#But this was a simpler pattern and I've learned since these so I went back and it works!!!

[theultimateultimateweapon]

Baby's first sewing project!!!

[pickledwoso]

how are you learning spanish? do you have any tips it’s so hard 🥲

it is hard!!! here’s the link to a post i made a while back about things i was doing to learn spanish before i moved. i didn't end up having as much time to practice spanish beforehand as i would have liked, but i still stand by everything on that list. however, after a month and a half here, my actual biggest tips are:

obviously easier said than done, but the biggest thing is getting over the fear of making mistakes and/or sounding stupid. that is the single biggest thing that will hold you back from learning a language. you have to be willing to put yourself out there, practice, and make mistakes. the only way you learn is by doing it. and also nobody actually thinks you sound stupid! i've never had anyone be rude to me for trying to speak their language and doing it poorly (except a few french people ahahaha), and spanish people in particular are SO nice about it! i went to a ferretería near my apartment the other day and once i´d told the guy working that i only speak a little spanish and didn´t understand whatever he had just rattled off to me about drying racks, he spent at least ten minutes talking to me in spanish and asking me about myself and telling me what he´d said in simpler terms and it was so sweet!

learn basic phonics. please. i beg. as soon as possible. don’t start with hello how are you where is the toilet thank you goodbye, start with phonics. this doesn´t apply so much for languages like english, which often doesn´t follow pronunciation rules, but many other languages do, and learning the rules as early as possible will make your pronunciation and accent miles better. so many native english speakers don´t realize that vowels in spanish consistently sound the same, for example (a always makes the same sound, e always makes the same sound, etc.) so they pronounce them with english vowel patterns and it sounds so unnatural and is a hard habit to break down the road. there´s so many other little things too, like the fact b and v make pretty much the same sound in spanish (at least in spain), hard vowels like d and t are pronounced much softer than in english, etc. practice your pronunciation a lot early on and it will make a huge difference! people often assume i speak more spanish than i do because i have a half decent accent and this is why.

as everyone says, immerse yourself as much as possible. obviously this is harder if you don’t live in a country where your target language is spoken, but there are so other ways to do this. change your phone to spanish. listen to and watch spanish content. find a language exchange buddy. you get out what you put in etc etc etc. i didn’t immerse myself as much as i could have when i was in the US and my spanish has skyrocketed since being here - a month and a half ago A1 was generous and today i’d say i understood around 60-70% of the conversations i overheard at work.

[rannadylin]

#I READ THE BIT ABOUT PULLING THE WHOLE YARN THRU A BIG LOOP AND JUST WENT ??????? IN MY HEAD.#thank you#i have too many projects rn but...i so desperately want to knit this#can you make a video of eberything lol ill buy the pattern and tip you...jkjk#ive never done a shawl and ive never done lace and ive never done beading and i KNOW this would be the worst project to learn those things#walk before you run right#but AAAAA look at it#knitting help via @rslashknitting

Oh goodness, that would be...a loooot of video. It's definitely an advanced lace pattern, but if you're looking to make it:

Make sure you are comfortable with reading a lace knitting chart. Although to be fair, this pattern does have both charts (very clear, easy to read ones! Each individual leaf is given a different background color so you can kind of track if you're knitting in the right place) and written instructions, so if you can't read lace charts you could theoretically still do this pattern. I think being able to look at the chart and say "Oh this K2tog is supposed to be the edge of the green leaf, not the middle of the orange one, so I have missed some stitches somewhere" etc. is very, very helpful. (For anyone who wants to learn to knit from a chart, Knitty has some good tutorials.)

Beading is optional - I was planning to do beads on this but then, doing the gauge swatch yarn calculations I wasn't sure if I even had enough yarn for as large a shawl as I want (I have since ordered more. Here's hoping it's the same dye lot when it gets here.) so I finally decided not to try to calculate beads when the number of beads I'd need is a bit unclear and I just started knitting it without them. It takes a LOT of beads though, 5 for each leaf, and you can see from the pictures it's a LOT of leaves.

