#basic sewing terms

[bevanne46]

Basic Sewing Terms

[lapdogchase]

i really dont understand studying at all like genuinely i don't know what it is . i know about "taking notes" and "reading the textbook" and that's it . quizlet doesn't do shit for me because i don't know what to. do. with the cards. look at them ? am i supposed to just look at them . No one bothered teaching me actual skills bc i got good grades when i was 8 and now i am so hopelessly lost . why did no one think to teach me this for when stuff got harder than four plus three

[dkettchen]

sometimes it turns out you're not an XS, you're just an XL who happens to be 5'4"

[gwenthebard]

The nature of Tumblr discourse around artistic pursuits is that youll either end up fully in one echo chamber or weirdly torn between two

The latter the most annoying to be in, as youre stuck seeing

"person in artistic field who wants to help simplify things and has a loose understanding of the field thats not great for deep discussion but helps 80% of people in the field while not necesarrily creating a consistently good product"

AND

"Person who thinks you cant interact with the field if you dont have a deep understanding of its intricacies and histories, and will see any attempt to simplify a field or make it easier to understand for the 20% who dont fit that bill as corrupting the purpose and making it worse"

With any attempt to find a middle ground or explain the other sides purpose as you not being a real fan of the hobby or field or gatekeeping it, and in the position of just finding it hard to interact with

[maraeffect]

going 2 a thrift store and seeing the shelves lined with shein clothes fills my body with a rage i can only describe as murderous.

[darkandstormydolls]

PSA to all historical fiction/fantasy writers:

A SEAMSTRESS, in a historical sense, is someone whose job is sewing. Just sewing. The main skill involved here is going to be putting the needle into an out of the fabric. They’re usually considered unskilled workers, because everyone can sew, right? (Note: yes, just about everyone could sew historically. And I mean everyone.) They’re usually going to be making either clothes that aren’t fitted (like shirts or shifts or petticoats) or things more along the lines of linens (bedsheets, handkerchiefs, napkins, ect.). Now, a decent number of people would make these things at home, especially in more rural areas, since they don’t take a ton of practice, but they’re also often available ready-made so it’s not an uncommon job. Nowadays it just means someone whose job is to sew things in general, but this was not the case historically. Calling a dressmaker a seamstress would be like asking a portrait painter to paint your house

A DRESSMAKER (or mantua maker before the early 1800s) makes clothing though the skill of draping (which is when you don’t use as many patterns and more drape the fabric over the person’s body to fit it and pin from there (although they did start using more patterns in the early 19th century). They’re usually going to work exclusively for women, since menswear is rarely made through this method (could be different in a fantasy world though). Sometimes you also see them called “gown makers”, especially if they were men (like tailors advertising that that could do both. Mantua-maker was a very feminized term, like seamstress. You wouldn’t really call a man that historically). This is a pretty new trade; it only really sprung up in the later 1600s, when the mantua dress came into fashion (hence the name).

TAILORS make clothing by using the method of patterning: they take measurements and use those measurements to draw out a 2D pattern that is then sewed up into the 3D item of clothing (unlike the dressmakers, who drape the item as a 3D piece of clothing originally). They usually did menswear, but also plenty of pieces of womenswear, especially things made similarly to menswear: riding habits, overcoats, the like. Before the dressmaking trade split off (for very interesting reason I suggest looking into. Basically new fashion required new methods that tailors thought were beneath them), tailors made everyone’s clothes. And also it was not uncommon for them to alter clothes (dressmakers did this too). Staymakers are a sort of subsect of tailors that made corsets or stays (which are made with tailoring methods but most of the time in urban areas a staymaker could find enough work so just do stays, although most tailors could and would make them).

Tailors and dressmakers are both skilled workers. Those aren’t skills that most people could do at home. Fitted things like dresses and jackets and things would probably be made professionally and for the wearer even by the working class (with some exceptions of course). Making all clothes at home didn’t really become a thing until the mid Victorian era.

And then of course there are other trades that involve the skill of sewing, such as millinery (not just hats, historically they did all kinds of women’s accessories), trimming for hatmaking (putting on the hat and and binding and things), glovemaking (self explanatory) and such.

TLDR: seamstress, dressmaker, and tailor are three very different jobs with different skills and levels of prestige. Don’t use them interchangeably and for the love of all that is holy please don’t call someone a seamstress when they’re a dressmaker

[pleasantboatpress]

so, you wanted to start bookbinding?

so @princetofbone mentioned on my post for "factory settings" about wanting to know more about the binding style that i used for it. so i thought i might make a post about it.

i was as terrible as i always am for taking in progress shots, but i can link you to the resources i used in order to make my book. i would also like to point out that "factory settings" is my 120th bind, and i have been doing bookbinding as a hobby for just over 3 years now. unfortunately this means some of the methods that i used for that bind aren't particularly beginner friendly, just in terms of the tools and methods i have used, but i would love to point you in the right direction when it comes to resources. i dont say this to sound pretentious which i fear i might come across, just so that youre fully informed. getting into this hobby is fun and rewarding, but it can definitely be intimidating.

with that caveat, heres a list of links and resources that i have used for bookbinding in general, with additional links to methods i used specifically in regards to this bind.

ASH's how to make a book document. it gives you a great introduction into typesetting fics (where you format the text of fics to look like a traditionally published books) and then turning them into a case-bound book (the style i used for "factory settings"). it is comprehensive, and explains how to use microsoft word to do your bidding. it was invaluable to me when i was just starting out! currently i use affinity publisher to typeset/format my fics for printing, but i only bought and learned how to use that after i had been binding books for a year and a half. i made some beautiful typesets with word, and some of my close friends use it still and design stuff that i never would be able to in my wildest dreams (basically anything by @no-name-publishing)

DAS Bookbinding's Square Back Bradel Binding. a great style to do your first bind in! this method requires, when making the case, to attach the cover board and the spine board to a connecting piece of paper, which makes it so much easier to match the size of the case to the size of the text block (your printed out and sewn fic). using this method is what allowed me to get much more accurately fitting cases, and made me much more confident with the construction of the books i was making. a well-made book is something that is so wonderful to hold in your hands!

DAS Bookbinding's Rounded and Backed Cased Book. This is the specific method that i used to create my bind for "factory settings"! even before i could back my books, i found that watching DAS's videos in particular helped me see how books were traditionally made, and i was able to see different tips and tricks about how to make nicer books.

Book Edge Trimming Without... i trim the edges of my text block using my finishing press and a chisel i have sharpened using a whetstone and leather strop with buffing compound on it. i follow the method for trimming shown in this video!

Made Endpapers. i follow this method for my endpapers, as i used handmade lokta endpapers, and they can be quite thin, but they look beautiful! i used "tipped on" endpapers (where you have your endpaper and then put a thin strip of glue on the edge and attach it to your text block) i used for a very long time before this, but these feel like they are much more stable, as they are sewn with your text block.

Edge Sprinkling. this is the method that i used for decorating the edges of my text block. but the principle is basically clamping your text block tight and then sprinkling the edges. i do not believe you need to trim the edges in order to do sprinkles on the edges, and that's what makes it accessible! i personally just use really cheap acrylic paint that i water down and then flick it onto the edges with my thumb and a paint brush.

Double-Core Endbands. i sew my own endbands, which i followed this tutorial for. that being said, it's kind of confusing, and this video is a bit easier to follow, but it is a slightly different type of endband.

