#sewing kits for kids sewing machines

[sapelons]

Website: https://www.sapelon.com/

At Sapelon, our vision is to create toys that not only entertain and engage children, but also foster a sense of community and support their overall development. With 15 years of experience in the industry, we have a deep understanding of the importance of play in child development. We believe that it truly takes a village to raise a child, and that every person has a role to play in a child's growth and well-being.

Our toys are designed to encourage children to interact with others, explore the world around them, and express their creativity. We aim to provide children with opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.

We also value diversity and inclusivity, and strive to create toys that are accessible and enjoyable for all children. We believe that every child has the potential to thrive, and we are dedicated to supporting their journey towards becoming confident, caring, and well-rounded individuals.

At Sapelon, we are committed to creating toys that not only bring joy to children, but also help to build strong and supportive communities. We envision a world where children have the support and resources they need to reach their full potential, and where every child feels valued and loved. Our goal is to use our 15 years of experience to create toys that truly make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Let’s face it- life is busy. The fast pace of modern day family life can make it easy to forget that simply just spending time with our children is really important. With the ever growing influence of tecnology in our lives, it can be difficult for parents and caregivers to share quality time with their kids.

Yet, parents are a child’s greatest and most influential teacher. Our main goal in making the sapelon little tailor product line is to offer an activty, in which both kids and their care givers can participate together.

With our teaching experience over 15 years, what we like to offer is not a product, but an experience, you and your loved ones can share together. As Sapelon our purpose is to remind our kids that the phisical world can be much more fun and fullfilling than a digital one.

Business Email: info@sapelon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sapelons/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sapelons/

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[xhoky]

° Labor/Technology teacher.

°- "I don't care about how long you hair is, please, make a bun or you totally won't like to see your hair in the sewing machine."

° teaches his students how to sew, knit and cook.

° very kind teacher.

° friends with Cross and Nightmare.

° Doesn't like informatics teacher.

° the only teacher who's wearing galosh/crocs shoes cuz he is more comfortable in them.

° have hair ties, needles, candies and badges in his pockets (for kids)

° Badges on his sweater are from students.

° he knitted this sweater by himself.

° That one teacher who wears knitted cloak/poncho (?), that wrapped around his shoulders.

° Almost broke his tooth when tried cookies made by his students.

° He doesn't like physical touch (haphephobia).

° He is the one who gave Ink his scarf as a present.

° He and Ani are the only teachers who doesn't fight over who's subject is better.

° - "At least kids don't cry on my subject, Nightmare."

° he would help every student if they have problems.

°- "gladly they didn't burn the school kitchen down this time.."

°- "That's a little bit too much salt."

° in seek of lost needle.

° Have a little garden on the school territory where students help him with planting and watering.

° Doesn't really know much about Dream, but still think that there's no need for Nightmare cry about how his subject is better than Dream's. (And here's Cross who's on Night's side)

° Have first aid kit with him in case anybody if anybody get hurt.

° Once lost his eyeglasses, but still proceed to work. It was the worst day for him and worst threading the needle of the day.

[maleficentmrsofallevil]

I found my bear!

When I was a kid, we had to hand-sew bears for Home Economics class. My first bear was confiscated because the teacher was convinced I used a sewing machine. I didn't. I was just that obsessive at hand sewing (stitches 1-2mm apart). The second one, I had to hand sew in her classroom so she could watch me do it (and I wouldn't get an F). I didn't mind. I really liked the bear. The teacher kept the bear for future reference or something. So - two bears made, and none for me to keep. :'(

I remember the bear kit was handed to me in a brown paper lunch bag with the pieces and the instructions. I've been searching for "teddy bear sewing kit" for years without success.

For whatever reason, tonight it finally occurred to me that it might have been a pattern, and the teacher cut out the pieces, photocopied the instructions, and just handed us a ready-made "kit."

I searched for teddy bear pattern around the time I was in school, and lo and behold - I found my bear: Butterick craft pattern 5627.

Buying back my childhood, one doll house kit and bear pattern at a time.

[palaeoplushies]

Hello! Not too sure if this is an appropriate question, but do you have any tips for a first-time/ beginner plushie maker?

I'm going to try to create my first (weighted) plush sometime soon, so I would appreciate some tips if it's okay. Thank you in advance.

Heya! I'm always happy to answer questions about plush making, but the broader the question the harder it is to answer particularly as I have no idea of your background skills. Everyone's journey into plush making is different. Mine started with my mum teaching me how to sew and then use a sewing machine as a kid, and then we made plushies from kits together until I could do it myself, and then start modifying patterns to creatures I wanted and then eventually making my own patterns up entirely. I still am learning new things all the time!

Obviously this isn't the route that everyone's gonna take. My best advice is to play around with materials, find some patterns online you like- try sewing them by hand, by machine if you have one, use old t-shirt fabric, tea towels, cheap fleece blankets, anything you can get your hands on. Your first plushies will be a bit wonky, but they'll have character. Then keep doing it, watching videos, trying new things, new ideas.

It's really one of those things you learn by being hands-on, you'll learn more about fabrics and how they sew differently, how the shape of the pattern effects the final product, loads of stuff. There's loads of good resources and videos online that can help out too. I'm afraid I don't really have a collection of links or anything I'm afraid. Mostly it's all about giving it a shot and sticking to it (in my case for like 30 years now)

[summerlycoris]

Is it really a birthday party if you wake up in a hospital?

Chapter 11- Iron out saudade, and wrinkles unfold.

A03 link- here

Chonological Tumblr Link- here.

The first thing Cassie noticed, after the long drive home, was how everything had changed. Sure, Mom had already talked about it on the drive home. How she’d renovated the bathroom downstairs, and moved Cassie’s stuff into the guest bedroom. 

(… Well, it had been a guest bedroom. Until Gregory and his family moved here. Then it pretty much became his room, for any night that he stayed over.)

But talk hadn't prepared her for what that would look like.

The entire layout of the room had changed. Her bed was there. On the opposite wall to where Gregory’s bed used to be. Her collection of plushies were in her toy box, besides her bed. Except for her big Roxy plushie, which sat near her desk. And she could see her sewing kit and machine, on her small red desk. 

Her laptop, however, was M.I.A. And the big wooden desk where Dad’s old desktop computer had sat was gone too.

In the cupboard, and dresser, were what clothes she hadn't taken with her to Salt Lake City. She could see them through the sliding door of the closest- that never completely shut, due to wear and tear.

On the walls were her mirrors, and her posters. Including the photos she'd taken with her old ‘friends’, and with Gregory. 

Photos of her and her friends out at the mall, sharing pizza at the Pizzaplex, painting each other's nails, going roller skating at the rink (while they had to basically hold Cassie up- she'd already fallen over five times before the photo was taken, and the massive bruise on her cheek was immortalized in that photo.) And, of course, photos of them at her ninth, tenth and eleventh birthdays. Because back then, they still thought she was cool.

(She hoped, anyway. Sometimes, when she looked at the ones from eleven, she swore she could see a hint of frustration on their faces. Like they were just putting up with her. Waiting for the moment to drop her like a rock, the moment when she finally stopped being worth it to keep around.)

There were also photos of her and Gregory mixed in. At Sand Hollow State Park. At Roxy Racers, just after a race. (Cassie had won against Gregory, that time. But she got the feeling he'd been throwing.), at his twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth birthday parties. At her ninth, tenth and eleventh… until there was nothing. Nothing except old photos of Gregory and his family, from when he was in elementary. Of when he was a kid living far away. 

He looks so similar as a little kid, to how he looked before disappearing. Yet still unrecognizable. 

All of those were tacked up in a heart shape. The photos that she'd kind of been intending on taking down. At least, the ones of her ‘friends’. But… she hadn't had anything good to put in their place. And it almost felt like an admission of failure. That she couldn't keep them interested in her. And with everything that had happened recently… seeing these photos of him felt like she was being stabbed in the heart.

