magic though, she can share it with you.

“Give me your hand, my child.”

You put your dominant hand in hers, and suddenly, there's music playing in the room. Faintly you can recognize the melody of “Heartache” though it's much slower yet high in pitch to give it a more light-hearted feeling. A little louder, however, is a familiar song that you haven't heard in a while. 

No, it wasn't a song from Undertale. In fact, the song sounds like… Ah, it's on the tip of your tongue! The more you try to remember, the further the recognition gets away! The piano music was slow at first, but then strings were added to the mix once the rhythm started picking up. It's so beautiful… And so fucking familiar.

Toriel smiles at your song, “This is the melody of your soul, [Y/n]. Humans can't hear it, but monsters are able to during battles or in moments like these. With some magic coming from the heart, I am able to share it with you. Isn't it wonderful?”

Wait.

A damn.

Minute.

Are the characters' themes an actual thing? It's not just part of the game, but something that actually exists within their souls?

So what about your music? It's obviously derivative from somewhere else, and that answer could give you a lot of insight about yourself. After all, Toriel said before that souls are who you were, who you are, and who you will eventually be. That must apply to your soul’s music, right? What does this mean for you?

Granted you're not exactly complaining because this song is a banger. You wish you could recall it though, it's annoying that you don't know what it is. But honestly? You don't think it truly matters at the end of the day. What you do know is…

Toriel squeezes your hand gently, the music of your souls is beautifully mixed.

”What a beautiful soul,” Toriel says with a warm expression, “for such a beautiful human.”

…You are truly loved.

Your Sou's Music (wow so cheesy I know but it's so slay)

Tag List (did you still want to be tagged? oops it's been like 3 years my bad gang)

@lemonboy011

[lightlyknitted]

Start crafting on a budget

So you want to get into knitting/crochet or any number crafts and don’t know where to start? Or you’re on a budget and worried about spending a bunch of money on something you might not like?

There are a few places you can go to find discounted supplies. It will take just a little bit of work and dedication to get there. I’ve listed a few places to start below in order from what I think are cheapest to more expensive.

Local buy nothing groups

Hands down, the cheapest way but might take the longest. If you have a facebook profile (or make one specifically for the groups), asking a local for free and for sale or buy nothing can be a great place to get a start. Just remember to be polite and follow the group rules and it could lead to some good bargains. Because these groups are heavily dependent on you I can’t really recommend any good ones. Even in craft supplies don’t pop up in these groups my local free and for sale groups often help me find #2.

2. Yard sales/Estate Sales

Yard sales or Estate Sales can often be a treasure hunt, much like buy nothing groups. If I am looking for vintage materials or simply older craft supplies I will prioritize Estate Sales. This is because of an important distinction, estate sales generally happen after a death or a sudden move. Estate sales can have good deals but it’s important to remember this doesn’t always happen – some estate sale organizers will raise prices if something has a high resale value online. Generally I haven’t seen a big increase in yarn or already finished projects.

(One estate sale I went to even offered doilies and linens up by the bag.)

Yard sales can have a good selection but it’s important to know that this doesn’t always mean unused craft supplies. If you find one of these listings online, it would be a very good idea to check any photos listed or the description to see if you see supplies that might interest you. For some yard sales, you can try haggling, I am not sure on estate sales, but that might depend on who’s running it.

3. Second Hand stores

Second hand stores can include your local thrift stores and or chain thrift stores (ie Goodwill, Salvation Army ect). These stores will vary each week in what is offered, in person. Prices are generally good, it can depend on your location and who’s running it. I’ve found that the chain stores have raised their prices to be a bit more for yarn bags than they used to be but some mom and pop shops will give you bags for cheap.

Another option is to go the online second hand store route, like Ebay, Craigslist or shopgoodwill.com. Ebay can be good for lots of things and for more vintage patterns / old and out of date booklets. A lot of the things on these stores might not be brand new or fresh but might be a bit cheaper than starting fresh.

