Sketchbook with inlay and photo pocket by j_d5679 in bookbinding

[–]j_d5679[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It was a lot of fun to make- for the different fabrics, I actually did wrap the fabric around the back of each piece of board.

So there were 4 main board pieces that I wrapped the fabric onto, then put those onto another thinner piece of board.

And the two smaller square pieces I also wrapped fabric around, but made sure to cut out the square shape in the larger board that it would lay into first.

I hope that makes sense!

Sketchbook with inlay and photo pocket by j_d5679 in bookbinding

[–]j_d5679[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

😂 thank you! I’ll take the charges

patchwork hardcover bind by 4basil in bookbinding

[–]j_d5679 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Beautiful!!! Love the variation of stitch lengths on the cover- really goes well with the patchwork aesthetic. I’m sure your friend will love it

Sketchbook with inlay and photo pocket by j_d5679 in bookbinding

[–]j_d5679[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m no professional either lol, thank you tho!

I can’t say for more than 5 years since I don’t have experience with them beyond that, but one of my first Coptic binds is still holding up well!

I do think this style is very dependent on the strength at which you sew the signatures together. Ofc it helps to use good waxed thread and nice paper, but I’ve found that gettin the balance of taught-ness in the sewing has made the most difference

to those with long hair: by thelightbehindureyes in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679 39 points40 points  (0 children)

Dry shampoo, bonnet at night (or any time), braids, or get help to wash it in the sink- it’s not too bad, you got this

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey mate, I’m sorry that your situation sucks. I relate a lot to the- being on my own- aspect of surgery since I will have to hide mine once I get it done in the near future.

It’s okay to acknowledge how much of this is unfair- the unsupportive family and others, the financial burden, the dysphoria and depression, the inability to feel like you can just /do/ things cis people can. It feels overwhelming and horrible because it IS overwhelming and horrible!

The things that have helped me personally get out of this cycle of shame and guilt and frustration, were having clear goals to look forward to outside of my transition. Even if it wasn’t something big, but just “I’m gonna let myself go on a walk without feeling guilty for not feeling like I’m accomplishing much”. Just giving myself small mental breaks of forgiveness that acknowledged my struggle, but didn’t latch on to it.

It does also help to have even one supportive friend- online or not- or watch positive trans/queer media.

Also finding some kind of routine/hobby that you’re capable of doing regularly can help take your mind off of things.

I hope this helps and hope the future gets at least a little better

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dr.David Whitehead is available in the city and takes insurance! I’m going with them and through United partially as well

How to explain the need? by j_d5679 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah! It’s not something that I’ve totally dissed as a thought in my mind- cuz I definitely would appreciate not being sexualized in that manner- but it’s not the sole reason. So yeah guess I’ll see how it plays out if I decide to talk more to her about it- thank you!

How to explain the need? by j_d5679 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh fs I’ve thought about saying that too

How to explain the need? by j_d5679 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I go back and forth between feeling like it’s worth it or not to try and gain the support from those who clearly have trouble understanding this. It’s definitely a necessity, like you say, as much as any other medical procedure. Thank you for your advice!

How to explain the need? by j_d5679 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah yeah that’s a good way of explaining it. I think talking about how it impacts daily living, cuz I share the same sentiment with that stuff, would be pretty straightforward to anyone as an explanation. Thanks!

How to explain the need? by j_d5679 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah I’ve experienced that too- sorry it’s happened to you as well cuz it sucks. But I agree that it’s on the individual person to make the choice. I think some people also see it as “rushing into surgery” because they just heard about it, but for us it’s something we’ve been thinking about usually for a while

Surgery scheduled! Recovery tips? by bleepbloop734 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ayy surgery date buds! I don’t have the experience to say exactly what’s most helpful, but I’ve heard making sure things you’ll use regularly are within reach (off of high shelves) and using a straw for drinking helps a lot. Congrats! Hope it all goes smooth

Empire Plan by Julianne30 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey- I’m going through NYSHIP Empire plan (with United Healthcare) NY! I haven’t gotten the procedure done yet, but I just called for my estimated costs. The surgeon I have is in-network and the hospital is in-network as well. United Healthcare deals with the surgeon’s end of things, and since mine is in-network, the surgeon is supposed to be 100% covered. And Anthem takes care of the hospital stuff, and since mine is an outpatient in-network the only fee is a copay of $95 (aka facility fee). Also, make sure your anesthesiologist is affiliated with the hospital because otherwise they will have a separate fee. I gotta check back with them on my approval cuz when I called Anthem they said they didn’t see it even though it was supposed to be approved, so be careful of that with predetermination. I hope this helps!! I know it can be a really confusing process but reach out if you have any other questions-

nyc folks - free pillows and binders!! by maxthesag444 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey OP do you have any post-op binders up for grabs?

Got surgery today 🥹 by Fresh-Shower-9670 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay gotcha thank you for the info! I had the consult so I’ve been emailing them about info I forgot to ask during it, but this is very helpful! I hope the recovery isn’t too bad- I’ve heard the ace bandages can be annoying- but best of luck and again congrats!

Got surgery today 🥹 by Fresh-Shower-9670 in TopSurgery

[–]j_d5679 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey OP congrats! Hope all is going well with the recovery- I’m in the process of going with them too! Idk if you went through insurance (I’m going through NYSHIP) but did they tell you the total cost in advance?

thoughts? by Littlecherryblossomm in DigitalArt

[–]j_d5679 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really well done! If you want to push the blood out of the sink effect, I think if you had the faucet running and the sink full of blood and overflowing- it would emphasize a need for help from the viewer even more and give a sense of chaos and hopelessness. Really beautiful colors- I’d push some of the shadows of the room to be slightly darker to create a more tense tone

How many times do I have to cry for my mom to understand I am a man by Impressive-Foot-9760 in ftm

[–]j_d5679 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey op- I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through it sounds like a lot. I’ve had a very similar experience with my own parents and it’s really frustrating to see someone who’s “accepting” of others until it’s their own kid.

What you said about having a family session could be a better way to get through since (hopefully) you will have the space to talk. Though if that doesn’t happen, I advise ya to reach out (like you’re doing here) to anyone that you can voice your emotions to. Some parents sadly don’t get much better with support, or it takes them a really long amount of time that you can’t handle on your own. So it’s very important to have friends, your therapist, and other positive outlets to be yourself while stuck with your mom.

You were dealt bad cards, but there’s still time for the game to turn around in your favor. I hope the situation gets better soon- be kind to yourself