#but they have embroidery functions.....

[bismuthburnsblue]

with the year coming to a close, its time to start thinking about some 2025 sewing goals!

starting off with... a soft shopping ban '''':) my stash is full to bursting and i have so many exciting projects i could make in there, theres simply no need for new things.

(im calling it a soft ban because im certain im missing things from all of my projects (notions especially, i usually only pick those as i finalise the design) and im not going restrain myself to my stash if a better choice is available, but it needs to be a purchase for a specific project only.)

ok on to the more fun things! im splitting my year into two (slightly uneven) sections- up until the end of may, im going to be throwing myself into costume work, and then from there i want to focus wholly on fashion & restyling pieces, as i have many, many things ive pushed aside for showy pieces in the past couple years.

for cosplays, heres the breakdown!

Lady Stede Bonnet is my main goal of the year, she will be what im putting the most time into. a (mostly) historical robe à la française inspired by Stede's iconic blue suit. i dont have any base layers to work from, so theres going to be so much to do before we get into the main dress! Heres a list:

Shift

Stays

Pocket Hoops

Under Petticoat

Petticoat

Main Robe

Stomacher

STRETCH- Fichu

STRETCH- Tie On Pocket (collab?)

Wig Styling!

STRETCH- Fan

STRETCH- Knife

its a lot to look at, but hopefully at least some of these will be pretty quick makes! ive listed a few stretch goals, mostly accessories, but id like to get to them if time allows!

if i finish Lady Stede in time (or, more likely, if i get stupidly frustrated at any point and need to put her down for a little) im going to pick up Janet again! i made the skirt back september, and cut out the waistcoat too! i have the fabric for the blouse & was planning on modifying my anne blouse pattern for it, so it should be perfect for when i need something easy for a minute.

as an ultra stretch goal, i also want to make Froggie Senshi! ill talk more about it in its own post, but i think its going to be a great comfy casual cosplay for the end of a long weekend. ill only be working on this one if i have time & energy though! (id actually really like to get a group together for this one but... logistics yknow?)

either way, post may mcm, im taking a break from making costumes! im not sure exactly what fashion pieces i want to make yet, i think ill see how im feeling when the time comes, but im excited for it! ive been feeling a bit constrained by my wardrobe recently, so im hoping adding some fresh pieces will revitalise it :)

i hope youre as excited to follow along as i am to make them!

[espytalks]

i fixed my ripped jeans :)

[unnonexistence]

have just discovered that the other half is hunting down bugs

i think about half of learning to code is sitting around puzzled by something going "there HAS to be an easy way to do this" until you remember the right term to google

[handweavers]

something that comes up for me over and over is a deep frustration with academics who write about and study craft but have little hands-on experience with working with that craft, because it leads to them making mistakes in their analysis and even labelling of objects and techniques incorrectly. i see this from something as simple as textiles on display in museums being labelled with techniques that are very obviously wrong (claiming something is knit when it's clearly crochet, woven when that technique could only be done as embroidery applied to cloth off-loom) to articles and books written about the history of various aspects of textiles making considerable errors when trying to describe basic aspects of textile craft-knowledge (ex. a book i read recently that tried to say that dyeing cotton is far easier than dyeing wool because cotton takes colour more easily than wool, and used that as part of an argument as to why cotton became so prominent in the industrial revolution, which is so blatantly incorrect to any dyer that it seriously harms the argument being made even if the overall point is ultimately correct)

the thing is that craft is a language, an embodied knowledge that crosses the boundaries of spoken communication into a physical understanding. craft has theory, but it is not theoretical: there is a necessary physicality to our work, to our knowledge, that cannot be substituted. two artisans who share a craft share a language, even if that language is not verbal. when you understand how a material functions and behaves without deliberate thought, when the material knowledge becomes instinct, when your hands know these things just as well if not better than your conscious mind does, new avenues of communication are opened. an embodied knowledge of a craft is its own language that is able to be communicated across time, and one easily misunderstood by those without that fluency. an academic whose knowledge is entirely theoretical may look at a piece of metalwork from the 3rd century and struggle to understand the function or intent of it, but if you were to show the same piece to a living blacksmith they would likely be able to tell you with startling accuracy what their ancient colleague was trying to do.

a more elaborate example: when i was in residence at a dye studio on bali, the dyer who mentored me showed me a bowl of shimmering grey mud, and explained in bahasa that they harvest the mud several feet under the roots of certain species of mangroves. once the mud is cleaned and strained, it's mixed with bran water and left to ferment for weeks to months.  he noted that the mud cannot be used until the fermentation process has left a glittering sheen to its surface. when layered over a fermented dye containing the flowers from a tree, the cloth turns grey, and repeated dippings in the flower-liquid and mud vats deepen this colour until it's a warm black. 

he didn't explain why this works, and he did not have to. his methods are different from mine, but the same chemical processes are occurring. tannins always turn grey when they interact with iron and they don't react to other additives the same way, so tannins (polyphenols) and iron must be fundamental parts of this process. many types of earthen clay contain a type of bacteria that creates biogenic iron as a byproduct, and mixing bran water with this mud would give the bacteria sugars to feast upon, multiplying, and producing more of this biogenic iron. when the iron content is high enough that the mud shimmers, applying this fermented mixture to cloth soaked in tannins would cause the iron to react with the tannin and finally, miraculously: a deep, living grey-black cloth.

in my dye studio i have dissolved iron sulphide ii in boiling water and submerged cloth soaked in tannin extract in this iron water, and watched it emerge, chemically altered, now deep and living grey-black just like the cloth my mentor on bali dyed. when i watched him dip cloth in this brown bath of fermented flower-water, and then into the shimmering mud and witness the cloth emerge this same shade of grey, i understand exactly what he was doing and why. embodied craft knowledge is its own language, and if you're going to dedicate your life to writing about a craft it would be of great benefit to actually "speak" that language, or you're likely to make serious errors.

the arrogance is not that different from a historian or anthropologist who tries to study a culture or people without understanding their written or spoken tongue, and then makes mistakes in their analysis because they are fundamentally disconnected from the way the people they are talking about communicate. the voyeuristic academic desire to observe and analyse the world at a distance, without participating in it. how often academics will write about social movements, political theory and philosophy and never actually get involved in any of these movements while they're happening. my issue with the way they interact with craft is less serious than the others i mentioned, but one that constantly bothers me when coming into contact with the divide between "those who make a living writing about a subject" and "those who make a living doing that subject"

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

500-year-old Snake Figure from Peru (Incan Empire), c. 1450-1532 CE: this fiber craft snake was made from cotton and camelid hair, and it has a total length of 86.4cm (about 34in)

This piece was crafted by shaping a cotton core into the basic form of a snake and then wrapping it in structural cords. Colorful threads were then used to create the surface pattern, producing a zig-zag design that covers most of the snake's body. Some of its facial features were also decorated with embroidery.

