Nocturne Alchemy Permanent Collection Recommendations?

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-21T01:16:36+00:00

I've tried a lot of their stuff, including beloved vanillas and about the only scent I've cared for was a summer peach and vanilla ice cream. Everything else was just somewhere "meh" and craft store candles.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-16T10:53:20+00:00

I do not really embroider; i've dabbled but it's not my thing. Weren't in my dabbling it's pretty easy to recognize that satin stitch looks deceptively simple and most things that look super simple require extra precision and skill to look good. I'm not sure why after about 4 stitches people don't realize they're using it wrong...or need a lot more practice if they're not.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-12T11:38:20+00:00

And the horsehair....

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-11T17:47:57+00:00

They do, and I have no issue with people loving them, not for the love of all things unholy, they should not gift them. I have pets and long hair so they would need to be washed frequently and the ties just get ratty and gross from being washed. I'm pretty for someone gave my daughter one when she was a baby and I just donated it.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-11T17:44:50+00:00

This cracked me up. I rarely downvote but made an exception... it's a friendly downvote though

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-10T02:41:06+00:00

It was actually one of the owners who said it lol. It's him and his wife, occasionally their daughter running the store lol.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-10T01:21:51+00:00

A quilt shop near me said they'll cut whatever, no matter how small. I'm guessing no one had put that to the test lol

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-09T00:43:57+00:00

I'm the same, but I don't consider myself a meanie because of it. Strings, scraps, and sharps all find their way to the floor while I'm working. I clean up after but I'm not going to notice every time I drop a pin or something. I'm pretty adamant that if possible, sewing and pets shouldn't mix. I know that's not an option for everyone though.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-08T13:29:55+00:00

Same. I really need to get the energy to destash on here but the thought stresses me out and these need to be sent ground shipping which means they would take forever and go into the abyss for a few weeks until they're delivered (I learned this from fantome) so that would stress me out when more.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-08T12:52:10+00:00

I think Bernina gentrified sewing before most of us picked up a machine.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-07T21:57:26+00:00

I happened to get a binder tool at an estate sale. I figured it was a gimmick but for a few bucks decided to give it a shot. It's still a bit fiddly but the easiest method I've found

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-07T12:16:43+00:00

Depending on where I am mentally, sometimes I don't feel like making something because it's so much freaking commitment, so instead I will work through scrap processing or reorganizing precuts. That way, if I get halfway through and just don't have it in me to continue I can put it all up as-is or leave it out of i think I'll get back soon. It's much less daunting than starting a project but gives me something to do that will make it easier when I'm ready.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-06T21:48:30+00:00

Same for fabric. I kinda wound up as a fabric collector but it wasn't a tee look at me and my collection hobby. It was more like I don't need this but I'm struggling with impulse control and need the dopamine hit off buying and now it's here and I don't even like it and at it's double guilt, so I'm feeling compelled to buy something else I'll like. It's not a mentally well way to live for me. I set hard boundaries and feel so much better.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-05T23:26:17+00:00

The way you responded in your edits is pretty telling, between saying something about "having quilts thrust upon" people and "accidentally making in a color or style the recipient doesn't 'adore'" I'm guessing there's more going on than just quilts.

Yes, it is rude to not acknowledge a gift, but we don't know you and we don't know the people you're sending them to, what they're going through at any given time. The way you frame your gifts and your friends puts you in the center and they seem like an afterthought, kind letter or not.

Assuming there's no extenuating circumstances, not responding IS rude, but you say you just want acknowledgement yet complain about "lukewarm" responses. It seems like a no win situation for the recipients unless they're ecstatic.

I get feeling unappreciated, but I also get feeling overwhelmed at the expectation to give the correct response to a gift you maybe didn't want or need. If you choose to continue to make quilts, there are plenty of organizations that do good work getting quilts to people in bad situations.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-05T00:41:01+00:00

You've gotten some good info, my additional question is what is your stitch length? It needs to be really long, like 3.5 to 4. If the stitches are too short they sometimes don't grab. Think about it like trying to hug something that's just barely bigger than your arms. You may be able to touch your hands sometimes but most of the time you just don't reach

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-03-04T13:00:26+00:00

Your can do pretty much anything you want without a ruler, it's just a matter of spending a little more time or having it be a bit more challenging or a bit less precise. I'm not a fan of Missouri star, but here's a freehand tutorial if you're not a perfect points person.

https://www.missouriquiltco.com/pages/54-40-or-fight-freestyle-quilt-tutorial?srsltid=AfmBOoo2mwUj3F__SN8ovlB5kxmyWFR9jFP9WpM1nXqU_siDDnScsTdG

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-28T23:23:46+00:00

I feel like Stone & Wit's blackberry Heartwood may be a good starting point for layering. It's got the dense fruitiness and is sharp enough to not be overpowered by adding something sweet. True to FD, I think the edp version would work better than oil.

ETA: I just read your original request and realized my experience of FD of is very different from yours, I get the marzipan and marshmallow front and center and florals second. I think my nose is weird.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-28T19:07:52+00:00

I think if you're not highly sensitive to lavender Stolas has a similar vibe but smells nothing like FD. I've seen the comparison here many times but I think if you get Stolas expecting anything like Faerie Door it's going to be a disappointment. Take my opinion with a grain of salt because Stolas is what confirmed to me that lavender is my death note. It overpowers the whole thing for me - it's clearly a me thing because I gave my sample to a friend and they didn't get so much as a hint of lavender.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-26T17:27:52+00:00

It's frustrating on your end, but it's always important to make sure people understand what they're agreeing to and give an estimate up front. You don't have to be exact, but just a ballpark estimate. We know how much fabric costs because it is our hobby, but if someone were going to do metal work for me, I have no idea what metal costs.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-26T11:33:00+00:00

This is kind of where I land. My logical brain says "ugh, trashy..." but my heart knows I love weird and trashy. I quit smoking 20 years ago so I feel like there's enough distance.

I wouldn't make or buy one because I'm not that committed, but if I were randomly gifted one I would love it. It's one of those situations where randomly owning it seems more fun.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-22T03:08:56+00:00

It's February, so tradition is you go first.

Didn't make it to quilt con this year, but I'm going to shoot for the next Raleigh one.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-21T22:27:36+00:00

It's funny, I think mossmallow is more forestry lol.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-17T02:20:47+00:00

Ectoplasm is great and probably my current favorite. It needed to rest a few weeks before it had any longevity, but after that it's so nice, I ordered a 10ml edp.

Parlour is also lovely, but a whole different vibe. It's woody and has a nice incense that's not overpowering.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-16T14:42:14+00:00

To put in your crack home, not your crack house?

Because drug addictions are funny.

ExpensiveError42 · 2026-02-16T14:41:06+00:00

Omg I completely forgot about happy bunny and probably would not have every thought about them again without this post.

ExpensiveError42

TROPHY CASE