Case decoration. i used my silhouette cameo 4 to cut out my design for "factory settings" in htv (heat transfer vinyl). i also used my cameo 4 to cut out the oval of marbled paper on the front, as i honestly didn't want to try my hand at cutting an oval lol. i also glued some 300 gsm card with an oval cut out of the centre of it onto the cover before covering it with bookcloth, to get a kind of recess on the cover. i then glued the oval of marbled paper onto the top of the recessed area once it was covered with bookcloth, so that it was protected. the images i used were sourced from a mix of rawpixel, canva and pixabay. a more accessible way to get into cover decoration is by painting on a design for your cover as described in @a-gay-old-time's tutorial just here. or even doing paper labels, which look classy imo.

physical materials. sourcing these will depend on your country. i am located in australia, and have compiled a list with some other aussie bookbinders of places to buy from. here is a great post describing beginning materials for getting started binding.

@renegadepublishing. this tumblr is great! its what got me started bookbinding, and being in the discord has been inspiring, motivating, and honestly just one of the best online experiences i have ever had. it is full of resources, and most people in there are amateur bookbinders, with a couple of professionals thrown in. the discord is 18+, and anyone can join!

i'm sorry this post got so long, but i hope that this has a lot of information for you if you would like to get started bookbinding. its one of the best hobbies ive ever had, and i genuinely believe i will have it for the rest of my life.

[wisteria-lodge]

"Smallclothes"

I just reblogged a very interesting thread about historical inaccuracy in A Song of Ice and Fire, but it was doing a whole big picture thing and I didn't want to clog it up with one very small detail that just really specifically bothers me.

It's his use of the term "smallclothes." Basically, in ASOIAF smallclothes = panties/knickers.

Daario found his breeches and pulled them on. He did not trouble himself with smallclothes.

Jon’s anger flared. “No, my lord, I mean to set them to sewing lacy smallclothes."

“... before Lord Snow wets his smallclothes.”

"he looked like he was going to shit his smallclothes"

So okay. 'smallclothes' or 'small-clothes' is a historical term (from the 1700s) that means... underlayer. Here's it being used by Charles Dickens:

“Will you run over, once again, what the boy said?” asks Mr. Tulkinghorn, putting his hands into the pockets of his rusty smallclothes and leaning quietly back in his chair."

The idea being that he's casual/doesn't care and isn't bothering to dress up for his guest. not that he's in his undies. Here is a illustration from Nicholas Nickleby of a suitor who has inappropriately "displayed his small-clothes"

I've heard "smallclothes" refer to things like pocket-handkerchiefs, and anecdotally it's sometimes used to refer to knickers in linguistically stubborn places like Yorkshire, but that just is not how the word was used historically.

so okay. fine. It's a fantasy story, he's just made up his own word that means "panties."

Except NO. They straight up did not wear panties in the middle ages and renaissance. Sometimes you got loose under-breeches with a split crotch BUT - in general that long white shirt/chemise just WAS your undergarment. Think of how much easier it is to manufacture! And clean! Boxer brief type things weren't a thing until the 1900s, and modern-ish woman's panties ("step-ins") weren't a thing until the 20s, because the hemlines stopped working with pantalettes and bloomers. There are no "lacy smallclothes" like there is lacy lingerie. That only makes sense if you have industrialized clothing manufacturing!

Honestly I would have thought GRRM would be all over this, like it's kinda sexy that it's just thigh-high stocking or leggings underneath those big dresses, right? But he hasn't done that. Instead he's just ported in a modern article of clothing and gave it an old-timey name. Just a little hint that he hasn't actually properly got his head around how these clothes were made and used, and that devalues them.

And it's escaped containment! It's canon in Dragon Age, and in fanfiction I'm seeing "smallclothes" or "smalls" used to describe the underwear in in Our Flag Means Death, the Lord of the Rings, the Witcher. Just have nothing! None of these people should be wearing panties!!!!

[delatoid]

Yippee I finished my first plushie!! (Bo (Dragon Quest))

Finally learned to upgrade from sewing [to repair] clothes to learning how to make plushies and I like how this first* attempt went =) *Some ramblings abt the process under the cut:

So of course this wasn't first first try. But it is my first plushie project :L

I've been wanting to do this for a while, but I didn't really want to have to hand sew a plushie and I was too scared to learn how to use a sewing machine, so for a while I didn't really learn.

BUT we just got a new sewing machine so this was when I was like "ok I'll learn how to use it now and finally work through my plushie ideas list"

Here are the different attempts for making Bo. From left to right:

1) This one was hand sewn just so I could get the feel of making a plushie and making a pattern. As you can see it was awful lol

2) The tiny one was my first time using the sewing machine properly (past testing on sample fabrics and whatnot). Kept it small since it was basically the same as the first one for the most part, but I modified the pattern a bit too

3) First time embroidering, and also tried to change the pattern to have a more drastic "dip" like the She-Slime lamp I have. I didn't really proceed with that since I don't think it really looks as good as the more teardrop-y shape the Rocket Slime art uses

4) Switched to minky here (I was using fleece beforehand). Also switched from embroidering the scleras to just using minky for that as well.

It doesn't show as well in this pic, but the eyes kinda bulge out and the outlines were done too thin for my liking (plus I didn't have heavy enough stabilizer for minky so I think the face kinda deformed a bit there too)

5) The final version!! Pattern was exactly the same as 4, the only change really was just better embroidering (I think) otherwise I'm really proud of how she came out =)

Only note is that I'm still kinda torn on choice of fabric. I *do* like how reflective the longer pile (is that the term?) is, but maybe I should've gone for the less reflective, shorter pile to make her less furry? Idk I just flip-flop whether I like it or not but I don't think it makes her look any worse to me :P

[peekofhistory]

hello! I saw your post about the layers of hanfu, the one with the pants that tie around the waist. I really want to try to make them, but I can't seem to find a pattern. Is there a term for that article of clothing that I can use to search? Or better yet, do you have any pattern recommendations?

I was recently introduced to hanfu through a c-drama, and I'm really curious about it, so I'm glad I found your blog!

AHHH!! My first inbox message!! I'm so happy 😃😃

The name for that style of pants is (unfortunately) just "pants" (裤/ku in Chinese, which literally translates to pants).

I searched around for patterns and pieced one together (luckily it doesn't seem too complicated :D). You'll have to play around with the measurements so they fit you best, these were based on a video of someone who made this for a client (I'll link the video as a source but it's all in Chinese).

Here's some screenshots of videos demo-ing it (also linked in sources). The most important take-away I got is to make sure the width of the pant legs is enough to wrap ALL the way around your body and overlap in the back so your butt doesn't show xD

The earliest artefacts for this style of pants is the Han Dynasty (202 BC-9 AD, 25–220 AD), but it was also discovered in tombs of the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), which had more samples and were better preserved (I heard in one Song tomb they found 24 pairs of pants, 15 of which were this style O.O). So all of these were made using the Song Dynasty version, but they look basically the same and were also worn as under garments.

Sources: Sewing patterns https://www.sohu.com/a/406159256_620719

Sewing full process (with measurements) 慕少蓉 https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1sg4y1v7jZ/

Demonstration: Xiaohongshu 曾嚼子 Video

Xiaohongshu 宾义儿 Video

If you're interested in hand-making Hanfu (BIG kudos to you, btw, that is AMAZING!) I recommend this book （it's all in Chinese but it does provide patterns for many Hanfu styles): 中国古代服饰结构图集 (Patterns of historical Chinese clothing)

You can also use Xiaohongshu (Little red book), it's both a website and an app that a LOOOT of Chinese people use for everything: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/

If you searching "[dynasty or clothing name] 结构图" (结构图 means patterns) you'll usually get a lot of results.

