#also anyone coming in to say you can get pins made in the UK or US: no you can't

[ultrainfinitepit]

You mentioned in the latest Pride Angels update that your next campaign, the Themed Monsters one, will be your final. Out of curiosity, why is that?

I won't say it's my final campaign forever but it is my final planned campaign. I have a few reasons I guess.

I have a finite list of pin ideas. The only other idea I had for another campaign was to make Dungeons and Dragons pins, but when I ran a poll for that I got insufficient interest. So I'll just plan to make them on my own as a very small batch.

I initially started making pins because I ran out of angel pins to collect. But now I've made a ton, and lots of other artists make angel pins too.

My shop profit is getting less and less each year and no longer justifying the time I'm putting in. My shop sales are down at least 80% compared to last year.

Pins are made in China so if tariffs go into effect, it will effectively kill my pin business as well as others.

There's all these reasons and also that after putting so much time and effort in to all these pin campaigns, I'm feeling pretty burnt out.

I miss drawing just for myself. I have been in the mode of drawing for customers for so long, I'm not sure how to draw for myself anymore. I hope I can rediscover that; or take a break from art and catch up on other things, like video games and D&D.

But I do still love pins and running my shops so, I think I will always be doing at least a little bit of that, just not at the same pace or scale of the past few years.

I bet you didn't expect such a long response Anon, but I hope this helps explain what I'm thinking :))

[concerningwolves]

Hi! I hope you are doing well 💕 I’m writing a deaf character and I really wanna do it right so I’ve investigated a lot and your blog has been really helpful! So I wanted to ask- My character is supposed to be a guard (Like Royalty™️ and shit™️) so I would Like to know How she could fight and in general any tips you think could be useful for this character

Writing a Deaf Bodyguard (& Deaf characters in action scenarios)

► GENERAL TIPS

  ● TREAT YOUR d/DEAF CHARACTER AS HUMAN. (Or dragon. Or orc. Or... whatever species they might be.) Point is, don't become so afraid of misrepresenting deafness that you put the character on a ridiculously high pedestal. The fact of the matter is, one day they will likely meet an adversary who beats them. It might be because they don't hear something vital, or it might be because fights are messy, chaotic and brutal, and nobody can win all the time. They're allowed to struggle and ask for help. They're allowed to fail sometimes. They can screw up! They can lose a few fights! Everyone does these things; you don't need to cut out flaws just because the character is deaf.

There's also a strong narrative reason for doing this: you need action scenes/stories to have believable tension and conflict. These things drive the plot and keep readers hooked! If your d/Deaf character never seems to be at threat and powers through all fights, all you're doing is a) singling them out as 'Other', and b) weakening your narrative.

  ● DON'T WRITE THEM AS A BURDEN. You seem to have this one in the bag already, Anon, but I think it bears saying anyway. Yes, your character may fail and need help, but their deafness doesn't make them inherently weak or a liability.

The line between this point and the previous one may seem fine, but it boils down to this: are you consistently highlighting the fact that your character is deaf and using that as an excuse to belittle, side-line or otherwise diminish their value? Or are you saying 'this character is deaf. they may need accommodations and face certain obstacles a hearing person doesn't, but they're no better or worse than anyone else for their deafness'? If the latter, you're doing fine. (And really, anything is better than the former...)

  ● LET THEM HAVE SUPPORT AND ACCOMMODATIONS. There aren't accessibility accommodations on the fighting field, true – and certain adversaries will no doubt take advantage of that. But that doesn't mean your character's employers wouldn't give them accommodations or provide support. In this bodyguard scenario in particular, employers are going to do everything they can to help the bodyguard do her job. They don't want the person under protection to die, after all!

In a more general sense, just having other people in the characters' group look out for them and respect their needs is massively important. (This one is particularly true for survival and apocalypse narratives, where deaf and disabled people are usually presented as a burden). Maybe your bodyguard or fighter works as part of a team who help them with deafness-related obstacles. A support network doesn't negate your character's deafness – it just shows them getting the support they need.

As for accessibility aids, these will vary depending on the worldbuilding. Research assistive devices and aids for the deaf that are available in our world, and adapt them to fit your storyworld. Or, use your imagination and invent some cool James Bond-esque spy gadgets that would put Q to shame.

Some aids I imagine would be very useful are:

proximity sensors (so people can't sneak up on them). Maybe a watch with a sonar-type display?

sound detectors, such as flashing bracelets that light up to indicate different noises

vibrating jewellery/tie pins/shirt cuffs etc that alert the wearer to certain “danger sounds”, like a gunshot or an unsheathing blade

discrete hearing aids that won't get pulled out in a fight (if your character uses HAs)

That’s by no means a comprehensive list though, and obviously other factors like technology, available materials and magic/Sc-Fi elements will give you more to work with.

► FIGHTING AS A DEAF PERSON

This is where you'd need to research on your own more, but I do have two starter tips.

1) Research the accommodations made for and the stories of d/Deaf professional fighters (boxers, martial arts fighters, wrestlers etc). Take note of what difficulties they face, what their trainers and sports officials to do accommodate them, and how they overcome obstacles. Here's an article about Reece Cattermole, the UK's first Deaf registered boxer since the 1970s.

2) Your character will fight like anyone else; the difference is in how they rely on their senses. Hearing people can tell when someone is coming by footsteps, breathing, and other noises. Naturally, your deaf character will have learned how to use their other senses to compensate for the lack of hearing, but be careful how you write that. It's frustratingly common to see a sensory disabled character written with inexplicably enhanced senses, i.e., "character is blind but their hearing is SO GOOD they can basically use echolocation to see. It's like they're not even blind!". In settings where powers exist, this isn't so bad, but for non-powered characters it's... not good.

Think about Toph from Avatar the Last Airbender. Toph is a really good example of a disabled character in an action setting who isn't defined by her disability, but doesn't have it erased, either. She's blind and an earthbender, which means she can bend/has an affinity with earth. She can therefore sense vibrations through the earth and navigate like that, but she still can't see, and the narrative doesn't forget it. That's the sort of middle ground you ought to find.

Good luck with your writing, Nonny!

Also, if any d/Deaf people following me have experience with martials arts and fighting, your input would be very welcome! (*^▽^*)

[ Ko-Fi | FAQ & Ask Guidelines ]

[constant-creative-chaos]

Dating Cedric Diggory Would Include:

Cedric is a complete sweetheart

He absolutely adores you, you can see it in his smile when you catch him staring

Not only is he the sweetest guy in all of the UK but he is a gentleman

He carries your books for you

He kisses your knuckles when he greets you

He escorts you to your dorm or common room

You get the picture

Speaking of pictures, he has pictures of you pinned to his bed frame

His friends often tease him and ask how he landed someone like you

His reply is always the same

“I dunno mates, I ask myself everytime I see them smile.”

He often extends his prefect bathroom privileges to you if you aren’t one yourself

“Ced, c’mon! Let me down, I promised I’d meet Granger in the library to study!”

“Or instead of leaving me alone to drown in my misery without you, we could go down to the black lake and go for a swim!”

As much as Cedric is a gentleman, he is a goofball, honestly, that boy will do anything to make you smile

Also, constant teasing about your height

Weather you’re taller or shorter than him, he always has some well mannered joke

Summers spent with the Diggory’s? Yes, Amos loves as if you were his own

Speaking of Amos, he is constantly teasing Cedric in front of you and is embarrassing Cedric

“Oh yes! I’m assuming Cedric never told you about how he used to run around in his Batman pajamas, he was in love with the muggle comic character!”

“He did not, but please tell me more, I am fascinated.”

“Dad, please stop.”

During your time at the Diggory’s house in the summer Cedric and yourself would often be found doing small domestic tasks like cooking together

Amos finding you two curled together on the couch, sleeping soundly while a movie is playing in the background

Cedric falling asleep to your humming while you read

He reads to you when you’re tired but can’t seem to sleep

“Eros sat still, looking out at the sun rise one last time- oh,”

“No, no, I’m still awake, keep reading. I love hearing your voice,”

He knew you barley awake, but continued reading anyway

The train ride back to Hogwarts would always be spent with him patrolling your section of the train

he knows how to braid hair, if your hair is long enough he’ll braid it for you

you’re the person he pulled from the lake

after he kisses you he likes to press his forehead to yours

he grabs your face when you kiss

he adores it when you play with his hair

he also loves to flirt with you even though you’re already his

as much as he’d like to say he’s smooth and shit, he’s really not

He loves holding your hand, it’s adorable

He is always up to go on an after hours adventure with you

You two found the shrieking shack entrance through the whomping willow in your third year

Now he drags you there every once in a while to escape both of your friend groups

He has taken you out on broom rides around the grounds a few times

He says he likes it because of the smile on your face when you see the castle’s silhouette from the lake but it’s because he likes having you so close to him

His favourite date spot is the astronomy tower after dark, and everytime you to go up there together he tells you the same line

“You make the stars look dim,”

That’s also where you two kissed for the first time

“You make me see stars,”

One day you convinced him to let you put a charm on him

It was a small enchantment that replaced every scar with white stars

And after the triwizard tournament he had quite a few scars that he hated but the stars on them just reminded him of you

Eventually he began to accept them and as he did the charm faded

And when he realised why it stopped he just hugged you tightly and thanked you

After Hogwarts you guys decided to move in together in a small flat in near the ministry

Slytherin Reader:

Hufflepuff accepting you as one of there own almost immediately after finding out about Cedric and yourself

Always finding yourself defending the Hufflepuffs against the bigoted Slytherins

You're always dressed up in yellow and black in every Quidditch game Cedric is playing in, even against slytherin

Cedric being the most Slytherin positive Hufflepuff you have ever met

To the point where he will often steal your silver and green, Slytherin scarf

You pretend to be annoyed but you secretly love seeing him so casually show his pride for his Slytherin partner

Cedric understanding your fear for him meeting your parents

But eventually he convinced you to introduce him

“Mother, Father, this is Cedric. He is my boyfriend-“

“House and Blood Status?”

