#Square lace motif

[yarncrafterscorner]

Just posting some pictures of the latest lace things I made while looking for a magic square pattern. This isn't a magic square but I attached the squares together too make a larger square. The middle one is the complete one (minus the weaving in ends).

[girlhaggard]

gonna start making some lil knit & crochet summer tops to sell …. what kind of features / design elements / color motifs etc. would yall be most interested in seeing on something like this?

[poeciles]

hello guys welcome to the coolest blog in the entire world what is going AWN in olive land

girl help i’m drowning

[hhdayan]

Have you thought about #knitting yourself an elegant black vest / cardig...

[fashionsfromhistory]

Knitted Jacket

c.1630-1670

Italy

This waistcoat is a rare example of early 17th century informal dress, which never appears in visual images and with few references in inventories and accounts. References to these garments in wills and wardrobe accounts show that they were worn by both men and women. They seem to have been produced in workshops, knit in ensembles of shaped pieces for the fronts, backs and sleeves. One of the latest references to them appears in a London paper of 1712 reporting the theft of 'a green silk knit waistcoat with gold and silver flowers all over it, and about fourteen yards of gold and silver lace thick upon it.' Similar jackets have survived in many parts of Europe and it is assumed that they came from one centre of production - Italy seems most likely as silk yarns were most easily obtainable there. It is possible that the knitted pieces were stitched together by the purchaser.

The waistcoat is hand knit with coral pink silk and yellow silk wrapped with silver-gilt thread. It is constructed of five shaped panels, one for the back, one each for the two fronts and the sleeves. The seams are hand-sewn with silk thread and the whole garment is lined with blue linen. A series of regular holes along the front edges of the lining on each front edge suggest that it originally fastened with silk ribbons and metal points. It was once thought that these waistcoats were produced on the early versions of the knitting frame. However research has shown that the frame was not developed enough in the early 17th century to produce purl stitches or such a fine gauge. Each panel of knitting bears a pattern of stylised scrolling floral motifs worked in yellow silk on coral. These may have been inspired by the designs of woven silks. A very similar pattern can be seen on knitted waistcoats in the Royal Ontario Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Museum der Stadt in Ulm. The design is further delineated by the use of reverse stocking stitch against a ground of stocking stitch. A border of basket stitch (squares of purl and stocking stitch) edges the lower hem and wrists. The knitting is very fine, about 17 stitches per inch.

The Victoria & Albert (Accession number: 807-1904)

[steviebunny]

4. The Contortionist

Paris: T’eatre de Vampir

The Théâtre de Vampires was alive with its typical chaotic nature, the air buzzing with anticipation as the audience filled their seats. Mentions of tonight’s performance had spread through the city, laced with rumors of a new addition to Armand’s band of merry men. The promise of something…someone…unseen, something new to be even more attention-grabbing then “My baby likes windows” before had drawn the city’s curious and the depraved.

The stage was dressed in its usual motif: black velvet, candelabras dripping with crimson wax, props artfully arranged, and a projection screen prepared to drop. Yet tonight, something new stood center stage- a series of three hand-carved poles, with square tops increasing in height and distance but the bases were only wide enough for a single foot, not even. 

Armand stood in the wings, his sharp gaze fixed on the Rusalka as she prepared. She was clad in a dark fabric that clung to her form, with gems that catch the light at each turn. Her hair was braided in a crown around her neck with a matching ribbon woven through. He paused, then leaned closer. “If you falter-” 

“I won’t.” Her words cut like a knife through his doubt.

The crowd fell silent as the spotlight illuminated the screen, casting its white face into forefront. Then a shadow moved behind it- her own. The Rusalka stepped into place, the outline of her body elongated and eerie, an unnatural curvrture to her limbs and joints.

The music began, a low, and slow melody that crept beneath the audience. As she moved, her shadow stepped out from behind the screen then bending and twisting ionto the first set of canes in a pseudo-handstand. Her arms elongated, her spine curved backward and her legs folded over her head in fluid, hypnotic motions before moving to the next set of canes. 

The projector came to life, casting images behind her water ripples, blooming flowers and an animation of a young woman with a braided crown of hair collecting water blossoms. The film began to show a young man, creeping behind the woman- as she turned in shock the Rusalka dropped. The music rose ominously, her body turning limp, a planned fall before impossibly catching herself, synchronised gasps left the audience. 

As the rhythm of the piano righted itself so did she, the video want on the young man a farmer, set to marry the girl for as the drawing turned it showed just barely was her belly swollen with child. Moving to the next set of canes, even higher above the stage to any typical person a fall from this height would surely result in a broken clavicle at the very least. Each twist and fold of her body seemed to tell a story of peace and despair. The boy reaced behing himself as he grabbed the young woman’s hand, her eyes filled with fear as it was brought up to his lips. And suddenly. The music rises and the river roars behind the pair- the lights sway and the man reaches behind himself grabbing a pitchfork, it takes all but a second for it to be speared into her stomach. 

The lights and projector go dark- the theater is silent. 

As the projection slowly starts again it illuminates the rusalka once more, in the darkness she made it to the last set of canes she and the animated woman now both face the audience. The young girl steps back a look of anguish as she falls back…and into the roaring river. As the last of her is taken under so is the Rusalka falling down into the stage. The audience screams! The Rusalka is gone into a hidden entryway in the stage floor, the last of the show is the dwindling projection showing the river run from rageful to a lull of tides. The man throws the pitch fork into the river and runs. THE END.

A series of applause breaks out, from his seat in the front row, Santiago smirks, “She has a flair for drama,” he murmured to Louis, who sat stiff and silent beside him. Louis’s expression remained stoic, but his gaze never left the stage. In the shadows of the wings, Claudia watched with fascination. Her small hands gripped the edge of the curtain, her knuckles wrapped around the fabric with tension. 