I would definitely recommend a smaller, less complex lace project before tackling this shawl, just to get the hang of how lace is built. Hm, let's see what I can recommend from patterns I have used before...

I think these socks were my first attempt at lace - pretty simple, just decreases and YOs.

Old Shale/Feather and Fan is always a great first lace pattern!

All the way back to my old LJ for a pattern I wrote up for a zigzag-lace kerchief...or this one with just some simple lace eyelets.

A baby hat (or doll hat :-D) with a lacy brim

A beret with a little lace motif (and this one, unlike the others above, does have a lace chart if you need practice with charted patterns!)

Spring Forward is a slightly more detailed than the above projects sock pattern.

Embossed leaves is not a free pattern - but it might be helpful to try patterns for leaf lace? I've found that familiarity with how lace stitches can make a leaf shape, in general, has been useful to me in figuring out the Mallorn stitch patterns.

Another leaf lace pattern on Duet, which can be worn as a hat or cowl!

Or for something simpler than a lacy sock or hat, this Leaf Lace Washcloth is not a pattern I've tried but it is a good basic leaf lace stitch pattern given both in written instructions and in a chart.

As for beading, I'm not finding many simpler beaded projects in my past knits to recommend - I guess by the time I started adding beads I was already comfortable with pretty complex lace and cables and whatnot. However, if you want to add beads, I recommend using 6/0 seed beads and a size .8mm crochet hook, which is what I used on the Kinross Avenue Wrap.

Oooh, also - the Raupen Wrap pattern has several video tutorials with it that includes one for knitting with beads! (It also features some more advanced lace, with gathered stitches and a butterfly stitch...) The tutorial playlist is here. And actually, the designer's Youtube channel has a ton of technique videos so you might find other things there to help with lace and/or beading!

I hope that's all helpful! I suspect the Mallorn Shawl would be pretty frustrating for a new lace knitter - but even so, it's all essentially just made up of yarn-overs and decreases (and weird "bind off in the middle of the row" techniques as per my video, of course...). It takes a lot of concentration to get it all set up but once you get through the first round or two of leaves, the pattern feels less random and it's very satisfying!

Since yesterday's knit and tea photos I have knit...ah...1 whole row (I'm blaming it on Helm's Deep. Those epic battles take forever and Cerphedis finished them yesterday, sooooo :-D). So in lieu of what would basically be identical photos to yesterday's, have a video of the special stitch that threw me off in the gauge swatch due to my failure to read the instructions thoroughly! In this pattern, the tip of each leaf is actually bound off so that the leaf floats there, surrounded by YO's, without a stitch from its tip feeding into the next leaf at all. This is done by slipping two stitches from the right side of the leaf, knitting together the next two from the left edge of the leaf, slipping the right-edge stitches over that stitch and off the needle, (thus decreasing 4 stitches to 1), and then enlarging the remaining loop to pull the whole yarn ball through it in order to bind it off. Then you just go on and knit the next stitch as if this leaf's stitches were never there. :-D For those who've been following my Mallorn Shawl progress and thinking of knitting one - hopefully this demo video will help you avoid my gauge swatch mistakes!

(Oh, and today's tea was sadly out of view in this video closeup, but it was my all time favorite Adagio tea: Blackberry Sage Oolong!)

[another-blog-bites-the-dust]

Full of surprises.

Summary: After meeting John outside a bar, you soon start to realise he is full of surprises- especially after your brother makes a remark that annoys him.

Warnings: Suggestive (mature-ish) themes, Brian gets verbally burnt, swearing, smoking, drinking.

A/N: Okay so I did a little more than two words because I found it much simpler to stretch out Brian's suffering for your request @vaidde 😂 sorry it took me a while but I hope it's what you wanted and I hope you enjoy! 💖

John's lips were pressing themselves to any bit of exposed skin he could see. You ran a hand through his hair and contently sighed, he was always so gentle and tender with you after unleashing his rough and wild love and lust induced passion. You were more than happy to endure his wrath.