A double-braided rope is attached to the distal end of the snake's body, near the tip of its tail, and another rope is attached along the ventral side, where it forms a small loop just behind the snake's lower jaw. Similar features have been found in other serpentine figures from the same region/time period, suggesting that these objects may have been designed for a common purpose.

Very little is known about the original function and significance of these artifacts; they may have been created as decorative elements, costume elements, ceremonial props, toys, gifts, grave goods, or simply as pieces of artwork.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art argues that this figure might have been used as a prop during a particular Andean tradition:

In a ritual combat known as ayllar, snakes made of wool were used as projectiles. This effigy snake may have been worn around the neck—a powerful personal adornment of the paramount Inca and his allies—until it was needed as a weapon. The wearer would then grab the cord, swing the snake, and hurl it in the direction of the opponent. The heavy head would propel the figure forward. The simultaneous release of many would produce a scenario of “flying snakes” thrown at enemies.

The same custom is described in an account from a Spanish chronicler named Cristóbal de Albornoz, who referred to the tradition as "the game of the ayllus and the Amaru" ("El juego de los ayllus y el Amaru").

The image below depicts a very similar artifact from the same region/time period.

Why Indigenous Artifacts Should be Returned to Indigenous Communities.

Sources & More Info:

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Snake Ornament

Serpent Symbology: Representations of Snakes in Art

Journal de la Société des Américanistes: El Juego de los ayllus y el Amaru

Yale University Art Gallery: Votive Fiber Sculpture of an Anaconda

[shortnotsweet]

This technically applies to my Stepmother AU in which Alicent is around six years older than Rhaenyra, and occupies a wicked stepmother role as opposed to ex ‘friends-to-first loves-to-enemies’. Despite lacking the foundation of shared girlhood, both find simultaneous comfort and rivalry in one another, and undergo a gravitational pull. A young Rhaenyra’s eagerness to participate in swordplay and political affairs at a young is accommodated for, and she grows up with a sword in one hand and the weight of experience in another, which further helps pave her way to the throne.

Alicent’s Costuming

Alicent’s clothing is almost entirely bottle, emerald, or forest green. While there is layering present in her skirts and jackets, the accent should always be a darker green than the base color. The fabric is deep, rich, and retains an undeniably high-quality luster. Look to velvets and silks. Gold embroidery lingers around her sleeves, neck, and hemline to elevate the coloring.

Metallic embellishments should be almost military-like, and appear heavy. Contribute to the imagery of chains or shackles in addition to her status

Draws inspiration from historically accurate stiffness and Victorian shapes, with a tapered waist, imposing, puffy sleeves, and a high neckline. Despite inaccuracies, this shape is evocative of someone elegantly and conservatively feminine, repressed, and capable of exerting power over others. Reference a classic, trussed hourglass shape. Skirts should be notably heavy and full; may make noise in movement

The coloring and shapes remain relatively consistent but lack variation; this is to demonstrate a lack of freedom and exploration, as well as an adherence to conventional feminine roles

Despite these limitations, her costuming should always be put-together, coordinated, and unquestionably fashionable. Tight sleeve cuffs may be accompanied by a more traditionally medieval fan sleeve

Shoes should stick mostly to slippers, or flat designs

In this AU, her hair leans more towards a dark brown instead of auburn, as her show counterpart. This is mostly due to faux-book accuracy and to simplify the sketch process, since keeping her hair darker in comparison to Rhaenyra’s lighter hair translates more easily in uncolored renderings.

Keep her hair either in a tidy bun or pulled back and loose; avoid too many intricate shapes, braids, or styles. Occasionally, the hair will hang loose. Lean into medieval or royal headpieces, clips, coverings, etc.

Rhaenyra’s Costuming

Rhaenyra’s clothes are primarily black and red, occasionally accented or substituted with neutrals such as beige, white, or gray. Exceptions may include blue or yellow, but she generally stays in this color palette.

Strong focus is drawn to her shoulders and neckline, sometimes with embroidered or embellished detailing. She often has strong, angular shoulders in her dresses or jackets, occasionally theatrically pointed. Off-the shoulder necklines emphasize her collarbones and a certain broadness.

There should be decent variety in her clothing; there is a hypothetical outfit for every occasion and more (for battle, for riding, everyday, formal, feasts, everyday, etc.), and most should be composed of multiple pieces and utilize generous layering. This includes under-fabric, belts and corsets, jackets and doublets, draped fabric for aesthetic purpose, and even functional capes.

Most of her clothes should provide visual aid for movement; additional fabric to her skirts, for example. Her clothes should be highly stylized but still easy to move in. In riding and battle gear, it is presumed that she wears pants and boots under her skirts, even if they are not visible.

Shoes lean more into boot cuts, still practical but should have a sleek and uniform quality to them. When she walks, she should make some kind of noise. Shoes should usually be black or potentially red, the latter for decorative purposes.

Overall her style should be more contemporary and lean into the fantasy element. She’s not opposed to oriental details or showing skin, and her costumes should reflect both couture-height drama and period-reliant aspects. Longer lines and diagonal hems mean she is not as devoted to an hourglass shape, and her high collars should always be decorative in some respect.

Keep her hair long and mostly loose, sometimes pulled back. Small braids should be implied as incorporated. Occasional hairstyles feature complicated braids. With the exception of highly decorative braided styles, simple buns should be avoided unless accompanied with very high necklines.

Avoid headpieces that are not either a) her crown or b) ceremonial.

[twstfanblog]

Hello I have a request, if you aren't doing requests please ignore this! But anyways the request is that may I have the TWST characters (especially the housewardens) and how would they react see their s/o in like traditional clothing from their world (example: Chinese traditional clothing is like qipao) Thank you so much! Have a fabulous day 💝

Qipao (Traditional & Modern) Reactions

Housewardens x Reader

Riddle

Traditional

Thinks the dress is beautiful. Even though it's loose, it still carries an air of professionalism. A perfect garment for his lovely rose. Really likes the modest nature of them.

Asks you lots of questions on the history of the garment if you know it. Ask if he could wear one as well. Just so many questions, he's pulled out a notebook to take notes.

Matching rose patterned qipao/tang suit for walks in the garden together!

Modern

WHY IS THE SLIT SO HIGH!?

Still thinks it's a very pretty dress, but he can not stop looking at the thigh slit. It compels him. Good lord, you're not even wearing tights!

Struggling to remain polite, but the dress is form fitting and you have a very lovely ass- excuse him, he needs to...be...out of the public eye.

Leona

Traditional

Jokingly calls it your fancy potato sack. Apologizes if you get actually mad at him calling it that.

Lowkey, he really likes it and does enjoy that it's still comfortable enough for you to nap with him. Half serious asks if they're pajamas.

Will start wearing Dashikis when you wear your qipao. Cultural matching ❤️

Modern

AYO-

Goes dead silent, his eyes are watching your every move. The dress is tight, the slit is mid thigh. You look good and he's pissed you're not in grabbing distance.

