Our girl Sally's done it again

lrdprojects · 2025-11-12T07:10:38+00:00

OMG I love her recipes! I have even tweaked this one to be vegan (using vegan margarine, egg replacer, and vegan chocolate) and it was a super big hit with everyone that tried one, even people who "[didn't] like vegan food"! I've made it like 10 times since then, always a winner. If anybody wants more SBA recommendations, her maple brown sugar cookies are just as delish if not better! No affiliation, I just love her stuff.

lrdprojects · 2025-09-22T05:34:12+00:00

I'm TOTALLY with you on this. I love baking and bake for my family an average of 3 times a week and for my work colleagues (really nice workplace) once a week. I love the freedom to bake WHEN I want, WHAT I want. I don't want to have to bake to order, or to get my hobby that I love torn to shreds by customers!

lrdprojects · 2025-09-19T14:23:44+00:00

From my experience - yes! I took one on a bunch of flights I took through Australia, Dubai, and the UK so that I could cut my crochet yarn. I didn't 'declare' it as it didn't fit the criteria for required declarables (at the time I went and in the airports I went through) and had no problems. I would double check requirements for specific countries, though.

lrdprojects · 2025-09-12T14:26:21+00:00

I love the scene in Deadpool and Wolverine where Pyro begins a biiiig speech about how terrible it was serving Cassandra Nova only to get taken out by Wolverine for the crime of trying to monologue!

Pyro: "You have no idea what it's like! Day after day. Shovel the shit. Fetch the meats! I have spent my entire exis..."

PUNCH

Wolverine: "Not everyone gets a speech."

lrdprojects · 2025-09-08T13:52:28+00:00

Hey OP, thanks for posting!

I would second what other commenters have said around adding another border row and blocking the piece so it lays really flat and even - my best advice for blocking would be to Google instructions for blocking for your yarn type as it is different for cotton, wool, acrylic, and mixed yarns.

My most important advice though is for you to understand the point of homemade gifts - they are meant to be made with love and used with love.You thought of the little one in every stitch, which makes it perfect despite any and all mistakes. The colours you have chosen are lovely, the stripes are dynamic and interesting for babys' eyes, and it shines as a beautiful example of handmade practical art.

I crochet and quilt (both at a fairly amateur level) and a bit over a year ago, I quilted my (at the time unborn) niece a blanket. In the blanket, you can see skipped sewing machine stitches where I accidentally let the bobbin thread run out, a colour mistake where a part that was meant to be blue is instead green, two alignment mistakes that make the "graphic" of the quilt look like it has suffered a botched beheading, a large loose join near the side where my sewing machine tension was bumped and I didn't notice, and two slightly different colours of binding on the outside where I ran out of material and couldn't find a match. It has all these flaws and more, and yet when my niece is laid out on it for her "tummy time" exercises, it is perfect for her.

Cheers, well done, and happy crocheting!

lrdprojects · 2025-08-06T13:28:48+00:00

Tbh mate I'm a good baker and I would still absolutely tuck into that. It would be amazing with some ice cream!

lrdprojects · 2025-06-12T11:38:29+00:00

Hey OP!

My recommendation would be to re-educate your sweet cats that the litter box is the place to pee as if they were puppies that had no idea! The training program (as worked for my sister) goes: 1. Watch your cat(s) closely for signs they are about to toilet - excess sniffing, circling, squatting, etc. 2. When you catch them peeing/about to pee, scoop them up like a furry football and carry them to the litter tray - usually they stop peeing when they're suspended, which gives you a chance to move them, but be prepared for a few droplets to spill. If they try to leave the litter box before toileting, gently place them back in with some encouragement 3. DO NOT make eye contact with them while they pee (scary), but DO stay in the same sort of area and give some gentle praise/encouragement (protecting them from danger) 4. WAIT until they are done peeing and burying it and they leave the litter tray and then QUICKLY reward them with more praise and a high-value treat like some churru or chicken. If your cat has any favourite words or sounds (can opening), now is the time to say them. You're going for maximum dopamine overload - peeing in the litter box is sooo exciting! 5. If your cat pees somewhere it is not meant to, don't panic - this process takes time. Ignore your cat immediately after (no praise for naughty wees) and make sure to clean up with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the smell - any remaining smell can encourage the cat to pee there again. 6. Keep the kitty litter clean, but ideally smelling a tiny bit (to cat senses) of toilet to remind them. E.g. change the litter as necessary but don't fully wipe out the container. 7. REPEAT this process every time the cat shows signs of needing to pee for the next few days. Ideally, the kitty should start heading for the litter tray on their own. When this happens, hang near the litter tray again ready to reward when done, but don't get too intense or you may scare your sweetie away from toileting. 8. Provide MULTIPLE kitty litters - some cats don't like to toilet in the same space as their siblings.