Cedric smiling kindly at them, “Hufflepuff and Half-blood.”

Your mother fumed, you were not to stain your families perfect blood line with him

He just continued to smile at them even after your mother scolded you for associating with him and calling him a half breed

And his smile went from one of kindness to one of pride at your quick and sharp retaliation,

“Mother, our family has been inbreeding for decades, Aunt Marina has three kids with her cousin, and you are not one to talk.”

Your father was quietly angry and disgusted because of his shared views of blood status with your mother

But no matter there statements Cedric was yours as you were his, and that perfect as is

But after the meeting Cedric reassured you that you are not like them, which was incredible

Making incredible friends in the hufflepuff house

Keeping your unbiased and kind slytherin friends close

Cedric getting along swimmingly with them

Lounging in each other’s common rooms and ignoring the stares and comments made

Playfully glaring at each other when someone makes a comment about the others house and then laughing about it and confusing people

Gyffindor Reader:

Doing something stupid and brave and Cedric whispering to you,

“I see why you’re in Gryffindor now,”

Being caught out in the halls with Cedric by filch often goes like this:

“Oh hey Filch, I saw some students down by the- QUICK DISTRACTION!” *throws something*

and then dragging Cedric along with you through the halls as you sprinted away with him

Then ending in you two laughing and panting in some random broom closet at the opposite end of the school

Giving him warning when a Weasley prank is about to go down

Watching out for the golden trio and making sure that they’re alright

And helping them on some of there more dangerous stunts

Which Cedric often scolds you for scaring him and putting yourself in danger

If you play Quidditch, showing your Gryffindor intensity and not playing easier against him

Cedric always coming to the celebratory and random Gryffindor parties

Often he stays to the very end with you and Harry says some stupid line before heading off to bed

“And then there was two,” Harry said, slapping his and hands down on your shoulders, “Use protection.”

And then he’d walk up to bed laughing silently to himself, leaving both you and Cedric beet red

“I know that he’s the only one that can kill Voldemort according to the prophecy, but I will strangle him in his sleep.”

Cedric then proceeding to tease the hell out of you and make plenty of innuendos

No but Harry is constantly teasing you, annoying little git

To get back at him Cedric and yourself just become even more comfortable around each other around him

“Ugh! C’mon, anywhere but around me!”

putting you’re name in the goblet of fire as well because an adventure is an adventure

nearly killing him after he came back half alive from the final event

Ravenclaw Reader:

Cedric dragging you away from the pile of books on your bedside table

“Your books will be here after date night, I promise,”

After big fights, which don’t occur often, you’d find a book on your bed with a sweet message on the front page

Reading aloud to Cedric after nightmares from the tournament

Study Dates

Distracting each other during said study dates

Constantly reminding him to do his homework

Letting him copy your notes

Finding the cozy, warm environment of the hufflepuff common room much more relaxing then the elegant and sophisticated look of the ravenclaw common room

“Why is there an eagle on your house crest if it’s RAVENclaw?”

“Cedric, I’ve asked myself that everyday for the past five years.”

He always comes to find you in the Library in the early hours of the morning when you’re finishing an essay to bring you to bed

“Sweetheart, you’ve been up for hours doing this essay, come to bed.”

“Ced, i want to, trust me I do but it’s due tomorrow. I’ll be fine.”

He’ll soon lose patience and pack your stuff up and drag you to bed weather you’d like to or not

Hufflepuff reader:

Being the power couple of hufflepuff

first years always coming to you for help

you two the unofficial hufflepuff parents

all the hufflepuffs younger than you guys come to you guys with their problems

hexing the shit out of people teasing your hufflepuff children

you can be found on Cedric’s lap in the common room 90% of the time

being an absolute sweetheart but also willing to throw hands with anyone who disrespects your house

sneaking next door to the kitchens together

“Puffball.”

“Cedric, dear, sweetheart, you are, as much as i hate to break it to you, also a Puffball.”

honestly being a softie 

but never underestimated after hexing Malfoy into oblivion after he bothered the first years

you guys make fun of each other for being in hufflepuff

it confuses people sooo much

[imcryingbuckets]

My Whole Heart "Hates" You

I did it. Ha, yes, I wrote a Bill Hader x OFC fanfiction. Although I write a lot in my spare time, I've never written a fic before so pls be nice :(

It's sorta enemies to lovers, I know y'all love that shit, so I hope everyone likes it. Or at least one person. It's going to be multiple chapters, but I've only written the first one so far!

TW: Swearing, a lot of it (I'm British, sue me), no sexual content in this chapter, but if there is any in future chapters I will be sure to notify you (warnings are already tagged on ao3 just in case I forget to add them later on)

Summary: Violet works at Studio 8H, for Saturday Night Live! But one Monday morning she turns up to work to find out that Bill Hader is hosting. They have a past of getting under each other's skin and constantly getting into arguments and spats all over the office, but will that change when he returns to host this time? Will they put aside their differences? Do they really hate each other or are they just bad at flirting? I'm sure you know the answer to all these questions, but how 'bout you read this anyways! I suck at summaries

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31072760/chapters/76766612

Chapter One: Oh, boy.

I walk into Studio 8H clutching a hot cup of coffee in my hand, in attempt to bring myself some warmth during the surprisingly cold breeze of March. Arriving at the building only a few minutes late (better than usual), I quickly set my things down at my desk and walk over to Lorne’s office with my co-workers to find out the host line-up for the next month. We all file in and find seats, some of us sitting cross-legged on the floor, and we collectively gaze upon the corkboard as Lorne fills us all in. My stomach twists into knots as I read the first blue postcard pinned up, blinking twice to make sure I’m not seeing things. I rub my eyes because maybe I saw it wrong, maybe he isn’t hosting, maybe I just have something in my eye. But when I look back up I know I’m wrong because everybody’s eyes are on me, staring closely with hesitance to watch how I’ll react. Right above the yellow card that read ‘Arcade Fire’ was a blue one, reading

BILL HADER

My mind begins to play out a thousand different scenarios and outcomes on what could happen this week, now that Hader would be here. I start getting a light headache (quite the ordinary when it came to working here) and I notice that everyone is still staring at me, some in remorse, and some in fear of how I’m going to react. I decide pretty quickly that I should say something to settle everyone’s nerves.

“Guys, seriously, chill the fuck out.” Perhaps a little harsher than I intended so I backpedal a bit. “I know what you’re all thinking, but stop, okay? It’s not like I’m gonna go batshit crazy when I see him and punch him in the face or something. I intend to keep my job, thank you very much.”

The faces all around the room seem to relax at this and return their attention back to Lorne. Thankfully, no one heard me add ‘As much as he is an absolute cockwomble’. Well, Kate might have as she started giggling on the floor next to me.#

Kate knows of my small hatred towards the man everyone on Earth seems to praise (Hatred is a strong word, annoyance is probably better suited for my feelings towards him but I genuinely just enjoy how the word rolls off the tongue). 4 years ago when Bill hosted SNL back in 2014, Kate was the one that put up with all my complaints and remarks about him, and she was often the one I went to when I needed to vent about anything really, middle-aged-comedian-themed or not. I feel a little guilty seeing as she will probably have to reprise her role as the one who deals with my Hader ‘hatred’ when she actually quite likes the man and has friendly chats and jokes with him whenever he’s around. Normally when I tell people this, they think that the fact that they’re both friends would annoy me. But I actually couldn’t give the smallest of fucks (pardon my French). I think it’s great that everyone gets on with him, good for them! But we never seemed to be able to do that.

See despite our efforts to be professional, we kept getting in small bickering matches across the office the last time he hosted. It was never full on screaming, just very heavily charged snide comments and evil glares to one another.

Back home in the UK, my friends and I would often joke around playfully and poke fun at each other, but it was all light-hearted and we all knew that. Even some of my friends here at work do the same. But when Bill was here, everyone that was unfortunately present to witness our spats and quarrels all knew that it didn’t come from a place of love or admiration as it did with anyone else. No, it came from this annoyance in our guts that we got from each other. It certainly made the entire office largely tense for the whole week leading up to the Saturday, and thankfully he skipped the after party so the terror ended after the last sketch of the night.