4. Dollar Store

Now, if you have a Dollar Store near you there is a good chance they’ll have a decent starter selection of yarn and knitting needles and crochet hooks. There are a few different types of yarn and because each ball is $1.25. I wouldn’t recommend this for the long term for at least normal acrylic because it’s a bit more expensive to shop the Dollar Tree than the sale section of a box store.

The needles and hooks are pretty limited in sizes so I highly recommend looking at a second hand shop for those.

5. Sale section of your local big box store

The sale section of an online retailer or big box store is another great place to look for discount craft supplies. The yarn selection can be great and the coupons can be used for other notions. I personally like Joann's or Michael's for big box stores but for online retailers I like knit picks. Your local yarn store (if you have one near you), is also a great place to get help or find other crafters. Some even carry budget friendly yarns. (I personally like Berroco as a budget yarn!)

[cdelphiki]

That shawl you're making is gorgeous!!! Would you mind sharing the pattern and/or what kind of material you're using? (I can never find a good yarn with a smooth enough color gradient for my projects, but that one looks wonderful!!)

Oh my goodness gladly! I love talking about yarn 🤣

This is a fingering weight cotton yarn from Hobby Lobby called Yarn Bee Rainbow Wrapsody! My only complaint about it is they don’t have NEAR enough colorways, because this is by far my favorite yarn ever. It’s so soft and works up so nicely, I’ve used 6 different cakes of it so far for various projects and this would be the 7th and every one has been perfect so far without any flaw anywhere (including no random spots where the yarn got cut and tied together!!!!!) it does tend to “yarn barf” when you’re first starting off using it though, so gotta just be mindful of that to prevent tangling. Hobby lobby puts their yarn on 30% off every other or every third week (can’t remember which atm) and this week is the 30% off yarn week so I recommend buying the yarn during the 30% off week.

Then I found the pattern on Ravelry for free! Here it is here. And here is the info page on Ravelry if you use that site and want to favorite it.

[triscribe]

Well then!

So, last July, I came down to visit my dad’s new house in Florida for the first time.

(It’s not a retiree thing, it’s a ‘my father has been a Disney fanatic his entire life and corrupted my stepmother into loving it too, so much to the point they picked out a home less than an hour’s drive from the Magic Kingdom’ thing. But that’s not really relevant at the moment.)

We spent a long weekend pretty much just hanging out, like we used to when Dad lived fifteen minutes away from me, with a couple trips to the local movie theater and LOTS of enthusing over new comic books. But! I ended the trip on a bit of an unhappy note, realizing only when I got home to Texas that I’d accidentally left my colored pencils in Florida.

The 24-piece set wasn’t especially important in and of itself, but I’d spent decent money on a nice zippered case that matched the one my watercolor pencils are in, and I wanted it back.

Dad had no luck finding it. On my next trip, a couple months later in September, I also had no luck. *rassafrassamumblegrumble*

However, being emotionally damaged to the point I don’t cry unless something really terrible happens CAN have an upside, and in this instance it meant I sighed and moved on, trying other sets of pencils and not bothering to buy any new cases until I could find something I really liked to use.

But now! I am on my latest trip, sneaking in a few days before Thanksgiving before I gotta go back home and work Black Friday weekend (be nice to your delivery drivers, guys, this is their shittiest time of year). On both previous visits, my stepmother was out of town for different things, intentionally timed so that I could have Dad all to myself, she’s thoughtful like that. Last night, though, all three of us were hanging out in the den, doing various things on our different laptops and idly chatting, when I asked if Dad ever happened to come across my colored pencils.

Stepmother picks her head up.

No, Dad says after a moment, Sorry, still nothing. Stepmother blinks at him.

For her benefit, I start to explain about misplacing my pencils two visits prior. I get no further than a single sentence before she’s setting her laptop aside, standing up, and announcing Well That’s Easily Fixed!

My occasionally (read: frequently) insane step-parent disappears briefly into her office. She returns with not one, not two, but three, MASSIVE sets of colored pencils, one in a thick zippered case and two in tin containers with layered trays. VERY high quality, one hundred and eighty pieces EACH.

