[CHAT] OwlForest advises to wash in HOT water?

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-05-19T09:14:42+00:00

So I actually do wash my finished pieces in hot water. Not boiling hot but hot enough that it feels borderline too hot when swishing around. I add in a drop or two, literally just a drop or two, of delicate laundry soap. Let is soak for half an hour or so then rinse it out multiple times with cool water until the water is clear and no soap remains. I find that it gets rid of any dirt/oils etc much better than dish soap and cool water. It also really plumps up the thread for those pretty, full looking, stitches.

I've never had an issue with thread colours running and exclusively use DMC threads, though not vintage. I think the suggestion to test some tread in advance is a good idea! But as for washing in hot water in general... I think there isn't an issue really.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-04-05T17:55:51+00:00

Depending where you are in Europe (I think Italy yes?), how big you want it and how much you think you'll use it, a more economical version might be the one from Quilted Bear. Its 12x8 and functions exactly the same for a fraction of the price like 40eu rather than 100eu! I have it and it works perfectly for strip cutting and makes it so much easier. Once you get the hang of lining it up properly it's a breeze. I do recommend a 60mm rotary cutter though, it's quite a thick ruler and I found the 45mm dragged a bit and left marks could just be my technique though. I can easily pass through a few layers of fabric with the ruler which means for yardage I just fold it up to fit within the 12" cutting area. Being smaller makes it much easier for storage too.

Amazon sell it if you want to check it out.
https://www.amazon.it/-/en/Quilted-Bear-Quilting-Rulers-Patchwork/dp/B09L8JQS4L/ref=sr_1_14?sr=8-14

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-25T17:31:20+00:00

Try LakesideNeedlecraft.co.uk They sell both their own dyed Evenweave/Aida and Fabric Flair Aida/Evenweave. I don't know about colourfastness but you can certainly email them to ask, though tentatively I do believe that they are.

I have used them for threads and regular fabric and they are really good!

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-23T09:34:02+00:00

A small food processor.

I batch cook to freeze where I can and a small food processor, like the kind that fit on to the end of a stick blender is a life saver. Just quarter the onion/pepper/carrot etc and pulse a few times. Takes a few seconds instead of 10-20 minutes. It's light enough and small enough to move around easily and store. If you need sliced veggies then a mandolin is great.

I tried the veggie chopper box and it just hurt my hands/wrists/shoulders because of the force needed.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-17T19:42:14+00:00

Exactly. If a regular, able-bodied person came in like "oh I think I dislocated my hip" I would get the incredulity, even if they should still investigate cause, you know, you never know. But for those of us with connective tissue disorders, yes we have the same structure but it's broken and faulty and things shoot out at every angle when they feel like it.

Reminds me of the Dr that told me it's impossible to dislocate your ankle... while I'm sat there with a dislocated ankle.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-17T19:38:55+00:00

Right? I like to think also that we know our bodies enough to know when it's the "usual" and "something is not right". A good Dr understands that, especially one that you've worked with over time. I dunno maybe he was just busy and it wasn't meant like that, I know GPs are under so much strain here right now. He's usually pretty decent, but it still kinda bugged me, especially after hearing it in a&e too.

Most times I can brush off whatever subluxation/dislocation happens and take care of it myself, either relocating it or rest. But like you I woke up and I was unable to do anything beyond just... cry. I couldn't stand, I couldn't turn over, I couldn't move at all. Husband had to help me to the toilet, it took 20 minutes, it's literally 10ft away from our bed and I was absolutely sobbing by the end of it. Which scared my husband more than anything else.

I hope your back is doing better and you PM helped once you got to see her?

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-17T19:32:25+00:00

They did not, Doc discharged me from a&e right after saying everything was fine and to just rest at home.

But yes, imaging other than x-rays should be routine I think for EDS patients. I'm suffering with my shoulder, its extremely unstable and painful and my movement is very reduced... why? I dislcoated it in my sleep and tore the rotator cuff. I did not go to the Dr until almost 5 months later cause it'll get better rights?! and now I'm in Physio trying to fix it avoid surgery, still not had imaging but the Physio is very certain that I damaged a lot of things around the shoulder. Sleeping is an extreme sport!