I feel bad knowing that we’ll probably put the entire building through the same torment as we did 4 years ago, but I don’t feel an ounce of guilt for Bill. No sir. Every nasty remark I threw at him I meant with 100% intention, and I feel no urge to take any of them back when I see him this afternoon when he walks into the office. Not because I’m some cold-hearted bitch, but because he said some things that were equally as bad as mine. So suck on that, William.

Quicker than expected, the meeting ends. I get up eagerly off the floor, with the intention to get to my office as quickly as possible with hopes to not run into Bill. However, before I get the chance to leave, I hear Lorne call after me to ask me to stay behind.

“I need to talk to you about this week’s host.”

I see Kate give me a small smile that said ‘good luck’ as she left through the door with the others and a wave of her hand. I turn back to the man behind the desk, not knowing what to expect, apart from the fact that it’s probably about Bill. Obviously.

“I’m assuming you’ve seen who the host is for Saturday?” he says.

I give him a small nod with a tight small and a mutter that resembled something close to a ‘yes’.

“Well I know that the last time he hosted, you two didn’t get along very well and had some…”

I watched him for a few seconds as he tried to find the right word.

“…differences.” He decides. “But I don’t want that same thing to happen again, it’s been 4 years now so I’m hoping that you’ve both matured at least a little.”

“Yes well he is like 40 now.” I respond, a little uncomfortable as I feel like a three-year-old getting scolded by their teacher for flicking crayons at the other kid’s head.

“Yes, well… I hope that you both can learn to get along, or at least push your differences aside for one week?”

I nod, “Yes, yes, ‘course.” Wanting the conversation to end before Bill arrives.

“Good to hear, Violet. Although, if I hear any screaming between the two of you, I won’t hesitate to step in and organise something to put an end to it. Understood?”

For a moment I thought he was suggesting firing me, but I caught the slight smirk on his face that told me something different. He was planning something mischievous, but I couldn’t place what. Nor did I care enough to look for it.

I sigh in relief and nod my head for what felt like the hundredth time that day, starting to feel a bit like a bobble-head doll. “Yes, Lorne, I understand. No bickering, got it.”

He smiled with a look that suggested he got the answer he wanted, and waved his hand to say I could go. I gave him a goodbye and made my out of his office and started to speed-walk to my own, crossing my fingers that Hader hadn’t arrived yet.

I thank the mighty beings in the sky that I made it to my desk without seeing him, and shut the door with a click. My eyes fall upon the coffee that I left earlier that morning in the rush to get to the meeting and I frown as I realise that it’s probably gone cold and all icky. I grasp the paper cup and I’m surprised to be met with warmth, I guess the meeting wasn’t as long as I thought it had been. Content with this happy discovery, I sit down in front of my computer and open a script document from the other night, sipping at my lukewarm coffee. I begin to rapidly type away and fall into the rhythm of writing, before I am frustratingly interrupted with a knock at my door.

I pull away from the screen and yell “Come in!” to whoever is on the other side of the door, standing up from my desk to throw my now-empty paper coffee cup in the bin (or trash as these Americans I work with call it). The door opens to reveal Aidy peeking her head hesitantly through to look at me with almost sorry eyes.

“Pitch meeting in Lorne’s office. Got to discuss sketch ideas with…the host.” She smiles kindly at me knowing that I don’t want to go and see him.

“With Bill you mean?” I say knowingly, to which she just nods her head. “Okay, well, best to just get it over with. And besides, maybe he’s less of a dick now?”

She laughs a little in attempt to be supportive. I think.

As we’re walking down the corridor, I think back to when I first met him back in 2014. Obviously I knew who he was, ‘Bill Hader: SNL Alumni, Comedian, Actor, Father, blah blah blah’. At the time, he was also ‘Husband’ but I was told that the fact was no longer true. I make a mental note to not be so harsh on him, not wanting to be that person who bashes him so soon after a divorce.

I remember I was actually quite fond of him at first, I watched most of his stuff and admittedly, he was my ‘celebrity crush’ for the longest time. And when I met him in person, he actually was exactly like everyone described him as: funny, sweet, charming, an all ‘round nice guy. Not to mention insanely attractive. He was cute, even I can admit that. I don’t really remember why we didn’t get along all those years ago. I think it was a mixture of a clash of personalities and the fact that we’re both quite stubborn. Terribly stubborn. From what I can remember, we never exactly agreed on sketches or punchlines or anything really. But like Lorne said, it’s been 4 years. Maybe we’ll get along better.

My train of thought gets lost when we reach the door to Lorne’s office. I see Aidy push it open and walk in as I follow her, hearing that everyone seems to be in the middle of a conversation. Right before I get through the door, I hear him. His loud, obnoxious laugh filling the room. The laugh that so easily gets under my skin and makes my stomach feel all weird and uneasy.

I head into the room and find a seat, and that’s when I look up to see him. Bill. Standing in front of me in a blue shirt and black jeans and those white trainers he seems to wear to every fucking interview. He stands there staring at me with this smirk on his face that make my cheeks go red. He doesn’t say anything, he just stands there by Lorne’s desk and right before he looks away to continue his conversation with Kenan, he winks at me. I look down as not to cause trouble like Lorne said, and partly to hide my cheeks getting hotter and pinker by the second.

I tug at the loose thread of my sweater, looking at the floor to avoid his gaze. I don’t know why I’m getting so flustered, it is Bill after all. The man who so thoroughly annoys and teases me relentlessly. My mind begins to over-analyse everything and before it begins to run any further, I get called on to pitch a sketch idea.

Right before I open my mouth, I see Bill cross his arms in anticipation and looking deeply into my eyes with that stupid smile of his, probably eager to find something to tease me over later. But then I catch him lick his lips suddenly and a chill runs up my arms.

I look back down at my notepad and think, Oh boy, this week will be interesting.

[officialotakudome]

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New Post has been published on https://otakudome.com/aew-rampage-was-a-rare-pro-wrestling-surprise/

AEW Rampage Was a Rare Pro Wrestling Surprise

AEW made it’s formal conception on January 1, 2019 and has since been making a number of accomplishments since. Including sold out shows, record merch sales, signing major stars, and  breaking one million viewers semi-regularly just to name a few. As we come to closing out the year AEW is looking to continue the highs they’ve been receiving in 2021 with the debut of their second televised program AEW Rampage. An hour series that will act as an equal to it’s sister program AEW Dynamite. And with the show they put on for night one that promise has so far already been kept.

AEW Rampage is a 2021 pro wrestling series produced by AEW & WarnerMedia. It currently airs Fridays at 9:00 AM Central on TNT. 

Editor’s Note: Spoilers for the debut episode of AEW Rampage and potential spoilers for the second episode may be present within this review.

AEW Rampage opened with an amazing match and a shock finish.

Kenny Omega (c) vs Christian Cage for the Impact World Championship:

In the opening (and first ever) contest of AEW Rampage, AEW featured a historic moment in which the Impact World Championship was defended for the very first time on another national wrestling promotion’s television program. AEW, Impact, and AAA World Champion Kenny Omega defended against challenger Christian Cage in a bit of a preview to their upcoming All Out main event match for the AEW World Championship. First just wanted to point out that the Pittsburg crowd was HOT for this show from start to finish. It really goes to show that if you give your audience a bit of respect they often respond in kind. Which is a polar opposite to a lot of WWE crowds who often attack the shows with obnoxious chants such as “What!?” & “CM PUNK!”. But WWE often shows little respect to their audience so it can be a bit forgiven.

Omega and Cage are both rather high level in-ring performers, especially the latter at age 47. AEW typically has their best matches open and close their shows and this philosophy continued on the debut of Rampage. Most of the offense surprisingly came from Christian who was really showing out against Omega who was mainly selling everything. At one point in the match Christian hit Omega with a Spear and had a cool near fall. Finish saw the Young Bucks coming out while Don distracted a ref and they handed Kenny a chair. As Omega was preparing for the One-Winged Angel, Christian turned the tides with a Killswitch on the very chair Omega had prepared for a three count. Omega sold the Killswitch like he was shot and Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus join Cage for the post-match celebration.

Winner AND NEW Impact World Champion Christian Cage: **** 1/2 stars

Beloved jobber Fuego del Sol gained a life changing victory in defeat.

Following the commercial break with get Mark Henry interviewing Cage with Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus having A Little Bit of the Bubbly. Cage said Kenny caused him to bring everything he had and felt he wasn’t going to win. He then states that if he gave him so much trouble for the Impact title it’ll be next to impossible for him to win the AEW title, but the victory has Cage in Omega’s head. Next match is God’s Favorite Champion Miro taking on everybody’s favorite jobber Fuego del Sol for the TNT Championship. If Sol wins he’ll be signed to an AEW contract.

