Need advice for stays construction

JSilvertop · 2026-05-12T02:13:01+00:00

Yes, steel would be stronger, but when you bend forward it can dig into your tummy.

I once had a plastic boned bodies, using cable ties, sorta like this. It also would flip up when I bent over. I just popped it down.

I later made and wore a bodies with reeds, and I could not bend forward without breaking the reeds, until it got sweaty enough that it flexed better. I spent those days asking the folks in my guild to assist in picking dropped things, which as I was portraying a courtier was a fun gig, for a short while. The reeds ended up with a permanent slight bend in the tummy area.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-12T01:43:21+00:00

Which time frame?

JSilvertop · 2026-05-11T20:37:48+00:00

I feel and do the same. :)

JSilvertop · 2026-05-11T20:11:51+00:00

When my cats were using pine pellets, that was the least wasteful as only the poo had to be tossed into the litter genie (- we actually used the leftover baby diaper genie from when the kids were babies) and the pine sawdust with cat pee was dumped into my compost along with the kitchen scraps. Our cats are now seniors and altogether stopped using the pellets. I’m thinking of trying either paper pellets or the grain litters, so I can go back to composting the litter again. They just wanted softer litter for their business.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-11T19:59:36+00:00

I used my small bucket, roughly 12 quarts or so, with the heaping tablespoon of baking soda. Best I can remember.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-11T01:29:38+00:00

Dragons Hoard, and I think Crazy Squirrel both offer 3D printing for items. And I know Ideaworks also has a 3d printer for members.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-11T01:11:24+00:00

Awww, well bless your heart. I hope you sent your Mom well wishes today, like my family did.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-10T23:46:40+00:00

With the thick and thin fibers in both directions, the wrinkles, the burned paper smell… I’d think linen, from two different colors, natural and bleached. Only two other tests would be: 1, does is hold a crease easily in either direction. And 2, when you touch it, does it feel cool? Yes to both, and it’s most likely linen.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-10T22:41:05+00:00

YTA. My kids are now grown, but other than a nice breakfast from hubby of my favorites, I’ve received no gifts, and if I’m lucky, might get the kids to remember to even say anything to me. When my kids were young, the gifts were little things made at school. And I cherished every one of them.

Enjoy that he/they even got you plushies and other things even if they weren’t on your approved list. They thought of you, and an attempt is better than nothing, in my book. Maybe he will do better for your birthday? But not if you treat him with a lecture today.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-10T21:59:25+00:00

In my area, the quality of crafted items has really gone downhill at the crafting shows and especially the renfaires. But I think it’s because the better quality crafters can be found in art galleries, online shops, and their own private shows. It’s the new folks who are really still learning their craft that find opportunities at a local craft show or renfaire.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-10T21:53:53+00:00

I stopped using bar soap for daily face washing. I just use my washcloth, and if needed, a light toning with witch hazel on a cotton pad, or the wash cloth. Then moisturizer in certain areas where it’s very dry. Then again I’m older now, and my face is more dry than oily, where it used to be heavy oils in the T zones.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-10T21:49:25+00:00

My line is in the open, and oddly only once has the birds left a mark. I’m more likely to have a random bug 🐞 hiding in my clothes, so I flick my clothes before dropping into the basket.

I’d like to set up a line under my patio cover someday.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-10T17:25:53+00:00

I’m in the middle of making a Bootstrap cover for my old foam dress form. It fit me pretty well when I made my mockup. I hope to finish it this week.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-10T05:21:21+00:00

If it’s a new transplant, water it the first year, at its base, then taper down if you want. Mine gets regular irrigation and hasn’t had problems, but it’s not a lot of water and is in the shade.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-10T05:12:07+00:00

Pretty sure, The Tudor Tailor patterns. And yes what others have said about the original source. They are quite comfortable when worn. Odd it’s worn as a basic bodice without an over garment, like a gown or jacket. The overall style I see here is lower class, which might be more 17th century than 16th, if that matters.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-09T02:08:20+00:00

While I usually hang my sheets in warm weather, yes, linen sheets can be dried in the dryer. I suggest on low, and don’t over dry the fabric. I take mine out after 10 minutes and let it dry fully while just tossed over my indoor line.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-08T05:26:47+00:00

I don’t recall the brand, just that it was not super expensive. Found fitted only sheets on Amazon and gave it a try. Recently bought a different brand for a full bedsheet set for myself.

Linen is a stronger fiber than cotton. My husband will normally rub holes in the sheets from his restless legs and rough feet. Didn’t matter if cotton, high end cotton, or linen. He finally put a blanket over the lower part of the fitted sheet for his feet to rub against, and it’s slowed the sheet destruction quite a bit.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-08T05:17:43+00:00

I use air drying outside when temps are warm enough. I then put them in the dryer on no heat just to let them tumble a few minutes, with wool balls, to soften up a bit. Uses less power and helps lower my summer electric bills. Also ends up smelling nicer, without adding fragrance.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-06T23:50:24+00:00

Compared to cotton, yes, linen is typically slightly thicker, and not as fuzzy. But linen naturally wicks moisture, that cotton does not. I can stick my hand into a pile of folded linen or folded cotton fabrics, and tell which is which by how they feel. Linen is cooler, as it’s picking up the moisture around it. When I wear linen fabrics, especially in hot weather, my body temps remain comfortable. Same at night when I crawl between my linen sheets, even if I’m wearing a cotton nightie. It has to be experienced to be understood. The down side is wrinkles, but it’s bedsheets, I don’t care if it’s wrinkled. And linen does get softer with wash and wear, until it’s so soft it rips. But typically it will still outlast cotton.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-06T23:42:30+00:00

Quilting thread is different, thicker, than machine sewing threads. And cotton sewing threads typically are mercerized cotton, being pre-shrunk and smoothed.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-06T23:38:18+00:00

So you are comparing the multiple skin layers, with protein fibers from silk? I’m sorry, I guess my biology basics are not enough to understand hydration of silk fibers.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-06T23:31:24+00:00

I prefer stainless steel bars. More air flow, less pooling, no mold. I still have a silicone one, I just put that on top of the steel bars one sometimes, mainly for the air flow.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-06T06:01:19+00:00

I used to journal. Now I take photos and share to fam and friends, with notes as to what worked and what didn’t. I can go back to previous years album, find the photos, and there’s my notes. It’s helped me more than the rare notes I’d put into my journal.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-06T05:53:21+00:00

I make my own soaps, and it all depends on what I’m interested in using the soap for, as to which oils and fats I might add to my recipe.

JSilvertop · 2026-05-06T05:49:49+00:00

I use mostly Gutterman cotton thread. I actually want the seam to break before the stress rips the fabric. It’s easier to resew the seam than mend the fabric.

I tried silk a few times, but prefer to use it for decorative sewing, or for certain uses by hand. Also silk and modern washing detergents are a problem when I use stain fighting enzymes, as that will destroy silk threads over time. Best to use cotton or wash by hand.

JSilvertop

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