[moriitis]

uhm so I don't know if requests are open right now but I wanted to ask maybe a EJ in a relationship hc like you did with Toby? Only if you want to though!!! 💖

What would it be like dating Eyeless Jack? Content/Warnings; sexual themes, blood. MINORS DNI. 18+

The most laid back, chilled boyfriend you could ask for. It would be rare to get into an argument with Jack, either because he never looks for one or because he'll walk away from the situation altogether. Would absolutely be his biggest green flag! If you were to get heated or flustered over something, he'll mutter little words to try and calm you down.

"Try not to worry about it, it'll be a thing of the past before you know it."

Very reserved and unlike Toby; he wouldn't go out of his way to piss you off or annoy you. Maybe he'll tease you softly here or there.

Loves to encourage you to do the things you love! And hates it when you put yourself down if you aren't good enough. Admittedly, he has a huge soft spot for nerdy or even smart s/o's, so when you're rambling over something you love or something you're passionate about; he'll be swooning all over you.

Understands distance and admittedly, likes his own alone time. Don't read this wrong, he absolutely loves your company but simply loves it more when you're both preoccupied with something and just sat in the room together in silence.

Due to his lack of.. eyesight, Jack is a very touchy feely person. Which means he is very, very physical. It took him some time to feel confident enough to touch you, purely because he wasn't sure how much he could hold himself back. His hands will roam over your arms, occasionally rest on your lower back if you were together. Would tend to avoid touching you in a sexual manner.

He is a very good listener! Need to vent? He'll lend an ear. Just don't go to him expecting advice though, because really he's the worst. Somebody annoying you?

"Just don't talk to them..?"

Just doesn't really understand the concept of shit talking, so if you are venting don't expect him to join you. He'll just try to give you logical options so you can resolve your issues quicker.

On the matter of gossip, Jack knows everything. Hiding a secret from him is pointless because not only is his superb hearing going to pick up the most quietest of things; but he can sense a change in your body language too.

And despite the fact he doesn't enjoy shit talking, he will share a lot of juicy gossip he has heard.

I said he likes touch, well this guy loves to fucking cuddle. He loves smelling your intoxicating scent, wrapping you around his large frame and protecting you from anything that may threaten you. His cuddles will always lead to sex though, he can't help the raging boner he gets every time.

Always gets little hyper bursts, especially after he's eaten and during that time he's so fucking hilarious. It's like he's drunk, but except drunk on alcohol; it's like he's drunk on the high amount of blood he's consumed. You'll notice little tinges of red under the greys of his cheeks as he's chuckling, a low and raspy chuckle as he's mumbling complete bullshit that frankly makes so sense.

It wouldn't be Jack if he didn't teach you the basics of sewing up a human body, where to find your major arteries and quizzes you on where all your vital organs are. Maybe it's because he loves hearing you talk about it, almost like it's his own, unique dirty talk.

Oh, and the endless piggy backs. Despite his scrawny, skinny appearance, this guy is strong as fuck. He loves carrying you around. Tired? Get on that mans back. And there's something about holding you while he fucks you relentlessly too..

Does not open much, like.. at all. So you have to come to terms with the fact that Jack is just a reserved person who doesn't like talking about his past. Unless he has a mental breakdown and then it's all spewing.

The. Fucking. Pet. Names. Always finds a new pet name for you.

"Darling. Lovey. Love. Angel. Sweetness. Honey. Sweet thing."

But then his pet names gets him hungry and after all he can't help it, your blood smells so sweet, so inviting.

Lots of little acts of love too. Making sure you don't forget medication, tucking you in under blankets (even though his body heat is enough to warm you), peppering your face with endless amounts of kisses.

He's a romantic too, he's just not very good at showing it. He's awkward, so you can't blame him. He'll put the effort in to be romantic nevertheless, but he's a natural gentleman so he doesn't need much effort put in to begin with. Hold doors open for you, shit this man will even get on his knees to tie your shoelaces for you.

And of course, he lectures you a lot; sometimes about the most dumbest of things. But it's just because he cares about you.

I wouldn't imagine Jack to be controlling, but there's aspects where it could seem that way. It wouldn't be outright either, he'd just kinda say things like;

"You shouldn't do this. Think before you do things. What would the consequences be," etc, etc.

Forgot to mention this guy is smart as all fuck too. Got a math equation you're struggling on? He's a fucking human monster calculator.

rambled a little too much about this man.

thank you so much for requesting this! glad my man jack is getting a little more love, lord knows he deserves it.

sorry if these aren't great lmao

[kyber-crystal]

the alchemy || n.l.

summary: there’s a special sort of alchemy that’s involved in falling in love and finding the ‘one.’ luckily, you don’t need to try so hard—he’s already out there waiting.

words: ~3k

warnings: just loads of cheesiness and fluff 

a/n: took inspo from the amortentia scene in hbp if ya couldn’t tell, but basically this is set in their “eighth year” so they’ve come back after the battle. hell yeah neville glow up and EVERYONE IS ALIVE! except moldy voldy and his minions duh

“Y/N, you’ve done it again,” Hermione sighed. You blinked your eyes open to see her perched at the edge of your bed, a concerned look on her face. “How many times have I told you not to do this?”

“What do you—oh…” You looked down to where she had taken your wrists—which were marked by bright red half-moon shapes from you digging your nails into them—into her hands. 

She sighed, muttering a quick healing spell under her breath. You watched with curiosity as the scarlet marks began to sew themselves up and leave behind a layer of fresh, healed skin. 

Twisting your hands this way and that, you flashed her a grin. “You’re the best, Hermione. What would I ever do without you.”`

“You’d be dying, of course,” she rolled her eyes. “Now get out of bed and leave that nap behind. You’ve got Potions in ten minutes and a match to win this afternoon.”

“I’m tired,” you groaned, throwing an arm across your face. “I don’t want to get up. It’s so early. I didn’t come back here to wake up at the butt crack of dawn to study even more.”

“You’re going to be late to class.”

“I don’t care.”

You groaned again when she forcibly yanked the blankets off your body and grabbed your hand, pulling you out of bed. “Now change. I’m not going to repeat myself.”

“Yes mum,” you exhaled, reluctantly changing and slinging your bag over your shoulder afterward. “Let’s go.”

You had barely made it to class in time, rushing to find an empty seat—Hermione took hers next to an equally tired-looking Harry and Ron, and Neville waved you over, so you sat down next to him. 

Neville smiled at you genially. “Are you okay? You look exhausted.”

“Stayed up till 4 a.m. finishing two essays, but what else is new,” you whispered. “And you?”

“I had Herbology class right before this,” he whispered back, a proud look in his eyes. “Got a lot done, as per usual.”

You smiled back. “That’s amazing! You said that you were thinking of coming back here and teaching, right?”

He blushed and rubbed the back of his neck, surprised that you’d remembered what he said. “Well, yeah…still got a few more classes to take, though, so I’m here for the rest of fall term, and a little after the holidays.”

Turning your attention back to Slughorn, who had just begun to speak, you took your copy of Advanced Potion-Making out of your bag. 