Fuego del Sol vs Miro (c) for the TNT Championship:

If you’re even remotely apart of AEW’s social media circles you’ve probably heard of the rise of Fuego del Sol fka Kage. Sol began wrestling in a trampoline fed on Youtube prior to pursing his dreams on the independent circuit. Fuego; real life best friend of rising AEW star Sammy Guevara found his way to the promotion through recommendation working AEW Dark during their stay at Daily’s Place during the pandemic. Fuego also had a starring role in Guevara’s vlog entitled “Sammy’s Vlog” in which he films & documents his & his friends & co-workers’ real lives and careers as a professional wrestlers. Fuego became a fan-favorite due to his likable personality and optimism. AEW took notice of Fuego’s skyrocketing popularity and often had him featured on Dark and occasionally on flagship series Dynamite. The running gag of Sammy’s Vlog was Fuego’s real-life quest for a contract despite his losing streak and the fact that he also worked at Burger King to support his family while on PPA (pay per appearances) bookings with AEW.

Sammy stated many times that the goal of his vlog was to help his friends and guests to establish a gimmick, place to explore personality, and an opportunity to reach an audience basically to help wrestlers get over. And it’s kind of poetic that Fuego is one of the first to truly accomplish those goals. Fuego is now a hit on social media with many of his tweets gaining five digit numbers in likes something that’s rather unheard of from someone who’s had no real presence in the WWE. Now that we’ve gotten to the background of Fuego and the importance of this storyline (apologies for being so long winded about it) we can move on to the match itself. 

This was more or less a squash match, but the point was to get Fuego over in front of a big crowd. As the match began Fuego showed his bravery by hitting Miro with a variation of the Tornado DDT his finishing move of which he is the master. Fuego goes for a pin but only got a one count, he follows up with a second Tornado DDT as the crowd goes ballistic in cheers and Miro wisely rolls out of the ring. Commentary reminds people at home that if Fuego wins via count out he may not win the title but he will in fact still win the AEW contract. Miro unfortunately gets back into the ring at nine only to be hit with THIRD Tornado DDT at this stage the crowd is all over Fuego. He goes for a pin, but gets a very close near fall. As Miro recovers he nails Fuego with the Bulgarian Drop & Thrust Kick followed by the Game Over submission for the win.

Winner and still AEW TNT Champion Miro: *** stars

AEW Women’s World Champion returned to Brittsburg in the main event.

Miro celebrates and rips the contract as we head to commercial. Returning from the break Fuego recovers from his heartbreaking loss as the Pittsburg crowd gives him a standing ovation for his efforts. Commentary is selling the idea that this is Fuego’s final official appearance in AEW as they’re back on a touring schedule. Suddenly, Sammy Guevara’s music hits and he appears (briefly) with Tony Khan who hands him a mic and clipboard. Sammy tells Fuego that despite losing he may have still won. Reminding him of his disappointing win-loss record, he tells him it doesn’t matter as the fans and the wrestlers in the back all love him. Realizing what’s about to go down Fuego starts ugly crying as Sammy tells Fuego that Tony Khan wanted himself as his best friend to inform him that as of tonight he is officially All Elite and the crowd goes nuts. In an interview with Sports Illustrated Tony Khan stated that this was 100% shoot and that only Sammy knew Fuego was getting signed regardless of his loss. If you’ve followed Fuego’s journey from the beginning or middle where he made his AEW it really shows that anyone can get themselves over if they work hard enough and have the right platform. Contrastingly, in WWE if you get over without being their chosen guy or gal you’re punished for it being viewed as “having gone into business for yourself”. A testament to this is the infamous rise of Matt Cardona fka Zach Ryder who rose to fame with his “Z! True Long Island Story” Youtube series and had a fundamental role in teaching pro wrestlers to use the internet and social media to work for themselves to get over and would go on to inspire shows such as BTE (Being the Elite) & Sammy’s Vlog.

Cardona would regularly embarrassed and buried on WWE TV after a pity run with the WWE United States Championship rarely finding success beyond point for the remainder of his run in the promotion. Reports stated that morale among talent hit a record low, Cardona’s best friend Impact Wrestling star Brian Myers was also quoted as saying WWE “would hold “brass ring” pep talks every WrestleMania that suddenly stopped once Cardona got over”. So in short, unless you’re their flavor of the week/month/year WWE won’t take it kindly if you work hard and gain a following without their say. Whereas AEW (and virtually every other promotion ever) will do the compete opposite and show support, but enough of the rant it’s time for the main event.

Red Velvet vs Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D for the AEW Women’s World Championship:

Fuego wasn’t the only new signee of the night.

As the match starts Velvet is understandingly thrown off by the boos. More confusingly Velvet is working as a babyface for much of the match, rectifies this when she begins working Britt’s wrist. Obviously, Britt is the heel, but for the sake if the circumstances I’m glad Velvet played into being the baddie for the night. Also can I just say how crazy it’s been seeing Red Velvet grow as an in ring performer? I’ve seen her since her debut on Dark and basically followed through since her debut on Dynamite with Cody against Jade Cargill and Shaq. She’s still fairly fresh and young as a worker, but has really shown off her potential especially here. Lots of back and forth offense from Britt and Red. The finish saw Britt attempting the Lockjaw with the hurt wrist, but once Velvet escapes she brilliantly reverses it with her opposite arm for the submission. 

Winner and still AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker: **** stars

While Britt celebrates she beats down Velvet who comes back only to be beat down again by the returning Jamie Hayter with a new look. Hayter had a bit run on AEW Dark & NXT UK prior to her return as a full-time AEW talent. Britt had been hinting that she was opening up a bodyguard position and Hayter will fit that role moving forward. AEW Rampage’s debut was an extremely strong show with fantastic matches and excellent storytelling. This Friday is surprisingly going to be even more important, as unless you’ve been living under a rock “The First Dance” in the United Center will be the host of the long-awaited return of CM Punk to pro wrestling and not as an analyst as an in-ring talent. AEW and Punk himself are barely trying to throw fans off of what is undoubtedly going to be a legendary moment for them in their short time alive. 2021 has been very good to AEW and pro wrestling as a whole and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. AEW gives AEW Rampage’s debut episode an 80 out of 100.

[pateldevs]

don’t be shy; share those cho chang headcanons 👀 (thank you for blessing us with that cho chang gifset btw, i love her)

ok literally thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about how much i love cho chang and she got done so dirty in the books AND the movies and i also have this elaborate backstory for her parents bc i love her so much aaaaa anyway there’s a lot so under the cut! ~~

i have fully adopted it into canon in my head lol but her chinese name is 張秋 (which means the pinyin i’m more familiar w would be ‘zhang qiu’ which i guess is close enough to cho), 張 meaning hunter/archer and 秋 meaning harvest/autumn

the fact that her anglicized surname is ‘chang’ and not ‘zhang’ makes me think her dad’s family is taiwanese

her mom’s family used to be involved in international affairs for the british ministry of magic office in hong kong (as it was still a colony) and that’s how her mom’s family came to the uk

her parents fully embodied the enemies-to-lovers trope when they were at hogwarts b/c her dad captained the ravenclaw quidditch team and her mom captained the gryffindor team and they were both seekers

hence cho totally grew up on quidditch and played around trying to catch an old snitch with her parents from a young age

she almost ended up in hufflepuff. look at the way she stuck by marietta in ootp?? she’s so fiercely loyal!! wtf!!!

the kinds of traits that ultimately put her in ravenclaw make her a good athlete and vice versa. look at how she plays quidditch: she relies on a number of strategies besides just outright skill, usually distraction/diversion and turning the opposing seeker’s skills against them

that said i fully think her father is muggle-born or half-blood and grew up fencing, so he teaches her how to fence, and so she’s also a great épée fencer

she’s not great with offensive spells - hence her trouble in when they’re in DA in ootp - but she’s excellent with defensive charms, predicting what her opponent’s going to do, moving fast. it’s what makes her one of flitwick’s favorite students.

charms is her best class. don’t ask me for justification here it just is.

flitwick obviously sees her potential and totally invites her to dueling club even though she’s quite young for it

she’s a harpist. don’t ask me where this came from i just think if she played an instrument it would be harp

she’s a younger sibling, she’s so sensitive like fr the eldest daughter in an asian family would just internalize their emotions (this one was developed jointly with my older sister lmao)

she and cedric didn’t start out as a couple. they started as friends when both of them were out on the quidditch pitch early one morning, just practicing flying.

she and cedric tell each other EVERYTHING. absolutely everything. like fr this girl was almost a hufflepuff ok don’t tell me they wouldn’t have the most emotionally invested relationship

cedric asks her to the yule ball and quickly says it’s a really lowkey thing, they’re just friends

they’re not just friends though, she thinks she’s starting to like him because when he looks at her she feels like she can do anything, and when he looks at her it’s her, not her sister, not anyone else.

she’s secretly glad that she has a reason to turn down harry when he asks her to the yule ball. marietta thinks she’s crazy - who would willingly turn down a chance to be harry potter’s date?? - but cho just can’t bear the thought of just being ‘harry potter’s date.’ with cedric, at least she has a chance to be herself.