Because now, they are here. Meticulously arranged, exactly as she'd had them in her old room. Just next to her computer desk. Directly across from her bed. So that every morning, when she’d wake up and get up, she’d see them first.

She wished they weren't. Because previously, she could at least remember Gregory, and wonder what they'd do if he ever came back. Now… Well, now she knew what he'd do.

She tore her eyes away, catching a strange glance from Mom. Then she sat down on the bed, resting her crutches to the side. She felt something hit her side- looking down, she saw an old Freddy plushie. Not a Glamrock Freddy- but an old plushie of an older variant. Rockstar Freddy. The one Gregory had given to her years ago.

That confused her- he previously stayed with the rest of her collection, in her toybox. So why… She looked up at Mom, who was looking at her, clasping her hands. Almost like she was… waiting?

“Mom?”

She started a little, before reclasping her hands. “Well, Starbright, what do you think? I know this room is… a lot smaller than your old one. And this used to be Gregory’s room, so you probably have some mixed feelings about it… but you don't need to worry! His drawings, and personal items have all been moved upstairs. Nothing has been thrown away.”

She… doesn't understand. Because of course she doesn't- I can't tell her…

“Um. Yeah. Great. Thank you.” She could see the bag Mom had been carrying, with Cassie's Roxy plushie and her clothes from rehab, was sat on the floor near her cupboard, waiting for her to unpack it. She grabbed up the Freddy plushie into her hands, and looked at it. With one of his eyes, and his star button hanging loose. And a few stitches on his ear. Gregory had given it to her for her ninth birthday. Because it was a rare plushie he had. 

(‘And you have the rest of the rockstars, so it makes sense to complete that collection!’)

Cassie felt a weight beside her, and heard the creaking of springs. Before she felt Moms arm wrap around her shoulders, and tug her in closer. “I know that everything can be a bit… much. I just want you to know- I'm here, and I'm happy to listen to you, if you want to talk.”

And she was so tempted- to just spill about everything. Tell Mom how this hurt- why it hurt. But how could she do that to her? When Mom loved Gregory like her own nephew. When telling her would break down her last hope of something going back to normal again.

She couldn't tell Mom. There was just no way. Instead, she threw the plushie at the photos, then clung to her Mom, burying her face into her chest. She could feel tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. Could hear muffled-sounding sobs. Could feel Moms arms wrap around her back, with a “Shhh, shhh, Cassie… It'll be okay. I've got you…”

________

Cassie and Mom had sat there like that for what felt like forever. Until Mom pulled away, and asked her a question, while wiping the remaining tears away with a hankie. “It's been a rough day already, do you wanna get showered and changed, then we can go out together to get some food?”

She nodded in agreement, so Mom showed her the bathroom. Previously, this bathroom just had a toilet, and sink. Now, it had a shower, with a chair there to sit in, and grab bars throughout, like the bathrooms back at the hospital and rehab center. The toilet had been moved, to make extra space for the shower. 

However, Cassie’s attention was caught by the sink. More specifically, what was on the sink.

“Mom! They can't stay there!” She cried, nearly losing her footing trying to get to the sink. On top, near her toothbrush and toothpaste, were some packets of… don't wanna think about it- She scooped them up, and quickly shoved them into the medicine cabinet, before slamming that door shut. 

“Cassie? They're not going to be useful up in the medicine cabinet. What if you need them?”

“If I ‘need them’, then I'll grab them, okay? They don't- what if someone visits and sees them?!”

Mom looked at her weirdly. “Nobody would even notice, Cassie. And even if they did notice, they likely wouldn't know what they were.”

That didn't make Cassie feel any better. “They're staying in the cabinet, like the pads!”

Mom sighed. “Okay, they can stay in the cabinet.” she turned to walk out, before stopping. “Did you want to pick out some clothes, first? Or just wear what you've got now?”

She hadn't really considered needing to take clothes here. Her old bedroom had a jack and jill bathroom- so she could just immediately be in her room and grab some clothes. 

That… wouldn’t work here. Unless she wanted to be wandering the hallway in a towel (With crutches?! How would that work?) She would need to do things differently. 

“... Yeah, I’ll go get some clothes first.” She said. Then went back to her room, while Mom went out to the living room.

The closet Cassie had now was a lot smaller than her old one. Though, she now had a dresser… So, in theory, all her clothes should be here. Especially the ones Mom didn’t pack to take to hospital, or to rehab.

She checked the closet. She opened all the drawers in the dresser, and rummaged around.

Should be…

She tried again. Maybe I was having a boy look the first time around?

…

But they weren't there. 

At least she had some similar jean shorts inside.

She sighed, and went out to the living room. “Mom, do you know where my clothes are? From the day I was found?”

Mom looked up at her, before quickly glancing away. “Well… Starbright. When you were found, they needed to know how exactly you were injured. And they couldn’t move you around much at all. So… they cut your clothes off. 

She stood there in shock.

In retrospect, she should have expected this. To wake up in a hospital gown, they would’ve needed to remove her damaged clothes somehow.

Still, to have her clothes cut up?

“Did they… throw them away afterwards?” She whispered. 

Mom shook her head, and stood up. Walking over to her- “No, they didn’t throw your clothes away. I've kept them, to see what you wanted to do with them. Want to come take a look?”

Cassie nodded, and followed Mom out into the garage. Her car was inside, but it was small and easy to get around. The washer and dryer sat against a wall. 

On top of the dryer, was a bucket, containing what looked like a garbage bag. A garbage bag that Mom went and grabbed.

Cassie’s heart sank. Now she wasn't sure if she wanted to see her damaged clothes, after all. 

Mom put the bucket on the ground and pulled out the stained, moldy, and dirty scraps of material from the garbage bag. Putting the scraps on top of the dryer. 

“I tried to wash them… but I was scared they’d rip and be completely destroyed in the machines. So it was only a hand wash.”

There were scraps of her red button-up- that she’d sewn herself, during her first year of intermediate school. And embroidered the flowers by hand. She’d got an A+ for that piece, in Home Ec. 

Her plain white shirt, purple leggings, and jean shorts- not the biggest loss, they could be replaced… 

(I’d still prefer to have them…)

… Her badge, and her bracelets.

The stretchy one was just. Busted. It could go to the bin. The beads? Were luckily bagged along with the badge from her button up, so they weren’t rolling everywhere. She could boil to disinfect and reuse them. Those silicone beads had been hard to find. The badge? Looked like it had gotten bent up in the fall. But it was metal- it could be straightened…

And the things that really kicked her while she was down- her Roxy light ups.

The shoes? So broken. She could see wires cut from the light up mechanism. Not that that worked anymore- it had finally given up the ghost when Monty knocked her into the sewers. 

Still, that one hurt. She’d had those shoes for years, and had grown into them.

And now they were ruined. 

She sighed while leaning heavily on her crutches, as she rifled through the scraps. Pushing anything she could reuse over to the left side. Which wasn’t much- but the beads could be rethreaded. And she could keep the badge.

The rest would have to go. She could remake the button up. She still had the pattern- maybe in white, with red flowers next time? Or purple and red? She could buy more clothes to replace most of what she lost. 

The shoes… 

Mom must've seen how conflicted she looked, as she debated whether to push them to the ‘keep’ side, or ‘throw’ side. 

“If it makes you feel any better, Starbright, the shoes you have now are pretty cute. And I know you can make them even cuter.”

She looked down, at her sparkly red sneakers. They were kinda plain… but Mom was right- they had potential. She could add some embellishments- maybe some patches on the non-glittery segments? Some pretty purple laces to replace the black ones? She could mix some spare beads into her laces, like the beads on wheel spokes some kids have on their bikes?

“Yeah, you’re right. She pushed her old light ups to the ‘throw’ side. 

It kinda felt like an era of her life was coming to an end. Or maybe she was being melodramatic.

I’m a teen now, I’m allowed to be melodramatic.

“These ones can go in the bin.” She said, pointing to the bigger pile, then to the smaller one. “I can still use the beads and badge.”