This is a woman who grew up on a limited household budget, and lived the first couple decades of her adult life in a similar, frugal-by-necessity manner. But! Ever since marrying my dad, getting to live on his income while going back to school, and steadily climbing her way up in the medical profession to a point where she now makes As Much and Half Again of what my computer engineer father does- she likes to buy Shiny Things. As in, she will happily throw herself into a new hobby for the excuse of purchasing all kinds of cool materials for it (skeins of yarn, paint supplies, baking equipment, etc), dabble for a few months, and then move onto something new. ADHD Mood, anyone?

Anywho.

The coloring book phase is apparently long since over, and she happily gifted me with two of these massive colored pencil sets. Dad reminded her I only came with a small suitcase and mini duffel bag. She airily waved a hand and said if I needed more carrying capacity, they’d get me another suitcase before I go home.

I may have had my reservations in the early days, but I can easily state now that I wholeheartedly love this woman.

(And that I anticipate the distant day when the grief of losing her and Dad will hopefully be offset by inheriting an insane amount of old art supplies and comic books, ‘cause like hell are my stepbrothers getting any of it.)

[afroditiology]

Bed and Sleeping pad Guide

In the event that you find you are not sleeping great it could be because of an old and uncomfortable bed. How long we spend in bed can influence its solidness. Assuming the sleeping pad is uneven and the springs are too fun it very well may be an ideal opportunity to go out to shop. We additionally change as we age. An individual who has once dozed best on a delicate sleeping cushion might be more suited to a harder sleeping pad further down the road, or, the other way around. Weight gain and weight reduction can all impact how we respond to our beddings. A sleeping pad may be ideally suited for one individual however in the event that two people begin utilizing it there could be troubles. Studies visit site here have demonstrated the way that beds can lose up to 70% of their unique solidness more than 10 years.

How Would I Choose a Sleeping pad? Prior to looking for a bedding you really want to arm yourself with relevant data. First figure out what type of bed is best for you. Do you like delicate or hard beds? Could you prefer a standard bedding or a froth sleeping pad? In the event that you are don't know, go evaluate one or two bedding types. Second, think about your spending plan. This isn't a buy you need to ration, as an unfortunate night's sleep can influence your entire day. Attempt to get as much worth as possible for your financial plan. At last, size is a vital variable particularly in the event that there is more than one individual sleeping in the bed. Preferably, you ought to both have the option to lie on the bed with your arms behind your heads and not touch. A bed should be 10-15 cm longer than the tallest individual sleeping in that bed. Likewise focus on the level. Lower beds can be not difficult to get into however more earnestly to escape. High beds can be difficult to get into, particularly for more diminutive people, yet extremely simple to jump out of toward the beginning of the day.

The Outside of a Sleeping pad The sleeping pad outside is called ticking. Outwardly it is truly not excessively important to choose a "pretty" sleeping cushion as it will be covered more often than not. Rather you need to ensure the ticking is durable and all around made and not inclined to tearing. The better ticking is made of material that is sewn or woven utilizing cotton or thick yarn. Less expensive beddings are made of polypropylene or polyester. The least expensive sleeping cushions are made of stitchbond or fortified material. Producers currently make outer sleeping cushion covers with extraordinary features like enemy of sensitivity, hostile to bacterial and against static. They might be impervious to staining, water and fire. Incredibly enough, there are even beddings that emit various fragrances helpful for a decent night's sleep.

Spring Sleeping pads There are three essential types of spring sleeping cushions. A consistent spring sleeping cushion is produced using a solitary piece of wire woven into many springs. The springs are connected in an upward design. The wire is delicate and the curls are small. This produces additional response from the sleeping pad. An open curl sleeping pad is the most widely recognized type of bedding. The springs are organized evenly and associated at their tops and on the base by a bending wire. The poles that go around the edge of the loops add strength. A pocket spring sleeping cushion has curls that are set in fabric covers. Rather than working as a unit, these springs function independently. Accordingly development between accomplices on a similar bed can not be felt by the other.