—-

Her show the second to last of the night was a triumph, after the vampires ‘dinner’. Santiago claps a hand on Armands forearm “Well” Santiago drawled, breaking the tension, “she certainly knows how to put on a show.”

Claudia with her eyes turned down to the floor says, “She’s more than a performer,” she said softly. “She’s a mystery.”

“And mysteries,” Armand said, his voice low, “are dangerous things.”

The Rusalka tilted her head, a sarcastic quirk of her her lips. “Then you should tread carefully. I might decide this stage isn’t big enough for all of us… If that’s everything I’ll be returning home for the evening I have class in the morning while you all laze about.” She winked at Claudia before offering a two-finger salute to the rest of the coven and waltzing her way out of the theater. 

—

The Rusalka moved through the darkened streets of Paris fluidily, her heels clicking softly against the cobblestones. Applause still echoed faintly in her ears, though it had long since faded behind her. Paris at night was a labyrinth of whispers and flickering lamplight, and she navigated it with ease, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her performance.

From alleys behind, Louis and Armand followed her in silence, their figures barely discernible against the dark of night.

“She is fascinating,” Louis murmured, his voice a soft note in the stillness.

“Fascinating doesn’t mean trustworthy,” Armand replied, his gaze fixed on the Rusalka below.

Their conversation halted as she turned a corner, her stride purposeful. The faint sound of a scuffle reached their ears, followed by a muffled cry.

Louis and Armand exchanged a deep glance before following.

As they approached the narrow alley, they saw her. A man loomed over a woman pinned against the wall, his hand clasped tightly over her mouth. The woman’s wide, tear-filled eyes met the Rusalka’s, silently pleading.

“Unhand her,” the Rusalka said, her voice a low.

The man turned, snorting. “Mind ‘our own busi’ness, whore—”

Before he finished, she was pinning him. Her movements were a blur—predatory. In one swift motion, she tore him away from the woman sending him to the ground.

“Run,” she said to the woman, who hesitated for a moment before fleeing into the night.

The man stumbled his way back up, but she was faster. She grabbed him by the throat, her grip unforgiving. His protests turned to gurgles as she bared her teeth, her features twisting into a feral thing.

Louis and Armand arrived just as she sank her maw into the man’s jugular, draining him until his struggles ceased.

When she finished, she dropped his body to the ground a chunk ripped from his neck with a sneer. Her chest heaving as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“You could have intervened sooner,” she said, her voice flat.

“You seem to have it under control,” Armand replied coolly.

She bent, grabbing the dead-man and dragging him toward the shadows. “It’s rude to linger,” she said.

Louis’s voice was soft. “Why did you save her?”

The Rusalka paused, glancing at him over her shoulder. “Because no one saved me,” she said simply.

Armand raised an eyebrow. “And the performance? Personal, yes?”

She stopped entirely, her expression darkening. “It wasn’t a performance. It was my life.”

Louis and Armand exchanged a glance, the weight of her words settling heavily between them.

She leaned against the wall, her arms crossed, her gaze distant. “I was nineteen,” she began. “A circus girl in a tiny village. My neighbor—his name was Artem—was older. Stronger. One night, he followed me back home. I didn’t see him until it was too late.” Her voice wavered, but she pressed on. “When it was over, he told me no one would believe me. And he was right. When I had no choice but to tell the elders, they planned to make us marry.”

Her laughter was bitter. “He didn’t want me, though. Not really. He wanted the fun. And when he found out I was pregnant…” She trailed off, her hand unconsciously resting on her stomach.

“He killed you,” Louis said softly.

She nodded. “He tried. Stabbed me. Left me bleeding by the river. I thought it was the end. I hoped it was. But hours later, I woke up. Cold. Alone. And…” Her voice broke. “I knew…there was no way- the child...”

She met their eyes, burning with rage, “I don’t know how I survived, how I became this, but I did. And I found Artem. I made him pay.” And he was delicious. Silence stretched between them, heavy and oppressive.

“I don’t want your pity,” she said finally, her tone sharp. “You won’t get it,” Armand replied, though his voice was softer than usual.

Louis stepped closer, his expression gentle. “What you endured is unimaginable. But you don’t have to live it alone.”

She scoffed. “I’ve done fine on my own.”

Even so,” Armand said, his eyes dark and unreadable, “you’re welcome to come it with us.”

Her gaze flicked between them, wary. “Why, I’ve made my feelings on the coven dynamic clear?”

“It’s not just the coven,” Louis said simply, “It’s us. Wouldn’t it be nice to not spend the rest of your days running, looking over your shoulder?” 

For a moment, she said nothing. Then shifted to walk parallel to the two vampires.

As they walked together into the night, the tension between them eased, just slightly. The Rusalka glanced at Louis, her expression softening. “You really don’t have to be so earnest, you know.”

“And you don’t have to be so guarded,” he replied.

She smiled faintly. “Hypocrite.”

Behind them, Armand watched in silence, his mind already calculating the implications of her story—and her presence among them.

***

Dubai: Modern Day

The sprawling penthouse was silent, save for the faint hum of the city beyond the glass. Daniel leaned forward in his seat, the recorder on his laptop.

Across from him, the Rusalka sat cross-legged on the leather couch, her posture regal, her face shrouded in a calm that felt unnatural. As her body rested comfortable against the skin of the vampires. One at each of her sides, the dim light softened the sharp edges of her features, but her eyes—those unsettling, liquid like eyes—seemed to pierce right through him.

“I know you didn’t come all this way for pleasantries,” she said, finally breaking the silence. 