Mom nodded, and put the bigger pile back into the rubbish bag, before tying a knot. 

She patted Cassie on the shoulder, before heading back into the house. Cassie could hear the distinctive squeak of the back door opening- Mom was taking it out to the big bin.

Luckily, the beads are in a little zip lock bag. Cassie thought, as she held it in one hand while grabbing her crutches again. Kind of loosely grabbed because one of her hands was full. But at least she could still walk with them.

She took her beads and badge to the kitchen, and started boiling some water. And debated- should she try to clean the stains first? 

(Would they even wash out?)

She gave it a go, at the sink. After ten minutes, nothing had changed. They still had marks on them.

Not that she’d been expecting to get them clean again.

When she got the boiling pot off the stove, she left it on the drainer, put the beads and badge into the pot, and put a lid on top. She’d leave it until they’d get back and they should be sanitized at least. Then she washed her hands, just as Mom came back in. 

“Well, Cassie, how about you go find some new clothes, and we’ll go somewhere special for lunch?”

She nodded, and left to go get ready. 

________

Lunch was somewhere special- at a diner in Hurricane. Old fashioned, like it had never left the fifties. Kinda looks like the old ice cream place in Bonnie Bowl. Cassie had been here before with her family- her whole family, plus some. Mom, Dad, Andy, Aunt and Uncle Miskovsky, Gre-

She shook that thought out of her head before it could make her sad. I’m not gonna let him ruin this for me, too. 

Her and Mom were sitting at a small table, off to the back of the diner. It was next to a window, with a surprisingly good view- it pointed backwards, away from the carpark out front. And faced a park, with a creek running through it, and some apartments behind it. 

It was always nice here. Not as interesting as going to the Pizzaplex had been- but the food tasted good. And sometimes, if she brings her pocket money, she could go to the jukebox and plug some songs in. Though, she’d forgotten to bring her purse today. 

They’d already ordered, and were slowly eating their lunch. Mom had picked out a toastie with salad, while Cassie had picked out a cheeseburger and chips. 

Out the window, Cassie could see some kids playing at that park. There wasn't a playground there, or anything much. (Except one lonely basketball hoop.) But they’d brought out kites, and some were climbing a nearby tree. Some more were wading in a creek- in fact- wait, I swear that kid is Lawrence? 

One of the kids playing basketball looked like Lawrence. With his familiar chair, and his right arm curled up, but the other arm in the air. Like he was asking for someone to pass the ball to him. 

She waved, but he was busy, and far away. He didn’t see her.

This sight helped make her feel a bit better, after. Well. Everything today. 

I’ll ask him a bit later, and let him know I saw him from the diner. 

“What's got you looking so bright, all of a sudden?” Mom asked, with a smile on her face. 

Cassie turned back from the window. “I just saw a friend of mine, playing basketball. He’s out there with some other kids, probably neighbors?” She took a few more bites of her burger, before asking Mom a question. “Hey Mom, when am I going back to school? Real school, I mean.”

Mom put down her half eaten sandwich, before wiping her mouth with a napkin. The way she constantly reminded Cassie to do. “Well, that’s something I needed to talk to you about. I’ve talked to the principal of the middle school, to see about getting you back into classes again for the next quarter. But we need to go have a chat at the school, to see what kibds of accommodations you need. And if you still want to take the subjects you’d selected earlier… I’ve got a meeting with the principal tomorrow, and I would like you to come with me.”

Cassie nodded. She’d been enrolled there, even if she’d never had the chance to go there yet. And she’d already picked out her classes- she’d made sure to pick Home Ec as an elective again. And had picked art, as well. 

Though, she wondered how school would work for her. She could probably take the regular school bus. (Please not the short bus please not the short bus-) But where would it pick her up? At the same bus stop she used when she was in Intermediate? Because that was a fair bit away from home- and she wasn’t confident getting there on crutches. There wasn’t even a footpath for half the journey there. 

She was distracted from these thoughts, when Mom spoke up again. 

“Also, I’ve got something else to mention. Andy is going to be coming home in a few days. She’ll be looking after you, while I’m busy. She and I will alternate taking you to school and picking you up.” 

Cassie’s shoulders slumped, and she groaned. Previously, she’d been allowed to be at home by herself while Mom was working. She’d had some independence. But now Andy was coming back? To babysit her? 

“Mo-om. I’m a teen now! I don’t need a babysitter-” she whined. 

Mom shushed her, waving her finger. “Oh yes you do! You left home- no note, no phone call- and went to a dangerous place because of some forum message-”

“It was not ‘just some forum message’-”

“-Instead of ringing the police and asking them to help Gregory. Right now, Cassie, I can’t trust you to keep yourself safe!”

She grumbled, and crossed her arms. “Do you really think I’ll do it again…?”

“I hope not. But I’m not taking any chances.” Mom said, crossing her own arms. “Don’t be sulky with me, young lady. I’m being lenient- most parents would ground you until you graduate, for such behavior. This is hardly a punishment!”

Cassie rolled her eyes. And heard Mom scoff. “You’re already punishing me. Remember? You said I can’t use the internet anymore-”

“I said you can’t use it unsupervised. You can still use it for schoolwork-”

“Yaaayyy… great…” she slumped down into her seat.

Only to sit up properly when she saw Moms face. The corner of her mouth was turned down, and she had fire in her eyes. “Do you want your phone confiscated? Because you’re acting like you do, Cassie.” She said, surprisingly calmly. Then she sighed. “What would your father think if he could see you now…”

That… was a low blow. At least it felt that way to Cassie. 

She shrugged, while Mom pinched the bridge of her nose. 

“I just… I can’t risk losing you again.” Mom admitted, in a whisper. And Cassie felt a surge of guilt running down her back. 

“I’m sorry, Mom. I get it.” Because she did- even if she didn’t like it. She remembered hearing Mom crying to Uncle Miskovsky not long ago. “I’m sorry for being rude, and I’ll be good for Andy.”

Mom sighed. “Thank you, and I’m sorry too. I brought you here to cheer you up, not get mad at you.”

“It’s okay. I understand… Though, how’s Andy gonna complete her degree if she’s here?”

“She's spent some time organizing things, so that she can complete her course online.”

That makes sense…

Cassie still wasn’t enthused about this. She’d earnt some freedom, once Andy left for College. (Or rather, they didn’t have any choice but to give me it…) and she didn’t like the idea of having it stripped away again. 

“If I’m good- real good- can I have some freedom back later?” she whispered.

“Freedom? Cassie, that’s not-” Mom sighed, again. “If you behave for the rest of the year, and can do more independently again, Andy may be able to go back to school in person. That would be best for her- to have direct access to her teachers.”

Cassie nodded, and went back to eating her cheeseburger.

Mom continued talking to her, about things that would be happening with her now that she was back. “Anyway, I’ve also booked you in for biweekly physio sessions on Saturday mornings. The physio is very nice. I’ve worked with them before- And I’ve booked you in for some more appointments with Ms Tyrian. These will be once a month, on Friday. Also, one of your classmates stopped by with notes, while you were away. They said their name was Setia…”

Cassie nodded, and could feel herself zoning out as she finished her lunch. She wasn't interested in more therapy, but she didn’t want to press Mom’s buttons and say that. 

When she looked out the window next, Lawrence was no longer out there. 

________

Later that evening, Cassie was left with a dilemma. 

She didn’t want that heart on her wall. Or that old Rockstar Freddy plushie. But she knew if Mom saw her disposing of them, she’d ask about it. And Cassie didn’t have a good lie for why she couldn’t stand looking at them anymore.  

She also knew that Mom was out in the living room. Because they were sitting together. Cassie’s head on her Moms shoulder, watching some boxing shows on the sports channel. 

All the external doors lead out from the living room. 

She could, in theory, put things in the kitchen bin. But then she’d be caught the next day, when Mom opens it and sees a lumpy trash bag inside it that shouldn’t be there.

If Cassie wanted these old possessions gone. (And she did.) She would need to be sneaky about it.