when cedric dies she’s absolutely devastated:

she can’t stop thinking about how they snuck out of their houses to sit on top of the astronomy tower and look at the stars the night before the last task

she can’t stop thinking about how he confessed that he was scared but he knew he’s so close to winning, and how he joked that it would be impossible for her to not fall in love with him if he won

she can’t stop thinking about how she said don’t be scared, just pretend i’m there with you, i’ve got your back (because obviously they’ve been to dueling club together and he knows how good she is at defensive spells)

she can’t stop thinking about how he waved to her before he entered the maze at the start of the third task

she feels so insanely guilty that maybe she’s the reason he died, he said he wanted to do well to impress her that night on the astronomy tower, didn’t he?

she loses sleep over it, she has dreams about that last night all the time, she has dreams about seeing harry coming back with cedric’s body, she has these dreams where she’s watching him get killed and she can’t do anything to defend him

she wants to ask harry about it at the end of the year but she doesn’t, because she doesn’t think she can handle hearing about it, but somehow it’s worse hearing rumors from everyone else

she finds herself drawn to harry because he makes her feel closer to cedric, because the loss of cedric is something they both share and surely harry must know how it feels

honestly this is what really pisses me off about how she’s written in the books, is that her emotions are so one-dimensional that they become a caricature of asian women as meek and weepy. the most her emotions ever got developed was when hermione explained how cho must be feeling after she kissed harry

like, you’re allowed to have female characters whose arcs are largely tied to and/or driven by other characters, but you gotta actually go into those relationships yk? in the books she’s only ever someone’s girlfriend and she just cries all the time but we don’t actually talk about why

she’s not just crying all the time because she incapable of moving on (which is more or less what harry thinks). she’s crying because she didn’t just lose her boyfriend, she lost one of her best friends. she stops going to dueling club because she’s lost her partner. her flying starts suffering because she thinks about all those early morning 1v1 games she and cedric used to have.

(marietta only goes to DA meetings with her because she feels like it’s the ‘good friend’ thing to do. if going to DA helps her cope with cedric’s death then sure. she goes.)

i’ve already said she was almost a hufflepuff but i have to say it again, cho loves and cares so deeply. she’s a sucker for sentimentalism. she skips dumbledore’s funeral to stand up on the astronomy tower and think about the war that’s coming.

on the last day of her seventh year, she finds the room of requirement again and spends hours walking through it, remembering everything she learnt in DA

when the war really starts up after dumbledore’s death, her parents want to move away, they want her and her sister to have as non-magical a life as they can, so she does, but she keeps the DA galleon and her wand instead of snapping it like her sister. her parents have absolutely no idea that she goes off to the battle of hogwarts. 

when she fights she’s a team player. she partners up with katie bell for most of the final battle

at one point she and katie are separated and she comes face to face with a death eater. she almost kills him. she wants to so badly. she hates what the man stands for. but she thinks about two of the most important people in this war, harry and cedric, and she thinks, they never would. so she doesn’t.

^ she doesn’t think of harry and cedric because of her relationship with them. in fact it’s thinking about her relationship with cedric that makes her want to kill the death eater. but she thinks of harry and cedric, and what they would want and do, because they are the ones who had/have the most to lose in this war.

when are we going to get a series that delves into how visceral her emotions were?! how her grief tore her to pieces! how her trauma ate away at her! how disarming a death eater and pinning him to the ground and holding the tip of her wand to his throat made her feel like a totally different person, how close she came to ending his life! how, in the days after the battle, she feels disgusted by the idea that she even thought about using an unforgivable curse. how she learns to recover and rebuild and heal!

she plays seeker for the holyhead harpies for a while. she learns to love flying again. she learns to love the stars again. 

she doesn’t really start a family because she has little interest in being associated with others as ‘so-and-so’s wife’ or ‘so-and-so’s mother.’

she always visits cedric’s grave on june 24 every year.

eventually when flitwick retires she takes his place as charms professor and head of house because if anyone deserves a happy ending it’s cho chang!!

[anxiety-trademark]

The week in review:

Raw 11/09 NXT 11/11 NXT UK 11/12 Smackdown 11/13

Raw:

Shayna vs Lana?? God poor Lana. Preemptive “rip”

Lmfao Lana is so damn extra.

Okay but WHY is Asuka facing Nia later? And where has Asuka even been the past few weeks?

Yikes. Lana is so friggin useless in kf.

Rofl Nia mocking Dana’s voice, I cannot with her.

Did Dana and Mandy actually save Lana from #8?? They got half a point. I get why they’re reluctant to help Lana, but they’re nearly coming off as the mean, popular girls, and I know that’s not their personas. I get she fucked them over, but it was inadvertent. Buy some goodwill guys.

Are they the Gucci girls now? Honestly flashforward to current times, Charlotte fits right in with them. If you were gonna have Charlotte head a stable, Dana and Mandy are the perfect people to put with her.

“We totally saved your butts... Lana.” :/ Dana. Dana plz. With all the work you put into your craft, HOW are you still the weakest promo in the division?

“Okay listen, thank you, you’re welcome,” just let Mandy and Dana practice wrestling cuz their promos are fucking painful.

Lana No-Friends.

Why is Alexa happily destroying flowers??

Lol has no memory of seeing Nikki the week prior. Yikes. Are we still sure it’s not drugs???

“Lexi I’m not playing.” “That’s too bad, Nikki.” What she means, Nikki, is there are 2 options: play or pain. You should just play. Actually side note; wasn’t that Nikki’s whole damn character when she debuted? ‘Nikki wants to play’? ‘Play with Nikki’??

Omfg Alexa is god damn stellar. Nikki tells her to choose either Fiend/Bray or [Nikki]. Alexa thinks about it for a moment, “okay. I choose... *blows the flower petals in Nikki’s face* him!” Then fucking claps, giggles and walks away. Imagine if you had a whole damn roster that could be this entertaining.

Also Nikki is really talented in her own right. Working with Alexa did wonders as far as promos and acting go.

Survivor Series team is supposedly at ringside because Asuka is about to go one on one with Nia. I’m not seeing the correlation.

Shayna officially playing the role of henchman now, I see. That’s interesting.

Asuka does a lot of things worth praising. Her Octopus is not one of them.

It’s always nice seeing Nia bump like she does for Asuka.

Oh that kickout into an armbar by Asuka was BEAUTIFUL.

Asuka said “fuck all y’all we’re busy rn”

I hate Shayna’s hammerfists SO much.

This Survivor Series team is a fucking disaster in kf.

aaaaand there’s number 8. Jeeeeze. “You don’t belong here, you’re gonna drag us down. Just quit.” This is a bullying story done right tbh. No personal petty bs insults, no body shaming. Just straight up physically assaulting the weakest link that has zero friends. It’s a good story. I feel sympathy for sure.

Highlight: Alexa & Nikki backstage segment

---

NXT:

See I don’t mind Shotzi’s backstage promos at all. She exudes passion. I can feel her emotions. But 9 times out of 10 she ends it in a howl and I want to scream.

Weak final thought though. There was really nothing better you could end it on? Okay.

So Xia calls out Raquel and then doesn’t show. Not sure if it’s for kf or meta reasons.

I like Raquel speaking Spanish while brawling. She should incorporate that more, especially with Zelina gone. We need more Latina talent (no disrespect to Bayley or Sasha, if they wanna start speaking Spanish then good on them)

“Everybody better take their-- my name out of their mouth.” SIGH can I get a non-awkward speaker that isn’t Nia? Anyone? Anywhere? Hello??

What the hell does any of this Xia stuff mean? Fine I’ll be patient.

So is Toni a face? I thought she was a heel. Did I misinterpret the heel turn pre-covid era? That’s even worse, she’s even more the same now.

Ugh rough day when I’m here cheering for Toni. God I hate Candice.

Do you really have the right to call anyone a ‘punk rock poser’ Candice? I mean... REALLY?

It’s not that I hate Toni’s headbutt, I just hate it when people take themselves out delivering a headbutt.

Anticlimactic sequence. Toni says fuck your second rope neckbreaker to Candice, then Candice says fuck your second rope leg drop to Toni, just to follow up with a mere kick to the jaw and a pinfall attempt. Missed opportunity to really get something going.

Sad attempt at putting her feet on the ropes by Candice.

Good let Toni be a “sore loser” fuck Candice.

So the masked figure is Indi, right? Why are they keeping her masked? What’s the purpose? Yeahhh that’s really not a surprise. Anyway.

It’s a damn shame what happened in 2020, the whole world has felt it. And it’s a damn shame that you didn’t get to show out in front of 80k people. I truly feel for you. Your loss, however? In kf I can’t feel bad because you sought HER out on HER show. In a meta sense? She did you a favor taking that title. You were 5 seconds from being called Charlotte 2.0, and you deserve better. You deserve the opportunity to grow and make a name for yourself without being handed everything before the age of 25, and you’re SO much better off for it.