Froth Sleeping cushions Plastic froth sleeping cushions are very responsive as they are really produced using elastic tree sap. Known for their solidness, they additionally have hostile to sensitivity and against microbial attributes. These sleeping cushions return to their unique shape when you get off the bed. Pressure is uniformly appropriated as well. A thick versatile or adaptive padding bed is made of polyurethane froth. It doesn't answer as fast as a plastic froth sleeping cushion yet is superb at easing pressure focuses on the body. This froth sleeping cushion has a few unique densities making some harder than others. Polyurethane froth beds are petrol based. They too come in various densities and are one of the more popular froth beds.

[simplefelicity]

What I wanted in 2023

this is the third in a series of posts in which i reflect on my 2023 from a financial perspective, using data from my financial journal.

things i can kind of remember wanting

a more precise scale. to weightyarn scraps with more precision. i have to weigh them like once every 5 months so it’s very low priority.

Masterclass subscription. sometimes those ads really get to me, you know? but i know that i’d use it for a week and then drop it. not worth it unless i seriously commit to it.

clothes steamer. something i think about from time to time, especially in the summer. but i wouldn’t have much use of it anyway.

bubble tea with friends. we ended up not being able to go that time and when we met afterwards we were like “nah”.

i'm constantly struggling against the urge of starting a small ceramics animals collection. my heart tells me yes, my hate for dusting forbids me.

things that i’m like? but why???

getting a snack at an underground station in the city centre, specifically so that i would get change and perhaps there would be funky coins there (i collect euros from other countries)

lime nail polish. i do not use nail polish.

knives out poster. when glass onion came out, i intensely wanted a poster for 2 days and scoured the internet for one and then forgot all about it.

old letters or journals. thankfully i didn’t buy those, because i already have some and have no idea what to do with them. should i donate them to a museum? and they cost a pretty penny too!

jellycat bashful cottontail bunny. i saw it in a store and was like: mine! i don’t know why. i already have one in another colour and no intentions of starting a collection.

jellycat fluffy bunny (oatmeal). i remembered the other one but this one? why?

opal ring like the one Lucy wears in The Rookie. if you’ve watched the series, you know which one. i don’t even wear silver jewellery.

perfume. i would never wear it anyway.

scented candle. i have no idea what got into me.

books

(i would absolutely buy any and all these books but for the sake of my minimalism) (i didn’t expect there to be so many)

Cassandra Calin comics.

Strange Planet comics.

Kate Beaton comics.

(they are all brilliant & i’d like to support the authors)

Come Fly The World by Julia Cooke, a physical copy. it’s a book i really enjoyed reading on ebook (and higly recommend!). once i have purged all my other books i’ll consider getting a secondhand copy.

Knitting Comfortably by Carson Demers. a book about the ergonomics of handknitting. i’d buy the ebook but it doesn’t exist! you can only get a physical copy for 50$ + shipping from the States. no thank you.

Pride and Prejudice, Penguin Deluxe Edition. because it’s gorgeous. but i already have a copy

Pride and Prejudice, funny edition. i found on Vinted an edition of p&p with Darcy smoking on the cover. i would be more precise on what edition it was, but i unfavourited because i knew i’d end up buying it if i had easy access to it and i can’t find it again.

642 Things to Draw. because sometimes i’m like “maybe i should start drawing again!” and then i never do.

things i will consider actually buying

new coat. an item that was mentioned various times but i did not end up buying. my current coat’s only problem is that the pockets’ zip doesn’t work anymore. i should just pay to have them repaired.

stitch markers for knitting. unfortunately i only like the very expensive ones you see on Etsy. but i was able to find some on Vinted, so...

beads for jewellery making. i saw some cute ones at Tiger for like 2€ so...

cross-stitch embroidery material. i like cross-stitching but it’s so expensive! and i already spend a lot in yarn.

tarot deck. i’ve been wanting one for years, just for giggles. i don’t think i’d ever use it, though, so i never end up buying it. sooner or later i’ll relent.

a new wallet. i have had my wallet for… 10 years? it still does it’s job and it didn’t get ruined but it’s not very fashionable. it is a bit bulky but i have other small wallets that i never use for one reason or another

barefoot shoes. sooner or later i’ll buy these but i don’t really have the time or money right now. also, i hate shopping.

footstool. my desk chair is too tall.

cotton yarn for a project. i will buy that sooner or later.