Trying to sneak out a garbage bag would get questions. And if Mom saw a bag she didn’t remember emptying into the outside bin, she’d probably get suspicious, too

The fireplace was crackling underneath the TV. It filled the living room and hallway with a soft warmth, and made Cassie almost feel like she could fall asleep on the couch, from how cozy she felt.

Almost. Because she had decided on a plan, looking into those burning embers. A plan that would have no evidence, and no garbage bags, for Mom to sight later.

She would just need to wait, until Mom went to bed. 

If she didn’t fall asleep first…

Mom shifted away from her, and she almost fell sideways completely, with a squeak. 

“Sorry Cassie, are you okay?” Mom asked, while stretching and yawning. 

“Yeah, just tired…” she said. She could feel herself catching that yawn.

She felt an arm around her shoulders, as she pressed back into Mom’s shoulder. “That makes sense, it’s been a hectic day. With the drive back, and…” Mom trailed off, watching intently as one of the boxerz on tv got a decisive knockout. Before continuing. “Did you want to go to bed? I know it’s a little early, but you look like you need it.”

Cassie nodded, and went to get up. It took her a bit to get steady on her crutches- she wasn’t wearing either brace at the moment, because she’d swapped into her pajamas earlier. So she felt like she was missing some support. Mom turned down the tv, and went to walk with her, back to Cassie’s room. 

She nearly went up the stairs, following muscle memory, before Mom tapped her on the shoulder, and pointed in the right direction. 

“Um. Yeah. Oops.”

It still didn’t feel like her room. Even when she opened the door, and saw her posters scattered on the wall. 

The Freddy plush was back on her bed, alongside her Roxy plushie. Because Mom had picked it up earlier. 

She was tempted to throw it again. You only need to pretend to like it for a bit longer, Cassie. She thought to herself. She leant the crutches up against the nearby wall, and got into bed. She put the Freddy plushie against the wall, next to her pillow. 

Mom came in, and sat down near her feet, tucking her in. “I’ll see you in the morning, okay? Get a good sleep- we’ll be going to the meeting at school tomorrow.”

Cassie nodded, as Mom leaned in to kiss her forehead. Then she left, turning off the light.

She could hear Moms footsteps leading out to the living room again. Where she couldn’t hear the tv- Mom never left it on loud close to bedtime. 

Cassie had considered trying to stay awake, until Mom went to bed. But that wouldn’t work. She was just too tired. 

Luckily, she’d had a plan in place. And had charged her phone earlier. She grabbed it out of her pajama pants pocket, and set up an alarm for around two am. Mom would definitely be asleep by then.

Then she put the phone under her pillow, and went to sleep.

________

…

Some jerk must’ve forgotten to set their phone to silent in the hospital. Again. Though it sounded kinda distant.

Cassie opened her eyes- and was brought back to reality. No hospital here- her new bedroom. And that ‘jerks’ phone was her phone. Again.

She quickly reached under her pillows and turned it off, before she could wake up Mom. 

After a few seconds of waiting, she didn’t hear any distant sounds of springs creaking. Or footsteps. 

So, she was in the clear. 

Good. 

She grabbed that freddy plushie in one hand, before grabbing her crutches. She could hold Freddy by his ear, and hold onto both of the crutches. 

Though, she’d have to come back with a bag for the photos. Let’s deal with Freddy first.

She slowly got up, and slowly opened the door. Luckily, not too creaky. Just enough to worry her, however. Her crutches shared a similar problem- not super squeaky- but just squeaky enough to make her feel a little paranoid.

She made her way out to the living room with Freddy. Taking him over, and dropping him by the fireplace.

He lay face up, beady button eyes staring up at her. 

… she couldn’t afford to think about this- she needed to do it- before Mom realizes she’s out of bed and comes to investigate. 

Next stop was the kitchen. To grab a small bag, that Mom usually used for kitchen scraps. And to grab a lighter. Cassie knew where Mom hid the lighter for the fireplace- behind the pots and pans. 

Both were small things that she could carry with her crutches. 

Then she went back to her room. And turned to the photos. 

Storing the lighter inside the bag, she opened the bag up and started taking the photos down, one at a time. Trying not to look at them on their way into the bag. And failing every time. 

A twinge of… something, echoed in her gut. 

She refused to listen to it. 

The crinkling of the bag in her hand, as she went back out to the living room, felt as loud as thunder. She knew Mom’s bedroom was just on top of the living room- if she wasn’t careful, Mom would hear her and wake up.

She tried to place the bag down, without making too much noise. It wasn’t easy. And she could hear the dull thud of the lighter, inside the bag, hitting the ground. 

Now all she needed to do was get down there, too. 

She leaned her crutches against the side of the fireplace. And god- she wished she’d put her brace and shoes on now. She felt so wobbly, standing without help. And it still hurt.

Leaning her hands on the mantle, she slowly slunk down to the floor. She could feel the masonry under her fingers, scraping against her palms as she slid down. 

And then she was down, sitting on her legs. Facing the burnt out fireplace. The logs inside the grating were the ones from earlier. Now radiating no heat. Blackened and charcoal-like. 

The bag of photos, and Freddy, were beside her. In arms reach. 

Freddy looked up at the roof with one button eye. The other one, hanging loose, stared at Cassie blankly. 

She looked away, instead focusing on the bag. Reaching into it, to pull out the lighter. The bag crinkled under her touch, and she nearly swore- you’ll wake Mom up, you idiot! 

When she fished it out, a few of the photos nearly fell out. Volunteers for the first to go. Once she got the fire burning, of course.  

She clicked the lighter’s trigger a few times. It was a lighter that worked well for the BBQ, and for the fireplace. With a long spout keeping the hand separated from the flame. 

For a few seconds, she thought it wouldn’t work, until it clicked on with a whoosh. She yelped at the surprising noise and light, and nearly dropped it on the wooden floor. 

She scolded herself for that- What would Mom say if you burnt down the house? She’d get sick of you and send you away to live with Grandma Oliveira or something?

The fire kept burning at the end of the lighter. Even though her hands were shaking. 

She took a few seconds to steady herself, before opening the grate with her free hand, and putting the fire where it belonged. 

The logs took their time, but eventually started burning. Sending out a light that got stronger over time, with a crackling noise- that grew into a much louder crack! noise, where a piece of wood split in half, and fell down to the floor of the firebox.

Cassie gasped, and listened out for any noises upstairs. 

She couldn’t hear any. 

She shook her head. Keep pausing and freaking out, and you’ll never get this done! She didn’t want to be up all night- the earlier she got this done, the less likely she was to get caught. 

The plushie could go first. It’d be good fuel- the plushies from FazEnt were renowned for their ability to burst into flames. Even though they kept saying they’d try a new mix for the stuffing. 

She turned to the Freddy plushie. His loose eye and star gleamed in the fire’s light. 

It almost turned his black button eye brown.

She swallowed her spit, and grabbed the bear roughly. Pulling him up to eye level. 

…

It was hard to remain angry at a stuffed toy. A stuffed toy that hadn't done anything, except be an unpleasant reminder of something she really couldn't stand being reminded of right now. 

Her hand shook, and she hesitated. For too long.

The light switched on, and she jumped with a yelp. Nearly dropping the dumb bear onto the floor. 

She spun around as far as she could, and saw Mom standing near the archway. Looking upset and confused. “Cassie- how did you get the fire going again? I swear I put it out properly… and what are you doing up so late, anyway?”

Her mouth opened, and shut. She didn’t know where to even start. “I, um. I…” 

Mom clicked her teeth, and walked over. Cassie could tell when she saw the freezer bag and the bear, because her eyes went wide, and her brows furrowed. “Cassie… what are you doing?” she asked, with an exasperated voice. Looking down at the mess on the floor, standing next to her. 

Cassie took a deep breath. She’d been caught bear-handed, and she wasn’t getting out of this. “I… don’t want them anymore.”

Mom tilted her head, and just looked more confused. “But… why? I thought you liked Freddy fine enough? And this one was a gift, so…?”