Daniel cleared his throat. “No, I didn’t. I want to know more—about your time in Paris, with them. About...what you are to Louis, what all this means.”

“Paris,” she began, her tone flat, “was a game of survival, every moment, every word, every gesture—it was all part of a farce. One wrong step, and every university would shut their doors to me, I’d have no reason to stay in the city at all then. The entire petense for me making ‘nice’ with the coven.” Daniel nodded, his pen scratching across the legal pad in his lap. “And with them? With Louis and Armand… Claudia?”

She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. “With them...things felt different. Arrogant and self-centered, yes, but also something more. They were broken things, trying to piece themselves together. Armand’s need for control just barely masking his desperation to relinquish it, Louis with his redemption, the guilt,  and Claudia...Claudia was just trying to find her place in a world that seemed to have no place for her.”

“And you wanted to give her one?” He supplied.

“I wanted her to be given the choice- she deserved the opportunity to make her own path. Unfortunately future events came to…well we will get to that point in the story later won’t we? Louis tells it the best and after all you’re here for him.” 

“So then whats the point of you and “Rashid” having been here at all.”

“Daniel I’m surprised in your line of work and having never heard of fact checkers?” Louis prevents another remark by clearing his throat, he crosses a leg over another and reaches a hand to grab one of her’s, “My mind is a tangled web- having them here allows me to recount events from more than a single perspective which should help you find the most objective truth within this all. Shall we continue the interview now that that’s settled?”

[jamesandnina6389]

In the tree-stump tombstone, 2 hands emerge from the opening in the bark of the tree. The 2 hands are depicted clasping a chain. The hand at the top is a male's hand, the shirt cuff is square, unadorned, & masculine. The hand below is the hand of a woman because of the fluted & lace sleeve. Here the 7-link chain symbolizes the tender bonds of marriage. The motif is an expression of marriage being a path to completeness on Earth, that the couple holds onto even to death, "unto death do us part."

[sleepnowmychild]

Hypnos fashion because I'm autistic about him.

Ok listen,,, I'm special intrest brained so heres my guide to adding Hypnos vibes into your outfits.

Personally, I see Hypnos vibes in Motute, Vintage nightwear and babydoll type styles. The sleepy motif comes through there. So I'm kinda using them as a basline here (also just becuase i like alt and vintage fashion).

Colours: white, grey, black, purple, blue.

motif/prints: poppies (ovbi), stars. swirls, moons, clouds, teddies, sleeping animals, stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, plaid (like classic pj pants), nursey print, characters like care bears/ little twin stars etc. sparkles, if you want a more gothic approach (bc of his nightmare associatons and being twin to death etc) make the stuffed animals all stiched up or posessed looking, patch work/ granny squares, wings, lavander.

textures: frills, soft and fluffy fabrics, fleece, wool, chiffon, flannel, silky, quilted, crochet.

styling: pyjama pants as regular pants, night gown slips over blouses or regular shirts, oversized coats and jumpers, eyemasks as headbands or around neck, bags/coats made from old quilts, fuzzy/frilly/slouch socks, frilly collars/ trims, peter pan/ sailor collars.

acessorries: lace chokers, bonnets, bows, beanies, stuffie backpacks, star/moon/cloud/swirl charms on jewllery, fluffy ear warmers/headphones, star/wing hair clips, poppy crowns,

examples:

for the best effect, find your nearest gothed out Thanatos devotee and walk around together like the twins from the shining :)

[chic-a-gigot]

Le Petit écho de la mode, no. 13, vol. 15, 2 avril 1893, Paris. 10. Vêtement de drap foulé noir et rouge. 12. Pèlerine Graziella. 13. Pèlerine de drap beige. 15. Vêtement de promenade. (Modèle de Mlle Thirion, 47, boulevard Saint-Michel). Ville de Paris / Bibliothèque Forney

(10.) Vêtement de drap marbré noir et rouge tombant droit avec plis ronds d'un empiècement carré derrière, deux pluies de jais de chaque côté du dos et des devants. Col droit en jais avec bavolet brodé.

(10.) Cape of black and red marbled cloth falling straight with round pleats with a square yoke behind, two jet cascades on each side of the back and fronts. Straight collar in jet with embroidered flap.

Matériaux: 4m,50 tissu.

—

(12.) Pèlerine en drap de soie gris souris faite avec une seule couture derrière ornée de marabout frisé et de dentelle noire. Pèlerine formée par un rang de marabout.

(12.) Cape in mouse-grey silk cloth made with a single seam behind decorated with curly marabou and black lace. Collar formed by a row of marabou.

Matériaux: 1m,70 de drap.

—

(13.) Pèlerine de drap beige avec deux collets entourant un empiècement de broderie noire sur soie beige, toutes les pèlerines bordées de festons coupés à l’emporte-pièce. Pèlerines sans couture coupées en rond dans l’ampleur du drap.

(13.) Cape of beige cloth with two collars surrounding a yoke of black embroidery on beige silk, all the capes edged with die-cut festoons. Seamless capes cut in the round in the width of the cloth.

Matériaux: 2m,30 de drap, 50 centimètres soie brodée.

—

(15.) Vêtement de foulé beige orné de passementerie noire. — Deux bandes de passementerie dans le bas, trois motifs sur les épaules formant devant petit empiècement rond, col retourné. Une couture et deux plis forment le dos cintré, pèlerine droite devant sur devant droit.

(15.) Beige full cape decorated with black trimmings. — Two bands of trimmings at the bottom, three motifs on the shoulders forming a small round yoke in front, turned-up collar. A seam and two pleats form the fitted back, straight cape in front over straight front.

Matériaux: 4m,50 de foulé, autant de doublure en grande largeur.