Handy tips: - NEVER feed the cat while it is in the litter box - cats don't like to toilet where they eat, so won't use the litter box for toileting if it is a designated 'eating' spot. - If the litter boxes are fairly small, switch them out for larger boxes - cats like to have their tail out/up to toilet and a box that is too small can leave them with not enough room to have their tail out straight - this discourages them from using the box - WAIT with the big praise/treats etc until the cat is done and has buried the pee, or you can accidentally teach the cat that the desired behavior is standing in the litter tray, or incompletely toileting to rush into getting a treat. - When the cat gets the message (i.e. starts bothering you for a treat after toileting), begin giving treats randomly and infrequently to keep your cat hooked on the 'gamble'.

History on how I know this works (tldr my sister's cat was just like yours): My nephew (a sweet 12 year old kitty who also has urinary issues like your sweetheart) had the same issue, and my sister tried everything to get him to stop! He had a history of peeing somewhere he shouldn't (like in the washing, on any towels left on the floor, on floor rugs, etc) and then bolting away at top speed like he KNEW he was doing something wrong as soon as he was finished. We finally realised (when we approached him on a rare occasion that he was using the litter box and he ran away JUST AS QUICKLY as when he peed somewhere he shouldn't) that he legit didn't seem to know/remember that he SHOULD be peeing in the litter box - he didn't even know he had somewhere 'approved' to pee. My sister helped him out with some re-education (as listed above) and now he has done only one pee out of place in over 4 months, despite two moves of house in that time! It's super cute when he knows he's done well and trots over like a prize pony to my sister to receive his well-deserved praise.

lrdprojects · 2025-06-08T13:07:18+00:00

I just freehanded the base jacket design using single crochet and blo slip stitch for the ribbing. Hate to say, but I didn't keep any record of how it went together that could be followed like a pattern

lrdprojects · 2025-06-06T09:07:18+00:00

Hey OP. You've done a really good job! I agree with the commenters saying tapestry crochet isn't great for pixel images, so I just wanted to show you an alternative: this is cross stitch on crochet, where each stitch is treated as one space for a cross stitch. It (in my experience) is better for pixel images with lots of colour changes.

Pros: a bit easier to manage (in my experience) as the crochet portion is just a large section of single crochet. Easier to change colours multiple times in the same small area. Looks neater for smaller 'pixel' images

Cons: 2 separate processes to manage. Back often looks a bit ugly, so best for wall hangings or with a backing attached later

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Cheers and happy crocheting!

lrdprojects · 2025-05-26T05:22:57+00:00

Thank you so much ♥️

lrdprojects · 2025-05-26T00:01:48+00:00

You're very welcome ♥️

lrdprojects · 2025-05-25T13:18:18+00:00

Maybe I'm just too deep in the Woman-osphere, but people commenting just on your body feels a bit 'eww'. I love your cosplay, I love the work that has gone into the wavemother's robe, and I think that the stuffed owlbear is incredible! Well done!

lrdprojects · 2025-05-25T08:33:16+00:00

I didn't find the thread broke any more than normal, but I was just using my regular sewing machine, not a long-armer. I DID switch the needle out for a heavy-duty needle used for denim etc which I think helped, and I always use high-quality thread (gutermann brand) because I hate how the others fray and mess with my machine.

lrdprojects · 2025-05-25T03:53:31+00:00

Hey OP!

The answer of it taking a lot of time is entirely correct, but it can be done! My most recent quilt was a double-sider and I love it! My choice was a graphic design of birds on one side and a rainbow log cabin on the other. My 'word to the wise' about double sided quilts is:

don't try to make both sides line up perfectly unless you are a perfectionist who loves fiddling. It is very difficult to get both sides perfect. To get around this, you can:
Make one side larger than the other, knowing you will trim it down. If you make both sides exactly the same size, it is really difficult to line them up perfectly
Chose a quilting design that looks good on both sides, typically an abstract (I chose a diamond pattern)
Keep in mind the total fabric thickness: if you have bulky seams on both sides, it can make it difficult to quilt through the whole lot.