"I love you," he hummed and traced little patterns over your side with the tip of his finger.

Each time he said that it felt like the first. You got the same thrill and buzz each time he told you that. "I love you too, John," you softly murmured and he leaned up just enough to press his lips to yours before returning to lie on your stomach. "Studio today?" You asked.

"Yeah, I don't have to leave for a little while though," he grinned. "I get to enjoy this view for a little longer..." he purred eyeing up you in his favourite top- the one that had Peter Pan on it- and his boxers that he kindly lent you since he ruined your underwear. They were now nothing but shredded remains on the floor of his bedroom. "And we get to avoid your brother for a little longer too..." That made you laugh, John's head bumped up and down on you while your body gently jolted.

Brian had explicitly warned you countless of times not to get with any members of the bands he had been in. You told him each time that you wouldn't- until you met John. At first you didn't know he had been chosen to play bass for Queen- Brian, Freddie and Roger had been complaining for months that they had been going through bass players quicker than Roger went through a pack of cigarettes. When the three met John and heard him play, he was instantly recruited. They thought he was incredibly talented and his persona and personality was a hit with everyone.

You met him outside the bar Queen were playing at. John was outside lighting a cigarette just as you walked up and pulled out one for yourself, fighting with the lighter when it wouldn't stay alight. "Here," John leaned forward and lit his, you placed the cigarette between your lips and let him light it for you. Your eyes flickered up from the flame to his eyes that were shining thanks to the orange glow from the flame. It was dark out and the light highlighted all his exquisite features.

"Thank you," you exhaled a cloud of smoke "I'm trying to quit," you lowly laughed. "My brothers friend got me hooked and I've been resenting him ever since." He chortled and you grinned "I'm Y/N, by the way."

"John Deacon, nice to meet you." He smiled and took a puff "Must be my lucky night..." he said.

You raised a curious brow "Why's that, John?"

He shrugged a shoulder "Joined a band that's going places and now I'm in the company of a beautiful woman." He charmingly smirked with a wink and your eyes widened slightly. "I'm a very lucky man for the latter part."

You bit down on your lip "Well if you aren't busy tomorrow you might get even luckier..." you suggestively replied.

John moved a little closer to you "Oh yeah?" He licked his lips- something that didn't go unnoticed by you. "Think I could get a taster of what's to come?" His eyes flickered back and forth from your eyes to your lips.

You grinned and leaned forward, just pressing enough pressure to his lips that made you both drop your cigarettes when the kiss felt much better than smoking them. You both slowly began moving your mouths, bolts of electricity made your lips tingle. Your hand found the back of John's neck and he quietly moaned against your lips. You pulled back, both of you had half hooded eyes and slightly swollen lips. You grinned and shyly bowed your head, releasing your hand that was still on the back of John's neck. "Sorry...I'm sorry if that was too forward." You whispered.

John shook his head "Don't be sorry," he grinned "It was a great start to my night!" He chucked "But I gotta get inside."

"I do too, let me get you a drink." You offered and John nodded.

"I'll join you at the bar, give me a few minutes." John sweetly smiled and you assumed that he was going to the bathroom or something. You got the drinks- you figured beer would be the safest bet for John and you got yourself the same. You found yourself giddily grinning, you had really taken a shine to him. He was sweet and funny and had the most irresistible eyes. You did assume that he'd be in the bathroom- it shocked and surprised you when you saw him on stage with three other people you knew well- one of them far too well since he was your brother.

You sighed and pinched the bridge of your nose "Oh shit."

You knew you were getting yourself into trouble but still went to meet John the next day. Brian didn't have a clue- he didn't even see the pair of you the night before hanging out after the show. You were walking passed borough market, just letting your feet follow roads- you and John didn't really care where you were going, you just wanted to be in each other's company. "So any brother's or sisters?" He asked, making general chit chat.