[tomorrowxtogether]

TXT on Maturing, Packing for the Act: PromiseTour, and Skin Care Essentials

Snapshot! is a Teen Vogue style series where we ask artists to take candid pics and share a glimpse of their style and beauty routines. In this installment, K-pop boy group TXT takes Teen Vogue behind the scenes at the New York stop of their Act: Promise tour.

When the members of Tomorrow X Together (TXT) aren’t attending Fashion Week — whether on the runway or in the front row — they’re jet-setting on tour. However, it's an equally chic occasion — and their latest tour, Act: Promise, is proof of that.

Across the United States tour dates, the concerts’ carefully crafted stages encapsulated the K-pop group’s five-year journey in just a few hours for fans, known as MOA, to experience together. The styling plays a major role in doing so, from their grand entrance with “Deja Vu” to their low-key looks for the youthful anthem “Cat & Dog.”

While the members — Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai — make it look seamless on stage, touring isn’t an easy feat. Preparations for concerts may start months before in Seoul with fittings and dress rehearsals but continue until the very last outfit change backstage and even when the members are doing skin care after the show. To learn about it all and soak up the backstage buzz, Teen Vogue caught up with TXT before their sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 1, 2024.

Back in 2019, TXT was first introduced to the world with bright colors, playful patterns, and skinny jeans with their “Crown” music video. Now, the group is known to have a more elevated style with nods to punk and grunge aesthetics. “Because it's been some years since we debuted, I think I would describe it as a journey of growing and being mature, so we definitely see maturing changes in our aesthetics,” Taehyun tells Teen Vogue via an interpreter.

“I wouldn't say it was a radical change, but it was more like a gradual change and gradual being mature and growing. I would say after our second LP, our style definitely got a little more mature than before,” he adds, referring to their album The Chaos Chapter:Freeze, which features the hit single “0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You).”

On this tour, the setlist visits each of the group’s chapters, but rather than in chronological order, the arrangement and coordinating outfits explore a motif. “Each show has five sections, and each section has a distinctive theme,” Hueningkai explains. “Our look and our outfits also changed according to the theme.”

For their grand entrance, the group emerges on the stage clad in lace cloaks while wearing white trousers and gray blazers, accentuated by harnesses and chain links, combining their princely charms and pop punk sounds. Within the same section, the members make a quick outfit change to pay homage to their South Korean culture. “We have the song ‘Sugar Rush Ride’ rearranged with Korean traditional instruments, and we also dress in Korean traditional costumes,” Hueningkai says, referring to the hanbok.

The next section, marked by the hit songs “Magic” and “Trust Fund Baby,” showcases the members' more casual side. They are clad in relaxed-fit jeans and designer graphic tee shirts. Whereas they typically wear baby blue varsity jackets with bedazzled wings for this part of the show, for that weekend, the group wore New York Rangers gear, a nod to Madison Square Garden’s home team.

As the group splits up for their unit stages, the youngest members, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai, shed the jackets and rock out to “Quarter Life” in simple ‘fits. Meanwhile, the eldest, Soobin and Yeonjun, change into belted black and white tank tops, respectively, for their performance of “The Killa.” Promptly after the duet and before “Back For More,” they put on sparkly black jackets and rejoin the youngest members who are already wearing the same. Taehyun favors this part of the show for its versatility. “When the light gets dark, we can change the [jacket] really quick, so it gives more variations to the outfit,” he confesses.

As Taehyun notes, the members switch into a more grunge look shortly after. “We wear leather jackets for the third section where we perform ‘Puma.’ Because I think the leather jackets go very well with us all and it just gives off a really hip vibe, I like that one,” Beomgyu says.

The last look of the night comes with the encore, a time the group utilizes to engage and make more memories with MOAs. Their choice of clothing highlights this. Swapping their more extravagant costuming for more casual, fun looks, the group wears hoodies and T-shirts from their merch collection for the tour with classic blue jeans and a simple accessory or two. This look is Hueningkai’s favorite as the comfy, casual nature suits him.

When asked to describe his personal style, “hoodie and jeans” is Hueningkai’s response. His style prioritizes practicality, just like Taehyun, who adds, “I would say I like various styles, but I would say I would choose comfort over fashion.” Fitting for the early June climate in NYC, he explains, “For example, I don't wear long sleeves in hot weather.”

“Like Taehyun said earlier, I like a variety of stuff, but recently, I refer to the street fashion in the UK or Japan,” Yeonjun says. His off-stage looks this tour have consisted of chunky sneakers, layers, and baggy silhouettes for an effortless yet cool look. “I definitely refer to his style. I sometimes try to follow his style,” Hueningkai says in admiration of the eldest.

Soobin and Beomgyu lean towards a more preppy side. Both seem to have their wardrobe essentials figured out. “I like clean-cut style,” Beomgyu says. “Recently, I've been purchasing a lot of wide-leg pants.” Soobin adds, “I also like neat and clean-cut style, so most of my items are button-up shirts.”

Having a practical sense of style does have its benefits on tour. At this point, it seems like the TXT members are pros at the art of packing to be on the road for prolonged periods of time. “It doesn't take that long to pack because we're constantly on a tour,” Beomgyu says. “Sometimes I just leave my luggage packed and just add a little more items to them. For example, a few tops, a few bottoms, a few shoes. But I make sure that I do have my personal makeup tools or makeup items, like cleansers. For those things, I make sure that I do have my own stuff.”

For Hueningkai, it takes a little bit of research. “When I pack for a tour, I definitely make sure that I check the weather because you want your clothes to fit the weather there,” he explains. “For example, if you're traveling to a city where the temperature is high, you make sure you have short sleeves and really light materials.”