[mirandamckenni1]

Liked on YouTube: knitting this sweater made my fingers bleed (60+ hours) || https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jnHpmJcNnQ || /// MATERIALS USED /// Pattern is the Switch Sweater by Wool And The Gang: https://ift.tt/wOKvV1R But if you want the pattern only, it's £5 on John Lewis: https://ift.tt/8z9YVQM The yarn I used was Super Chunky Merino in Iris from Lauren Aston Designs: https://ift.tt/gDifwx1 (the colour is exclusive to their sub service, which you can gain access to if you sign up, even if it's just for one month) An interesting yarn comparison post: https://ift.tt/YxjnH32 /// NOTE /// My editor (Craig) was on holiday this week, so this video was edited by me! /// SUPPORT /// JOIN THE GUMPTION CLUB: https://ift.tt/IxqFWoZ Being in the club means you get: a free weekly podcast, access to a secret facebook group, a free poetry collection and play written by me, access to livestreams AND you get to access to all my videos before anyone else sees them! CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP - for those lovely people who don't want to use Patreon and aren't bothered about the patreon perks, but who'd like to buy me a drink as a thank you for the free videos... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpqf-UHCeCSd0BqoxxrDv8g/join ORDER my poetry collection, BARGAIN BIN ROM-COM! https://ift.tt/I6Y7PcQ // COME AND HANG WITH ME IN BETWEEN UPLOADS // IF NEWSLETTERS ARE YOUR THING, sign up to get a little letter in your inbox from me once in a while! As a thank you for signing up, you’ll get a FREE downloadable list of my best books of all time: https://ift.tt/d83T02f INSTAGRAM: https://ift.tt/V89h2d4 TWITTER: https://twitter.com/leenanorms I use Octopus Energy which are a clean green sustainable energy company - if you're in the UK and are curious, here are the two videos I talk about them in: https://youtu.be/O0TR7RvVRlI and https://youtu.be/IEqf94lb44U And here's my referral link if you'd like to get £50 off (I get £50 off too, woo!) https://ift.tt/3jyYhea All music used is licensed through Epidemic Sound - I've been using them for years and hand-on-heart it's really fab. You get unlimited use of their music per month for a pretty bargain fee. Here's my referral link (if you sign up through it I get a free month): https://ift.tt/KDQBW6T If you're a company that makes plastic-free products, pays their tax and doesn't exploit people, I'd love to hear from you if you'd like to sponsor the channel: leenanorms@gmail.com

[oh-yes-i-did-not]

TODAY on Leo does something with a goal in mind~ I don’t have a mid season coat, like, for spring and fall. The coat one would usually use for those, the light woolly coat, I use for winter. Because I don’t get cold. If I do I just layer an extra shirt under and I’m fine.

BUT anygays, I thought having another coat would be fashionable so I tried to come up something stash busting. And that’s granny squares. All the cotton yarn it can eat, was the idea, but then I got set on a thicker yarn and had to order some more but WHO CARES, I’m making something of it.

And since cotton is pretty good, granny squeres are just full of holes so I need a lining. Two linings, probably. One for just warmth and wind and another for slipperiness and wind. So today I dyed some basic cotton fabric. It might have been a bed sheet in it’s past life. Or a curtain. Or a tablecloth. But in it’s second life it’s now my top lining fabric.

I used a blend of lemon yellow (1/5) and a more orangey yellow (4/5) in 10% of dry weight solution and I could not be happier with the results. The photos kinda mess with it, it’s not that orange. It’s more of a really warm, spicy yellow. And it’s the first time I got results that good, since my (or our, as a class) tests before have failed somewhat, losing most of the colour in rinse. But the secret just seemed to be to keep that temperature on the upper limits of the given range, which was between 50 to 60 degrees Celsius.

Or actually, 50 degrees, do not pass 60 was a more accurate wording of our instructions. Which is why we’ve been careful to keep the bath temperature at exact 50 as much as possible. I’m now starting to think that’s a mistake. A HUGE mistake. Don’t do that. Try to aim at 55 degrees Celsius. Keep it around that.