The downfall of “nxt’s hottest new act” was a great story. It sucks to be her, but it was a great story. Rhea’s gonna be a fucking STAR on the main roster. She will thrive. She will exceed expectations. She will make a name for herself. She had to eat that humble pie first, though. Obviously I know how this match ends already, and rightfully so. 

Highlight: I guess the Io/Rhea Prime Target

---

NXT UK:

Kind of a bummer that there’s only ever one women’s match/segment every week on UK. I want to ponder whether it’d be different sans a pandemic, but I’m not certain it would be.

Xia Brookside is too animated in her moves, and her moves are always too slow for it to mesh well.

They compliment Xia’s “technical work” but she just comes off as someone who has learned the absolute basics and has no idea how to utilize them in a match.

Interesting to note that they seem to be building up 2 heels in Nina and Jinny, yet the champ herself is a heel. Not quite making me believe either of them have a chance at defeating her in the future.

Nice I always love a good codebreaker. Points to Xia.

That was a nice cartwheel off the turnbuckle using the ropes. One would assume the tweak to the knee was a farce.

Stupid small package. Stupid result. At least Nina got some heat back, but she should’ve won, lesbireal.

Side note: I see UK does in fact have a pc. No excuse for these women to get gassed so quickly then, get it together.

Highlight: The network exclusive video package for KLR vs Piper

---

Smackdown:

What a racy outfit. I don’t hate it, Sasha wears it well.

There’s like a million things you can do with Sasha that doesn’t involve a live promo in the middle of the ring. Explore them plz.

Carmella’s not a technical master by any means, but having her superkick and then finish with a facebuster is super weak.

What’s also weak: where the fuck did Bayley go?

What’s even weaker than that: Carmella had like the best theme music and now it’s gone. Tragic.

Lol why is Nattie stomping her feet like she’s throwing a tantrum? She’s hilarious tbh.

“If team Smackdown is going to win,” lmao let me cut you off right there. Imagine the SD women actually winning at SvS. Good joke.

Omg Chelsea is alive? We gave her a tag match in nxt with the women’s champion Charlotte Flair... Charlotte fucking Flair... and then kept her off tv for like 6 months for this? Is this her grand debut?? Is she even ready for the main roster???

Wait hold on. Back up. So Chelsea touched Adam’s shoulder and had some off camera conversation to make her way into this triple threat match? *sigh* okay.

I don’t quite remember who this team consisted of, but if I had to guess, I’d assume Liv wins this match since Ruby is already on the team.

Love Chelsea’s theme music, love that a giant picture of herself is no longer her titantron... HATE the flowy wedding dress veil that she wears on the bottom half of her outfit.

Should stick Chelsea with Nattie tbh.

What the hell was that by Liv? A fake out standing crucifix turned into a ddt? Fucking beautiful.

Nattie and Liv work together nicely ngl. Liv really does have a lot of potential, but she’s god awful on the mic. Tag team wrestling is best for her for the foreseeable future.

“This is a fatal 4way,” Cole reminds us, because Chelsea and Tamina have seemingly died.

Should’ve just made this a singles match between Liv and Nattie, jesus.

Lmfao Liv pinned Tamina. What took Chelsea out? A dropkick off the apron. A dropkick off the apron took Chelsea out for 3 minutes, and she got maybe 3 moves of offense. Yikes, what a debut.

So when does Bayley get added as captain?

Highlight: The match that totally wasn’t a singles match between Liv & Nattie

---

*Bad week in wrestling, but yet again, Raw shines the brightest because as small as their roster may be, they’re being utilized decently well.

[handmadecp]

Small, Ladies ‘Satchel Style’ Shoulder bag.

Hi guys, been a while what with all this Covid Lock down stuff going on, been helping a lot of folks out that couldn’t get out so haven’t been able to do much, then came along a quite big extension to our current layout in the workshop so with all that I’ve been pretty busy, but..finally, I am back in the workshop doing what I enjoy. I was half way through a small bag build so some of you may/ or may not have seen a few pics already, but it’s all good. here is a short series of pics showing the build along of this particular bag. Apologies if it’s not in the same kind of detail I am generally known to show but as already stated its been hectic. If any of you give this one a go and you feel there is something missing from this build along please feel free to ask..I don’t bite and I welcome the interaction with other Makers. Lets go.

Pic 0 : The black dyed Veg Tan shoulder.

Pic 1 : I purchased a nice ready dyed black veg tan Shoulder 3- 4mm, nice strength and flexible too. I also purchased a pattern for a ladies small shoulder bag based on the old UK satchel bags school kids used to have, but a smaller version. All credit for the original design and pattern goes to ‘Craftsmangus’, they have a great YT channel and they make coold patterns. I purchased, downloaded, printed, cut out and transfered all the pieces to the leather as shown in this first pic, using a paint pen refill as usual as it comes of.

Pic 2 : After cutting the sections out I also used the pattern to mark all the holes on each piece and then followed up with a stitch hole punch as shown until all pieces were cut out and had the required holes. I will point out that if you buy this pattern from Craftsmangus and intend to make this bag a sI have done it there is a sklight change on mine to the video they have showing the build. on their video they are seen to cut one buckle strap...I decided to do the version with two buckle straps as you will see. Decide at the cutting out stage how many of each piece you will need for the version you want.

Pic 3: Stitching the small gusset to the outside small pocket using a saddle stitch. I find it difficult personally to use a stitch pony when doing the bags and doing it ‘free hand’ where it flops all over the place can be a bit annoying, but..just chill your beans, take a deep breath..smile and carry on, it’s the only way.

Pic 4 : Here you see the small gusset attached to the front pouch pocket ready to be stitched to the front of the main body. ignore the white marks dotted along the stitch holes..I count the holes to be sure there are enough on both pieces as I’ve been caught out before and end up with 18 holes on one piece and 16 holes on the piece it’s being attached too...you can see the problem. So I count and I use the paint refil pen and drag it across the holes as I go, that is the only reason it looks that way, just my personal choice..and I would recommend if you buy patterns, never just assume that the required holes are correct..check them.

Pic 5 : Hand stitching the other side of the front pouch gusset to the main body using a saddle stitch.

Pic 6 : Ta daaaa...done, the outside small pocket is now attached firmly to the main body and the stitches are consistant all the way round.

Pic 7 : Outside holes all counted, ready now to stitch the Bigger gusset to the front of the main body. all the stitching on this bag is saddle stitching. If it ever changes I will let you know.

Pic 8 : Using a few super strong clips I held the gusset in position as I stitched and moved them along as I went, it helps a lot to keep the holes aligned. Some times I will glue a gusset into position before I stitch but that can sometime leave holes out of line and also leave some glue on show when finished, so I pick and choose when to use it now, but if its a help to you do it..Sometimes I do...sometimes I don’t. Here you can see the clips holding it in position and the gusset laying along the edge as I stitch it.

Pic 9 : Large gusset attached to front section .

Pic 10 :

Pic 11, close up of the attached gusetts....so far.

Pic 11A Marking positions for the buckle and clasp straps to be glued and stitched.

Pic 12 : It’s a simple matter to cut out the buckle straps..I made two for my bag, then punch the stitch holes if not already done. rough the leather a little under where you will glue the strap (s), glue that small area , glue the back of the strap and glue...then stitch into position, before doing that bit, dont forget to make some holes for the buckle pin and force your strap through the buckles, on the other end which in this pic is under the buckle...you will need to attach a magnetic closure. Very easy to fit, just use the pins on the magnetic clasp to mark where you will put them,,then cut very carefully two small slits to pass the magnetic clasp ‘pins’ through, then bend the pins down to secure.

Pic 12A : using the clasp pins to mark where to cut the tiny slits to pass them through. Be careful when making the tiny slits you dont push so hard you make a ‘big’ slit.

pic 12B : Fitting the magnetic clasps.

Pic 13 : another view shows the underside/inside of the stitching when done. note the two ‘marks’ on the back section. just inside the bag, those are where the ‘D’ rinds are attached using the same method, thread the small strap pieces through the ‘D’ rings, rough a little and glue together then glue to the bag, this time I used a stitch awl to push the stitch holes all the way through and then hand stitched.

Pic 13B : gluing the buckle straps on ready for stitching I used evo stick 528 contact adhesive.

Pic : 13C positioning the ‘D’ rings.

Pic 14 : shows the magnetic clasps used, very easy to do and if you follow the video on YT from ‘Cratsmangus’ then you should have no issue with them. The next part of the project is to stitch the back section to the rest of the bag by saddle stitching to the other side of the gusset. I find you can’t really use a stitch pony for this as you need to get your hand inside the bag and it is quite a ‘fiddly’ part of the build but again..patience pays of.

Pic 14A : positioning the gusset to stitch the back section on. you could glue this on but I prefer to be able to move it around if the holes don’t alighn which I can’t do if it’s glued together. Your choice.

Pic 14B : sewing the back section to the main gusset.

Pic 14C : almost there...fingers getting sore, ouch.