Yeonjun’s technique is classic for a fashion lover. “I overpack because I like clothes,” he says. “But I also make sure that there is a little bit of room, considering that you're going to shop when you go to a new city.”

The TXT members are equally sensible when it comes to picking essentials for their carry-on bags. Hueningkai, like many other K-pop idols, notes the importance of comfortable shoes when off the stage and says slippers are his must-have.

Soobin and Taehyun’s travel essentials allow them to have some fun when they can while traveling. Soobin selects a tablet, particularly one loaded with dramas. (On this tour, he chose to watch Queen of Tears.)

Staying active seems to be on the mind for Taehyun. “For me, it's a bathing suit because you stay in hotels when you're on a tour, and sometimes you find really nice swimming pools there,” he says. Similarly, his form of self-care on tour is exercise, so he says he carries a resistance band so he can work out anywhere, even in the hotel.

As for skin care, the group stresses mastering the important basics. “I've recently started to practice this, but I make sure that I wear sunscreen before going out,” Taehyun says. “So that’s my beauty tip.” Also, taking the late spring weather into account, Hueningkai adds.“For me, it's to keep hydrated, so drink a lot of water.”

While the hype and excitement of a concert may culminate before the show, it’s the youngest of the group, Hueningkai, who reminds us that a post-show routine is just as worthwhile for both artists and fans alike. “It's important to really remove your makeup thoroughly,” he says. “So I use cleansing oil — all those makeup remover items. And make sure that you moisturize your skin after that.”

[bardic-tales]

3.2.25

In Steel & Shadows, a gritty modern AU, the world of Final Fantasy VII is reimagined with outlaw biker gangs at its heart, where power is determined by street reputation and raw strength instead of mako energy or materia. Sephiroth leads the ruthless Silver Eclipse gang, and Bianca, a romance novelist researching dangerous men, is drawn into their high-stakes world of underground racing, illicit dealings, and corruption.

Bianca has a tattoo that keeps her fallen angel motif. Her tattoo is a masterpiece of dark artistry: a pair of giant black wings spread between her shoulder blades. The feathers inked with such precision that they almost seem to move when she does. Another tattoo on her back is a tachi-like sword that runs down her spine. Its blade entwined with black roses and thorny vines that bloom on her back in a deadly sort of beauty. She got it after surviving an ambush by a rival gang, a brutal fight that left her bloodied, as she was researching biker culture.

The tattoo artist, an ex-member of Silver Eclipse who owed her a favor, worked in silence for hours. The burly man only broke it once to warn her to stay away from Sephiroth. Bianca dismissed it with a smirk, masking the unease that lingered. The pain was grounding, a reminder that she was alive, and the ink became her armor. It became both a symbol of defiance and a warning to those who might underestimate her.

When Sephiroth first saw the tattoo, it was during a rare moment of vulnerability—her jacket discarded. Blood streaked her skin after a skirmish with Shinra's enforcers. His eyes lingered on the dark wings and the blade running down her spine, as a smirk curling at the edge of his mouth. “A bold choice,” he drawled, voice laced with something between mockery and intrigue.

Bianca met his gaze head-on, refusing to flinch, but the way his eyes darkened made her wonder just how much he knew about the artist's warning—and about her own past. The tattoo felt suddenly too raw and too telling, but Bianca squared her shoulders, letting him look.

tagging some fellow mutuals: @themaradwrites @whatwedointhecraft @megandaisy9 @watermeezer

@prehistoric-creatures @creativechaosqueen @chickensarentcheap @seastarblue

@inkandimpressions @arrthurpendragon

[eolewyn1010]

Downton Abbey Fashion 63 - festive occasions in 1924

The only notable festive occasion this season is Rose’s wedding, although that is split into the courthouse wedding and the blessing plus reception. There are several outfit repeats in play there, so only a few characters really get two new outfits to speak of. Heck, Violet doesn’t get any new at all. But speaking of weddings – let’s flashback to Mary’s fashion show for a hot second!

Because, with several of the show’s outfits landing in Mary’s possession, including her outfit for Rose’s wedding, I was almost surprised that the wedding dress they presented didn’t get its big moment later on. Perhaps it was too boring? Because this is very traditionally, typically 1920s. Shapeless, without any showy elements to the cut, relying on drop waist and front embroidery, the veil worn in a way that closely framed the face, covering most of the forehead. The headpiece is a little quirkier though; wish they’d done more with this design element.

--------------

Isobel picked a white outfit just so I can bitch, I guess. Okay, the shirt is cream rather than white, and it’s got some flowers on top, but the jacket is just white crepe. Boring, but Isobel does put a nice hat on it, with the ribbon having some golden trim and even a white peacock feather in it.

--------------

Over to Susan. Well, her reception outfit is a tad better than the suit she wore for the wedding ceremony, in that it isn’t ludicrously big on her, but that’s pretty much where its upsides end. What is that color? Dirty gold? Bleached green? It’s got a little golden lace trim and a nice enough hat, but I’m both on a character level and on a fashion level quite happy to have seen the last of her.

--------------

I don’t remember what Cora wore for the wedding ceremony – was it the blue coat with the diagonal draping? If so, her reception dress is kinda meh by comparison. It’s this little beige number which has a little gathering done to it. So far, so nice. I’m not opposed to the black-and-white flower motif either. It’s just that, when I look at this, I think this neckline could’ve done better, this hat could’ve done better, this half-circle cutout above the drop waist isn’t super flattering. How about a more colorful necklace?