Tells you you can't wear that qipao outside of his room. Not even Ramshackle. Now walk closer, he's gonna...grab ya.

Azul

Traditional

Fascinated and asking questions. Both about the cultural history and the manufacturing side.

Thinks it's a very lovely dress with high marketing potential; simple yet perfect for all class levels due to the fabric and embroidery you can make with it.

Lowkey wants to gift you some more because he just likes them so much and he thinks you look elegant in them (Be his spouse please).

Modern

Honestly, it took him a hot minute to really notice. Since modern qipaos are made to be so fancy, he first started picking it apart to discern value like he does all new things.

Really noticed the silhouette and how revealing it was once he looked at the chest area and saw how tight it was.

Compliments the dress but then says he has important business to do. No, he will NOT stand up-

Kalim

Traditional

OH! You look so pretty! You always look pretty, but the qipao just makes you look EXTRA pretty like every other thing you wear.

He's breaking down the outfit by the quality of fabric alone. He pouts it's not 100% some super rare silk that only grows in 4 parts of the world in Spring during the rain on a full moon.

Whining at you and Jamil to let him make so many qipaos. He will have a literal factory up and running by mid day just to make you more of these gorgeous slips so that you're always cozy.

Modern

Nearly ruins it doing a spit take at seeing you. The boy is too stunned to speak, mouth open and getting coconut juice all over his front.

Once he snaps out of it he's all smiles again and asking you to show it off. Do a spin! The fabic is so pretty when you twirl, can you dance in it!? Come dance with him!

Lowkey just way too excited about you being in them. Fills him with some kind of energy where he just wants to hold you and spin around with you. Keeps fighting himself to not get down on one knee.

Vil

Traditional

'Oh?'

Interested in them but has his complaints (as always). He doesn't like how they hang shapeless, but the positives manage to outweigh the negatives in its function and appearance. Over all thinks its a cute house dress design and that you look nice in them.

Ends up commissioning some silk qipaos to have as lounge wear. Being comfortable, yet ready to host is an amazing new option he's gained.

Modern

'OH!?'

More complaints but it's because the dress is so sexy. It's too tight, the slit shows too much thigh, the boob window is unnecessary. He won't stop complaining but lowkey is so FLUSTERED.

He keeps tugging and picking at the outfit like he isn't pulling you into his lap to mutter into your neck all his frustrations on having such an attractive partner.

Idia

Traditional

Almost didn't really notice because he was showing you something in his game. Once he does notice he remarks on how nice you look.

Honestly, doesn't say much about it but will take notice if you wear them a lot when you go see him. He'll ask about them, asks if you really like them. He can and will buy you a bunch of them in various colors and patterns.

He does get you matching ones of your mains in the current MMO he's dragged you into. Lazy cosplaying for the win.

Modern

He took one look and froze, only unfroze because he started dying in game.

How could you do this? Why have you come into his room looking SEXY and forced him to look at you? What do you think hes gonna do???? Rip your clothes off and throw you on the bed????

He keeps peeking at you then turning away with his hair giving away just how flustered he is. Still manages to stutter out how nice you look.

Malleus

Traditional

Oh look at this. His lovely child of man is in new clothing. Please give him the entire history on the garment.

Lowkey, I think he'd really like them. It's very simple but with the potential of being super fancy just with easy fabric choices and embroidery.

Compliments you all the time when he sees you wearing one. Asks if only certain people can wear them. Do you think he'd look good in one? Just really likes them.

Modern

"...So, would you like a Summer wedding?"

This a dangerous game. He loves you so much already, but now you show him how attractive you are in tight clothing that shows off your skin? He will marry you, he will marry you so fast.

Lowkey rips it on accident, and apologies for hours. God forbid if you got one with a dragon winding around you. He honeslty got a little territorial and that's why his claws got caught on the stitching...

[asexualbookbird]

OH! The "flatten" feature seems to do what I want for now! I'm sure there's an easier way but this will work for now!

there is something im trying to do but i dont know what the technique is called and im having trouble finding it online

in inkscape, an adobe illustrator dupe, im trying to take shape A and use it to delete a portion of shape B. so say i have overlapping circles, i want the overlapping bit of whatever circle is on the bottom to be deleted. Does anyone know what this is called so i can search for it or how to do it?

[celestial-sphere-press]

what kind/style of endbands do you usually do? they look so good 👀

hi!! sorry for taking a while to answer, I wanted to make sure I could give you my best answer.

I usually do what's called a "double core" endband. I use double core endbands over the "bead on front" method because bead on front style is not great for uneven distributions of color, irregular patterns, or using more than three colors. Functionally it works by having your extra threads wrapped up inside the thread that is showing, forming the smaller secondary core. Ultimately you are doing figure 8s around the main core & then your secondary core of thread. This keeps things pretty neat & tidy. The tutorial I first used was this one by DAS Bookbinding, though I don't think his endband tutorials are his best ones. Another binder I've spoken with endbands about a lot is maleeka, who recently did an endband tutorial herself.

maybe I should do one... but it takes a lot for me to get enough motivation to make videos. I'll take this opportunity to write up some tips I've shared when people ask instead:

1. Endband core material is the MOST IMPORTANT component. You need a core that is stiff but flexible - it should NOT be floppy because it wiggles everywhere under the tension of the thread, but still needs to flex with the opening & closing of the book. You want something that doesn't compress, to reduce tension shifts in thread creating a lumpy endband. Have a smooth core is less critical but helps to avoid snagging threads & allows you some leeway on sliding threads around for adjustments. My personal choice is smooth leather jewelers cord (link is just an example, I get mine from a local craft store).

2. Thread size. All your threads need to be the same size; it will be visible if you are using two different sizes, and mess with your front core. Additionally, I know lots of people will use larger twists of multiple strands of embroidery thread, which can work, but is more likely to compress & alter its size in unexpected ways. A single strand is preferable. If you want something thicker you can find some thread weights that are heavier twists intended to be used in a single strand, not pulled apart. I prefer smaller sizes because it works better for the gradient designs I like.

3. Silk thread is your friend (if you can spend the money on it). It reduces fuzz (no fuzz like you get with cotton/DMC embroidery thread), it's usually easier to manage, has a more compact twist, and a higher shine. I use Japanese silk hand sewing thread in size #9 (9号). There's multiple brands (Tire, Daruma, KNK/kanagawa, etc). Here's a wholesale listing (minimum 20,000¥ for international). A non-Japanese brand is Guterman silk (German brand). Both the Japanese & German threads come in a heavier weight (Japanese is #16, Guterman is buttonhole).

4. Thread tension is the most important part of the actual technique. You need to ensure the threads currently wrapped in the secondary core keep tension when you are working the thread around them.