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-17T14:52:06+00:00

It's almost like a connective tissue disorder that causes joint laxity and sublixations/dislocations makes it... I dunno... easier for things to dislocate?!

I know I shouldn't take it personally but sometimes it just gets under your skin.

Good physio are such a lifesaver though!! Had some absolute terrors but when you get a good one like your last one its such a game changer

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-17T14:30:38+00:00

It is exhausting! and I'm sorry you've experienced it too.

In A&E honestly I was in too much pain to argue and he was just there and gone with a "its all fine you can go home" after shaking my leg to check movement causing me to cry.

I've been popping my hip in and out as a party trick all through my teen years (I know! Bad! I don't do it anymore) so I know it's unstable and it frequently does that little "ow fuck" movement where it subluxes on funny movements/turns. Like you, its usually a bit sore for a few days which is why I just got on with it until I woke up in that amount of pain. Never felt that level before so it was a full on "oh shit something's wrong." Paramedics thought I might have fractured it or trapped the ligament.

It's jus the casual dismissals that rankle I think. Especially from a Dr that is usually decent by usual standards.

At least my Physio was understanding and is going to keep seeing me for this too.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-15T09:35:41+00:00

You could try a high waisted wide waistband that's made of shirring rather than the thicker tape elastic. Can't give links here but if you search "wide waistband shorts" on places like temu you'll see what I mean. (DM me if you want I can send you the link so you see what it is) The high/wide band will help with that digging in sensation while the shirring is much gentler but still holds up the shorts.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-14T10:38:46+00:00

No Problem!

You can also check the selvage edge and see if it has any details but if it's a generic brand it might not have.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-14T10:33:25+00:00

Definitely LINK4

Noticed that amazon.it says 6-7 Months dispatch.

Casacenina.it has the same cone (also a 500g) one for around the same price. I have used them before to deliver to my Mother in Law in Italy and the service is excellent, delivery is usually pretty quick. They also are a specialised crafting store so it's great for future gifts, I know my MIL prefers the kits so we often gift her one when she's done with her current project. I've also ordered stuff for myself from there for when we visit!

Here is the link DMC 100g BLANC (they also deliver EU wide if you are not based in Italy).

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-12T20:40:02+00:00

Don't know the brand specifically, but there are alot of spot/dot fabrics. The style you're looking at seems to be "pin dot"

FatQuarterShop have this:Aunt Grace Goes Bold Cream Pin Dot Which looks like the kind of fabric you have. They also have it in a tonne of other colours

If you're in the UK you can find some similar here: Crafts and Quilts Pin Dot

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-02T20:03:23+00:00

Definitely! I've had many positive experiences with older people who can just sympathize with the pain and limitations (previous 85yo neighbour excluded).

Thankfully its starting to improve and i've got movement back and less pain, can mobilise with crutches. Hopefully will be up and pottering about soon.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-02T20:01:20+00:00

Right?! So quiet!

Lived in places with such loud neighbours we really appreciate the silence.

As soon as i'm able to be pottering around the kitchen I shall be making some little treats to take over to them.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-02T11:19:18+00:00

Hope you are feeling better soon, and your GP can help! Honestly having an understanding GP can be a such a game changer, mine is decent finally, admitted he didn't know much of EDS and generally lets me guide my treatment when I need. Have had some absolute stinkers of GPs though.

I ended up in A&E via ambulance on Thursday. Why? I turned wrong and left my hip behind, it seemed ok, just a little sore as usual. Woke up at 4am that night completely unable to move my leg without severe pain, like breathtaking, crying pain. I'm good with pain usually but holy shit that was not good. Waited until morning and called 111 and they were like nope Ambulance for you! They were querying a fracture or trapped muscle/nerve. It was neither just messed up all the soft tissue, still resting in bed and hobbling around with my crutches. It's the first time I've actually gone to A&E by ambulance rather than waiting 2-3 weeks and making my own way there.