--------------

Lady Sinderby shows up to her son’s wedding in a dress that couldn’t be plainer regarding cut and completely black under layer. And then the upper layer is just. Lace. Lace cuffs? Absolutely. Lace neckline frame? Make it a whole triangle thing. Lace hem? Not enough; we need more lace. Looping around one side and then making its way up the front on the other, it does end up a little asymmetrical for fashion purposes, but these lace designs are very traditional. They have never even touched 1920s art movements. Top it off with a beige straw hat and a handful of black tulle, and off we go.

For the reception, Lady Sinderby is back in her comfort zone – flower-printed chiffon. I won’t complain; the golden-pink color scheme pairs well with the black, and then the pale pink flowers on her hat pick up the theme. This doesn’t catch my interest as the previous lace design did, but it is a well-composed ensemble.

--------------

Mary in a bowtie! This is not an exercise; I repeat: Mary in a bowtie! She doesn’t care for color in her look for the wedding, but the tomboy vibes are back. What a difference a wing collar and a bowtie make – the second picture where she wears the same suit to a typical low-cut women’s shirt doesn’t play at this look at all. Love the big folded lapels, even though the overall impression is a bit grey. I still wish she’d have the back of her hairdo evened out.

She strolls up in slightly more girly silver-champagne silk satin for the reception. I can respect that, even though that blue embroidered square looks a tad disconnected as an element of interest because the other points of blue trim are notably zigzag. I’m wondering if this stuff comes, if not in a set with a hat, then with a hatband, because that seems to be the exact same material, and the shade of the flower is a match, too.

--------------

A simple silver dress for Edith’s reception outfit because they don’t zoom in on her during the wedding ceremony, but I have half a mind that she’s wearing Mithril mesh. I hope this is not as scratchy as it looks, but then it’s just the outer layer. The weave of the mesh has a subtle check pattern to it, and Edith has gotten a matching hatband to make the in and of itself simple hat match this outfit. The little feathers, the pleated bow and the jewel ornament are giving it quite a glow-up. And then she wears earrings matching her necklace; this is a very pretty composition. I seem to like fully white / off-white outfits a great deal better on Edith than on Cora.

--------------

The star of the day strolls up to the wedding ceremony in a pale blue ensemble that I read somewhere was designed entirely around this lace collar, an original with painted flowers on it. They had this to begin with, and then they added more lace to the cuffs of the jacket and the neckline and drop waist of the dress. Also, the dress and jacket themselves have some pretty sweet design elements – why is this huge box pleat in the back? Why are the skirt gores? I don’t know, but I love to look at this. And then the lace hat tops it all off and gives Rose a little bit of a halo which is funny imagery when she’s decidedly not having a church wedding because she’s marrying a Jewish man.

And now for her blessing / reception gown. Possibly the most gorgeous wedding dress on the entire show, definitely the most gorgeous so far, Lily James was stuffed into a 100-year-old original in pristine condition. Admittedly, the fact that it’s from 1918 and not from 1924 shows somewhat in this being designed as a nod to regency fashions. So far into the 1920s, there’s no way you would have gotten around a drop waist. But who wants to complain about this being dated when it serves to make her look so elegant? Rose is surrounded by soft cream chiffon and all these flowers of pale golden sequins, and I’m honestly so in love with how she styled her hair to match this. The roses, the whole flowy silhouette; this is peak.

[gallivantingheart]

Use Your Mouth as an Anchor

masterlist | previous | next

🍵 chapter 5: persimmon🍵

who?: soonyoung/hoshi x (f)reader

word count: 2403

genre/s: fluff, humour, social media!au

warnings: some course language

genre: social media!au, princess diaries II !au, humour, romance, mild angst

warnings: none, as of yet

**please ignore the timestamps - they are not accurate**

a/n: my dudes, we go a biggin'. also, updated line break design, if one cares. trying real hard not to make wonwoo too ooc, i'm just so used to being totally delulu infatuated with him *sigh* also also! shameless self-plug, but i have a new jeonghan fic (hold onto your pants, it's 41K+ wc) here, if you would like some "light" reading pffft

The royal residence never failed to take your breath away, day or night. Tonight though, coming through the small gardens before the front doors instead of the servants’ entrance, felt a little like entering enemy territory.

The Old Genoa Palace has been standing for almost 500 years, built not too long after the split between Amaide and Korea. Built in the same style as Joseon-era Korean architecture, it stood as the image of independence. New Genoa Palace is only about 140 years old, built a lot more like the mansions from New York with its style of stone work and what look like western features - those western motifs are actually a lot closer in eastern influence with intricate and sharp square lace-like stonework. But enough about the history.

Wonwoo was meeting you there - he was carpooling with another journalist that lived closer to him. Apparently, you also took forever to get ready, which you took offence to. You had picked up the dress from Joshua yesterday, who was bristling with excitement for you. Your ID, phone and invite in a purse with a long silver chain strap on the passenger seat.

You pull up the entry of the small formal gardens, turning off the engine of your lovingly beat up hatchback. The car was easily kissing 20 years of age and looked pitiful against the rich expanse of a damn palace. You pass the keys to a valet.

“Please be careful with her.” You mutter.

The shockingly young man smiles fondly and slips in. You watch her putter off and show your invite to the next employee, who flips it over and scans it under UV light. A symbol shows up and he nods, checking you off a list on his tablet.

“Up the main paved path, following the lights.”

You follow diligently and try not to linger on the fragrant florals or the pretty bridge over the man-made pond - more layers to a trap. Surely there were easier ways to enter, but this must be their way of showing some kind of prowess or setting some kind of ambiance. When you break through, you realise why. You hadn’t come in the front doors, not really. It’s the Old Palace, beautifully lit. The queen had arranged for the event to be held in the massive courtyard of the historical palace, over the cool slate coloured stone under the last of the warm weather for this time of year. It had glorious acoustics, the orchestra raised on the next landing on the staircase carrying the music effortlessly. Despite all the beauty, your stomach lurches into your throat. Where was Wonwoo!