5. Working on a curve. This is only really relevant if you're doing an endband on a rounded book, but the circumference of the curve means there's more real estate on the outside vs inside of the curve. Sometimes this can cause bunching on the secondary core. My own solution to this is that sometimes I wrap the primary core but drop a wrap here or there around the secondary core (only between two wraps of the same color I'm dropping). I uh... don't know of anyone currently recommending this besides myself so I can't point to any pro endorsement for this method, it's just what works for me. Forgive my terrible writing:

6. Pattern management. I... don't really plan much how my patterns sit on the spine, which is not very helpful. HOWEVER you can do some pattern management on the fly, if you really want your pattern to end at a certain place. Thread can be packed more or less densely on the core, resulting in some pattern compression; you could also strategically drop wraps in less noticeable locations. An unintended example: I was replicating the pattern on this endband (left) when I realize I wasn't packing the thread as densely as I had the first time around (right), which resulted in the overall pattern taking up more space. You can do this on purpose, if you need to.

this was way more than you asked but it gave me a chance to put all this in one spot. Best of luck in vanquishing the dreaded EndWyrms.

[sorensolsikke]

here's some punk diy tips and ideas

[other than crusty pants and battle jacket, although we still love those greatly.]

why should you diy, when you can just find decorated items everywhere, you can ask. what if you are clumsy at painting or anything?

firstly, good questions. we diy so we don't give credit to the big companies who rule the world. we diy to get more independent from the system we dislike. we diy so to save money. to express uniqueness, recognize eachother and be recognized. and especially to have fun and feel cool. diy is not only about clothing, but anything you can set your mind on. of course, one cannot make EVERYTHING for themselves, there isn't enough time and energy. but making at least small steps are already a statement and more than nothing. also, helping small artists by buying their products is also pretty punk.

that being said, i provide you with some tips of mine, all gained from experience:

anything you drew/painted on, you will WANT TO protect. acrylic paint/markers + acrylic paint varnish/transparent nail polish/textile medium are your best friends. read after anything that's new to you.

i highly recommend working with old clothing or thrift shop finds when it comes to textiles, as it is environmentally friendly and you will stay in budget. Anyways, always make sure that the material you use isn't gonna be problematic. for example, if you want to do some patchwork, the material shouldn't decay easily (if it does, it will come off so quickly.). if you want to paint on it, it shouldn't be rugged.

you can not only draw/paint on your canvas shoes, but can also sew, embroidery (just make sure to use a thimble, plus floss instead of thread could make your work more durable), and add beads and trinkets to your shoelaces. in the case of shoes, never use glue (neither hot nor instant glue) – it will come off quickly. for some inspiration, i'll show you my shoes!

(the fake moss is literally unstoppable from falling off or getting dirty. risky idea.)

it's good to carry around water and food!! you don't even have to pay for decorative water bottles and food boxes, as you can draw on glass and plastic just fine with acrylic markers. just don't forget to paint transparent nail polish all over your drawing. in at least two layers. don't be lazy or laid-back. even posca comes off while washing the dishes. and you WANT TO save your reference pictures/final designs, as the case of emergency is likely. but after all, my water bottle is exactly fine after six months, with no accuring problem.

if your current best option to get stickers from is aliexpress or overpriced decor stores, search for local artists and shops on instagram and tiktok, as it may be their most efficent way of getting you to know them. if it seems like you have no chance, you may can still find a print shop with the option of printing on self-adhesive sheets (at least in hungary, those are pretty cheap). and if you want drawings to print out as stickers, you may use your own or –ONLY IF YOU GET PERMISSION– other artist's work. not only good for decorations for like, headphones, but for vandalism too. WAIT WAIT who said that. who said it. not me. no never

(in case that's also impossible, you can create stickers by printing out/drawing a picture, cover it up in transparent adhesive tape, and then put some two-sided adhesive tape on the white side of the pic. it won't be that durable, but it functions.)

if you want to bleach-paint clothing, get some plastic brushes!! any other brush dissolves. draw your design first with chalk!! never forget to put cardboard inside the clothing, and to wash the finished work in a washing machine before you'd put it on. prepare to be patient with the process. and it's not dangerous to touch 5%-9% household bleach, just wash your hands soon after.

if you want your crusty pants to last veryyy long, wax them. look up on youtube jeans waxing.

some more things i made for myself so to give you some inspiration: totebag with pockets, a small crystal holder cabinet, badges, and i decorated some t-shirts, button-ups, an id card case, phonecase, laptop.

theoretically speaking, there is nothing that an individual would be unable to learn how to make, when it comes to diy. you can't imagine how easy it is to bake bread at home. consuming-focused media makes people believe that it's hard to make anything. of course, everyone has to decide about their own priorities, i don't want to convince or change anyone in here. and if you have any questions, send an ask!! i hope i had been helpful.

[nasa]

Space Craft! Make NASA-Inspired Creations for World Embroidery Day

It’s time to get crafty with some needle and thread. At NASA, we hope to inspire art of all kinds. To highlight #WorldEmbroideryDay on July 30, we want to know: does our imagery inspire you? Show us your art and we may feature it on social media.

How?

Search for a NASA image that inspires you. Here are a few places to get you started: Hubble, James Webb Space Telescope, Ocean Color, Landsat and Earth Observatory

Create. Over the years, we've seen a growing number of embroidered pieces that showcase our organization's research, especially with needlepoint.

Share your creation, along with the image it was inspired by, on social media using the hashtag #NASAEmbroidery. We will share selected pieces on July 30 for World Embroidery Day

Why?

NASA imagery has many functions. From studying distant galaxies to tracking ocean health, our scientists use these images to not only monitor our home planet, but better understand life beyond our solar system.

Embroidery is an ancient craft that has experienced a revival over the years. It involves decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn.  Have you recently taken up embroidery? What images are you inspired by? We’d love to see it.

Image Resources for #NASAEmbroidery Inspiration

NASA Images 

Hubble Image Gallery

NASA’s Ocean Color Image Gallery

James Webb Space Telescope

Landsat Image Gallery

Create and Share Your #NASAEmbroidery

Take a picture of your piece and upload it to Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr or Facebook. Make sure you use the hashtag #NASAEmbroidery so we know that you are taking part in the event and make sure that your privacy permissions allow us to view your post.

If the piece catches our eye, we may share your work on NASA’s main social media accounts as well as theme-related ones. We may also feature your art in a NASA Flickr gallery and our Tumblr pages. We’ll contact you directly to grant us permission to feature your work. You can follow @NASA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for embroidery creations, which will be featured from July 30-Aug. 1

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[multi-fandom-imagine]

➤ 𝖠 𝖵𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝖨𝗆𝗉𝗈𝗋𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖰𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 || 𝖲𝗁𝗎𝗇𝗌𝗎𝗂 𝖪𝗒𝗈𝗋𝖺𝗄𝗎 ||

(Or: Shunsui’s 2AM Crisis Over Baby Accessories)

A/n: He is so fucking fine.

The room was cloaked in the quiet stillness of late night.

Outside, crickets chirped softly and the wind nudged gently at the curtains, letting moonlight spill in over the tatami floors.