You cleared your throat and scratched the back of your neck "Uhh...yeah. A brother."

"What's he like?" John asked and you stopped. He raised a brow when you did.

"Um, well..." you sighed, he was going to find out sooner or later. "My brother- you know him." John's brow raised even further up his forehead. "It's Brian."

John's mouth gapped open a little in surprise. "Oh. Oh right..." he muttered.

You softly groaned "I've made this awkward, haven't I?" You rubbed your temples "I'm sorry."

John shook his head and held your arms with his hands. "No! You haven't!" He sent you a reassuring smile. "Just because Brian's your brother...doesn't mean I like you any less."

Your heart skipped a beat hearing his bashful confession. "You like me?" You asked.

John timidly nodded "I haven't stopped thinking about you for a second since last night." He wholehearted admitted. "You're really beautiful and I meant what I said about being a lucky man."

Without a second of hesitation, you kissed him, taking him aback a little at your swiftness and desperateness to feel his lips on yours again. "I like you too, John." He widely smiled with shut eyes after you pulled back. You continued walking together, this time arm in arm, through the market. He even managed to sneakily buy you a huge single sunflower from a florist stall when you weren't looking. He would remember the joyous, surprised look you had on your face forever.

But you soon learned that John was full of surprises.

Of course Brian eventually found out. He found out after catching the pair of you kissing backstage when they had just finished a show. Roger and Freddie had to hold him back to stop him from murdering John. Over time, Brian had slowly adjusted to the fact that the two of you were together. The main thing for Brian was that you were happy but John got a deadly warning of what would happen if he hurt you.

You knew John would do no such thing because John knew what you would do would be ten times worse than what Brian said he'd do.

"What are you thinking about?" John asked with a small grin tugging at his lips noticing you spaced out a little. You snapped back into the moment after reminiscing about the past.

"You." You replied, running a hand through his hair again with a tired smile on your face. "As always." John kissed you before getting up and getting himself organised. "I might come with you today." You spoke up and followed him into his bathroom. He nodded while brushing his teeth. "I'll take a short shower," you said and he looked over his shoulder. His toothbrush fell into the sink with a soft clank when he saw you slowly peel off his shirt and then wiggle out of his boxers on the spot. You were standing in front of him with nothing on. "Or a long one if you want to join me..." you sultry smirked and John practically threw himself into the shower- pulling you with him.

You both eventually made it to the studio, John made sure you were wrapped up in one of his jumpers because it was cold out and gave you another pair of his boxer shorts that would bide you over until you got home. Your jeans were still alright and you'd be able to wrangle another days wear out of them. "Brian's not been happy with this album," John spoke up just before you made it to the studio. "Don't think he's very happy with me and everything I've been doing on it."

Your heart grew heavy seeing the look on John's face and upon hearing what he had said. "Oh John," you hummed and cupped his face, gently pecking his lips. "Don't you worry about Bri, I'll deal with him and tell him to lay off you- tell him to back off a bit."

"Thanks," he let out a lungful of relieved air "I swear, Y/N, sometimes I feel like just exploding!"

You cheekily smirked "Save your exploding for when you're with me," you playfully tapped his bum with a wink and he went as red as the phone box outside the studio. You both headed in together and greeted Freddie and Roger before giving Brian a hug. "Hi, Bri!" You smiled.

"Great...the only time I see my sister is when she comes to the studio hanging off her boyfriends and my bandmates arm..." he complained.

"Wow," you blinked "Nice to see you too..." you sarcastically uttered.

Brian sighed and shut his eyes "No I- it's good to see you. Just one of those days I think."

"Yeah well you better not take it out on John..." you warned. "I'll grab you all some coffee, might boost you up a bit." You left the boys for twenty minutes with their orders wrote down on a slip of paper. When you returned, they were all standing in a circle competing as if to see who could yell with irritation the loudest.