You try to stick to the edges, taking a flute of… oh. Champagne. You put it back on the next tray and try to find something a little less traumatic to drink. Quiet as can be amongst the vast array of guests - from members of parliament to foreign dignitaries and ambassadors. You do spot a few celebrities, mainly of the musical variety. It was well-known that King Consort Jihoon studied music and was very invested in it. Wonwoo might be there. Snippets of conversation were light and devoid of any big news, which was nice. Quite a few about family gripes and dog maintenance. Still, through it all, you feel as if your family name has been branded on your forehead, just waiting to be seen. Finally you find him the shadow of a covered walkway, looking very sleek in his three piece suit.

“Thank God. I forget you hide better than I do.” You mutter.

He smiles, genuine. “That’s true. You’re here earlier than I expected.”

“Still offending me, ‘Woo.”

He shrugs and gestures to guide you to a manned refreshments table with another vaguely familiar face. It was a servant of the house you had interviewed a few times for work at the advice of your main contacts.

You smile. “Hey, lovely to see you.”

“And you! Surprised though ‘cause of, well, you know.”

Your expression becomes brittle on your lips and you clear your throat to steel yourself. Way to point out the obvious.

“Me too! But I got the invite, so I do as I’m told. Do you have anything that isn’t champagne?”

You are handed a glass of a non-sparkling rose and the fruity notes ease you. With Wonwoo on side you’re confident to venture a little further into the crowd.

“Got much in the way of work intel?” You hum behind your glass.

He shrugs, adjusting his glasses - you knew he was due for a contacts appointment, but was putting it off.

“I guess.”

“You’re really keeping that convo rolling, Wonwoo.”

“I’m the only one here who doesn’t feel like overtalking when they’re nervous.”

You glare. “Okay, you really gotta shut up - blow after blow, buddy. Like, it hurts.”

He grins. “Make up your mind - talk, don’t talk…”

“Stop dragging me! You’re my best friend!” You whine, taking an extra step ahead to turn and face him as you walk, almost walking backwards. “Like it doesn’t help that I’m a cat amongst the pigeons - I need moral support -oof!”

You missed the way Wonwoo’s eyes had gone over your shoulders, blown wide so you couldn’t save yourself when you stepped into someone and jabbed your stiletto into their shoe. There was a heavy grunt and your balance tipped dangerously. All your body could process was panic. Wonwoo reaches for you just as you do for him but there is a third set of hands setting you right. You spin to face the other party, an apology already formed on your tongue - it quickly goes dry at the sight of curious dark eyes.

“I-I Kwon Soonyoung.” You croak.

He goes a little shy at the intensity of your gaze. “Yeah. Careful there.”

“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going. Is your foot okay?” You stoop as if to reach for his designer dress shoe.

He chuckles and shrugs. “I’ve had worse. Please, enjoy your night.”

You squeak out a noise to respond as he slips away. Your number one anti and you stepped on his foot! Wonwoo is swarming you as well, something you are more familiar with.

“Soonyoung! You need to be careful.” He says low.

You rub at your arms like scrubbing off in a shower. “I know! But, he must not recognise me.”

The pair of you stick together while you mingle, shooting glances here and there in silent conversation - notes and quotes of others to keep in mind for the next publication. 

You note that Queen Haneul makes the rounds as well, but nowhere near you. Well, at least someone knows the target on your back, even as she invited you in. But something struck you as odd.

“Wonwoo.”

He hums and turns to face you, stooping a little with your quiet call. “Yeah?”

“Have you seen a pattern between some of these guests?”

“Spell it out.”

“A good 60% of them have come in pairs or threes.”

“Of course. Couples, assistants.”

You shake your head and lift your hand from the tight grip on your purse to point at a trio to your right. Italian, old money - dare you say, part of the old Sicilian royal family.

“Majority are heirs - daughters - with an escort party. All our age.”

Now, Wonwoo frowns, adjusting his glasses while you point, again and again to different little pockets. Soonyoung is all smiles, squeezing the shoulder of a parliamentary member while exchanging for another flute of champagne with his free arm, not even looking as he does so.

“And they’re all eyeing up Head Advisor Soonyoung like prime Wagyu beef.” Wonwoo slowly adds.

Your jaw hangs loose as you straighten up and grab your friend’s lapel. You even make a dramatic gasp. Together you see the first catch of the evening, a pretty woman, European, lay a hand gently on his shoulder, curtsey and then gesture for the floor. You take a look around the party guests and note that every young woman you had pointed out is of good standing and single. Your jaw drops - it’s royal speed dating for goodness sake! 

 “Oh my - it looks like a matchmaking session. Queen Haneul is hosting. She personally signed my invite, and most likely everyone else’s here too.” Now that was some good gossip.

Together you watch between glasses of wine and champagne as Soonyoung works his magic. Passionate and charismatic, none of his partners tear their gaze from him. The Head Advisor to Queen Haneul had always been filled with boundless energy and a smile that could be familiar to Amaide residents everywhere - you had grown up with it, after all.

But as you’re watching this man go for a turn about the dance floor for the fourth time with some left-footed aristocrat you cringe and wince like a bad sports game.

“What the hell is happening there? Maybe Uncle Fred is right - the royal family is cruel.” You’re onto your third rosè, which is a little tacky of you but hey, free good quality alcohol should never be denied.

Wonwoo is at your back, visibly wincing. “Yeah. At this rate he’s going to leave tonight with less toes than when he started.”

“Or at least some serious swelling.” You add.