“Now, this potion right here, I’m sure we’re all familiar with at this point. So can someone…” Hermione’s hand shot in the air immediately at Slughorn’s question, “...yes, please do tell.”

“Amortentia,” Hermione answered immediately, looking over at you and grinning.

“...It’s the most powerful love potion in the world,” you finished her sentence. “But it doesn’t really create love, it just causes a powerful infatuation or obsession of sorts. It’s impossible to manufacture true love.” 

“Quite right, ladies,” said Slughorn. “You recognized it, I suppose, by its distinct mother-of-pearl sheen?”

“And the steam rising in characteristic spirals,” said Hermione enthusiastically, “and it’s supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us.”

Slughorn then asked you two to describe to the class what it was you smelled in the potion.

“I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and —” But Hermione turned slightly pink and did not complete her sentence.

“Miss Y/L/N?” Slughorn turned to you. “Can you tell us what it is that you smell, please?”

“Well,” you cleared your throat, stepping closer to the gleaming gold cauldron. “a burning fireplace, fresh laundry, broomsticks, and…”

Like Hermione, you were unable to finish your sentence, feeling your face burn as you realized what it exactly it was you were smelling—some mix of freshly grown berries and mint from spending hours in the Herbology greenhouses. The same smell radiating off the kind faced young man sitting right next to you. You slowly lowered your hand and sat back down. 

“Excellent. Ten points to Gryffindor for each of you,” Slughorn said. “Now, it’s time for us to get to work.” 

You had no idea how you didn’t completely ruin your potion given that you spent half the time daydreaming about anything but brewing it. Neither you nor Neville were the greatest at Potions, despite having passed your OWLs for them.

“OI!” Ron not-so-quietly whisper-yelled from across the classroom. “Quit staring at each other with those heart-eyes and get to work!”

“Sure, Hermione the 2nd.” 

You rolled your eyes, turning away in an attempt to hide the blush creeping up your cheeks. Neville immediately did the same thing and stopped reading the instructions under his breath, opting to say them quietly inside his head instead.

“And you’d think that a war would give them the balls to say how they truly feel!” Hermione exclaimed as you walked out of class, heading to the library together. “I mean, how could someone be so clueless?”

“Who are you even talking about?” you questioned.

“You and Longbottom,” she laughed, in an Isn’t it obvious? type tone. “No wonder you didn’t get sorted into Ravenclaw.”

“Oh, shut it,” you scoffed. “There’s nothing to be said.”

“Didn’t Umbridge tell us all not to tell lies?” she countered.

“Hermione, really?”

“Okay, I’m joking! Bloody hell, Ron’s rubbing off on me,” she groaned. “But I’m serious, you need to do something about it. And you can’t use the ‘Voldemort’s going to have my arse, that’s far more important than telling the love of my life that I’m madly in love with him and don’t know what I’d do without him because he’s all I’ve ever wanted’ excuse.”

“Yes I—” you began, but stopped as you realized she was right. “Ugh. You’re insufferable, you know that?”

“Isn’t that why we’re friends?” she winked, nudging you in the side. “Come on. You have until the end of tonight to tell him or I’ll march up to him and do it mysel—”

“Okay, okay! Fine. I’ll figure it out. By tonight,” you said, exasperated. “Happy?”

“Now that’s progress.”

The first Quidditch match after the war had to have been one of the loudest you’d ever witnessed. Of course, it made perfect sense for it to be—after all the violence and bloodshed, everyone was quite relieved to be making the steady return to normalcy. 

However, you felt the nerves creep up on you as they usually did, and started to regret not holding up your end of Hermione’s bargain before being thrown headfirst into a massive adrenaline rush. 

But maybe, she was right. You’d spent so much time around Neville to the point that Flitwick had asked where he was when he didn’t show up to class with you by his side last week. To the point that half the time you studied together, you’d end up staying so long that you fell asleep at your seat and he’d end up finishing your homework for you (without complaint, of course, because that’s just how he was). And, to the point that during last month’s DADA session with the boggart, all you saw was his limp corpse on the floor, bloody and pale and lifeless after failing to kill Nagini, the sword of Gryffindor by his side. It had concerned even Blaise, who you weren’t necessarily friends nor enemies with, who stepped in to help you cast the Ridikulus spell because you had no energy left to do it yourself. He was everywhere, and there was no point in avoiding him. 

Sighing, you finished putting on your uniform and got ready to leave the locker rooms, nervously wringing your hands out. You had taken up Fred’s post as one of Gryffindor’s Beaters after you left, and had to admit that it was rather bittersweet stepping onto the field for your last first game. While Harry was giving his usual pep talk, Ginny squeezed your hand tightly and leaned her head on your shoulder. You rested your head on top of hers in response, closing your eyes for a brief moment. 

For once, there was no rivalry, no boos or shouting matches between the Gryffindors and Slytherins as you made your way onto the field. You could feel the collective sense of inter-House unity all around, with both captains cordially shaking hands and wearing genuine smiles on their faces, along with different Houses mingling together. All that mattered was that everyone was back together on the field, ready to experience another round of their favorite pastime. 

You couldn’t recall the last time you were unable to stop smiling like this, zipping through the sky like it was all you cared about and all you knew how to do. The game went by quick, with Ron making several last-minute, game-defining saves, and Gryffindor just barely won, the final score being 300 to 280. 

Your head was spinning faster than the Quaffle you’d swatted away multiple times, legs feeling like they were made of jello as you dismounted your broom. The Gryffindor team was a tangled mess of limbs as they embraced one another, hoisting Harry up in the air as he raised the trophy high in one hand. After hugging more people than you could keep track of you finally pushed your way out of the stuffy crowd, immediately scanning the stands for a familiar face.

And then you saw Neville standing there in the front row, arms open in the slightest in an invitation, so you sprinted forward, practically throwing yourself into his arms. You had no idea where the surge of confidence came from, but suddenly you were tightly clutching his shoulders and bringing his lips down to yours in a hard kiss. The sudden action took both of you by surprise, as he barely had time to react before kissing you back, arms wrapping around your torso to help you maintain your balance. 

You probably would’ve passed out if you hadn’t pulled apart when you did, which was when Seamus and Dean’s loud wolf-whistling forced you to; faces flushed and breathing heavily. Somehow, though, the pure shock running through your veins kept you standing upright.

“W-what was that for,” he sounded completely out of breath, “I’m not complaining, but—”

All you could manage to respond with was a breathy laugh and wide smile, reaching up to adjust Neville’s woolen hat. “Something I’ve been putting off for ages.”

“You couldn’t have done that before Voldemort nearly killed you?” he questioned. “What were you waiting for?”

“I don’t know. But I’m here now,” you grinned, bringing him back in a second time. “Are we complaining here?”

“Not at all.” 

SIX YEARS LATER

“Aunt Y/N, tell me the story of how you and Uncle Nev got married!” Teddy clapped his hands together in glee. “Tell me tell me tell me!” 

“Haven’t I told you this before already?” you asked.

“I wanna hear it again! Tell me tell me tell me!” he pleaded. “Tell me!” 

“Alright, alright,” you chuckled as he settled down in Ginny’s lap, and you looked over at your husband, who gave you a warm smile. “It all started with Herbology. I’d always had a green thumb of my own, of course, but Neville over here was the brightest in our class. Professor Sprout had a soft spot for him, you know.” 