In the center of the warmth and hush, you laid curled up on your side, nestled under a thick quilt. Your hair was a mess of soft waves across the pillow, one hand resting protectively on your stomach, where the gentle swell of new life stirred every so often in sleep.

You were almost asleep...almost entered that blissful state.

Almost.

Until—

A weight shifted onto the futon beside you.

A familiar arm slipped around your waist.

And a deep, velvet voice, slightly unsure but still full of mischief, whispered near your ear:

“…Hey, petal?”

You groaned into your pillow, your voice muffled and adorably raspy.

“Mmmwhatnow?”

A pause. Then a beat.

“Is it weird if I get the baby… a tiny hat?”

You cracked one eye open, your brain trying to boot back up.

“…What?”

“A hat,” Shunsui whispered again, clearly taking this very seriously. “Like… a little one. With maybe a sakura pattern. Something classy, you know?”

You blinked slowly, trying to decide if you were dreaming.

“You woke me up…” you mumbled sleep laced in your throat, “to ask… about a hat?”

Shunsui, entirely unapologetic, tucked his face into your hair and whispered,

“It’s important. I’ve seen them. They’re adorable. Very respectable. It could match mine.”

You let out the faintest groan. “Shunsui…” you were actively fighting the urge to slap your husband across his face.

“I mean, it’s never too early for style, right?” he added, clearly spiraling. “What if we’re invited to an official function and the baby shows up without a hat? What if people judge us? What if Ukitake gets the baby something cooler and we look like amateurs?”

You, still half-asleep and barely clinging to reality, reached up, patted his face, and mumbled into the quilt: “If you buy the baby a hat, you have to promise you place it on the child until they are at least a few months old”

Shunsui grinned like a man who had just received divine permission.

“So… that’s a yes?”

Another groggy sigh. “Fine. One tiny hat.”

Shunsui pulled you gently closer, resting his hand over your belly, and whispered with infinite satisfaction:

“I’m gonna get one with little fox ears.”

You didn’t respond to him though, You were already asleep again.

But the soft, sleep-slurred smile on your face said it all.

The next morning, a custom order was already placed at the Soul Society’s finest seamstress shop:

One infant-sized hat.

Black silk.

Sakura embroidery.

Optional fox ears.

Matching adult version available upon request.

Because Shunsui Kyōraku may be the Captain-Commander—

but more importantly,

He was going to be a very stylish dad.

[alexanderlightweight]

Hi! I was so happy to hear that you've been doing better, scrolling tumblr and seeing my user name only to see you had posted a prompt response (and it was one of mine!) was so wonderful 🩵🩵🩵

for a Wednesday prompt, how about petty!protective! Magnus? Not super specific but I hope you can have fun with it. And nsfw or sfw, wherever your muse takes you

i hope this complies with what you were wanting, just send me another ask if it didn't hit it quite right :)

i did have fun with this and so did Magnus (even if his fingertips are sore)

<3 I hope you enjoy

lumine

in his wake petals fall (this is part of that verse)

Magnus is currently peering down at an assortment of gleaming magical thread.  Each individual spool was woven with care and power, the colors as vivid and vibrant as the materials used to create them.  

Alexander will be attending a funeral in Idris soon.  

One that Magnus will not be allowed to escort Alexander to personally, but one that — with a little effort — he can at least attend in presence. 

Magnus creates delicate loops that form forget-me-nots the same color as his magick on the stark, white silk.  It’s painstakingly time consuming, but by the time he’s pulled the last tug of thread through, Alexander won't be able to reach out his palm for a handshake, pick up a drink or use his stele without seeing reminders of Magnus’ on his cuffs. Red chrysanthemums take shape over the shoulder blades with red and pink camellias dancing on the stiff collar.  

Perhaps it’s a bit too colorful for a nephilim funeral, but Magnus will allow Alexander to cover it with his jacket if need be.  So long as Magnus’ claim is allowed to drape over him.

The needle disappears somewhere as he shakes the shirt out, looking it over with careful and precise care. 

It’s just in time too, Alexander’s still damp from the shower when he walks out, crisp white pants clinging to his long legs.

“I was wondering where my shirt went. I see you decided to decorate.”  Alexander sounds more amused than anything else as he lets Magnus lift the shirt with magic and hold it up to his chest.  His hazel eyes are soft as he looks down, an admiring gleam as his fingers brush over the raised silken texture.

“You’ll wear it?”

“You made it for me, Magnus.  Of course I’ll wear it.” Even as he speaks, Alexander is moving along with the magic, letting it slide the shirt over his arms and holding still as blue wisps button up the front.

“Even if it’s a bit—” Magnus trails off, proud of his work and yet knowing quite well that it’s a bit far past what anyone else would consider ‘too much’. 

“Everyone will be too relieved I only wore a shirt you embroidered and didn’t personally bring you.” Alexander interrupts, shaking his head in amusement as he kisses Magnus’ fingertips.  “Considering I’ve either accidentally or on purpose made a statement at every official Clave function since we’ve gotten together, this much will only be considered a relief.”

Magnus hums and looks critically over the shirt once more, “maybe I should add a few heliotropes—”

“Maybe you should come help me get ready?” Alexander laughs and carefully moves the box of embroidery to the nearby table. “I think that between you crashing my first wedding and being the main participant of the second, everyone knows I belong to you.”

—

This, Alec thinks to himself as he forces a polite smile past his gritted teeth, is what he gets for being optimistic and assuming competency within his own kind.

Apparently neither his wedding, the official announcement sent to all active-duty shadowhunters and politically inclined nephilim or the embroidery on his shirt are enough to completely deter unwanted attention.  

That or he needs to start a second campaign, one that makes it clear he has no desire to add his lineage to the current genepool.

The situation would normally be fine, except it’s exactly the kind of attention Alec promised Magnus he didn’t need to worry about.  Thankfully for the steadily diminishing numbers of their population, Jia interrupts before the need for truly drastic measures unfolds, neatly stepping between Alec and three persistently unobservant nephilim.

“If I convince Aline and Helen to come be your buffer will you please stop threatening your fellow hunters.  By Raziel, we’re already at a funeral Alec.” Her voice is just low enough that without runes only he can hear it and he answers just as quietly. 

“The only reason I haven’t added another body to the pyre is because it might get bloodstains on my shirt.  A shirt that my very magical husband embroidered for me by hand, despite being talented enough to just use magic.” He raises an eyebrow at her pointedly and nods his chin to his shirt, crown of gladioli dipping down to obscure his view.

Jia sighs and Alec swears a shadow of regret passes over her face before she braces herself and grimly shoos the other nephilim away.  Only a few minutes later Helen drags a smirking Aline over to join him. It may be a funeral but it’s also a political commitment, one where families gather over a fading bloodline and try to rekindle long buried alliances. There is very little grieving actually shown or done during moments like this.

“Muqin told us to be your honor guard,” Aline gives him a steady once-over, lingering on the intricate embroidery of his white shirt. “Apparently Magnus is being too subtle?” The doubt in her voice only leads to more laughter as Helen finally notices the flowers on Alec’s shirt, recognizing the meaning for each and every one. 

