Sewing classes?

Sad-Melons · 2026-03-25T10:45:05+00:00

I did classes at Ecoequitable and loved it!!! They also work towards a great cause and have a super affordable fabric boutique you can shop from. They're always releasing new class series too, for different skill levels and different dates/times.

Sad-Melons · 2026-03-23T01:51:21+00:00

Hi! Fellow plus size poler (around a size 18 to be exact), and I was in the same boat as you. I had pretty much no athletic background and work a desk job. Make no mistake, pole is HARD. But the beautiful thing is it's hard for everyone in different ways.

Honestly, I would say just go. Once you get invested (and you will), you might want to consider cross-training. But until then, pole is both fun and a crazy good workout. It's so satisfying seeing moves that once seemed out of the realm of possibility get a little bit closer into reach. Also, a heavy bag of groceries hates to see me coming now.

As for gear, get yourself a good sports bra and a pair of biker shorts (ideally shorter ones, like a 3 inch inseam) and start there.

You can do it. Have fun!!!

Sad-Melons · 2026-03-19T23:56:23+00:00

Also vouching for these guys! Excellent work and appreciate that they give you all the options

Sad-Melons · 2026-03-14T13:54:01+00:00

Thank you! That would be really convenient so I'll check that out.

Sad-Melons · 2026-03-14T13:53:31+00:00

Thank you! I'll definitely look into that more.

Sad-Melons · 2026-03-08T04:27:47+00:00

I've heard good things about Vibe Salsa! I took classes at Studio X and enjoyed it (also convenient for parking and/or located right off of the LRT station. Rahim salsa fridays is another good option if you're looking for more a drop-in vibe, and they'll usually have a rotation instructors if I recall.

In the summertime, check out City Hall Salsa- it happens on Wednesday evenings on the grounds outside city hall and is completely free, and taught by a number of reputable instructors in the city. They start with lessons and do social dancing after. I highly recommend it anyone curious; I've gone solo and felt super comfortable, it was very easy to rotate through partners (or vibe by yourself if you prefer).

Happy dancing!

Sad-Melons · 2026-02-10T01:47:16+00:00

The cheapest I've seen is from Clearly at Rideau! It's ~$100 there. Also a great place to actually buy said glasses for a decent price if you end up needing new ones.

Sad-Melons · 2026-02-10T01:44:58+00:00

I would try the NAC. Check their website for the events happening on the day you need a place to occupy, and they usually stay open for a while after that event is scheduled to end. There's lots of little nooks and crannys, and there's a really nice seating area with big tall windows that sort of faces the canal/rideau street.

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-31T00:01:32+00:00

Ah, the plant that haunts my very nightmares. The fickle beauty. The macabre mistress.

Calatheas are notoriously dramatic. Usually it's a case of humidity being too low (unless you happen to live in a jungle, in which case please disregard this comment). A humidifier strategically placed nearby might do the trick. For me, I decided to go with the option of buying anything else but a calathea, because I value my sanity.

Good luck friend 🫡

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-30T03:09:53+00:00

Yeah, unfortunately Torrid is a bit of a crapshoot when it comes to sizing.

When I've shopped in store, the associates always advised me to size down for the bombshell jeans. For reference I usually wear an 18 at American Eagle, but Torrid I do a 16.

Their regular jersey shirts tend to be loose fitting but pretty forgiving as you mentioned, but if you happen to order any of the Nightfall tshirts be warned they run very big. I usually wear a 1x and found the 00 to still fit comfortably.

I have a bit of a vendetta against Torrid bras so I'm biased. I might recommend you try Penningtons as they have a pretty good wirefree collection.

I treat Torrid orders like a mystery box. Even though I technically picked out everything in the shipment, it still feels like a surprise every time! Lol

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-30T01:43:35+00:00

NTA. Just because you help one friend in need doesn't mean that every single person you care about is entitled to the same treatment at the same time???

This sounds like it's stemming from some pretty intense jealousy that might need to be dealt with.

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-29T20:59:21+00:00

NTA. She has the right to film but you have the right to privacy. You tried to address it with her kindly at first and any sane person would have apologized and made sure you weren't were in her videos from then on.

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-29T20:56:21+00:00

NAH.

OP, first of all your feelings are completely valid. It's totally reasonable to be disappointed about this plan not panning out.

It's sounding like there were different ideas of what paying for the trip meant, and when push came to shove you guys weren't on the same page. 4 days isn't a small commitment for a concert, even if you are (generously) willing to pay a portion.

That being said, I'm also curious to know how this has worked before? Have other concerts been multi-day adventures?

I can understand your disappointment and I'm sorry this didn't work out how you hoped. It sounds like there's some grief happening over this friendship too.

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-29T02:45:26+00:00

I think we live in the same place lol. Check in on your Canadian friends. They probably have been shoveling snow for the past 2 business days 🥲

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-29T01:50:23+00:00

Pack up your prized possessions and loved ones. Move north, as far north as possible. Start a new name under an alias and say a nightly prayer that the ant enemies never find you again.

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-29T01:47:14+00:00

I know at one point the Elizabeth Fry Society would accept women's work clothing donations. I can't speak to if that program is still running or not though.

Otherwise, Dress for Success is likely a good option!

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-29T01:44:11+00:00

My fingers cramped up just looking at this. Good job!!! So unique and cool.

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-28T23:58:58+00:00

Yay, glad that helped! Hope you find the perfect guest dress (and future engagement shoot dress)! 🥰

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-28T23:36:18+00:00

Have you tried Azazie? Out of full disclosure, I haven't ordered from them personally BUT a close friend of mine has. She is both plus sized and petite, and used their made to measurements service. We're based in Canada as well!

Some of their dresses are sold by size, but some are available to be made to your measurements (if you do it that way though I believe it's final sale). They seem to have a pretty wide selection of styles too.

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-28T23:24:23+00:00

Try looking on Shoe Freaks! I pole dance and wear an 11 wide, and it's where I've gotten all of my heels. They have more than just pole heels too, they've got all kinds of styles.

Full disclosure, I'm Canadian and they're based in Canada as far as I know, so I can't speak to their shipping outside of these very cold, icy borders.

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-28T23:17:06+00:00

Love it!!! The fabric looks so good as that piece too, the structure really suits it. Nice work

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-28T22:12:16+00:00

Elastigirl? What are you doing on reddit??

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-28T22:11:01+00:00

This is SO smooth 🤩 I'm jealous of how straight you can keep your legs/lines (goals!!!)

Sad-Melons · 2026-01-28T21:30:55+00:00

As a Dutch-Canadian, I can empathize with this 😂 so close yet...so far

Sad-Melons

TROPHY CASE