“Brightest is an understatement,” Neville chided. “I should be in history books for my talent.” 

“Hey, be humble!” you teased, lightly punching him in the arm. “Anyway, Teddy, you know about the second Wizarding war, right?”

Teddy nodded eagerly. “Uncle Ron told me you all kicked butt and that Harry saved the day!”

“Exactly! Now, we were all very young. A few of us had been eighteen for several months, but many of us were still just seventeen. Older than you of course, but we were still kids. But the war made us grow up fast. Some of us went back to Hogwarts to finish off our last year, and Neville and I were placed into the same classes for the eighth year in a row—makes me think that Professor McGonagall did that on purpose.” 

“If she didn’t, you wouldn’t have this, would you?” Neville asked. 

“Nope,” you replied, leaning into him and resuming the story. “Our final class of the day was Herbology, and he’d been telling me how he wanted to come back to Hogwarts to teach that class because he loved it so much. Our section was the smallest with just ten students, so we got very close to each other very quickly and hung out after class a lot. And…one day, Professor Sprout had made a sudden change to our lesson plan which I thought was confusing, since she always let us know what we’d be doing in advance. Neville and I went to the greenhouse as per usual, but no one was there. That’s when he told me about the change, and said there was something he wanted to show me first. I was still confused, but I agreed, since there was no harm in doing so anyway. Well, we got there and it was pitch black, so I couldn’t see anything, which started to scare me.”

“And you were sorted into Gryffindor,” Neville teased. “Somehow.”

“Oh, quiet and let me finish. What’s a hero without a little fear, anyway?” you laughed. “That’s when Nev told me there was no Herbology class that day because it had been cancelled. Suddenly, a few lights turn on, and he’s standing behind me holding the prettiest bouquet of glowing flowers that I’ve ever seen. He told me it had taken weeks of watering them one by one, by hand, after class had ended, to get them to how they were then.” 

You continued on, relishing in the memory as you recalled the story. 

“What is this all for?”  you asked. “Don’t tell me this is all a ploy to kidnap me and hold me hostage forever.”

“Not exactly…” he handed you the glowing bouquet, and took one of your hands in his. “Now come follow me.” 

He led you deeper into the greenhouse, passing by glittering bellflowers, sweet-smelling honeysuckle, and other peacefully sleeping plants. Floating candles decorated the space, and you started to wonder if Sprout had cancelled class because she was redecorating the area. 

Neville squeezed your hand, prompting you to turn around. Your heart started racing as it always did when you looked at him, but this time it was quite different. The once awkward eleven year-old boy who was your Potions partner had morphed into an impressive and achingly handsome young man, and you wondered how you had been so lucky to meet, even if it was by accidentally spilling half your potion all over him the first day you met. The same hands that bravely gripped Godric’s sword and sliced Nagini apart were also the same hands that held you more tenderly and gently than anyone else you knew. The same hands that had held you upright when you were kissing him for the first time in the middle of the Quidditch pitch. 

“Nev…” you began, but all the words you wanted to say got caught in your throat as he shuffled a bit and pulled a tiny box out of his coat pocket. He carefully flipped it open to reveal a silver ring mixed with flecks of white gold, and a teardrop shaped diamond in the centre. “Are you…”

He cleared his throat, internally shaking out the nerves. “I don’t know how it took me so long to realize it was you. When Trelawney looked over my shoulder at the tea leaves that Seamus was reading for me, she said he was doing it all wrong. She’d told me, cup in her hands, that I had found my divine soulmate and she was sitting in that very room. And that we were—we were to be together for the rest of time. The King and Queen, she said. Of course, nobody believed it, not even me, so I brushed it off. But maybe she was right. You’ve always been there and I’m an idiot for taking as long as I did to realize I loved you.” 

“Well,” you smiled softly, “it took me a while too, so I guess we’re even on that end. I don’t think I ever told you, but it was you I smelled in Slughorn’s potion that day. You’ve always been it for me, too.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Oh...well…” he shifted around again, “I got this a while ago, actually…like three years ago. Before I had even asked you to be my girlfriend. That time I had to go to the bathroom when we were at Hogsmeade with all our friends? I went to the vintage jewelry shop and picked it out with Ron’s help. I was only fifteen, but I wanted to save it in the hope that some day, I’d see it on your finger. And yet I kept denying that I cared about you as more than a friend.” 

“Blimey, Trelawney really was right,” you let out a breathy laugh. “You knew before you even knew.” 

“Yeah, so…this is me asking you now, I guess. I didn’t want to wait any longer when I knew that you were the only girl who I could picture a future with.”

“Then this is me saying yes,” you beamed, and he took your hand in his, gently putting the ring on. It seemed to glow extra bright as he did so.

Teddy clapped again as you finished the story. “And you lived happily ever after!”

“We did indeed,” you agreed. “A fairytale ending, if you will…”

“...and I remember when you told us about what Trelawney said to you two that day,” Ginny added on, also smiling, “something along the lines of, ‘this happens once every few lifetimes.’ If even that. Like you were meant to be from the start. ” 

You couldn’t help but feel a rush of warmth as you glanced over at Neville, the boy with twinkling eyes whom you had married at just eighteen, your whole lives ahead of you, ready to tackle it all—from exploding Potions to Quidditch victories—together, hand in hand. 

And you wouldn’t want it any other way. 

tags: @rwuqas @strollnstroll @nanamisfootrest @actuallybarb @strangeexpertninja @mat1cozemiyom @arkofblake @lizzyrose200 @jesterghuleh @gemofthenight @hpfan0308-leia

[grey-fuckers-unlimited]

he's just trans

(to keep this post from getting longer/this blog further off topic, here's the blog I archive everything related to Vincent and the guy he thinks is an actual angel from actual heaven on: @vermins-angel )

[invisible-pink-toast]

who's who in the zoo wilderness

like many yellowjackets fans i am Obsessed with the flashbacks in the pilot episode - but while many theories are about who pit girl is or who the antler queen is i also wanted to have a look at who each of the creepy cloaked cultee's might be under their masks...

Info

in the flashbacks we have nine characters -

pit girl (called "The Runner" in the script)

antler queen (called "The Shaman")

the one wearing beaver fur ("The Overseer")

the one wearing a skunk fur ("The Hunter")

the one in the pink hood ("The Butcher")

one wearing an owl

one wearing racoons

one wearing what appears to be a wolf

one wearing pants/leggings in a way that looks rabbit-like.

The antler queen is the name the fans have given the mysterious veiled figure - but the creators have been firm in saying that is an interpretation and not a fact. What we know about this figure is she's referred to as "The Shaman" and she's obviously a significant figure in the group - but not necessarily the queen/leader. I don't think this character is automatically the leader of the cult.

The definition of a shaman includes:

A member of certain traditional societies, especially of northern Asia and of North and South America, who acts as a medium between the visible world and an invisible spirit world and who practices magic or sorcery for purposes of healing, divination, and control over natural events.

The term shamanism comes from the Manchu-Tungus word šaman. The noun is formed from the verb ša- ‘to know’; thus, a shaman is literally “one who knows.” 