Forget-me-nots so that alec literally can’t use his hands without being reminded to think about magnus. The pink and red camellias mean both ‘longing for you, desire, affection and also passion, deep/stronger desire’ and red chrysanthemums is the deep connection and love between them.

The gladioli crown (symbolizing honor and remembrance of the person lost) is just something that alec can wear to be respectful while still wearing flowers like a boss. Aka magnus wanted to make him a crown and alec said: make it themed appropriately and i’ll wear it

Aline uses muqin for her mother because she is more formal with jia during shadowhunter events.

Alec hasn’t yet realized that magnus signed all of his work as if he were doing professional display embroidery. Also this is the equivalent of magical bedazzling.  Magnus doesn’t need rhinestones to have alec dripping in glowing magic, he uses thread lol

this is Magnus being petty in a variety of ways. he can't come to this funeral so he's going to make sure Alec and every other person there think of him despite his absence.

alec is completely covered in magnus' magic and unless they demand he strip, this isn't something as simple as wearing jewelry or artifacts steeps in magnus' magic that he can just take off like going through a metal detector and taking off your belt and tieclip.

magnus literally stretches time out with magic so he can get as many flowers as he feels necessary onto alec's shirt and then still doesn't feel like its enough

yes, Magnus signed his name over and over again onto alec's shirt and if that wasn't enough, his magical signature is plastered all over Alec like sales stickers in a store going out of business.

alec didn't even threaten anyone, magic starting sparking off the embroidery like little bolts of lightning and jia booked it over because 'ALEC OUR POPULATION IS DECLINING AND IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO CONTRIBUTE TO BOOSTING IT AT LEAST STOP BEING PART OF THE REASON IT SUFFERS!!'

Aline later -while Alec holds Helen up with one arm and Aline uses his other to twirl them both (Aline's alcohol tolerance is high enough that Magnus would like drinking with her) - my dearest cousin. beloved friend. dear wielder of baby making parts that I neither have nor want myself but might require later on. do you have a moment?

alec to Magnus: aline wants my help making babies for her and Helen. she says it's both queer solidarity and because she thinks i'd make pretty babies and that way they'd at least be half-siblings

magnus: I need about ten drinks to deal with even the thought of this because I have very conflicted feelings

only Magnus would bring out his embroidery kit and use thread magic after like a century of forgetting about it because he wants to make it clear who Alec belongs to

[invenusworld]

punarvasu

punarvasu (पुनर्वासु) means 'return to the light.' the shakti or divine power of this nakshatra is "vasutva prapana shakti" meaning the ability to gain wealth or substance. the presiding deity of punarvasu is aditi; the sanskrit word aditi (अदिति) means "boundless," "limitless," "freedom," or "innocence"

punarvasu is of the deva (godly) clan and belongs to the the merchant caste; its primary motivation is artha — the pursuit of wealth, material well-being and prosperity; artha (अर्थ) in sanskrit means meaning or purpose

the vimshottari lord is jupiter, brihaspati - guru of the gods; the realm of ether - the realms beyond space

for further insights into the cosmic function of punarvasu and aditi i will be quoting an excerpt from 'DIVINE HORSEMEN: THE LIVING GODS OF HAITI' — MAYA DEREN

here, I liken the haitian goddess erzulie to the vedic aditi as they represent the same archetype and symbolism

"Myth is the facts of the mind made manifest in a fiction of matter."

— maya deren, punarvasu ketu (below)

Erzulie: Goddess — The Tragic Mistress

Voudoun has given woman, in the figure of Erzulie, exclusive title to that which distinguishes humans from all other forms: their capacity to conceive beyond reality, to desire beyond adequacy, to create beyond need. In Erzulie, Voudoun salutes woman as Divinity of the dream, the Goddess of Love, the Muse of Beauty.

It has denied her emphasis as mother of life and of men in order to regard her (like Mary, with whom Erzulie is identified) as mother of man's myth of life — its meaning. In a sense, she is that very principle by which man conceives and creates divinity.

Thus, to man himself, she is as mistress.

Erzulie moves in an atmosphere of infinite luxury, a perfume of refinement, which, from the first moment of her arrival, pervades the very air of the peristyle, and becomes a general expansiveness in which all anxieties, all urgencies vanish.

The tempo of movements becomes more leisurely, tensions dissolve and the voices soften, losing whatever aggressive or strident tones they may have had. One has the impression that a fresh, cooling breeze has sprung up somewhere and that the heat has become less intense, less oppressive.

She is provided with a fresh white or rose silk handkerchief which she arranges carefully around her hair.

Perfume is imperative, and there may be powder as well. A white or rose dress of delicate cloth, with lace or embroidery, has been keps in readiness for her. And, finally, she is brought not one necklace, but several, of gold and pearls, along with earrings and bracelets and her three wedding bands.

The careful, unhurried accumulation of costume is an act which, step by step, rejects the primitive, the "natural condition", and, step by careful step, instructs the fortunate attendants in the idea of beauty, the sense of form, and, above all, the cumulative painstaking process by which a work of man — be it art or myth — is created.

The Goddess examines each article minutely; where alternative choice exists, her considered selection, her indecision are very pointed; each effect is critically scrutinized, often rejected and rearranged. The very process of this creative transformation becomes so significant that whether it is a large audience or a small family who await her, or how long they may have to wait, ceases to be of any consequence.

What is of consequence is the act itself, and the demonstration of the fact that such an act can transfigure the female into the feminine.

Her voice is a delicate soprano; her every gesture, movement of eyes, and smile, is a masterpiece of beguiling coquetry; with her, human relationship becomes itself significant rather than merely a means to an end.

She may visit her altar chamber and be pleased that the flowers are fresh, for flowers are her passion.

kalu uchis, punarvasu ☉

She may ask for a favorite song, for she loves to dance and is the most graceful of all loa; or she may simply give audience to her admirers, and by her postures and attitudes transform the crude chair in which she sits into a throne.

Above all, she favors desserts, decorated cakes and confections of all kinds. Or, if she has arrived on an impromptu visit, she may be content with a sip of the crême de menthe or the champagne which, theoretically, should always be ready for her appearance.

As Lady of Luxury, she gives gifts constantly;

her own perfume, the handkerchief she wears, the food and money which she distributes generously.

She particularly rewards those who are handsome, or who dance well, or whose personality pleases her. She never neglects one who is devoted to her.

an altar to maîtresse erzulie, mistress erzulie, metres ezili freda

As Lady of Luxury she is, above all, Goddess of Love, that human luxury of the heart which is not essential to the purely physical generation of the body. She is as lavish with that love as she is generous with her gifts. She treats men with such demonstrative affection that it might seem, at times, embarrassing. She will embrace them, and kiss them, caress them, sit with an arm around those to both sides of her.

