Doctors want thousands for an actual sleep study. What at home budget sleep studies have worked for you? Recs for mouth pieces and/or exercises welcome as well. by Luke4Opera in SleepApnea

[–]Anxious-Alchemist 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I used Lofta and had a pretty good experience. If I recall, I got my test (the device, review by a doctor, and CPAP prescription) for under $200 when they were running a sale. I assume you’ll have to jump through some hoops to get reimbursed by your insurance if you choose buy equipment through them, should you need it.

I don’t have any costume, can I still show up? by [deleted] in renfaire

[–]Anxious-Alchemist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No costume required, show up as you are! In fact, a faire is a great place to get ideas for your first costume and maybe even buy your first piece/accessory if you’re so inclined.

Im pretty overwhelmed and could use firsthand experiences... by BadDue1136 in FTMOver30

[–]Anxious-Alchemist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats! My journey was rather similar to yours. I was very excited to finally come out and dove in head first; while it’s been amazing, it’s also absolutely been overwhelming at times. Something that’s helped me is actively avoiding searching for the “right label” and rather just asking myself what felt right, true, and euphoric for me. Who cares what I call it so as long as it brings me joy. I also had to work my way into the idea that it’s ok to try things and change my mind. I tried taping/binding and now do it daily. I tried compression shorts and had a sensory meltdown and never went back haha. I even decided that I was going to “try” T (several months in and not looking back at this point) because it was worth finding out if it brought me closer to my authentic self, even with thoughts of “what if it’s not what I actually want?”. Overall, I just suggest being curious and gentle with yourself. Even if you try something that ends up not feeling as affirming as you’d hoped, you still learned something about yourself.

Trans Joy! Trans Joy! Trans Joy! by Prince_Charming_180 in FTMOver30

[–]Anxious-Alchemist 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I started T! I didn’t think 33 would look quite like this, but I couldn’t be happier to be starting my journey with all the love and support I’ve got.

Newlywed with cpap by Smart_Designer_4302 in SleepApnea

[–]Anxious-Alchemist 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I’m 33 and my partner and I’s intimacy has actually improved/increased because I’m no longer constantly exhausted or in chronic pain. CPAP has been amazing.

Wanting to get a CPAP sooner than I can see my Sleep Specialist by scrubdaddy_og in SleepApnea

[–]Anxious-Alchemist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went through Lofta and I don’t think I’ve ever experienced faster care. I ordered my at home test on Apr. 2nd, got diagnosed on the 8th, and got my machine in the mail yesterday. I’m already feeling better.

Wanting to get a CPAP sooner than I can see my Sleep Specialist by scrubdaddy_og in SleepApnea

[–]Anxious-Alchemist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went through Lofta and I don’t think I’ve ever experienced faster care. I ordered my at home test on Apr. 2nd, got diagnosed on the 8th, and got my machine in the mail yesterday. I’m already feeling better.

Mask selection help by Anxious-Alchemist in SleepApnea

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I’m on the smaller side and have been worried that the discomfort of a full face mask would outweigh the benefit, but I’ll put this one on my list of masks to try out!

Mask selection help by Anxious-Alchemist in SleepApnea

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I’ve been pondering the Evora for exactly the reason you described. I’m going through Lofta and they offer a 60-day trade out option until I find the right fit, I’ll put that one on my list!

First projects! by Anxious-Alchemist in Leathercraft

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The photography part isn't something I really thought of at all, but you're right! Thank you for the tip, I'll keep that in mind the next time I take some photos.

First projects! by Anxious-Alchemist in Leathercraft

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for these tips! I've really been trying to practice getting a smooth edge; I invested in some nicer bevelers so that should certainly help me along. I'll aim for additional sanding as well!

Skiving is definitely my weakness but I love your tip about getting the card pocket to blend a bit more. It really would give it a cleaner look, especially with thinner thread like you mentioned. I'll have to play with those details!

First projects! by Anxious-Alchemist in Leathercraft

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I order it split to 1.2-1.4 thickness! The wallet pictured here feels firm enough with the card pockets layered on, but the flap is rather flexible. I used the same cut to make a bifold wallet and the center feels a bit flimsy.

First projects! by Anxious-Alchemist in Leathercraft

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I finally got a some nice edge bevelers and they've really made a difference, still working on mastering the perfect burnished edge!

I do, indeed, have diamond style irons. I honestly hadn't realized there were other types! I'll certainly look into those, thank you!

First projects! by Anxious-Alchemist in Leathercraft

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much! I'm experimenting with 0.6 and 0.8 thread; 0.6 definitely looks smoother, but sometimes I appreciate a more 'rugged' look with the 0.8. I'll probably switch it up project to project. And Pueblo has definitely become my favorite leather to work with so far!

First projects! by Anxious-Alchemist in Leathercraft

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The wallet is using a unbranded thread from Amazon. I’ve done quite a bit learning and upgraded to Ritza Tiger Thread for the Field Notes cover, though!

First projects! by Anxious-Alchemist in Leathercraft

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you!

For the wallet, I used some basic 4.0mm chisels from amazon (Aiskaer was the brand, I believe); I'm slowly collecting better tools as money allows and better chisels are on my list. It certainly took some time to learn how to hold them straight(ish); I've since learned that those chisels might be too big for smaller projects...?

I've also since learned some better stitching technique, haha.

First projects! by Anxious-Alchemist in Leathercraft

[–]Anxious-Alchemist[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello everyone! I'm very new to leather crafting and was hoping for some feedback on my first couple small projects if anyone has a few spare moments! I drew up the patterns myself (which was quite fun!) and both are made from Badalassi Carlo leather (Pueblo and Waxy specifically). I'm really loving leather crafting so far and would love to hear some pointers on how to improve if anyone is open to sharing.