She couldn’t answer Mom. Who waited for an answer, until she realized she wasn’t getting one. Instead, she knelt, and went to grab the bag. “Mom, dont-” Cassie tried to pull the bag away from her, grabbing it from the bottom in her haste. And some of the photos fell out, just in front of Mom.

She groaned and let go of the bag, as Mom scooped up one of the photos. The one of Cassie and Gregory, at Sand Hollow Park. 

Mom studied the photo while Cassie studied the floor. 

“Starbright…” Mom started to ask. Before she stopped, and Cassie could see her hand cup her chin, drawing her eyes back up away from the floor. Back to Mom. “Cassie. Why were you trying to burn these photos?”

She shrugged, and tried to look away. Mom sighed, and moved so Cassie was still looking at her. “No, I need an answer. Whatever you’re going through, I can help you. But only if you tell me what’s wrong.”

Cassie grimaced. “I told you, I don’t want them anymore. It’s not complicated.”

Mom mimicked her tone. “If it’s ‘not complicated’, they’d be in a bin already. Burning is heavily symbolic. Why are you trying to burn them?”

Cassie rolled her eyes and scoffed before she could help herself. “Because if I put them in a bin, you would’ve noticed an extra bag and investigated. Then you would’ve been like ‘Oh Cassie, why are you throwing these away?’” she said, copying her Mom’s usual tone. “And I didn’t want to deal with that!”

Mom pulled her hand away from under Cassie's chin. She looked disappointed. Cassie felt that twinge in her gut again. 

“Okay. Fine. You would’ve binned them if not for your meddling mother.” Mom said. Arms crossed. “So why were you trying to get rid of them? You still haven’t told me that.”

And she still didn’t want to. “I dunno! To move on, I guess? It’s none of your business anyway-”

“It is my business! You could’ve burnt the whole house down! Especially if you threw that Freddy in there- do you know how many homes burn down because of some kids playing with lighters?”

She couldn’t take this anymore. “Alright- fine! I won’t do it again! Let's put this out, and I’ll go back to bed already!” She tried to stand up, grabbing hold of the mantle. But Mom pushed her back down. And held on to her shoulders.

Mom sighed, and tried talking in a more even tone. “If you need to throw them away, then I won’t have a problem with it. I’m just scared you’re making a mistake you'll regret later. Gifts, photos… once they're gone, they can’t be replaced. Unless you have a time machine you’ve been keeping hidden from me?” Mom tried to joke. 

It helped a little. And she gave Cassie something to think about. Something that gave a name to the twinge in her gut. 

Doubt. That was probably the closest she’d get to naming it.

“I just… whenever I look at them- I feel so bad, Mom. It just hurts to look at them now.” She whispered. 

She looked at some of the photos that had slipped out of the bag. Photos of her and her old friends, of Gregory… yeah, it still hurt. 

And that plushie was still in her hand. Looking up at her. 

Mom didn’t say anything. She just looked at Cassie, as if asking her to continue. “It hurts to look at the ones with Holly, Beatrice, and Yvonne. Because we’re not friends anymore. And it hurts to look at the ones with Gregory…” she couldn’t finish that sentence. 

“... Because you’re worried you’ll never see him again.” Mom said, pulling her into a hug. 

She wasn’t right, but Cassie couldn’t correct her easily. So she didn’t, she just sank into her Mom’s arms. And Mom held her tightly, rocking her side to side slightly. 

Until she stopped, pulling away from Cassie. Running a hand through her hair. “I understand how you feel. Sometimes… I wanted to pull the photos down, too.” She looked over at the wall. Where there were family photos. Cassie, Andy, Mom… and Dad. Mom’s lips tightened, before she relaxed herself, and turned back to Cassie. “I know it hurts right now. But one day, you may want to see these photos again. And you may still want that plushie. One day, it won’t hurt to look at them anymore.”

Cassie doubted that. And Mom must’ve seen it on her face, because she brushed away some loose hair from Cassie’s face before continuing. “How about I keep them for now? They don’t have to be in your room. And if you want them in five years, or fifty, you can get them back.”

Cassie nodded, but couldn’t help joking- “Fifty years? Will either of us be here in fifty years?”

Mom laughed lightly. “Well, I like to stay optimistic when I can. You should know that by now, Cassie.”

She giggled, as Mom pulled her in for another hug. Before looking up at her. “Dad’s gonna come back. He will.”

Mom’s smile faltered, but only for a second. “Of course, Starbright. Of course he will.”

Mom pulled away from the hug, and started gently gathering all the photos back into the bag. Then, she reached out for the plushie still in Cassie’s hands. 

She handed it over to Mom, without looking at it. Mom held it tightly by one of it’s arms, in the hand that was holding the freezer bag.

Then Mom shook her head, looking at where Cassie had left the lighter. Cassie felt kinda sheepish, when Mom turned a stern gaze back to her. “I’m going to need a better hiding place for this… in future, no fires without me or Andy.”

Cassie nodded, as Mom pocketed the lighter and stood up, putting out a hand for Cassie. “Let's get you back to bed, okay?”

She put her hand in Mom’s. “Okay.” And Mom helped pull her up, and passed her her crutches. 

They went back to Cassie’s room, and Mom tucked her in, sitting at her feet again. Deja vu, Cassie thought. 

“This time, try to really get some sleep, okay? We have somewhere to be, tomorrow.” Mom said. Cassie nodded. She quickly hugged her, and then she left the room. Turning off the light on the way out. 

Cassie turned to her side. And saw the blank piece of wall. Now full of potential. 

I could buy some new posters, get some new photos of my family- or of Lawrence and Siobhan…

With that thought, she fell asleep.

[gakriele-lvs-blog]

Hunter's list of parental figures

Hunter accumulated a remarkable amount of possible parental figures across the series (in both canon and fanon)

-Lilith (at least in fanon): Even throught she acted cold and uncaring during her stay in the emperor's coven she was indeed still a good person behind that mask. So upon realizing the kind of life Hunter was going through (after questioning her belief, past actions, and faith) she would willing to do everything in her power to get him the hell out of Belos's grasp, including getting Eda or Raine involved to assure his safety.

-Raine (Also in fanon): As an active rebel in disguise, they would most likely found out about Hunter's identity behind the mask and the treatment he suffered. They would also do anything in their power to save Hunter, even if it means leaving their current position to do so. (They would definitely appear at Eda's door and say: "Behold! Our son!" he is very sad and is made out of wood and stolen meat!)

Eda: She literally adopted two random kids in the span of 3 to 6 months. Who is going to stop her from adopting the nephew of the Demon Realm equivalent of Jesus? Her human daughter literally assaults government facilities on a weekly basis and his son is a literal offspring of GOD! If you mess with her kids she is going to break your bones and steal your wallet! And In Hollow Mind if Hunter hasn't run away and stayed she would have gotten the adoption papers the next morning.

Darius: We all know this one. The poor man has probably been overwhelmed with guilt and regret after losing his mentor, and looking at Hunter so blindly loyal to Belos must have been quite a heartbreaking sight. But the moment Hunter showed his willingness to defy authority... After Hollow Mind, he probably has a room ready for him at his house, filled with pretty much everything he thinks he will need (from hundreds of books, Flyer Derby equipment, a sewing kit, and who knows what else he has prepared to spoil him rotten)

Camila: We all know she is the Endgame. She is the one who knows him the best out of everyone, she was there when he was left powerless, without a mission, duty, or fate... not even family. She was the reason he learned what is like to be part of a true family. She doesn't care for formalities, she personally teaches him how to use the sewing machine, provided him with the food and clothes he wanted, and even allowed him to use hers and Manny's books and cosplays. Without mentioning how Luz is practically her sister in every shape and form except legally.

Dell (mostly fanon): Hunter mentioned how he wishes to learn how to carve palismans. And who else is a master of the art? one that has probably been looking for someone to pass on the family's legacy. That old but wise man could deliver in a silver plate one of Hunter's dreams.