Nothing is meted out or budgeted, there is more than enough; this is her way of loving, this is the divine fecundity of the heart. A heart is, indeed, her symbol, most often the pierced heart identified with Mary.

She, who is the wealthiest of the loa, the most frequently gifted with luxurious accoutrement, suffers for not being "served" enough.

She, who is the most complimented, most beloved, most often wedded in the sacred marriage of devotee and divinity — she who is Goddess of Love — protests that she is not loved enough.

Inevitably then – she begins to weep. Tenderly they would comfort her, bringing forward still another cake, another jewel, pledging still another promise. But it would seem that nothing in this world would ever, could ever, answer those tears. It is because of these tears that the women, who might otherwise resent her, are so gentle. In their real, reasonable world there is no grief like this.

this weeping is so inaccessible to reason that one thinks, inevitably, of a child's innocence of reason. It is this sense of innocence which emanates from her that makes her identification with the Virgin Mary somehow seem truer than her promiscuity, than even the fact that the devotion of prostitutes makes of her almost their patron saint.

She is the divinity of the dream, and it is in the very nature of dream to begin where reality ends and to spin it and to send it forward in space, as the spider spins and sends forward its own thread.

The labor of Erzulie is as endless as the capacity of man to dream and, in the very act of accomplishing that dream, to have already dreamed again. It is upon this diminutive feminine figure that man has placed the burden of the most divine paradox — He has conceived her without satisfactions, without balance, to insure an overwhelming balance against his own satisfactions. This is the meaning of the merciless muse, the most unhappy Medusa.

Erzulie is the loa of the impossible perfection which must remain unattainable. Man demands that she demand of him beyond his capacity. The condition of her divinity is his failure; he crowns her with his own betrayals. Hence she must weep; it could not be otherwise.

The wound of Erzulie is perpetual: she is the dream impaled eternally upon the cosmic cross/roads where the world of men and the world of divinity meet, and it is through her pierced heart that "man ascends and the gods descend.

jacob's ladder, william blake, punarvasu ☽

the following are some lyrics from songs by lana del rey (mercury in punarvasu) with many of this nakshatra's themes of wealth, excess, luxury, beautification, devotion, heart break, dreams, fantasy, etc

'video games'

I say, "You the bestest" / Lean in for a big kiss / Put his favourite perfume on

It's you, it's you, it's all for you / Everything I do / I tell you all the time / Heaven is a place on earth with you

They say that the world was built for two / Only worth living if somebody is loving you

'honeymoon'

There are violets in your eyes / There are guns that blaze around you / There are roses in between my thighs / And fire that surrounds you

It's no wonder every man in town / Had neither fought nor found you / Everything you do is elusive / To even your honey dew

our honeymoon / Dreaming away your life

'national anthem'

Winin' and dinin', drinkin' and drivin' / Excessive buyin', overdose and dyin' / On our drugs, and our love, and our dreams, and our rage / Blurrin' the lines between real and the fake / Dark and lonely, I need somebody to hold me / He will do very well, I can tell, I can tell / Keep me safe in his bell tower hotel

Money is the anthem of success / So put on mascara and your party dress

I'm your national anthem, boy, put your hands up / Give me a standin' ovation / Boy, you have landed, babe, in the land of / sweetness and danger, Queen of Saigon

[creganslover]

Hello!! First of all I loved your Adam de Hull fanfic you wrote. I know you wanted requests to be specific so I will do my best. Could you do a (Hurt/Comfort) fanfic in which (male) OC, an old friend of Helaena Targaryen, with her is in love with, hears her scream during a nightmare about Blood and Cheese and cuddle with her to sleep since all her family seems to have better things to do? Thanks in advance and sorry if it's too or too little specific or if my english is not perfect.

hellish dream, helaena targaryen x male! OC! Velaryon! Reader

wc: 1.8k

warning/s: the dance doesn't happen, they're a functioning family, canon-typical incest, slight angst from helaena's nightmare, pining, hurt/comfort, not beta read

note: your request is perfect! and if you don't mind, I had altered it a little and I hope it's up to your liking! thank you <3 likes, reblogs, and feedbacks are greatly appreciated.

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

Sleep was futile for Aerys Velaryon tonight within the Red Keep. 

It could possibly have been due to the fact that he had not walked in these walls for quite a few years now, perhaps the last time being when he was but one and ten if he recalled, before having moved to Dragonstone where he grew up. Though being back in King’s Landing with his family had its perks, specifically where he was able to reconnect with Helaena, and her brothers Aegon and Aemond, the same goes with Aerys’ own brothers, Jacaerys and Lucerys. 

All of them had been tied together in youth, getting into all sorts of mischief, mostly due to Aegon, with Jacaerys following suit, then Lucerys, and reluctantly, Aemond. Aerys had been known to participate in their occasional prank pulling or banter, however he often stayed behind and watched, yet this does not mean he would refuse a challenge or two. 

That’s when once Helaena had found Aerys sitting on the steps by the grounds of the Red Keep, an amused look on his face as Aegon and Jacaerys had been placing a bet on who could win in a game of tug-of-war on the mud between them and their brothers, and that the losers would follow whatever the victors asked.

Aerys had barely engaged with Helaena before as she had been often with herself and within the confines of her chambers, and when she had approached. Unbeknownst to Aerys, an iridescent beetle had settled upon his shoulder, shining a metallic red. The young girl had spoken right beside him which- honestly- made him jump as he wasn’t alerted of her presence, then catching sight of her as Helaena pointed at his shoulder.

 “It likes you.”

It was a simple phrase, yet it had budded a friendship between Aerys and Helaena. It seemed they had both bonded over their like and amusement for being observant, Aerys indulging in Helaena when she had seeked for him the following weeks when she felt it, to show a new critter she had in her collection, or whether it was a finished needlework, in which Aerys had always praised Helaena for and had always made time for her despite the demands of his lessons as a prince. 

They were good childhood friends, Aerys even defending Helaena from Aegon’s unnecessary jabs until their family had ultimately parted with Aerys’ mother Rhaenyra Targaryen moving to reside in Dragonstone, therefore grew in their separate ways.

Moving forward to the present, Aerys had found himself tossing and turning in his given chambers in the Red Keep, before he sighed, sitting up and moving out of bed, rubbing at his face in frustration. His feet had taken him to one of a small chest sitting on his table, fingers fiddling with the lock as it creaked open. 

There he pulled out a cloth, not just any cloth, but an embroidery of his dragon, Skysplitter, given to him by Helaena when they had last met. Even though they had glimpsed each other earlier in the dining hall after such years passed, neither had made a move. 

It was understandable since they were now both grown into a man and woman. Despite that, Aerys managed to give Helaena a smile, in which the latter only pursed her lips and averted her gaze from him in shyness. 

However, it felt as if no time had changed when the cousins Targaryen and Velaryon boys had gotten together, the whole feast spent catching up and having to tolerate Aegon’s jokes and reliving the memories of their childhood now over cups of wine. 