So of these nine, seven of them must be our seven known survivors:

just a note: aside from sammi hanratty (misty) none of the other actors were playing characters in this scene - those roles were filled by body doubles. so i'm not going to be too specific in comparing looks to try and match these characters to our known characters. There's also the fact that these scenes were written and filmed for the pilot before the show was greenlit and since then the story has changed somewhat (for example - van most likely originally dying from the wolf attack but that being rewritten because they loved what liv hewson did with the character and wanting them to continue). So I'll mostly be focusing on the characters we know were absolutely intended to be there: Shauna, Tai, Natalie (confirmed to survive in the pilot) as well as Travis and Lottie (confirmed to survive later in s1).

Theories/Predictions/Headcanons

Only one figure is 100% confirmed - the Overseer being Misty, as she is the only character seen to remove her fur mask at the end of the pilot episode.

The other that is basically confirmed is the identity of the Butcher being Shauna.

Not only was Shauna... literally the butcher in the past and the present ("Shauna, you're the best with the knife, so you'll handle the body. I mean cut it up." - Misty in 1x10) but when Shauna kills Adam she has flashbacks that include the Butcher bleeding the Runner's corpse.

Then there's the Runner, and given that she dies gruesomely she is not one of the survivors, but is one of the yellowjackets who survived past the end of s2.

Aside from her face, she is the character we see the most of physically (so i will mention her physical appearance in relation with who her character might be) - she has long dark hair and lighter/olive coloured skin.

based on this we know that pit girl is most likely either Gen or Mari (my vote is mari, and i wrote a meta on why). now that gen has been recast for s3 :( i'm thinking it's almost definitely mari.

that's 3/9 and where the clearest examples stop.

Owl

I think the animals were chosen with intention, both by the costume designer and within the story by the characters. whereas the other masks seem more for the sake of warmth (like the raccoon pelts sort of sewed together into a hood) this one feels a lot more symbolic. like can you even skin an owl while keeping the feathers??

I think this is a reference to Tai's connection with the "Other Tai" - the one who comes out in sleepwalking, and somehow knows the lay of the land (where the symbols are, where the other yellowjackets are) in a way that Tai doesn't understand. The imagery of having a character appear to literally have two faces just screams Tai to me.

From some very basic research it seems that owl can symbolically mean: wisdom, a guide in the dark, death, visions, etc.

While this could relate to Tai, it could also relate to Lottie.

While as the audience we know Lottie is schizophrenic and without her meds, the others have taken Lottie's visions as signs from the wilderness and treat her as the resident seer. While she's clearly trying to pull away from that role and the responsibility it entails by the end of s2 - the other yellowjackets already look to her as someone with the knowledge to guide them through the wilderness.

There's also the clothing. While most clothes seem to be passed around communally (a sweater Misty & Mari wear in s2 is the legwarmers on the owl and the mask on the skunk) there are some items that are reserved for specific characters (like Shauna wearing Jackie's butterfly shirt).

In the '96 timeline Tai wears a lot of patterned blue and purple clothes, some of which almost definitely become part of the outfit for this owl character.

There's also the vest - it could be an animal fur but it has some of similarities to Lottie's fluffy coat, especially one that's become dirtier while stranded without the cabin. This coat is only worn by Lottie. The raccoon character also wears a similar vest, so it could just be fur, but Lottie's coat resembles the owl character's vest more based on the colour, or the coat could have been split in two.

Overall I think the owl character is most likely Tai.

in doomcoming and in the hunt in the future the upper half of tai's face is covered and it makes sense to me that trend would continue in all her hunt outfits. there's also the repeated imagery of eyes within her story - the man with no eyes, her grandmother's eyes, sammy's doll on the altar missing an eye, so her outfit having a taxidermy owl with no eyes tracks.

Wolf

unfortunately not many clear images exist for this character. i'm not even sure if the pelt they're wearing is a wolf, it could also be a bear, but i'm going with wolf for now.

i think this is Travis. travis is the other hunter of the group and it makes sense that the characters furs might come from their own hunts/kills. symbolism wise travis does fit a wolf as well - loyalty, protection, strength. wolves are closely tied to the bonds of packs and family, making sense that travis would be the lone wolf as he's lost his father and brother out here.

tai and van are also associated with wolves - but i don't think either of them would want to wear one all the time, given that van was attacked by one and tai is haunted by them.

the wolf character also has some small details that fit for travis' character. their face is covered from the eyes down, something travis often does throughout season 2. the wolf, owl and skunk characters are also the only ones (that we can see) wearing fingerless gloves. given that the last time travis saw javi happy was him being gifted gloves by natalie, and that much of their clothes would have been destroyed in the fire (but not javi's, which were most likely still outside) i can see travis wearing javi's gloves.

The Hunter / Skunk

i think this is Natalie. before the season 2 finale i would've said this was 100%. now knowing that natalie is their new leader, there is the possibility that she is the antler queen character, which i will talk about later, but for me this character only makes sense as natalie.

nat's the hunter! even as a new leader, she's still the most capable and knowledgeable in hunting. travis is very much her second while she leads the hunting trips. it also makes sense that as the leader she would be the first one to check The Runner, to stand over the pit. both an 'honour' and a duty.

natalie's also been the one standing over the bodies so far. she's the one waiting outside with jackie's body at the start of 2x03, she's the one who takes jackie's remains and has a short memorial for her. she's the one who stays outside the longest, standing over travis with javi's body. obviously not definitive but does work with the skunk character.

as for the clothes - the hunter wears the iconic co-ed soccer shirt, pink converse, and for a mask the cloth is currently a sweater within the show.

the shirt begins the show as van's - but almost every character has worn it now (including tai, travis, akilah, etc.). the pink connverse have never been quite as clear, but it appears that might have originally been shauna's (a darker colour that most likely faded over the 19 months) and have been worn by at least lottie, gen & tai. the sweater that the mask is made of has been worn by misty, mari & mel. so none of that narrows anything down sdjflsakhfl;h

i think the skunk is quite a specific choice too. could be about seeing things in black & white, about keeping your distance, etc. there's not a lot about skunk symbolism but it mainly seems to involve confidence, courage and direction. these are interesting when paired with natalie, given that she fits some very well but struggles with others.

it's also implied in the original pilot script that this character is natalie.

while we do see the hunter pulling up the runner's body with the rope, the scene with natalie does not make it into the episode. it does suggest that when filming the pilot this character was thought of to be natalie though. of course, as the show progressed this may have changed.

still in 1x10 when it's decided that shauna will cut up adam's body, natalie is the one who volunteers to help her, while misty is the one who directs all of them, mirroring this scene with the butcher (shauna), overseer (misty) and hunter (natalie).

some say that the hunter is van - has a similar build and the general blankness/darkness that van has by the end of s2, as well as being the shirt's og owner. but van wasn't supposed to be there in the initial conception of this character. while it may have changed now, for me this character is natalie.

Raccoon & Rabbit

I'm honestly not sure who these two might be. One is most likely Van, given that we know she survives.

Early on there were theories that Jackie was the Rabbit, due to her association with rabbits, which makes sense, but now we know Jackie's dead. Then they were possibly Javi, but he's dead too. As for symbolism, I'm not sure who of the remaining Yellowjackets fits either of these characters.

I think the creators were purposefully ambiguous to leave themselves with options. If the audience doesn't know who is who, they have the opportunity to change the story slightly as the show progresses (like with Van surviving).