"All I'm saying is that the backing of a guitar would be good in that part- you know since it would be the only bloody guitar bit in the fucking album!" Brian snapped and you knew he was mad because he hardly ever raised his voice and swore.

"I think John has a point, Bri," Roger spoke up. "A guitar doesn't merge with anything during the small break. Maybe Freddie could improvise with piano? Or even sing something?"

You looked over at John and you were about to say something but he noticed and raised a hand, shaking his head with slightly pursed lips. He didn't want you to be dragged into their argument. "Well, fine!" Brian slapped his hands against his thighs. "But I know it takes real skill to play six strings rather than four."

You eyes shot open at Brian's rude little dig at your boyfriend. "Brian!" You hissed.

Freddie blinked at John's lack of response. "You don't have anything to say to that, John?"

John was unusually relaxed and laid back...a little too laid back you thought as you took a sip of your tea. "No Freddie, its fine." He coolly spoke. "Besides, if Brian wants my comeback he's going to have to scrape it off Y/N's teeth."

You spat out your tea and violently choked on it while Freddie gasped, Roger burst out laughing and Brian's mouth was gaping open with shock. "John! Jesus Christ!" You coughed out, almost floored with surprise.

"Damn Deacon, you kiss your mother with that mouth of yours?" Roger snorted. Brian was bent over by this point trying to erase those words still ringing in his ears.

"No," John walked over to you, pulling you towards him by your waist and forcefully kissed you. You moaned and quickly melted into the kiss before he pulled back leaving you stunned and giddy. "But I kiss Brian's sister." He smugly replied and Brian loudly groaned in disgust and embarrassment, clutching onto Roger to keep him upright.

"For the love of God someone make him stop talking!" Brian begged.

John was trying his hardest not to laugh. He had already got Brian back but he was going to push it as far as he could just to make payback for his comment that little bit sweeter. "I can say something else...what do you want me to say?" John turned back to glance at the three boys and shrugged his shoulder. "That we have sex rougher than Roger's voice after he's had a smoke?"

Freddie's mouth had formed an 'o' shape but the very corners of his lips began to curl upwards. Roger let out a loud, hysterical laugh, clutching his stomach while walking over to John to give him a high five.

Without the support of Roger's body, Brian's knees gave way and he slowly fell to the ground. He lay down groaning with his head in his hands while facing the moss green coloured carpet floor. "Ugh make him STOP!"

"That's not what your sister says..." John quickly retorted and Roger was almost joining Brian on the floor he was laughing so much.

"Alright!" You yelped and pulled John towards you. "I think you should all call it a day and forget this ever happened."

"As funny as this is, I agree with you darling!" Freddie's voice was full of amusement.

You walked over to Brian and bent down then pat his back "That'll teach you not to piss off John." You stood back up and left the studio with your boyfriend.

Roger gently nudged Brian's shoulder with his foot when he hadn't moved after ten minutes "You alright mate?"

He was still groaning "Death would have been less painful than hearing all that."

•••

John's arm was wrapped around your waist as you walked home the long way, down through borough market on a pleasant detour. "Did I take it too far?" He asked.

You smirked and shook your head "I don't think so- it was actually quite funny. You can do some damage, Deacon." You bumped him a little with your hip.

He chuckled with a smug smile. "Thought you would have known that after what happened last week," he winked and you blushed in the middle of the street. Your legs were very tender the day after the night before with him. You leaned up and kissed his cheek, he turned at the last second and managed to catch your lips.

You passed the flower stall and the florist handed him a single sunflower- John had paid the man in advance each month so whenever you both passed the stall he'd always be able to pick one up for you as a surprise.

You took it from him with a toothy grin "John Deacon," you cupped his cheek. "From flirting outside a pub to fierce words and flowers..." you kissed him. "You're always full of surprises."

———————–————

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