Pic 15 : The strap making is simple, just like making a small belt. I used my strap cutter which can be bought online for a few pounds and is very worth the money, but you can do it with a sharp knife as I used to do. But for those of you here for the first time, there is a picture coming up that shows my strap cutter better. I then used an ‘English’ point strap end punch to cut the end shape, then held the strap to my partners own bag to get a decent length...cut to length, punced some holes for the buckle, attached the buckle by folding one end of the strap, cutting out a small area of the very tip of the strap (as bent over) to create a hole for the bucle pin to go through...attached it, then roughed, glued and instead of stitching I chose to use silver double headed rivits to match the buckle. All of the other clasps, clips, buckles on my bags are done in the same way, if you are new to leather craft there are more detailed instructions in my archive photos on other bag builds, belt builds and strap builds should you need more information. This bag, I would say..is for a person with the basics already sorted such as stitching, gluing neatly, strap cutting, buckle fixing etc however it could be achieved by a complete newby, but please be warned,,,use cheaper materials until you are confident in what you are doing...leather is expensive, especially here in the UK. You have been warned.

Pic 16 : And basically once the back is stitched on and the strap has all it’s clips and buckles on...that’s it. The only other thing I have done is to go around the edges with a fine sand paper to smooth the edges a little but not too much as I feel the unburnished ( or unpolished for the newbies ) edge adds to the overall look and appeal of this tough looking but smart little shoulder bag. Also I have added my own ‘Shaman’ Tag to it which I think sets it off just right. The following pics are just to show it from different angles.

Here you can see the wooden strap cutter I use, a simple, cheap easy way to cut nice straps.

I hope you like this latest project, as I’ve said many times before, I started my blog in 2015 when I picked up my first piece of leather to document my own Journey into this amazing craft little realising how passionate I would become about it and whilst I am by no means a novice now I still have much that I can learn and as I learn I share with anyone who might be looking and thinking...there’s no way I could do that..but it looks cool. Well...check out my archives my earlier attempts are a little ‘rocky / shakey’ and my stitching took practice. If you are willing to not let mistakes make you quit and choose to use failure as a lesson on how ‘not’ to do it, then you too can do this. Give it a go, just get a cheap piece of leather to begin with , find a smaller project and go for it. Please feel free to ask questions that is why I started this blog to share knowledge that others have shared with me. Many more projects to come guys so watch this space and as always..’Stay Crafty’. P.s..to any of you guys wondering about my little old workshop and what it was that took me so long these next few pics will explain. Thanks for sticking around.

This extension to my partners area of the workshop, lower work surfaces for sitting.

Extensions to my work area for lower surfaces for sitting, last year I did a lot of standing..this year it time to sit a while especially if stitching by hand.

The brown table you can see is no longer there, my partner and I now have plenty of room for standing work or sitting work, as with all things it took time, but it’s done and we can get back to business. I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest build, thanks to everyone who follows my little blog I appreciate it and if it was your first time seeing it I hope you will check out the archives and come back again. till next time ..take care guys.

[littledarlinwrites]

Waste Love

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 2023

Warnings: smut, a swear or two

Author's Note: So I didnt plan on making a part 2 of Chainsmoker for @thorne93's writing challenge, and definitely not so quickly, but y'all can blame thank @msruchita for the inspiration otherwise it probably ne er would have happened! Also, song inspiration for this fic is Waste Love by Machine Gun Kelly off his latest album Hotel Diablo, go check out! Anywho, this is unedited and I'm needy so leave me love and I'll respond in a bit!😘💕

Bucky hears your gasp coming from the doorway and his blood runs ice cold, easily colder than any time he put in cryo when he was under HYDRA's control. The blonde he had found at the bar was still bouncing on his lap moaning like a pornstar. It was gettin' hard to fake how he felt when your face still taunted him. All Bucky could think about was you, how it was you on top of him just hours before, and how he walked away like a coward instead of just letting himself be vulnerable with the one person he could trust, but he felt as if his mind was too haunted to let you in. The thought of you on top of him earlier got Bucky off faster than the anonymous blonde ever could and slowly her moving came to a halt. The room was filled with the smell of sex and stale booze, panting from them both echoed against the empty walls. As the blonde tried to lean forward and rest against his chest, Bucky put his hands on her shoulders and moved her back to sit up before lifting her up and off him. He pulled on his pants that had been quickly discarded by the couch. His back was to the woman whose name he couldn't remember.

"I- this was a mistake, I'm sorry." Were the only words Bucky could mumble out as he made his way to the kitchen, the disgruntled woman making some comment that was meant to bruise his already fragile ego, but he just couldn't seem to care. Bucky opened his fridge that contained three beers and three beers only. He popped the top off the edge of the counter with practised ease and brought the bottle to his lips before the sight of his reflection in the microwave caused his movements to falter. The door slammed once again tonight, rattling not only his walls, but his mind as well.

Bucky tossed the opened beer into the sink before going back to the fridge to grab the two that remain and dumping them in the sink as well. Bucky's mind was racing with what to do and how to fix this. He hated the thought of you having to deal with the worst parts of him, the parts he drowned in a warm body and booze, but he hated the thought of being the cause of your pain, of living his godforsaken life without you more. He grabbed his clothes off the floor throughout his apartment and threw them in the washer before opening the windows to let in fresh air to air out his stale apartment. Bucky began scrubbing his apartment so clean even his commanding officer would have been impressed. A couple hours later his apartment was clean, his laundry folded and Bucky was in the shower scrubbing away the feeling of the blondes hands and mouth. He scrubbed until his skin was red and raw. He didn't even notice the tears running down his face at the thought of you catching him in the act. He picked up his tooth brush and gave a generous dollop of toothpaste on the bristles before brushing his teeth until he could no longer taste the booze he had consumed, his gums were sensitive and felt a bit swollen by the point. Satisfied he could no longer feel, smell, or taste his regrets Bucky turned off the now cold water and stepped out of the shower and began to get dressed.

Every article of clothing reminded him of you somehow, the shirt he wore the time you two played pool at the bar he frequented the most, that reminded him of old Brooklyn. He remembers how the thin t-shirt allowed him to feel the warmth emanating from you as he enveloped you to teach you how to play, he remembers the leather jacket he took off to have you wear as you got on the back of his bike for a midnight ride, and the jeans that still had an oil stain from the time you got stranded on the side of the road and you had called Bucky to come look at your car.

He pulled out the red Henley and faded ripped jeans that you always checked him out in. He pulled on his leather jacket and hopped on his bike knowing there were still some things that he needed to do before he could beg for your forgiveness.

By the time everything was said and done it was just after 11 when Bucky killed the engine of his bike after he pulled up in front of your apartment. His heart was in his throat, and his stomach was more upset than every night of binge drinking he's experienced combined. He took a deep breath before swinging his leg over his bike and slowly making his way up to your door. His hands were shaking as he lifted the potted flower that hid your hideaway key you kept there for him. He nearly fell over when he saw it was still there. He didn't want to count his eggs before they hatched, but he could help but think that maybe there was still a bit of hope for him yet.

He walked into your quiet, dark apartment and took note of your keys where you kept them by the door. He made his way through your living to the back of your apartment where your bedroom and fire escape was. Your bedroom was void of you but your curtains fluttered in the breeze that filter through the window to your fire escape. He took two steps before he saw your shadow in the moonlight against the curtains move and Bucky froze in his steps. You were climbing through your window and fell gracefully when you saw Bucky in your bedroom. Bucky l UK nged for you, but stopped himself when you flinched back as if his touch would burn you.

"I- I know I have no right being here, and I'm the hugest jackass you know right now, but please just hear me out." Bucky stammered out quickly.

"You're damn straight you're the hugest jackass I know! You tried to get away with the worst; this time, I caught you. I tried to make you stay with my words, but this time, I lost you. It's just so shitty how you waste love."

"Wish I could erase the mistakes that I made, I'm sorry! And you're right, it's so shitty how I waste love! I did it to myself, though, go ahead and blame this on me. Just, please forgive me, doll."

"I blamed myself actually. I never blamed you Bucky. I just wasn't enough for you, and as much as that hurts, it's none fault but my own for fooling myself that I could be." You say as tears start to stream down your face. You can't even look at him at this point and it kills him that he made you feel like this. Bucky closes the distance between you two and gently wipes away your tears. Bucky tilts your face up to look at him, and the look on his face breaks your heart and astonishes you all in the same breath. Bucky always kept his cards close to his chest, never letting anyone see how he really felt and right now you could tell he was showing you the hand that was dealt him. Slowly, as if moving too fast would shatter the moment and you two would be back to arguing, Bucky lowered his lips to yours.

This kiss took your breath away. Bucky was a fantastic kisser, that was undeniable, however, this kiss was far more intimate than one he had ever shared with you. You poured everything you felt into it, meeting him with every ounce he was willing to share with your own.

Bucky could taste the salty tears on your lips, he could smell the smoke in your hair from the cigarettes you've smoked as you analyzed and re-anazlyed everything you could have done to be enough for him. The fact that you thought you weren't enough for him hurt him more than anything HYDRA ever did to him.