The Shaman / Antler Queen

while initially thought to be lottie, as she is set up as the leader in the wilderness, the season 2 finale revealed that natalie was the new leader. both of these characters could be the shaman, but i feel as though it makes more sense for natalie to be the hunter. even though there are moment that in retrospect hint that natalie becomes the leader (misty's devotion, natalie stating that she lacked a purpose after they were rescued, tai and shauna's conversation about nat being the reason they're alive), there are no clear references to natalie being the antler queen character in the story so far (although that could have been hidden on purpose for the reveal).

in the adult timeline the others are terrified of the antler queen in a way that's different from their reactions to the symbol from the wilderness. when they receive the postcards or realise the symbol is under travis' body they are disturbed, they have a distrust of the symbol and everything it reminds them of.

but their reactions to the shaman are different. she appears in shauna's flashbacks when she kills adam, in natalie's visions/hallucinations after she overdoses, and in lottie's visions/hallucinations after hearing natalie's experience and in her office with the fake therapist. each of them are utterly terrified when she appears.

i think who the shaman is depends on what her role truly is. as i've already said, the "antler queen" is a title made up by the fans.

Leader:

The Shaman does appear to be the leader of the group, sitting in the centre of the semi-circle, being elevated, everyone waiting for her go-ahead to begin the feast, and everyone waiting for her to leave first.

If The Shaman is the leader, then she is Natalie.

This is supported by the editing in the pilot episode - at the '96 party when Natalie gets high, she stands by the fire and sees Misty standing across from her. It then cuts to the Overseer bringing the Shaman the cooked feast.

Chief Mourner:

If the Shaman is the chief mourner, it would depend on who the Runner is. If she's gen, the Shaman would most likely be mel in this instance. if she's mari, the most likely mourner would be akilah. the shaman doesn't appear to have akilah's dark skin, but body doubles were used and her face is veiled. if akilah has already died, the mourner might be lottie or gen.

It would be interesting with the idea that the antler queen changes from person to person. That they're all still terrified of "her" when what she represents is you losing the one you love most, you being the one with the most grief.

This is supported by what's happened with the two acts of cannibalism so far in the series. Shauna is Jackie's chief mourner, she is the one to light her funeral pyre, she is the one to give the go ahead that they should eat Jackie's body ("She wants us to." - Shauna in 2x02). Travis is Javi's chief mourner, and he is also the one to give the go ahead to eat Javi's body, everyone rushing in for the 'meat' after Travis has put Javi's heart on the pan.

However the Shaman is never seen eating. Both Shauna and Travis have the first bite of their loved one, whereas the Shaman only nods for the feast to start. It's possible this is part of a ritual that evolved over time, but it's still puzzling.

Spiritual Advisor :

if the antler queen is some sort of spiritual advisor, then she's most likely lottie. this fits with what we've seen in the '96 timeline already, with lottie's wilderness connection and the reverence shown to her by other team mates. even though lottie abdicates her role of leader in the s2 finale and claims she 'can't hear' the wilderness anymore - it's clear this is because of the weight of the responsibility to keep them alive, as well as her grief and guilt over javi's death.

still, several of the others seem confused at lottie's decision, and only seem to be accepting natalie as the leader because lottie said so. if this is something that creates tension within the group, it makes sense that natalie might appoint lottie a role where they can still look to her.

natalie as the leader/hunter is the one brining in the kill, but lottie as a spiritual advisor/shaman is the one leading the ritual.

this is supported by how in the adult timeline when they are having another hunt, it's lottie that leads it, not natalie. though that may be because lottie was the one to initiate the hunt. lottie also still acts as a spiritual advisor, with the others coming to her for advice.

the other option for a spiritual advisor is Tai. Not necessarily tai though... but Other Tai.

Much about Other Tai still remains a mystery. Is she another personality, a response to the trauma and repression, some sort of possession from the wilderness? In the adult timeline Lottie says that Other Tai is a part of Taissa, but Other Tai's conversation with Van in the woods raises questions about this.

Van: How do you know where you're going? Other Tai: He shows me. Van: Who's "he?" Other Tai: The one with no eyes. Van: Is that who you always follow? Other Tai: Only when she lets me. Van: Okay there's a "she" too, am I "she?" Other Tai: [shakes head] Van: Then who is "she?" Other Tai: Taissa. Van: Then who are you? Other Tai: [gives Van a look before walking away]

Other Tai's ability to track the whereabouts of the other survivors (Javi, Natalie), her connection to the man with no eyes, and knowing where all of the symbols are imply something more supernatural then just "sleepwalking".

Other Tai is the one to participate in cannibalising Jackie, she's strongly implied to be the one who pushes Taissa to continue running for senate even after she told Simone she would drop out, and she is the one to behead their fucking dog and make an altar in their basement. The creators and actors have talked about Other Tai and explain that she has Tai's best interest in mind, but she is willing to do what Tai wouldn't do to get it. Other Tai has a connection to the wilderness and the supernatural, she desires power and can become violent. She could very well be The Shaman.

"I don't know how bad it's going to get this time, but you know how bad it can get." - Tai in 1x06

Group Hallucination:

It's been theorised that the Shaman / Antler Queen doesn't really exist at all.

With the show toeing the line between visions, hallucinations and grief-induced psychosis with multiple characters (including Lottie, Tai, Shauna, Natalie, Travis) it's possible that as the group spirals more and more out of control and into ritualistic cannibalism - a way that they attempt to cope is through this Shaman. A 'physical' manifestation of the Wilderness itself. Something that gives them permission to feast on the flesh of their teammates, but does not eat herself, because she's not really there.

We only see The Shaman during the feast scene, and in other's visions/hallucinations. We know there are seven known survivors, but during the pilot's flash forward scene we see eight. Only if The Shaman doesn't exist, it's our seven survivors and a hallucination sitting around the fire.

So in the end my main theories/predictions/headcanons stand as:

Mari as The Runner / Pit Girl

Misty as The Overseer / Beaver

Shauna as The Butcher / Pink Hood

Natalie as The Hunter / Skunk

Tai as the owl

Travis as the wolf

Lottie as The Shaman / Antler Queen

the one I am least sure of is The Shaman, she could still be Tai or a hallucination, and I look forward to finding out!

[cityof2morrow]

CO2 Skills: Custom Skill Tokens

Published: 7-17-2024 | Updated: 2-1-2025

SUMMARY I use mods to make more diverse sims in terms of personality traits, body types, and lifetime wants. They’ve made my sims more complex and interesting to play overall. Still, the skill-building system feels limited alongside these mods. Being a decent pianist shouldn’t automatically make it easier to paint, spy, DJ, garden, become a career slacker, work as an architect, and play every other instrument in-game. Being clean certainly benefits barbers and pet owners, but shouldn’t they also be good at cutting hair and animal care?

By default, sims can develop at least 40 skills - 4 toddler skills, 7 basic skills, 4 hidden skills, 6 life skills (AL/FT), and 11 talent badges (OFB). This custom skills pack expands the existing skill-hobby system in Sims 2 in the following ways:

60+ new skills taken from other games in the simsverse (Sims 3, Sims 4, console titles, etc.)

100+ new skills related to university majors, career tracks, and popular mods from the simsverse

New skills are linked to certain objects, interactions, and career levels

All TS2 content creators are welcome to link these skills to your creations if they choose. These will be linked to some of my custom careers, majors, and objects in the future.

VERSION 2 UPDATES (REDOWNLOAD RECOMMENDED):

Revised the original post for clarity.

Sorted package files into subfolders based on primary skill group (body, logic, charisma, etc.).