Steve: No joking, I remember reading a fic about just that, the man appears out of nowhere and gets Hunter the fuck out of here (no idea where it is or if it was a fever dream of mine but...)

[chibifox2002]

Can you tell us more about Connie?

I'd love to!

Info on Connie is under the cut!

(also I've changed a few things to her story)

Connie is a 12 year old doll-like being who arrived on Popstar after wandering around the galaxy for 5 years.

Due to this, she had missed a few birthdays.

She used to be a loud, energetic and adventurous child, but due to experiencing traumatic events, has become shy, anxious, and easily scared. (Although her time with her new family on Popstar does help her come out of that shell again)

Her biological family consists of her mom Momo, and uncle Jojo. Her mother sadly passed due to unknown events and her uncle unwillingly sent her away in a small spaceship he built when their planet Funstar started to fall apart.

She was "born" thanks to a machine her mom made to help her citizens have children easier, regardless if they have a partner or not. Her mother, not having a partner and wanting a child, tested it on herself and then, poof! Out popped Connie!

She's protective of Kirby and his friends (the ones who are children as well) due to her species prioritizing the safety of children.

She has an ability similar to Kirby's copy ability, she can absorb and drain magic from an opponent, she can glow in the dark, and her hair can act as spider/octopus limbs whenever she wants, as well as other magical abilities!

One other ability she has is that she can make dolls/toys come to life as a security measure or if she needs an extra pair for helping hands. Although she doesn't do that often because she knows that it might scare some people, and she doesn't want to do that.

Due to basically being a living doll, her body is very fragile and can cut/bruise easily. Her "first-aid kit" is a sewing kit, if someone tried to use a normal medical kit on her injuries it wouldn't work at all.

She likes sweet foods, as well as foods that can easily be made into a silly face or scene! She's a child, can you blame her?

Her clothing aesthetic is basically if you were to let a little kid pick out their own outfits and they only had obnoxious bright colored and goofy patterned clothes, as well as some meme shirts tossed in there.

And finally

If you were to hug Connie tight enough, she squeaks like a squeaky toy!

[pissfaggot-transsexual]

As a punk, do you have advice for visually presenting as more punk? All my peers tell me that I dress like a basic bitch yet act incredibly punk. Are there ways to visually present as more punk without sacrificing your current wardrobe? I feel like it's a very un-punk thing to replace perfectly good clothes for fashion's sake. Also I'm sending this as an anonymous ask because your DM seem to be closed. I thought you followed me, but it still won't let me send you a DM

Ive opened my dms to all blogs, just in case I forgot to follow you or something lol, that sounds like me. but yeah, replacing all ur stuff to look the part is, I would say, prime poser behaivior lmao, so good call on that!

now that my dms are open, Id be able to help you more with specific details on your wardrobe, but a few general things in the mean time:

if youre able/willing wack-ass hair and piercings will do you good in looking the part at a lower price. buy (def do NOT steal) a razor or some other hair stuff and fuck it up. you should only diy a piercing if you really really *really* believe in yourself, but if youve already got em then safety pins are a classic.

and if youve got anything you dont wear anymore, you can cut that shit up and make some patches. if youve got a sewing kit/machine and some cheap paint lying around (or if you again do NOT steal but BUY these materials) then you can get some nice designs going on. band patches, political slogans, your own interests, they all make a good battle jacket/vest or pair of patch pants. and dont worry about getting new stuff being anti-punk. if you shop at a local thrift store (or steal from a chain haha just kidding dont do that) then you can get a nice base for whatever piece of clothing you wanna decorate.

spikes can be diy-ed from soda cans, studs from beer caps, and safety pins are once again a classic with punk fashion. stick those all over and youll be instantly recognizable as punk lol

honestly, if youre punk-minded and let your heart guide you (tm) then youll end up around the right place. diy or die and fuck the corporations, remember that and ur golden

this was very rambly so i do suggest dming if youd like more details or anything :] happy hunting, friend

[fairykukla]

I sell sewing machines for a machine dealership. I often get moms and grandmas wanting to get a kid their first sewing machine.

Keep in mind; I'm in a sewing supply store. We sell sewing machines and tons of fabric, notions, and sewing accessories. We aren't in a mall. I'm not in the corner of a department store. The only reason to be having a conversation with me is because this person drove to a sewing store, walked through the sewing store, and walked up to a sewing machine salesperson.

And I still get this weird pushback in the conversation.

"I want to buy a machine for my kid. I'm looking for something simple, and easy to use."

"That sounds great! How much have you budgeted for this gift?" I need to know if she is looking for the cheapest possible choice, or if she genuinely wants to get the kid an easy to use machine.

"Well, what's your cheapest model? I don't want to spend too much. What if (child's name) loses interest?"

I then have to try to get them to see that if you "support" a kid's interest with a cheap, difficult to use, impossible to master tool, you're guaranteeing that they'll lose interest quickly. It's not necessary to buy a "top of the line" tool, but it will absolutely *encourage* a new fiber artist to give them a tool that eliminates difficult steps.

I often have this conversation with an adult who has done this several times; the kid in question tried, then lost interest in music, cooking, sports, and several crafts. This grown-ass adult in front of me thinks that those purchases were a *waste of money* instead of *supportive investment* for a young person's growth and life experience.

I got an inexpensive plastic toy loom as a kid. I made one thing on it and it broke. Ditto for the plastic secondhand "knitting machine." I've never pursued weaving or knitting since then. I got to use my parents' real sewing machine, though. Look what I do for a living!

Phases are an important part of our journey in life. I'm horrified by the idea that a human being is required to only ever invest their energy in activities that will pay off in specific ways. We should be able to dabble in anything we have interest in. And we should be able to walk away from an interest at any time. I collected stickers and made chenille crafts as a child. I don't really do that anymore. So what?

Are you interested in being a girl for a while? Go ahead. Be a girl. Wanna experiment with being a guy? Be a guy, dude. Don't be afraid to invest yourself into it.

Then, maybe later, you decide that you're not really interested in being a guy anymore? Be who you want to be. Maybe you'll have another Guy Phase later on.

One of the things I loved about John Varley's Steel Beach was that humanity had reached a point where anyone could choose to be anything at any time. The lead character starts out as a guy, dating a girl. Partway through, the girl's kid buys her a mustache kit. So she wears the mustache for a while. Then she decided to go ahead and switch to being a guy.

In the mean time, our lead character is pursuing The Mystery but realizes that he kind of misses being a girl, and switches to a female form. The hookup with the other character is kind of amazing.

And the gender switching isn't even the main plot of the story! It's a thing you can just casually do, as a part of your life! There's people with animal characteristics!

Embrace phases. Experiment in your own life. Unhook from Sunk-Cost fallacy.

Buy the tool that makes your life easier. Whatever it might be. When it no longer makes your life easier, pass it along to the next person.

“what if kids identify with something and it ends up just being a phase-?” good. stop teaching and expecting kids (and adults honestly) to formulate permanent traits and ideas of themselves. everything in life is a phase. that doesn’t make it any less legitimate while you experience it. let people explore themselves and know it’s okay if what you think about yourself changes.

[bevanne46]

Event by Snohomish County Clothing and Textile Advisors 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036-7606

The public sewing community is invited to join us at our free monthly Sew Thoughtful Charity Sewing event on Friday, November 15th beginning at 10 am. We will be making tote bags for foster kids to be distributed by Dawsons Place in Everett. Fabric kits and instructions provided. Be sure to bring your sewing machine, sewing essentials, and a few colors of thread for construction. Don't forget your brown bag lunch and a beverage! Join in on the fun and companionship with a great group of ladies for an even greater cause. We would love to see you there! Questions? Please feel free to send us a message. Located at the Cedar Valley Grange in the lower level.

[pupa-cinema]

Psychic Warrior Durian -ドラゴンの裁縫セット(笑)(The Dragon Sewing Kit (LOL)) - Lyrics English Translation

最強！ドラゴン！裁縫セット！ The strongest! Dragon! Sewing kit!

