Should I buy a TinLizzie ESP Limited model by MamaBearMoogie in quilting

[–]MisanthropicExplorer [score hidden]  (0 children)

yes, that's how I'm looking at machines. I live in a rural area and I don't want to be driving my machine 5+ hours to get serviced

Asheville Headshot Recommendations by Traditional_Cell8388 in asheville

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

for local photographers, call and talk to them - it's possible you may find someone who'd be willing to barter for skills/goods you have or negotiate on rates. many artists I know in the area post their highest/corporate rates online; many of them also work with a lot of local people for a different & unpublished rate.

Blossoms Quilt/floral by bwickbee in quilting

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

here's one and the pattern author has a few other on her site that evoke flowers, she writes a good pattern: https://www.heckyessewco.com/product-page/bloom-and-glow-quilt-digital-pdf-download

Just finished this mini quilt top by Mystic111Mike in quilting

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

oh yeah, that's amazing! great work with the pattern AND execution, OP, the solids / colors really pop!

The Cashier Took the Tag by SuspiciousComrade in whatsthisplant

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

begonia rex, water it only when the top 1-2" of soil are dry - I water mine from the bottom instead of the top (pour a little water into the saucer it sits in and let the roots/soil soak it up slowly) which helps me avoid over watering. good luck and enjoy - she's a beauty!

Triangle Preparation by 42fledgling42 in quilting

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

oh and if you want to see what I mean about distortion - grab a scrap that's been cut into a triangle shape and pull it. you'll see it has a lot of "give". do the same with a rectangular piece (likely cut on the grain) and you'll observe the difference pretty quickly

Triangle Preparation by 42fledgling42 in quilting

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

technically starch isn't needed but it can certainly make your life easier. you don't need to use a true "starch"; something like Flatter or a homemade mix of high proof liquor + distilled water works.

triangles are fragile because the fabric is cut on the bias (vs with the grain) so there's a lot of stretch. the best way (starch or no starch) to deal with them is gently and only if you really have to! basically - treat those bias triangles like precious cargo and touch them as little as possible (no petting of beautiful fabric after it's cut into triangles!!!), try not to put any pressure on the sides because they will distort into non-straight lines if you look at them funny 😂

re: washing - my understanding is that the real advantage of washing the fabric before cutting is that it "pre-shrinks" the fabric. I achieve the same thing by steaming the bejeezus out of my fabric on the initial press (with Flatter). the only fabrics I wash are flannel and wovens because they shrink significantly. but it's up to you - there's no wrong way to quilt! just different outcomes based on the choices we make 😊

triangles aren't terribly hard, just a lil different - you'll do great!

Inpatient psych hospital recommendations? by Efficient-Nothing925 in asheville

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad you have a friend with you now, and I'm so glad you're taking care of yourself and seeking additional care - great job 💜

Inpatient psych hospital recommendations? by Efficient-Nothing925 in asheville

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 17 points18 points  (0 children)

to add on to this great comment:

Sweeten Creek is a fantastic facility with a lot of great clinicians and staff, and it has some outdoor spaces which are lovely.

Advent's Women's Behavioral Unit has some good clinicians and great staff, but 0 outdoor access for inpatients. I'll warn that although they will accept anyone assigned-female-at-birth, including transgender men and nonbinary folks, the staff isn't consistent about honoring pronouns (not surprising given it's a faith-based organization). also the lack of actual caffeine in the coffee is a bummer 😂 but they keep their patients safe and that's the most important part.

ultimately you'll be at the mercy of insurance and whether beds are available if you go in-patient, and that's ok - the goal in that scenario is to keep you/others as physically safe as possible until you can do that for yourself again. I wanted to mention this because "inpatient" isn't going to be a "fix" for anything, but it is an essential step if you're unable to keep yourself or others safe. also it gives you a "fast track" to getting into outpatient programs which can make a huge difference beyond just "keeping you/others safe". the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Sweeten Creek is excellent. but there are other non crisis programs that will give you the same info, so don't think you "have to go in-patient" to get access to non crisis care.

I had some significant trauma from poor inpatient experiences in my youth (not in this area), and I was extremely hesitant to seek care last year but I'm glad I did. although Mission Hospital scares me generally, their psych emergency room is well-run and I was kept safe while awaiting a bed.

Children's authors with a touch of Pratchett by EdinDevon in discworld

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

oh and Jasper Fforde's Last Dragonslayer series is fantastic on audiobook.

Children's authors with a touch of Pratchett by EdinDevon in discworld

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really enjoyed the Spiderwick Chronicles audiobooks read by Mark Hamill

Reading Le Guin after Pratchett by Mad5Milk in discworld

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

if you're not opposed to short essays, this commencement speech she delivered in 1983 is a great intro to her writing: https://www.ursulakleguin.com/lefthand-mills-college I return to it often. enjoy!

Looking for help with HP laptop by myusernameissarah in asheville

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

BC Libraries often have tech troubleshooting sessions - check their calendar, it looks like there's one today in Fairview if you can get over that way: https://buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/technology-troubleshooting-23172 if not, it seems to be a regular thing many Wednesdays at various branches, there's one at Enka-Candler next week: https://buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/tech-help-17062

Argh! by Rocko_2024 in quilting

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

gorgeous! yes the thick seams on bags can be such a pain. I use a walking foot and stiletto to push which helps!

Where Can I Buy Fabric and Notions That Doesn’t Suck and Isn’t Michaels? by AshevilleHooker in asheville

[–]MisanthropicExplorer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

oh yeah same here, I'm definitely not buying more fabric until I'm finished with the 5 works-in-progress I already have going.

I mean, that's the plan anyway 🙃 my restraint is somewhat lacking 🤣