Next thing is the inner lining fabric, the one that should make the coat easy to put on and add some extra wind break. I was hesitating on this a lot since I don’t want to mess my cotton coat with some polyester lining fabric. And also, fabric EXPENSIVE so I would rather just go without. Luckily someone recommended Kässä Kirppu just in time.

(This is Finland only thing so ignore this paragraph unless you’re from here:) Second hand crafts supplies, with affordable prices. In practice, second hand here means leftovers or stuff you never used, not like... used fabric and yarn. So unused but cheaper than new. I’m not yet super sure how it works but basically, for a provision, you can send your stuff to them to sell. They seems to take professional photos of it, too. And you can buy all that stuff through them so no need to manage multiple sellers for each product. Might be more expensive than your local flea market but also, easier to browse. Give it a look https://kassakirppu.fi/

ANYWAYS, they sent me my shining new viscose satin fabric today. Viscose or Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric, made of a natural material, cellulose, but going through some major processing on the way, making it also synthetic. But when it comes to qualities like dyeing, it’s natural. And viscose satin sure does not get caught on every molecule of your being like synthetic satin does. Most of the clothes I own are either cotton or viscose so it’s a good everyday fabric, imo. More expensive but also more modern and environmentally friendly semi-synthetics are Lyocell and Cupro, so if you have the money, look into those. I don’t so yeah, onwards.

My camera actually decided to be an ass today on everything (or it just hates yellow) so whereas my dye bath pics came out too orange, the satin pics came out way pale. The one above is already cranked up to 100 on both colour temp and saturation, and it’s not yet right. Not on my screen at least.

THIS is a more accurate representation of what an absolute easter yellow thing this fabric is. It’s just YELLOW.

So yeah anyways, now a new decision is ahead of me. Should I keep the YELLOW fabric as it is, since it would be the inside lining and kinda like a happy “whaddya buying?” effect, or should I dye it to tone it down, just a notch. It definitely doesn’t match the yarn I have, any of it. But also, does it need to? It’s yellow, so what???

Also, I definitely have more of this satin than I have the cotton so I might have to patch in in some places anyways.

[radfem-woman]

All I can think about with that plarn post (crocheting from plastic bag strips) is the huge note posts of people trashing anyone who avoids animal product wool yarn because “the alternative is (usually) plastic!!!!”

And i mean like I’m someone dedicatedly avoids plastic as though I were allergic to it all. I hate it and its 24/7 pollution shedding behavior. I avoid industry harvested animal products but will use traditionally made ones.

But it’s still so funny to me how people are about plastic. Smugly aghast anyone would everrrr pick it over animal product material AND at the same time addicted to using gobs and gobs of plastic in their lives in addition to shitty industry made animal product material.

Where’s the hordes of people telling ms demeanor shes fucking up the environment making bags from plastic not (factory made, lots of pollution from the process) leather? A lot of plastic “vegan leather” or “vegan yarn” is recycled plastic. I’d don’t really like any of it, but it’s the same thing. Some of it meanwhile is like mushrooms somehow idk.

It’s just a sign of hypocrisy to me and how a lot of people hate vegans most because they are nervous about someone potentially being more ethical than they are, in a way they don’t want to commit to, and so need to tear it down by any means… even hypocritical means.

Meanwhile I’m not vegan but I can respect how a lot of people approach it and see no need to tell them a lot of shit marketed as vegan leather etc is plastic with that tone and intent. The “haha you’re a dupe and soooo much worse than all of us! Who use lots of plastic probably even more plus the animal industry product totally never ever use plastic” tone. It’s not hard to just say oh if you’re vegan and care about the environment, don’t fall for plastic replacements, here’s a list of nonplastic replacements, and perhaps consider certain used or responsibly/traditionally made animal materials are in this case better. But most people won’t because it was never about sustainability to them, it was an opportunity to cut down someone else.