小学校の家庭科で選んだ裁縫セット The sewing kit I chose in my home economics class in elementary school was 大きく描かれたブラックドラゴン　圧倒的な存在感 The one with the big black dragon and its the intense aura on it

スポーツブランドロゴ　スーパーカー　絵=画みたいな画風のイルカじゃ There were other options with sports brand logos on them, or sports cars, or like an artistic painting of a dolphin 太刀打ち出来ないドラゴン一択　でも今思えば Yet none of them stood a chance, the dragon was the only one for me, but looking back

マジで何がよかったんだ　おかしかった感性　ダッサいええ加減にせえ Literally what was so great about it, our taste was messed up, it was so lame give me a break ドラゴン裁縫セットでドラゴンナップサック縫うって The fact that I seriously sewed a dragon knapsack with the dragon sewing kit 本気でやってたのエグい Was so cringe マジで何がよかったんだ　おかしかった感性　ダッサいええ加減にせえ Literally what was so great about it, our taste was messed up, it was so lame give me a break 即決してドヤ顔で使ってた頃の子供心おもしろ I was such a kid for being so proud of it and using it instantly, hilarious

最強！ドラゴン！裁縫セット！ The strongest! Dragon! Sewing kit!

小学生の修学旅行で買った土産物 The souvenirs available for me to buy on my elementary school class trip were 黄金の剣にドラゴンが巻き付いている素敵キーホルダー A keychain of a golden sword with a dragon wrapping around it キャラ物クランチチョコ　ボールペン Or character themed crunchy chocolate and ball pens ご当地のチューイングキャンディじゃ Or locally made chewing candies 太刀打ち出来ないドラゴン一択　でも今思えば Yet none of them stood a chance, the dragon was the only one for me, but looking back

マジで何がよかったんだ　おかしかった感性　ダッサいええ加減にせえ Literally what was so great about it, our taste was messed up, it was so lame give me a break ドラゴンも剣も全く何の名産品でもないどこでも売ってるのエグい Dragons and swords aren’t anything special they’re sold anywhere it was so cringe マジで何がよかったんだ　おかしかった感性　ダッサいええ加減にせえ Literally what was so great about it, our taste was messed up, it was so lame give me a break ビビっと来てランドセルにつけてた頃の子供心おもしろ I was such a kid for being so enamored by it and hanging it on my backpack instantly, hilarious

マジでタイムマシンにもし乗れたら絶対無難なの選ばせる If I could hop on a time machine I would literally make myself go for the safe choice だけど当時も親の制止ふりほどいてドラゴンにしたな Though my mother had let me off the leash back then and indulged me with the dragon

マジで何がよかったんだ　おかしかった感性　ダッサいええ加減にせえ Literally what was so great about it, our taste was messed up, it was so lame give me a break ドラゴン裁縫セットでドラゴンナップサック縫うって The fact that I seriously sewed a dragon knapsack with the dragon sewing kit 本気でやってたのエグい Was so cringe マジで何がよかったんだ　おかしかった感性　ダッサいええ加減にせえ Literally what was so great about it, our taste was messed up, it was so lame give me a break 即決してドヤ顔で使ってた頃の子供心おもしろ I was such a kid for being so proud of it and using it instantly, hilarious

Footnotes:

In 2001, the company Sunward created a sewing kit with a flashy dragon drenched in lighting on the front, which became all the rav for the elementary school kids and such of that era. This article explains it well: https://soranews24.com/2024/09/27/japanese-design-company-creates-worlds-most-badass-sewing-supply-box

[wiredaughter]

@augustwritingchallenge: accidental baby acquisition

×

Aventuras de Niñeros

Earn his trust, said the Chilean, and Nacho meant to, by any means necessary, All that said, he didn’t expect this. Lalo had asked whether he knew anything about children and he’d mentioned his nieces, if only because he was sure they were already in the Salamana radar. That’s all it’d taken.

He didn’t even get the chance to fully stop the car when Lalo exited the restaurant carrying the very important package he’d mentioned on the phone. To be clear, a baby. A temporary thing, he said, family business. He was sure the kid loved him already, but he could use the help. The kid, Esperanza, seemed hellbent on gainsaying him, crying from the moment they took the main road.

‘Arrorro, nena, arroro…’ Lalo tried to sing to her, but Nacho could barely hear him over the baby.

‘Okay,’ he cut him off and, blessedly, his tone seemed to get the girl’s attention too. ‘Doesn’t she have a dummy?’

‘El chupon! That’s brilliant, Nachito. Now where can we get one?’

They ended up perusing the baby aisle in El Mezquite, after the child had stopped crying. All it took was a nappy change which Lalo took care of in the sink, much to Nacho’s surprise, after he’d intimidated every other man out of the restroom.

‘Is silicone or natural rubber better?’

‘I don’t know, man, is she breastfed?’

Lalo thought for a moment before shrugging, throwing a conspicuous look to Nacho’s undone top buttons. ‘Probably. Breast is best, eh?’

Nacho rolled his eyes. ‘Bring both. Girl’s got to test them, no?’

‘Asi me gusta! Only the best for la princesa.’

They also got bottles, more nappies, teething toys and a small bathtub to carry their picks in. Before they went to checkout Nacho grabbed a baby toothbrush and the smaller nailclippers either he or Lalo had ever seen. The main source of her agony addressed, Esperanza turned out to be an easy baby, all toothless smiles and reaching hands.

Until it came time to feed. Nacho had never been to Lalo’s Albuquerque flat, so he figured he was doing the trust earning alright. Esperanza had obviously been breastfed, on more immediate matters, and she wasn’t keen on the bottle. They took turns trying, watching youtube videos. At some point Lalo even got him to sing. For all he said he'd done well, Nacho's passing sure Esperanza only took the bottle out of exhaustion, as she conked out as soon as she'd finished it.

'She'll need a crib.' Nacho speaks quietly when he hears Lalo exiting the bedroom, from where he is washing the bottle.

'Sabes que necesita? She needs plushtoys. Did you have any growing up? I always made mine go to war.'

'I guess.' Awkwardness nags at Nacho, although somewhat preferable to the usual paranoia he battles whenever he talks of personal matters to a Salamanca. 'You wanna get her a teddy?'

'A teddy, very gringo.'

Nacho sighs, despite himself. 'Un osito. Get her a golden eagle if it makes you happy.'

'Ah,' Lalo raises a finger. 'If it makes her happy. We'll get the whole zoo. Hey, you know your way around a sewing machine, don't you?'

It's not horror that rises in Nacho's chest at the perspective of making something with his hands for a Salamanca, no matter how tiny, but something he'd rather not define. He shrugs, putting the bottle away to airdry. 'Not unless you want some leatherwork.'

'Hm. Not for Esperanza, then.'

Lalo throws dinner together whilst Nacho goes to remove every blanket and pillow from the bed he can't believe Lalo let Esperanza to sleep in. She can suffocate, he explains, before joining Lalo at the table. They make a list of things they'll need as they eat. A carseat, since she can't ride around on Lalo's lap for the duration of her stay, and a first aid kit. Basic OTC medications and way more clothes. It's a surprisingly normal conversation for him to be having with Lalo Salamanca, but Nacho isn't half as uncomfortable as he wishes he was.

'You should get a white machine noise. She won't always go to sleep this easily.'

'See,' Lalo starts clearing out the dishes. 'That's why I like you, Nacho. Tienes cojones, but you're gentle too.'

Nacho's heart races when Lalo rests his hand on his shoulder for a long moment, and he tells himself is from fear at his proximity, from the relief of knowing his father is safe now he's earned his esteem, from the hot sauce he put on his food. Because if it's not, his life just got incredibly more complicated.

[distractedpebble]

Also! Even if reading isn't your thing, some libraries have makerspace areas more! Our local library system has various libraries with free sound studios, 3D printers, embroidery machines, sewing machines (both home sewing and industrial), plus lots of fabrics, yarns, passing, jewelry-making kits, embroidery hoops, etc. I only learned embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, and crochet because of the resources at our library!

