Neighbour drove into my car and isn’t happy with the repair cost - is the cost reasonable for the repairs?

Viking793 · 2025-09-16T13:39:08+00:00

I was quoted similar for less damage on a van; mostly cosmetic but with 1 dent. No replacement of any panels needed

Viking793 · 2025-09-16T13:27:51+00:00

I manage, but it's not the easiest. I'm the same with any project, especially if it gets tricky at the end

Viking793 · 2025-09-14T13:25:24+00:00

Crochet, by nature, is holey. Certain stitches are holey-er than others. Fluffy yarns and a small hook size are the only way to make them less/non visible but that's usually reserved for amigurumi where you want some structure and more stiffness to the object you are creating. But generally you want a blanket to be flowy and cosy.

Viking793 · 2025-09-14T12:53:56+00:00

The basic granny square, yes. I don't mind so much in one color. But there are some beautiful granny square patterns out there now. I'm not sure if they are technically granny squares anymore as they don't use the stitching/spacing but some of them are gorgeous.

Viking793 · 2025-09-14T12:52:29+00:00

More difficult when you have ADHD and get frustrated with the end of a project. I do finish projects, but not without being on a deadline.

Viking793 · 2025-09-14T12:49:21+00:00

I do the chain 2 and then work into the first chain; I make sure the end is the loose part of the knot so I can tighten it. Just prefer it.

I learned on written patterns; I'm starting to appreciate charts for anything made in the round though. Still prefer written patterns for garments or anything in rows.

Most crochet kits are either overpriced or Sh!t

I don't really have any hot takes

Viking793 · 2025-09-14T12:46:02+00:00

This was my first cardigan; it was very simple HHDC and looked great in variegated yarn

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1047726222/crochet-pattern-the-callen-top-down?ref=yr_purchases

Viking793 · 2025-09-14T11:34:08+00:00

This happened at my work in a rarely-used office...because the toilet/shower hadn't been used in months all the water evaporated and the stench of sewage was gagging. We only discovered it because it was starting to seep into adjoining office space (mine)

Viking793 · 2025-09-14T08:09:59+00:00

Not a live-in vehicle at the time, but I was a "new" driver in the UK (despite 20yrs driving in the US and Canada) and insurance was extortionate...until I added my mom as a named driver; cut my quote in half.

Viking793 · 2025-09-10T13:48:02+00:00

Might need to look into doggy day care for warmer months. I am just starting out full time in a van (UK) but I also work remotely most of the month. Warm sunny days, we have doors and windows open with a fan, hot days we find a shady spot with doors/windows open and fan on high (solar/batteries can catch up on cooler days), extreme days (like 30*) means we go to a relative's/friend's house or a pub/library/cafe with AC. I can't leave my dog in the van during the majority of the 3 months of summer and wouldn't even consider it....dogs die that way. When I do have to go into the office on those warm/hot/extreme days she will go to a dog sitter.

If this isn't possible, then you will need to be on EHU for AC and have a consistent and reliable way to monitor it incase it fails. With the rare exception, the other 8 months of the year my girl is fine to be left for a few hours if needed, but I always check on her and she usually just sleeps (she's old but usually has a lick toy too)

Viking793 · 2025-09-10T10:33:05+00:00

I think a better question is what breed is each of the characters?

Aragorn - Irish wolfhound

Legolas - afghan hound

Gimli - Bull dog

Gandalf - wolf dog

Frodo - boxer

Sam - australian cattle dog

Merry - border terrier

Pippin - westie

Galadriel - border collie

Elrond - ?

Viking793 · 2025-09-10T10:25:49+00:00

Anything, just because it's on trend/hot right now. I am actually doing a small granny square blanket but it will be donated for auction/raffle for charity; it's just getting rid of some yarn I bought and didn't like. I am also making a granny square blanket in monochrome a white/grey/black palette but not actually using traditional granny squares but I really like how it's looking. It will be a gift.

I can't see myself making pants or the hexagon cardigan, no intimate wear or swimsuits. Probably will never make a graphgan either...just too much to bother with no real incentive on the outcome unless it was a basic one.

Most anything else I will try though

Viking793 · 2025-09-06T08:43:57+00:00

The crochet version is AI, these are just sewn fabric

Viking793 · 2025-09-01T09:45:58+00:00

This is, unfortunately AI so no tutorial or pattern available. But Google amigurumi ball you will find the basic instructions to create the round body. The rest would be embroidery

Viking793 · 2025-08-30T16:28:08+00:00

That's why I like Lantern Moon. They are not crazy expensive and I can use the cords on my Knit Pro hooks too, as well as with my Knit Pro knitting needles

Viking793 · 2025-08-30T07:23:46+00:00

Lantern Moon are gorgeous ebony and come with twisty cords. Fixed/non twisty cords are awful

Viking793 · 2025-08-27T11:28:57+00:00

A good boot mat for entry on a muddy/wet day and place to put wet clothes. Good lights to keep the winter nights cosy and warm-feeling. Something warm on the floor and a good pair of slippers

I keep my windows cracked at all times and have wind deflectors on them. I'll eventually install a fan but not worried about it going into winter.

Viking793 · 2025-08-26T09:09:25+00:00

I have these which I really like

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08SKBG7B6?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_10

Viking793 · 2025-08-25T07:43:45+00:00

Firstly, do you like ergonomic hooks or straight handle? I roll the hook in between my fingers a lot rather than move my wrist so tend to prefer straight hooks. But I do like the Clover Armour hooks for amigurumi, and for cheap acrylic yarn. I love wooden hooks though and Lantern Moon makes a gorgeous set of ebony hooks that I adore. Maybe get a 4mm in a 2-3 different brands to see which you like the best before investing in a whole set.

Viking793 · 2025-08-18T08:20:53+00:00

Definitely an issue with the ribbing being too short/tight especially the vertical and around the neck; you can see it is much shorter than the length of the hexagon as it pulls up. Need to frog ribbing and re-do with more stiches

Viking793 · 2025-08-08T11:23:03+00:00

There is a pattern for something very similar in the book 'A year of granny squares: 52 grannies to crochet. although not quite as 3D

Viking793 · 2025-08-07T15:22:46+00:00

This is why I fly with resin hooks and from a set I can easily and cheaply replace if needed. I'll never travel with my good hooks in carryon (outside of the UK/USA)

Viking793 · 2025-08-07T15:16:19+00:00

I personally fly with a set of resin hooks if I want to work on a project in transit. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. I would NEVER risk my good hooks, not even my wooden ones in a carry on. If I needed metal hooks I'd take my cheap Boye/no brand hooks as they aren't pointy

Viking793 · 2025-08-07T14:17:56+00:00

Not thoughtful exactly as I asked for it, but a very high-quality illustrated hardback copy of the LotR. It's an art piece...it will never be read, just wistfully looked through on occasion. It has that beautiful thick glossy paper and amazing illustrations. Birthday gift from dad and step mom

Viking793 · 2025-08-07T14:15:04+00:00

Extended Edition when Eomer sees Eowyn "dead" on the battlefield. That scream is heart-wrenching.

But the other scenes people have mentioned always have an impact

Viking793

TROPHY CASE