That last sentence fr. A lot of people will just talk down about someone just so they can feel marginally better about themselves and say well at least I'm not like x all while avoiding looking at anything outside of themselves and the larger implications of the choices they make. Things would be a lot better with plastic pollution if the focus shifted to using well made ethically/traditionally sourced natural fiber and leather items that are made for longevity. Especially if they get materials or the items themselves from somebody local to them. Things that will not pollute the environment nearly as bad when the item becomes no longer useable. Its a struggle though because plastic is everywhere, and large corporations will jump to it because its cheaper for them to use. And people will go and buy those things because its cheaper short term for them too. Reminds me of something i saw a while back talking about how poorer people spend more because they can only afford the cheaper item that will last a short while and then can only afford the replacement of it and it becomes a cycle of spending money, while people who arent poor like that can afford to buy the higher quality item that will last for quite a while spending less in the long run because they only had to buy it once or maybe a couple times. I think its also that people dont know where to look for more ethically sourced materials because the market is flooded with shit and it can be hard to know where to start or what to even do. I can respect people trying to mitigate their waste with what they have available to them, and with stuff they already have that would otherwise go to a landfill. Though I agree that plastic is shit and we should all try our best to minimize our consumption of it. The hypocrisy of people criticising things like that in a condescending way while ignoring looking at their own consumption habits, and offering no tangible helpful alternative is really grating. Idk if my answer here really makes sense to ur ask but I get what ur sayin

[malakasaroobie]

Reindeer Headbands_ A Lesser-Known Holidays Staple

Reindeer Headbands: A Lesser-Known Holidays Staple

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and celebration. But what about the little guy in your life? What about the reindeer lover who just doesn’t feel right without a festive headband? Don’t worry, you don’t have to go all out and buy that expensive gift. You can make your own reindeer headband in less than an hour using just a few simple supplies. In this blog post, we will show you how to make these adorable holiday accessories using just a few simple steps. And best of all, they’re affordable too—at only $3 per headband, you can stock up on these fun accessories for everyone on your list!

What are Reindeer Headbands?

Reindeer headbands are a fun and festive accessory that can be worn during many holidays. They provide an easy way to dress up for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday party. Headbands come in many different colors and patterns, so there’s sure to be one that suits your personality. Some of the most popular reindeer headbands are made from soft plush fabric and are adorned with colorful wool felt ears. These ear headbands are perfect for keeping your ears warm while you celebrate the holidays. Other popular types of reindeer headbands include those that have a pompom on top and those that feature Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer embroidered on the front. There are many different ways to style a reindeer headband, so it’s sure to find a place in your wardrobe this season. Whether you want to wear it as part of your Christmas ensemble or just for fun at other holiday parties, a reindeer headband is definitely a great option.

How to Make Reindeer Headbands

You don't have to go all out and make a giant, festive reindeer headband to celebrate Christmas. These easy, take-along headbands are perfect for a little extra cheer on December 25th! You can even make them in advance and keep them in your stash for when the holiday mood strikes. Materials: -Scissors - Worsted weight yarn (around 100 yards) in different colors - I used red, green, brown, black, white, and light pink (for the antlers) - Tapestry needle - 12 mm safety eyes (optional) - Yarn needle for weaving in ends

What to Wear with Reindeer Headbands

When it comes to wearing festive accessories, one of the lesser-known options is reindeer headbands. These simple pieces can add a touch of holiday cheer to any outfit, and they're also perfect for keeping hair out of your face while you're bundled up in a winter coat. Here are three easy ways to wear reindeer headbands: 1. As an added layer of warmth - If you're looking for a quick and easy way to add some extra warmth to your winter wardrobe, consider pairing a reindeer headband with some thick wool socks or boots. Not only will this combo keep your feet warm, but the overall effect will be reminiscent of those classic Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer images! 2. For a more playful look - If you're looking for something that'll add a little fun to your holiday ensemble, consider opting for a colorful reindeer headband instead of the traditional black ones. This approach will allow you to really stand out from the crowd, and it'll also give your hair a little more freedom to move around without getting tangled up in the band. 3. As part of an accessory collection - Finally, if you're interested in incorporating reindeer headbands into your everyday wardrobe but don't know how or where to start, don't worry! We've got plenty of tips and tutorials on our blog that'll help you get started (and we highly recommend checking out our guide on how to make

Tips for Storing Reindeer Headbands

There are a few tips for storing reindeer headbands to keep them looking their best. Hang them on a loop of fabric so they don't get tangled, and avoid placing them in direct sunlight or cold environments.