And every single day they offer snacks to kids under 18, too. I cannot talk up our library enough.

Here's a picture of the shelf potato I made for our children's section:

And for fun: here's a picture of Onyx the velociraptor who came to teach kids about dinos:

[irenesweirdpinkstaff]

very proud of myself actually. i’ve been wanting to just make stuff since i was a little kid and now i’m still a kid and making stuff, all by myself. i just made a fucking basket in two days (i used a kit so it came with the reeds and everything i needed but still) and i’ve made three in my life. it’s so much fun. i’m now diying a bauhaus shirt cause why not??? and i made my own jewelry and i can sew (by hand and machine) and knit and crochet and i’ve done pottery and goddam leather working. i’m learning how to embroider. i’m so proud of how far i’ve come down this path cause this is really all i’ve wanted to do, i remember always being so excited for arts and crafts cause it meant that i could make something, instead of buying it, it’s just my hands and my tools. there’s so many other things i want to learn how to do like weaving, cross stitching, and metal working. and things i want to get better at like wood carving and painting.

i’m just proud of myself and i’m happy that i’m fortunate enough to live out this dream. creativity is my life now and i’m not complaining :D

[neelanshi]

Portable Handheld Stitchers: Your Portable Sewing Companion

In today's fast-paced world, versatility and convenience are key. Whether you're a seasoned seamstress, a DIY enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates the ability to handle sewing tasks on the go, portable handheld stitchers emerge as the ultimate solution. These compact devices offer the perfect blend of portability, functionality, and ease of use, making them your ideal sewing companion for quick fixes, creative projects, and emergency repairs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of portable handheld stitchers, exploring their benefits, functionalities, and how they can become your trusted partner in all your sewing endeavors.

Chapter 1: Embracing Portability in Sewing

The Need for Portable Sewing Solutions

Evolution of Portable Handheld Stitchers

Advantages of Sewing Anywhere, Anytime

Chapter 2: Understanding Portable Handheld Stitchers

What Are Portable Handheld Stitchers?

How Do They Work?

Types of Portable Handheld Stitchers

Handheld Sewing Machines

Stitching Pens and Markers

Portable Sewing Kits

Chapter 3: Choosing the Right Portable Handheld Stitcher for Your Needs

Factors to Consider Before Making a Purchase

Portability and Size

Stitching Capabilities

Power Source

Durability and Build Quality

Price and Affordability

Popular Brands and Models in Each Category

Singer, Michley, Brother, and Other Handheld Sewing Machine Brands

Clover, Dritz, and Other Stitch Marker Brands

Coquimbo, ARTIKA, and Other Portable Sewing Kit Brands

Tips for Selecting the Best Portable Handheld Stitcher for You

Chapter 4: Getting Started with Your Portable Handheld Stitcher

Setup and Basic Operation

Instructions for Handheld Sewing Machines

Usage Tips for Stitch Markers and Kits

Basic Stitching Techniques and Applications

Straight Stitching

Backstitching

Hemming and Repairs

Creative Projects

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Chapter 5: Mastering Advanced Techniques

Advanced Stitching and Embroidery

Zigzag Stitching

Decorative Stitching

Embellishments and Accents

Customizing and Personalizing Projects

Adding Buttons, Beads, and Sequins

Fabric Painting and Embellishment Techniques

Tips for Precision Stitching and Professional Results

Chapter 6: Maintenance and Care for Your Portable Handheld Stitcher

Cleaning and Lubrication

Maintenance Tips for Handheld Sewing Machines

Care Instructions for Stitch Markers and Kits

Storage Solutions and Tips for Long-Term Durability

Chapter 7: Sewing Anywhere, Anytime: Practical Tips and Tricks

Portable Sewing Essentials for Travelers and Commuters

Must-Have Supplies for Sewing on the Go

Making Emergency Repairs Away from Home

Creative Ways to Utilize Your Portable Handheld Stitcher

Crafting Projects for Kids and Adults

DIY Fashion and Home Decor Ideas

Chapter 8: Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Handheld Stitchers

Can portable handheld stitchers replace traditional sewing machines?

Are portable sewing kits suitable for beginners?

What materials can handheld sewing machines sew through?

Conclusion: Your Sewing Companion, Always Ready to Go

In conclusion, portable handheld stitchers offer a convenient and versatile solution for sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels. With their compact size and functionality, these devices empower you to sew anytime, anywhere, allowing you to tackle sewing tasks with ease and confidence. By understanding the different types of portable handheld stitchers available, choosing the right one for your needs, mastering basic and advanced techniques, and properly maintaining your device, you can unlock the full potential of portable sewing. So, make portable handheld stitchers your sewing companion, and never be without your trusted tool for all your sewing adventures

[partnersrelief]

The 2023 Report Card: Middle East

Photo:  Two students in the Phoenix Learning Center math class, Domiz Camp, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

It's time for our 2023 Middle East report card!

:: DRUM - ROLL ::

372,473 people were helped, with an additional 132,613 reached in the earthquake response. Over half a million people in the Middle East were loved in tangible ways in 2023!!

1.

Community dialogue

sessions can change the future for generations.*Nara is from Nineveh and although she wanted to be an architectural engineer, the customs in her village led her to an arranged marriage at 16 years old. After attending a Sustainable Peace Foundation community dialogue session, she started encouraging her friends to complete their high school education and that further study can help strengthen their community.

*Name changed for privacy and security.

2.

The last seven

years of Sozan’s eleven years of life, she has lived in a tent. She had felt alone, but now, she attends activities run by our partner, Inhalation of Hope.

“Our teachers were always guiding us through how to be better and be successful in school, how not to let people use us, and how we can keep ourselves safe from harassment. I also participated in math and Arabic classes. During these months of activities, I learned how to plan for my future studies and how to prepare for my education. The sessions with my teachers helped me to think positively and get rid of negative thoughts about my days…now I can deal [interact] with my friends and enjoy my time in a safe space.”

~ Sozan, Iraq

3.

Life skills

training is an upwardly mobilizing piece of the EmpowerME program, and when your world has been thrown upside-down, sometimes it can mean all the world to have help to turn it rightside-up. When Rwaida’s husband was forced to join the military, and their once-quiet neighborhood started being patrolled by tanks, they fled to Domiz Camp, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. She attended Life Skills Training through EmpowerME and learned about money management. She purchased her own sewing machine and is now designing, mending, and sewing clothes for neighbors. She hopes to hire women in her community, to give them a way to support their families.

4.

Women tell

us how they feel about the Feminine Health Training and Feminine Hygiene kits distributed through Empower ME:

“I love the kits! They are comfortable and feel healthy to use.” “I like that the pads are washable and can be used many times to save money.” “I learned a lot about good hygiene and how to keep my body clean to protect against infections.” “I really liked the section on self-defense. So good.” “[I] learned how to be brave.” “Made me realize how important females are in society.” “Please, keep giving such training – it is so useful.”

5.

Snapshots

because there’s more good news.

Displaced families living in shelters in Al-Hasakah were without food; which is why this community sprang into action and funded food kits containing sugar, rice, burgle, olive oil, tea, spaghetti, chicken broth, and lunch meat.

The Sustainable Peace Foundation utilizes many methods to bring about healing from trauma; here, youth from Mosul are learning to create art.

So much happens at the Phoenix Learning Center in the Kurdistan region of Iraq; one of them is an English class for this local girl.

Motivated knitters, and our friends at Purl Soho, created an income for families in Dawidya Camp, and warmth for children in northern Iraq and Syria.

As displacement increases in Northeast Syria, the need for rehabilitated schools increase. Getting kids back into school is a priority for parents, and to all of us.

Al-Hol Camp is a scary place - especially if you are a child. That’s why we love the child friendly play space, where kids can come, create, make friends, and be, you know, kids.

Your love made this possible.

When you gave, we went!

Yay, you, and this incredible report card!!

One, two, three cheers,

Your friends at Partners.

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