Bucky needed you, he needed to show you just how much he needed you and loved you. Bucky guided you to your bed, kissing you languidly and thoroughly. He didn't want to rush this, he didn't want it to feel like it was just sex to him, he wanted to make love to, forever if you'd let him. Bucky's hands made methodical movements, inching beneath the shirt you were wearing, feeling your cool skin against his warm flesh hand. He felt every single goosebump rise from your flesh as his fingertips teasingly grazed the skin beneath your beast. He hadn't even really touched you yet and you were breathless from anticipation. Bucky's member also raised with anticipation, and he knew you could feel it as you ground your hips against his when he finally reached your nipple with his calloused hands.

"Gonna love you so good tonight, doll." He whispered huskily in your ear, his breath hitting the shell of it causing shivers to run up your spine and press yourself impossibly closer to Bucky. He removed your clothes slowly, kissing every inch of skin exposed. The way that Bucky was taking his time with you was driving you mad and he knew it, but he also knew you loved every single second of it considering you hadn't told him to get on with it already.

"James!" You whine as he finally probes your entrance.

"Shh, gonna take really good care of you, doll. Need to show you just how much I need you. That you're more than enough for me, more than I deserve." He whispers in your ear as he plunges inch by inch into you until he's fully sheathed within you, feeling your walls flutter around him.

"So good for me, doll. So patient." Bucky whisper is just the tiniest bit strained as he begins to thrust inside you.

"Always there for me. Helping me put myself back together again after every flashback and nightmare, even when you don't even know it." He tells you before his lips are on yours again before moving down your neck so he can listen to every moan and every whimper that falls from your lips in pleasure. Bucky laces his fingers with yours by your head, effectively pinning you down and bring himself impossibly closer. There's not an inch of skin between you that isn't touching. Neither of you could tell where one began and one ended. You felt the coil tightening as Bucky thrust methodically into you, hitting the spot he knew made you see stars.

"So perfect for me in every single way, doll." He whispers praise onto your lips before sealing yours with his again. The coil snapped hurtling you into your orgasm and triggering Bucky's, causing his rhythm to falter.

Your breaths mingled as Bucky stilled on top of you. He unlaced one hand from yours to move a strand of hair out of your face before kissing the tip of your nose causing you to let out the smallest giggle, and blush blossoming across your cheeks.

"I know it's hard to fake how you feel, do you not still want me?" Bucky asked you, his heart back in his throat, and he could tell that his question pained you.

"I always wanted you Bucky, even last night after what I saw. Just my side effect of loving you I guess, I always want you." You said earnestly

"Never happening again. Ever. I was so scared that I lost you forever with how I screwed things up. The only reason I didn't chase after you was because I needed to get my shit together. It was the wake up call I needed, I'm just sorry you had to deliver the message, doll."

"No more wasting love?" You ask, your voice small.

"No more wasting love." Bucky promised, sealing it with a kiss.

[estboss4life]

Sasha and Bayley relationship has sooo much depth and layers waiting to be explored.

Sasha and Bayley relationship has been complicated: from Sasha being mean and underestimating Bayley in NXT all because Bayley was a fan and succeeded where Sasha couldn’t as a good girl; to Sasha requesting Bayley to tag with her in 2016 and then Sasha helping Bayley beat Charlotte (in which Sasha couldn’t on PPV) so she can challenge Bayley for the title; to Sasha ego nearly costing their friendship so Sasha sacrificed her greed to be the top girl so her and Bayley can make history together for the tag division… Sasha and Bayley relationship has evolved so much.

The last time we saw Sasha and Bayley together was when Sasha and Bayley lost the women’s tag team titles at Mania-where Bayley got pinned. Shortly after Sasha went MIA and she didn’t return Bayley calls. After that Bayley went to SD to establish she’s on her own and she’s above hugs. She started to showcase an aggressive side-she wasn’t gonna let anyone push her around anymore. With this mindset, she found the perfect balance of not losing her values but also establishing she’s a threat to her opponents. She won MITB, became SD women’s champion, and proved everyone wrong in the process.

After Four months away and much speculation, Sasha Banks returned to WWE. She made her return during Nattie speech about her late father passing away. Sasha hugged Nattie and then blasted her-turning heel. She revealed a new blue color, attacked Nattie and the Raw Womens champion Becky Lynch. The following week, Sasha didn’t explain her actions to Micheal Cole or to the fans. She was too busy focusing on the fans in awe over her new hair-showing delusional side. She finished the interview with “You're Welcome”. She doesn’t owe the fans an explanation in her mind. She back to being who she truly is but more ruthless. Bayley was asked about Sasha’s actions and her answer was pretty much-“ I support Sasha but I don’t condemn or condone her actions”. Bayley supports Sasha being back but she doesn’t want to be on her bad side. Bayley is scheduled to face Nikki Cross on Monday Night Raw. Of course fans want Sasha to save Bayley if Charlotte, Alexa, Nikki gangs up on Bayley. Then you have another side of fans that want Sasha to attack Bayley-showcasing that Sasha is gonna wreck anyone and everyone. However, I wouldn’t do either. Sasha and Bayley relationship isn’t black and white-not should be it. You can have Bayley being the only one understanding Sasha actions and Sasha letting Bayley be the only one on why she left and did what she did—Bayley being Sasha’s heart. And Sasha doesn’t have to save Bayley from Alexa Nikki or Charlotte on Monday. She probably would think that Bayley can take care of herself from seeing how Bayley have handled being on her own now.

Then when Bayley retains (against Charlotte) and Sasha wins (against Becky) their titles and they have to face at Survivor Series, Sasha would want Bayley to lay down for her because she doesn't want to hurt Bayley. But of course .Bayley wouldn’t and Sasha brutalizes Bayley And turns on her after the match saying” I thought you understood” . When Sasha eventually turns on Bayley ...it’s more sinister because this new version of Sasha is more evil compared to her NXT days. She was willing to let Bayley in until Bayley wouldn’t listen. She could cost Bayley her title afterwards. (Afterwards Sasha would go on to retain against Becky, defend against Naomi, and Dana). Bayley would work her way to get revenge on Sasha. First off, Bayley wins the rumble. Bayley would attack Sasha saying she’s not letting anyone push her and she’s tired of Sasha mindgames. Sasha would try to duck her but eventually she would wrestle Bayley. They will have a few one on one matches to the build to Mania But it would end in DQ, count out of Becky +Charlotte interfering. (Of course Becky gonna be involved and Charlotte will be Charlotte- 4HW). Sasha retains by pinning Bayley at Mania.

After Bayley is on a losing streak against Shayna and she loses at MITB, Bayley turns heel. She drops the kid image. Then Bayley can say “I really understand now“ and joins Sasha (she would have lost the title to Kair Sane) after she turns heel... and they can finally team under a ruthless state for the women’s tag titles. Bayley would get rid of the Bayley to Belly. In 2018, Sasha followed Bayley way of doing things to eventually getting the tag titles. She sacrificed her ego for their friendship. So now it would be interesting Bayley sacrificing her heart and integrity for everyone to finally take her seriously seeing how it’s working for Sasha. They would run through the women’s tag team division as a legit threat-NXT, UK, Raw, Smackdown for months as tag team champions.

In the last few weeks of their title reign, Sasha starts to mistreat Bayley and focus on herself. She starts making everything about her. Bayley questions whether if Sasha is all about them as a tag or still wants it to be the “The Sasha Banks show featuring Bayley”. They start bickering but are able to hold it together temporarily. Then once they drop the titles due to miscommunication of their egos, they would have a true blow-off. A huge brawl comes over. The crowd goes off. Bayley realize that she can’t convert Sasha and she can’t convert herself for Sasha. That no amount of love and friendship is gonna stop Sasha’s ego until she beat Sasha for good. Sasha doesn’t want to share the spotlight any longer-she would be tired of a friendship and trying to mask Bayley insecurity because Bayley don’t have the star power that Sasha has. They would have a match at Mania 37 but it would in the main event … as an I Quit Match. Everything is on the line. Their pride. Their friendship. Their future. The meaning of women’s wrestling. After a hard fought match, Bayley makes Sasha say I Quit with the submission she made Sasha tap at Takeover Respect. Bayley always wanted respect from Sasha. She didn’t want to lose Sasha because she believed Sasha could have succeeded if she was the Sasha that debuted in NXT. She knows Sasha didn’t want to hurt Bayley on purpose but titles, ego, and the amount of the women’s talent got in the way. Sasha values winning and can’t handle being in second place. Sasha would be devastated-not because she lost but she realized she finally Main evented with her former friend. All the bickering, the hugs, the attacks, the tag matches were worth making history with Bayley. She always wanted this with Bayley and it made her think- everything happens for a reason: to get to this moment. She hugged Bayley and told her: ” I love you”. She got out the ring let Bayley soak up the moment she has. Finally Bayley can get taken seriously. There really is no stronger connection than the Boss 'n Hug Connection.