Conclusion

Reindeer headbands are a lesser-known holiday staple, but they are definitely worth checking out. These headbands come in a variety of styles and can be used for a variety of occasions. Whether you are looking for something to wear to a festive gathering or just want to add an extra touch of whimsy to your outfit, reindeer headbands are the perfect option.

[oscarswildetiger]

My own personal response to that last post about retail monoculture.  I love small bookstores but I have to make a trip out of it, I support them when I can, but I also wildly support Barnes and Noble at this point too because I don’t want it to go the way of blockbuster.  I used to buy a lot on Amazon but now I hardly use it at all, the only reason I still support a Prime membership is because my sister pays for literally every other streaming service so the deal is still in my favor if I pay for Amazon despite rarely using it. I rather buy from literally any other website or local place than use Amazon even if it is more expensive.  I’ve also been trying to kick big box craft stores now too. The last time I went to Michael’s to buy yarn I was met with someone who once again was not ringing anyone out but guiding them to the new self check out registers, it threw me into such an internal panic/wake up call that I put everything I had in my arms back except for tapestry needles that I needed for that day.  I’ve noticed in the past few years the big box craft stores are leaning more into home decor, which I didn’t mind, I think a lot of the stuff they have is pretty nice even if it is overpriced. But the more troubling aspect is that things are turning into quick crafts or quick kits and it’s harder to find nice quality materials at any of these places. Almost all the yarn is cheaper synthetic, and when I tried to find baby yarn all I could find was baby velvet, which I ended up getting and hate using so much I’m giving it away. and when trying to find any fabric it just seems that everytime I step foot in a joann’s more and more of the store is taken up by fun fleece. Who needs so many fleece blankets?!  they’re almost always out of the balsa wood embroidery hoops and they just have bulky plastic ones. It’s becoming more of a cheap garbage dump than anything. Which I don’t really understand, these places are for crafting and hand making items, shouldn’t the people who shop there care about the quality and longevity of making something? Joann’s for now does not have self check out (at least where I am) but I am never going to Michael’s again, and I’m doing better to make an effort to go to locally owned places, I don’t mind spendng more on yarn and materials if what I’m making is nicer and more sustainable!

[jazzeria]

Birthday Yarn

Around my birthday, my partner came with me into the yarn store (there was a sale!).  Normally he stays behind and waits, but this time he followed me in.  

I was a bit uncertain of what to do, so I just narrated the normally-internal thought processes when I yarn shop.  

“Lately I’ve been preferring biodegradable yarns and yarns made from recycled material, especially in lighter weights.  There’s this wool-linen yarn, it’s about $30 for 100g, which is about 420m of yarn.  I’d need about 4-5 for a me-sized sweater.  And there’s this 100% recycled merino-nylon-viscose yarn that I’m hoping to make a cat sweater with.  It’s about $15 for 100g, which is about 460m, which makes it a steal of a deal!”  

I showed him the yarns I’d been yearning for.  I found the wool-linen yarn and picked up four skeins.  “Yeah that’s gonna be a sweater.”  

I showed him some tweedy sock yarn that I’ve been dreaming of, but didn’t pick it up.  

“Are you sure?  You don’t have a project already lined up for it?” he asked.  

Well.  It’s just that it’s such a good price normally; so if I’m using the sale to buy this expensive yarn, I don’t need to buy the tweedy yarn too.  I mean, yeah I want a sturdy tweedy sweater!  But it can wait.  

He didn’t push.  I wondered if he was being some kind of Yarn Cop trying to use reverse psychology on me.  

I showed him some dreamy alpaca yarns--and again, he asked, “Well, do you have some projects picked out for these yarns?”  

Well, maybe, but, not well-thought-out enough to justify buying them all right now.  He shrugged.  

I finished up, trying to be mindful of the amount of time we’d already spent in the shop, and all the yarn stashed at home.  But when we got to the cashier, he pushed me aside.

“I got it.  Consider it an early birthday present.”  

Aaaaaaa