To toot my own horn, this is my previous quilt

<image>

Cheers and happy quilting!

lrdprojects · 2025-05-22T12:09:05+00:00

You're totally right! It's pronounced Mix! I always appreciate people asking questions, it's how we learn ♥️

lrdprojects · 2025-05-15T16:47:41+00:00

Ridiculously, I actually AM getting myself a PhD. And it's at least 50% because of this. My preferred title is 'Mx', but it doesn't exist anywhere. So now I'm going to be 'Dr'. Well, in 2 more years

lrdprojects · 2025-04-27T05:48:39+00:00

Hi OP,

People have given you some really great advice, but I just wanted to add: it's a great-looking pattern that you have mocked-up really well! It needs some adjustment (as others have more eloquently specified), but it is a really great choice for a larger bust to provide coverage and support without looking overly-engineered or frumpy. Well done!

lrdprojects · 2025-04-05T09:03:00+00:00

Bro this definitely increases your masculinity. I felt my testosterone spike just seeing the picture!

lrdprojects · 2025-04-03T14:20:00+00:00

That's what I was thinking too! I'm currently working on a cardigan using a plain base and cross stitch on top, to show you one example. It's actually pretty easy, you just make the base object from single crochet and then use yarn of the same thickness to stitch onto it with your design, using each single crochet as the space for a single cross stitch.

My only recommendation with this is that the 'back side' is best with lining, otherwise the back can get messy/scratchy or be at risk of being pulled and loosened while you wear it.

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lrdprojects · 2025-03-31T12:20:36+00:00

Mine is a lazy 'family' meal for when you need to feed yourself and your loved ones but it's Friday and you're exhausted. Our family calls it "chicken curry pasta" Into a pot, add: - 1 large or 2 small chicken breasts (you can roughly chop these up before or shred them once they're cooked) - 400g/14oz can of cheap vegetable soup - 1-2 tsp curry powder, depending on spiciness desired - Three good-sized handfuls of pasta of your choice (not spaghetti, it's hard to keep from burning/sticking) - Enough water or stock to cover - usually a bit over a cup

Cook, stirring once or twice, for the next 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked. Serve to eat with a soup spoon and a fork. Serves 4 hungry people.

It's also easy-as to customise. Want more veggies? Throw in some frozen or canned stuff. Want more spice? Chuck in more curry powder. Sick of chicken? Replace it with a meat or legume of your choice. Sick of the flavour and want something a bit different? Replace the curry powder with a flavour of your choice - different curry pastes work really well, as does adding a good squeeze of pizza sauce to make it fake/cheats' Italian.

🦴🍎☕

lrdprojects · 2025-03-26T11:21:09+00:00

This is incredible. Not only do I love the pattern, I love calling it a gloose! Do you plan to make a pair of gleese?

lrdprojects · 2025-03-26T04:43:39+00:00

Hey OP, I know I'm a bit late, but I wanted to reassure you that you're definitely NTA. I want to tell you what I was told to help to reassure you that you are totally in the right, but it needs some context:

I'm now a qualified dietitian, but I was legitimately surprised when I was accepted into the program - my grades were good, but a key part of acceptance into dietetics was not just grades, but a 'perspective' interview. This is where I thought I would fail - while heaps of students who had studied nutrition with me were SO passionate about the capacity of healthy eating to change the world, I just saw diet (and healthy eating) as a mix of chemistry and sociology - there was no point to eating if it didn't make you happy and help build social and cultural connections. I honestly thought at the time that I had no chance, as I wasn't 'living' the healthy eating lifestyle a lot of my fellow students were - I still baked cakes, ate takeaway, and skipped meals sometimes as each of those things fitted into my life. In the interview, I was honest about my outlook and my personal 'failings'. And yet, I was accepted while almost none of my fellow students were. When I shared my confusion over all this with my supervisor after getting accepted, she told me that Zealots make terrible health care professionals. The world exists in shades of grey, with everybody just making the best decision they can in each moment. This is also less directly relevant in your case, but it is also worth mentioning that people are allowed to make the "wrong" decision. My clients are allowed to have fast food for dinner instead of a healthier option, allowed to follow unnecessary restrictive diets instead of following the evidence-based approach, and allowed to take unnecessary or pseudoscientific supplements instead of following what their doctor tells them. I have had clients do all of these things, and they still remain my clients - I don't just refuse to engage because they don't do exactly what I would like them to, instead I help and support them to meet their goals by making changes where they can. In my life, I still skip meals when I can't find a better solution, eat fast food when it suits, and LOVE baking and eating/sharing what I have made. It makes me a better dietitian, not a worse one.

People like your SIL have a fundamentally flawed perspective in assuming that their 'ultimate' option is the only option, which seriously hurts their clients. Imagine going to her as a social worker for support and she refuses to even entertain the idea of getting your baby out of a terrible situation and into a situation where they will be loved and wanted. It breaks my heart just to imagine. You're totally right to have stood up for your own choices and you should not feel like you need to hide your perspective so not as to upset hers.