Now a Singaporean socialite slips into his arms and for all her class and grace, has no rhythm. You knew Soonyoung was an excellent dancer - it was no secret he had etiquette and dance lessons as part of the royal family. But his patience and talent was growing thinner with every partner. That passion had a volatile streak, edging closer with every match. You put your empty glass onto a passing tray.

“Oh, Wonwoo, someone has to help him. How can no one at this damn party keep time?” You lament.

By no means were you a musical genius, but you could count a 4/4 time and do a simple box waltz. You shrug your purse off your shoulder and stuff it into Wonwoo’s long hands.

“Stay here.”

“Where are you going?” His voice belies a rising panic.

You wink over your shoulder and shrug. “To help Kwon Soonyoung.”

You see Soonyoung's nose wrinkle and his teeth bare as the young woman steps on his left foot again.

“Uh, may I cut in?” You say with a light hand to his shoulder.

He turns too fast, bringing his partner with him and his expression nothing less than gobsmacked. His shoulder eases under your touch.

“Sure.” He dips his head to the tall young woman with knobbly elbows and knees. “Thank you very much for the dance.”

She mirrors him and shoots you a confused expression with her well-shaped brows before slipping back into the ocean of people. His grip is secure but not strangling and you pause to pick up the timing of the music.

“Just a heads up, I think you’re gonna need a medic by the time tonight is over. I’m surprised you’re still walking.” You mutter. “I couldn’t stand watching it any longer.”

He laughs, throwing his head back and his own grasp secure on your waist. “Thank you, I appreciate your concern for my poor feet. However, the queen has given me worse while she was in training. You’re in good hands with me.”

Soonyoung is an exceptional dancer, leading the pair of you as if you’re on air, gliding through the other couples. Somehow, you manage to forget the distain you’ve seen in his gaze when fellow reporters ask about the latest Chon family farce. The venom in his gaze has since melted away and he even worms a twirl out of you, your dress fanning out with the motion. This must be what it’s like to be a fairytale princess - if only your uncle knew. When he catches you, his grin is cheeky and bright, every bit the charismatic Advisor he was known to be.

“Told you that you were in good hands.” He says smugly.

Before you can refute it, his grip tightens and the world tilts in a deep, graceful dip. You can’t help but gasp, mouth rounded as he shades you from the moonlight. You love and hate the way your heart stutters. Romance is dead, you remind yourself. Not to mention it would never happen with Chon Hater #1. Still, you push past your reservations to make idle conversation.

“So I am. I hope you didn’t mind me butting in. I don’t mean to be arrogant when I say I know I can dance better than any of them. For your sake.”

He grins. “Of course not. It’s not conventional, sure, but since when has anything here been conventional.”

He switches up the tempo and position of your dance, edging into foxtrot territory and you frown to concentrate. The strings finally signal the song’s end and the two of you go still on the edge of the dance floor.

“For the record, you are a great dancer.” He murmurs, close to your ear and conversational in nature. “What was your name?”

Your throat dries up and you clear it roughly. “Uh, just Y/N.”

Soonyoung makes a show of bowing to you and you curtsey. “Well then, just Y/N, I hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”

You murmur and smile. “You too, Soonyoung.”

You feel like Cinderella, fleeing the scene as soon as someone else sinks their claws into him, pushing through the throng of attendants to find Wonwoo. Your eyes are wide and beseeching, catching like a hangnail on every face to find your familiar safety net. That rosé must have really gotten to your head. You lock eyes with the Queen as you roughly push through. Her face mirrored yours in youth and she brightened at the sight of you, some kind of knowing in her sight you couldn’t understand. She was the one who invited you, after all. You finally crash into Wonwoo, snatching your bag from him and getting tangled in the long chain strap. 

“‘Woo, I gotta go. I - I need to get home. I’ve had too much to drink.” You’re breathless.

Tactfully, he doesn’t stop you and you don’t look over your shoulder as you skirt through the many open air corridors to an alternative exit, your feet throbbing and breath heaving.

Oh, this wasn’t going to bite you in the ass, no waaaay.

[hhdayan]

Flower motif that you can use anywhere with crochet! #knitting #shorts

[strongbookthoughts]

Thoughts on The Big Book of Granny Squares: 365 Crochet Motifs by Tracey Lord

All granny squares all the time! We've got some good points and some bad points on this one.

Okay, good: 365 different designs! With some truly solid variety, too. They theoretically all work up to about the same size, but that's going to depend on your tension control for sure.

Each block has a difficulty rating. I think that's a first for all the granny square books I've gone through. I don't agree with the ratings completely, but that's such a ymmv sort of thing.

There are blocks inspired by a variety of artists, which brings in some really interesting color work.

The bad: While the pics of the blocks are clear, there are only written instructions for all of them, and no charts for the lacy blocks. (Yes charts for the colors tho)

The patterns are arranged... based on the color the sample was in made in, I guess?? And there's no gallery of designs. So good luck flipping through all 365 of them to find what you are looking for.

The book is wire bound, and while I might consider that a good thing in my personal library... Well, this came from a public library and it has been beat to hell.

So would I check this out again? Maybe. I can probably work out any of the color charts on my own, if the mood hits. But I do like the range of the more lace style blocks that are worked in the round. So... maybe if that's what I'm looking for for a project?

[jamesandnina6389]

In the tree-stump tombstone, 2 hands emerge from the opening in the bark of the tree. The 2 hands are depicted clasping a chain. The hand at the top is a male's hand, the shirt cuff is square, unadorned, & masculine. The hand below is the hand of a woman because of the fluted & lace sleeve. Here the 7-link chain symbolizes the tender bonds of marriage. The motif is an expression of marriage being a path to completeness on Earth, that the couple holds onto even to death, "unto death do us part."