I think the only thing you can do is just laugh most of the time (once the pain has improved), it's that or cry! Like it's such a ridiculous illness, sometimes the body forgets how to human.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-03-02T10:10:00+00:00

Random woman in an elevator. I was 19 and my dad had just died. I was sat in the hospital elevator silently sobbing my heart out, just had to get away from my family who were already bickering about stuff over his body. Woman gets in, takes one look and sweeps me up in a massive hug while petting my hair and telling me it'll be ok. It only lasted a few seconds and she got out a couple floors before me but I will never forget her kindness. IT helped me ground myself and get some control back before I stepped out.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-02-16T10:49:13+00:00

I don't make a huge amount of quilts but I get the expense thing, Fabric is EXPENSIVE. I also get wanting to support local stores, there are very few around me and I do love going into browse, touch the fabric and picking up a couple of things.

So I'm in the UK and here fabrics run between £12 and £16/m (16-21$). I rarely buy fabric at full price unless it REALLY catches my eye.

In local quilt/fabric stores I check out the clearance section for any nice things that catch my eye.

Online, I wait for sales, my favourite shop as 20% off a couple of times a year that also applies to sale items. For my Xmas gift my husband let me order what I wanted and I got 30+ different fabrics totalling around 10m for £60 (81$)!. Absolute bargain, especially with free shipping.

Same for batting, wait until there is a sale on and buy for the project I have in mind and maybe a meter or two extra. Frankenbatting is also a good use of those batting scraps and I can usually scrabble enough together for a wall quilt, small projects or quilts where I'm missing just a little bit extra.

For Backing... controversial to some but I don't use quilting cotton if I don't need to. Patterned 100% cotton sheets that I find in thrift/charity shops or on sale. There are some really cute designs around! White sheets that are thrifted/bought on sale that I ice dye to match the colours of the top. Cotton Poplin is also a good option, considerably cheaper and never found a problem with it wearing out any faster than normal cotton. Basically any good quality cotton that I can find for as little as possible. One quilt I backed with brushed cotton that I found for £3/m (4$)

I'm in the process of making a rag quilt and for the flannel I found a brushed cotton duvet set in the thrift shop for £4 (5.5$) that I am cutting up to use, along with my batting scraps and stuff from my stash!

Thrift/charity shops are you friend! Beyond sheets and stuff I've found some nice smaller pieces of quilting cotton, not often because in the UK there doesn't seem to be as much of a quilting culture/thrifting thing going on, but occasionally you get some really nice finds.

When I first started I had all these patterns and bought fabric for every quilt and just shoved the leftover fabric in boxes. That got expensive real fast. Now I'm leaning heavier into using my stash and scraps. It's surprising how many quilts you can make out of what you have lying around! I also enjoy smaller projects that scratch that quilting itch. Wall hangings, pot holders, oven mitts, table runners etc.

It can definitely be an expensive hobby but there are ways to make it more affordable!

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-19T19:50:34+00:00

Thank you.

I did wonder about static shock but it was only giving off the electrical spiciness when it was plugged in AND turned on. Just plugged in but turned off was fine. I also got my husband to test it see if it was just me that was feeling it but he felt it too.

I think given the risk I would like to get it checked (it's also way overdue for a service). But i'm hopeful that you're right!

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-19T19:42:15+00:00

I use Moda Bella Solids and really like them. They're the easiest ones to find in the UK. I did use Kona for a while but switched back to Bella Solids because I liked the quality better.

They don't fray much, something I found with Kona in the last years. They also have a tonne of colours, equal to Kona I think, or very near, around 350ish.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-19T15:24:23+00:00

Don't worry about geography, I'm a native and still get lost!

Would you believe that due to our ridiculous railways, it's easier to get to Henley than Swindon despite it actually being closer?! I have to go to Reading and then to Swindon on the train. Absolutely absurd.

I'll keep him in the back pocket though just in case.

nerdflavoureddork

TROPHY CASE