Name Changes (same GUIDs): cosmic cuisine (0x000D324F, cooking) to gastromancy (supernatural/occult foods). country cooking (0x004EDA6E, cooking) to soul food (Afrodiaspora foods). selvadoradian culture (0x0084C734, logic) to memory. simology (0x0084C734, body) to psychology. traditional dance (0X00C87F1F, dance) to ritual dance. vampire lore (0x00680121, supernatural) to mythlore (supernatural history/folklore).

New skills added: animal care (0x00B7128A, cleaning), not to be confused with animal training (0x00002CEF, cleaning) or veterinarian (0x00891E5A, logic), choreography (0x00AD0E5B, dance), formal dance (0x0019579F, dance), and more!

DETAILS Basegame Compatible – but skill-related objects and mods may require expansions.

Skills are invisible tokens activated by certain interactions in-game.

Sims can’t develop the same skill twice and they can’t sell or gift them to others.

Skills do not appear in inventories or the UI.

Some repetitive and animal-specific skills were excluded.

These are TOKENS ONLY - custom objects, mods, majors and career tracks which use these skills will be published on this site under the #co2skills, #co2careers, and/or #co2edu  tags. Modders, feel free to implement these and if you do – please share! DOWNLOAD (choose one) from SFS | from MEGA SKILL GROUPS AT A GLANCE

BODY skill is already linked to tai chi and the restocking badge, but the skill is named differently across games (athleticism, fitness, health/sanity, etc.). Build physical and mental strengths for hunting, surfing, romance, street fighting, ballet, etc.

CHARISMA connects to the sales badge while a range of hobby-related interests fall under film and literature. Branch off and concentrate on related skill areas such as acting, deception, coaching, fame and more.

CLEANING skill is linked to three badges (cosmetology, gardening, and fishing) and enthusiasm for animals and the environment. Specialize in animal training, barbering, skin care, conservation and related skills.

COOKING skills open up new worlds of taste…time to make some magic in the kitchen! Skills include baking, soul food, gastromancy (occult foods!), mixology, alchemy and more.

CREATIVITY makes earning badges in flower arranging, pottery, and sewing easier. New artistic pursuits include advanced painting, jewelry making, storytelling, knitting, and street art.

DANCE skills such as dirty dancing, formal dancing, breakdancing, casual dancing, and more have been moved to their own folder.

LOGIC contributes to the register/cashiering badge and the hidden study/homework skill. Now, sims can master gemology, first aid, history, crypto-zoology and over a dozen other things. Sims will need to learn theory and technical skills to advance in certain majors/careers.

MECHANICAL sims can more easily earn a robotics badge and now, they can also unlock a host of new mechanical/tech-related pursuits – wood working, electrical, photography, fabrication, and so on.

SUPERNATURAL sims and those with supernatural abilities can enhance their craft by building a range of new skills. Try curse magic, reaping, earth bending, or flying! Other sims have limited access to these skill areas.

CREDITS Thanks: Echo, Ch4rmful, Gummi, ChocolateCitySim, Sufficeittisay, WHoward, JellyMeduza and the rest of the Sims 2 modding community. Sources: Beyno (Korn via BBFonts), EA/Maxis, Magic Skill (Echo, 2006), Offuturistic Infographic (Freepik).

[the-bitter-ocean]

Miscellaneous Childhood Mira doodles with Euphrasie + HCs of what her parents looked like (this isn’t canon this is just my take on it based on what little information adrienne gives and also the game itself gives on what Mirabelle was like precanon etc. Drawing of my hcs of Mirabelle parents designs as well as an insanely long character study/ theorizing on Mirabelle was like pre canon is under the cut:

“Ocean why do you assume she might not be on the best of terms / isn’t close with her biological parents” it’s like a combination of things tbh? Mirabelle mentions repeatedly how much the people of the House of Change, especially Euphrasie has done so much in helping her learn and grow into the person she is today. Throughout the game she talks about how much she cares about/ misses different people in the game and how they are all important to her. You’ve got the head Housemaiden Euphrasie, who did everything in her power to protect her at the cost of herself, was mirabelle’s mentor and even gave Mirabelle blessing of being immune to the King’s Time freezing powers. You’ve got Claude, Mirabelle’s roommate that she cares about despite sometimes getting on her nerves ( she knows how dedicated Claude is to helping others and stopping the king etc), her other fellow housemaidens, the people she knows in dormont and of course all her companions that chose to help her on the journey to stop the king in the first place (Isabeau Bonnie Odile and Siffrin) she loves very much. Initially before getting any information from the in character QnA or Twitter or the QnA on Reddit, I had assumed that her biological parents were dead or that she never met them or had them to begin with but it’s not the case here.

Mirabelle talks about that when she first arrived at the house / prior to getting there she didn’t know how to do a lot of things basic skills. Siffrin also mentioned that the journey itself really changed her since he first met ( because initially she was a lot more shy but now she’s more confident in herself as of canon events in the game). Mirabelle said that she was taught by Euphrasie and the other house maidens. It’s giving the vibes of someone who arrived at the house ( whether by personal conviction to run away and find people who will understand her / that she can hope to understand and connect to) or her parents dropped her off there because it would be easier for them to do at a young age.

M: {The Head Housemaiden...I have to save her...}

I: […]

M: {The Head Housemaiden...She's such a wonderful person." "She helped me out so much! I couldn't do anything before I came to the House, I could barely sew my own clothes, and she helped me, she taught me..." "I wouldn't be the person I am without her!"}

Despite all of this she doesn’t talk about her biological family at all not even in passing despite the whole “ everyone and everything as we know it in the country could be frozen in time for good if things don’t go well” ( which is noticeable in comparison to how easily she can talk about how much other people in her life has cared for her and how much she wants to save them all from the kings destruction). In a in character QnA session when the subject of families / parents was brought up she has a very stilted and awkward response. The tone she’s answering it in feels like she’s hesitating or at the very least isn’t a 100% sure on how she feels about her parents ( and in truth probably hasn’t or didn’t want to think about them). We see the kind of way Mirabelle talks when it’s about people she loves in game before! It’s passionate and confident and full of love/ conviction that she cares for them! So seeing that in comparison to this is well..this isn’t having that energy truth be told. (Screenshot for those that don’t use Twitter)

Also Adrienne a while back posted official character playlists for each of the characters on Spotify to give insight to everyone on what the characters vibes were like and the song choices were very striking to me. The song choice for Mirabelle in particular that made me go !!!! was seeing Elle me dit by MIKA . For those who are unaware of the song and what it’s about, it’s essentially a song about a mother telling her kid all her high expectations of him and how she’s disappointed in the way he’s living his life.

Given how Adrienne stated that mirabelles parents don’t understand her and she in turn doesn’t get them either, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s heard similar sentiments growing up / had that sort of pressure to Change or behave in a certain way. ( Even with her dedication the Change belief making her happy Mirabelle still will lament about how she’s afraid that she’s not doing enough as a house maiden or that her identity of being aroace somehow would upset others/ makes her feel alienated in comparison to how everyone else can change easily. ) This combined with the fact she canonically has anxiety and has moments where she isn’t very confident in herself is.. deeply worrying! Yes I’m aware that people can just have those types of thoughts even in a good supportive environment/ experiences but the combination of all those factors isn’t exactly aspiring confidence.

Anyway that’s my ramble I hope you all enjoyed my analysis/ headcanons yipeee ^_^