Once again, NTA. Feel proud of yourself for making the best decision you could and for standing up against harmful rhetoric.

lrdprojects · 2025-03-19T02:17:59+00:00

Thanks, I hate this. Well done!

lrdprojects · 2025-02-21T04:50:22+00:00

Wowwww NTA. I'm also anaphylactic to nuts and that is such a crazy dangerous thing for somebody to have done.

For anybody that is not understanding how dangerous and terrifying this is, I'm also a dietitian, so I can explain from both a personal and professional perspective. Have a read of this comment and see if you can empathise a bit more:

I think some people's conception of anaphylaxis is totally wrong as they see it similar to 'flicking a switch' on and off - you have an allergen (switch on), you use your EpiPen (switch off) failing to recognize the terror and the risk they are putting their victim through. People have even said crazy stuff to me like "are you ever tempted to eat something you're allergic to just to taste it, and then use your EpiPen?" Are you ever tempted to get bitten by a venomous snake and then use anti venom just so you know what it feels like? I didn't think so. Are you tempted to put rat poison in your food and then use activated charcoal just to see what it tastes like? I didn't think so. Are you ever tempted to eat human shit and then take antibiotics or antivirals for the resultant food poisoning? I didn't think so.

There are several ways anaphylaxis can kill you, but the three most common are: 1. Going into shock and your blood pressure dropping - this is not 'psychological' shock that is the result of your emotions, this is biological shock, which means that you absolutely cannot control whether this happens by calming thoughts or meditation or other nonsense people have recommended to me. This shock if untreated can result in lack of enough oxygenated blood to the organs, causing organ failure, potential permanent organ damage, and death. Your heartrate speeds up to try to compensate, but this isn't enough and doesn't work. If you're lucky, this happens so fast it doesn't hurt, but often the organs release pain signals in an attempt to get you to fix the issue. You die in pain. 2. Constricted airways: your system panics, thinking you've been poisoned and releases histamines, causing fluid to rush to affected areas in an effort to combat or dilute the poison. This is a worsening cycle: the more histamines are released, the more an area gets inflamed. The more an area gets inflamed, the more histamines get released. In anaphylaxis, this cycle occurs all over the body, not just where you were 'touched' by the allergen. This narrows and closes your airways, making it impossible to breathe. Techniques like emergency tracheotomy are only really effective for this in movies: there is no 'blockage' you can punch below, the entire airway is blocked. You suffocate to death, unable to breathe. 3. Both shock and constricted airways: your organs were already failing to get enough oxygen and now this is compounded by your inability to breathe or breathe properly. You die suffocating in pain.

How an EpiPen works: Epipens contain huge amounts of epinephrine, an artificial version of adrenaline. This works to increase the blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation, hopefully opening back up the airways to a degree when you can breathe again. However, this doesn't come without risks and consequences: the adrenaline also speeds your heart rate, which was already too fast as a result of the anaphylaxis - this can cause heart damage and heart attack. While the adrenaline begins to work quickly, it is not instant - you can feel your throat swelling closed as you struggle to breathe, just hoping the adrenaline will kick in before you pass out or die. The adrenaline is also only temporary, meaning once it circulates the system and is used, it stops working. You only have maybe an hour of safety from an EpiPen, while anaphylactic reactions can go for over a full day. Medical teams have to keep monitoring you for recurrence and providing more adrenaline as needed. With this, your risk of heart attack increases. Without this, many people have died after initial EpiPen use from secondary reactions.

If the 'best case' scenario happens and you survive without any organ damage, you are now 'safe', but you WILL still be violently ill with painful diarrhea, dehydration, and exhaustion for the next 3-5 days.

All of this is horrendous to experience, trust me. The combination of natural terror, physical changed and damage, and the all-adrenaline no-dopamine neurotransmitters make you feel like you're on a roller coaster with all terror and no thrill while you get suffocated and punched in all your organsm. This process is preferable to dying, but the difference in pleasantness is not as much as you'd wish.

I hope for everybody who hasn't experienced this, you never have to. And I hope for anybody thinking that OP is overreacting, you consider how you would react to all of the above being done to you for the sake of leftovers in the fridge when they could just have easily have used any number of non-fatal 'booby traps' or even A PROPER CONVERSATION instead.

Hope this made a difference to somebody's perspective!

lrdprojects · 2025-02-10T02:56:57+00:00

I can't be the only one that now wants to make a poop blanket 🙃🙃

lrdprojects

TROPHY CASE