Aerys dragged his thumb down onto the fabric, its threads smooth and firm, Helaena had put much work and detail into it possible, even for its small size, it had depicted Skysplitter’s silver-red scales, wings spread and tail curled. 

It sent Aerys’ mouth quirking to a boyish grin, shaking his head, in all their time apart, he had not been able to let Helaena out of his thoughts, always lingering in the back of his head, even thinking about her had his heart hammering against his chest, begging to be let out so it could find its way to where it wanted to belong. 

Aerys then placed the embroidery back into the chest, shaking himself out of his foolish thoughts, closing the chest with a thud and clicking it shut, before deciding to venture out the halls, throwing a robe over on his shoulders to beat the cold that managed to seep into the castle in the night. 

Mostly everyone should have been asleep now, his family in their own respective chambers. 

Then as he had moved up the stairs, trying to challenge himself if he could remember the way to the balcony where he and Helaena often spent time together. 

Passing by large intricate doors, with guards nowhere in sight, there was a noise making Aerys halt in his steps, eyes meeting the handle. With brows knitted, Aerys knew he should not intervene, and that it was probably something else.

As he made to continue in his steps again, there was a gasp followed by a short yell, muffled through the doors. Aerys instincts kicked in, grabbing at the large door handle, pulling it open imagining someone was in need of help when darkness greeted him, except for a few candles lit. 

There were no signs of trouble, though only then Aerys realized it was another sleeping quarters, based on the heap on the bed. Aerys blinked back, he should turn away now, or it would have been a cause of immodesty for him to be found within another’s bedroom. 

Yet before he could turn back again, the voice was much clearer this time, and in distress. “No, no, not him- please!” 

Helaena. 

Aerys inhaled a sharp breath as the realization of being in Helaena’s quarters hit, and she was there struggling with a nightmare, with no guards posted to alert her family of it. The longer she cried, Aerys broken free from his stupor as he approached where she lay on the side of the bed, hand immediately darting as he spots Helaena’s face scrunched, a stray tear rolling down her cheek in her sleep as she tossed, trying to fight her way out of the nightmare that had a hold on her. 

“Helaena, Helaena, wake up.” Aerys urged, squeezing at her shoulder and trying to shake her awake. It took a few tries with Aerys’ tone deepening in concern before Helaena had jolted awake, sitting up and looking frantically, gesturing and managing to grab a hold of Aerys’ arm, her eyes wide and stricken with grief and panic as she called out for her twins that she did not have at the moment. 

“Where are they? My- my children! Jahaerys, Jahaera- oh Jahaerys…” Helaena said, breathily, seeming as if the air had been knocked out her lungs as she was a mess, tears freely rolling down her flushed cheeks of her creamy skin.

“Helaena.” Aerys voiced firmly, Helaena gasping for air as her body shook, looking at him, mouth parting open and closed as she registered his presence. “Aerys.” She replied, almost in relief, without thinking, pulling him in an embrace, sending him to be sat upon her bed, face buried in his chest, grasping at his robes.

Only then Aerys realized how cold Helaena had been, in turn wrapping his strong arms around her delicate form, though his heart beat faster than a horse could run. Aerys rubbed up and down her back, careful of where he situated his hands as he slowly rested one upon the small of her back, the other shy of just touching her waist. 

“Shh, you are alright, there is no harm here.” Aerys comforted as Helaena’s shaking body soon started to relax, this here, Helaena being in his arms had felt right, as if something had shifted in the stars.

 “No harm will come to you, I swear of it.” Aerys voiced in a fleeting thought. Helaena stayed buried in his chest, arms clinging around him as she steadied her breath with the help of Aerys. 

“They, they took him from me, Aerys.” Never had Aerys heard such fear in her voice, Aerys knew better than to prod when Helaena was clearly distressed. “No one will take anything from you, Helaena.” He responded. He had spent a few minutes ensuring Helaena had come back down from whatever dreams plagued her mind. 

Once Helaena had gone quiet and was now breathing normally, with Aerys rested back on the bed, leaned back against the headrest with Helaena laying her head on his chest now. Aerys absentmindedly traced patterns on her arms through her sleeves of her chemise, before propriety had struck his mind like a blacksmith would hammer a forged sword. 

Shifting, Aerys waged a war within his mind, a part of him selfishly wanted to stay, another deemed that he had done his part and must now leave Helaena alone before he could get in trouble and drag her with him. 

“I think I must go, Helaena.” Aerys carefully voiced, moving and slowly trying to detangle himself from her, reluctantly. 

“Must you really?” Helaena croaked and Aerys felt his composure fracture. He had long avoided looking into Helaena’s face and he made the mistake of doing so now, gazing down at her to find her eyes still puffy and red, eyes conveying more emotions than she spoke.

“I… I would not want to get you in trouble.” Aerys swallowed down. “You could leave before the sun shows…” Helaena suggested before she was tugging onto the sleeve of Aerys’ tunic. “Tell me what endeavours have you sought to do in your years at Dragonstone?” She added, liking to hear more of Aerys’ voice which had managed to calm her tonight. 

Thus with Aerys  taking a quick glance out into the window of Helaena’s chambers, calculating that he likely had a few more hours before the keep would come alive again, he obliged. 

“-you should have seen the look on poor Lucerys’ face when he had first rode on Arrax.” Aerys could fondly remember having to steady the youngest on his feet when he got back down onto the ground, unable to even jest with his brother in between laughter. 

As he looked down at Helaena, he found her fast asleep, curled up against his side, a hand splayed on his abdomen, stirring feelings he had held back for so long with them in this position. Smoothing a few stray hairs away from her face, smiling dearly when Helaena’s nose would scrunch in turn, he placed a featherlight kiss upon the crown of her silver head. 

Whatever the Gods had in store for them now, Aerys vowed that in time and come whatever may, one way or another, was going to ask for Helaena’s hand.

[opal-tea]

Light casts a shadow. The shadow cannot exist without the light.

ough so here's the thing i wouldn't shut up about for about a week lol. this took me roughly a month to complete. i had been looking at the Alice Asylum design bible and after crying for half an hour i decided i NEEDED to get this idea out of my head. i have always thought it would be so fucking cool if Alice wielded a giant pair of embroidery scissors as a weapon. and at first, i thought "well maybe i'll just draw her in the "miss stitched" dress since embroidery scissors kind of fit the theme of that, but I really? just wanted to draw my own dress as well? so i did, and it was a pain in the ass but it ended up looking really cool and i'm really happy i ran with this whole idea. i have been fondly referring to it as the "seamstress dress". i chose phthalo green specifically because of that meme that keeps going around abt the color. i just love it, omg.

i admit that a giant pair of embroidery scissors is quite possibly the least functional and most cumbersome kind of weapon anyone could wield. but it still looks cool as fuck and i don't care. down below are some concept sketches and a flat color version of the drawing sans the scissors, just so you can see more details of the dress.

if anyone has any suggestions on what else i should add to the image description for screenreaders, please let me know. enjoy~