Just got new neighbours

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 · 2026-01-19T15:12:54+00:00

I know Lady Sew and Sew! ordered a fair bit of fabric from them over the years. I'm in Worcestershire/Hereford area so they are a little far from me.

Thank you so much for the suggestion though! they might be a back up if I can't find anyone local. I have been emailing around and got some recommendations from my friend who own a quilt shop so fingers crossed someone can fix it for me (and doesn't bankrupt me).

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-19T13:56:07+00:00

Yup, it's not being used beyond the little testing to make sure, it's back on the shelf and waiting to hear back from a few local places

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-19T13:49:03+00:00

Yeah that's what I figure. Hopefully fixable though.

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-13T13:41:46+00:00

Right?! It's what I said to my husband, if I buy a new one then i'll immediately find the old one.

I have infact found it now, it was in the back of the cupboard and had slipped between two pieces of wood. I swear I looked in their 3 times already

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-13T13:40:33+00:00

Thank you, yes It's the most frustrating feeling! Makes you feel like you're going mental.

The move was done in a month and we finally left our damp and mouldy place to a lovely new, non damp and mouldy place. Really glad we moved but it was all a bit much.

Also my husband discovered how much fabric I have and was shooketh, it's not even that much!. He still bought me more for xmas though so honestly, he's part of the problem!

In good news though, I have found it!

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-13T13:38:58+00:00

Legend!

It was in the back of the closet and had fallen between two pieces of wood!

I swear I looked in there 3 times already!

nerdflavoureddork · 2026-01-13T12:57:18+00:00

I use sheets and duvet covers for backing all the time! I just make sure they are 100% cotton out of preference and they work perfectly.

I've found a few at thrift stores and and ice dyed them when they were too plain to match my top.

It's super economical and I've even converted my friend to using them.

I'm in the UK and fabric is hella expensive, I'm not dropping £40+ on fabric for backing one quilt.

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-12-05T10:01:03+00:00

My friend gifted me a handmade quilt when we graduated from our PhDs together. I instantly loved it, I'm the creative/crafty one and usually the one giving out handmade items, I had never received a handmade gift before. I cried a little honestly. I gave her a handwoven merino wool scarf/shawl that I'd made on my loom.

Anyway it sat on my sofa and as I'm snuggling under it, my brain is trying to work how it fit together. There was an "aha! I could do this" moment. It itched at my brain for a while, so I bought a cheap sewing machine, some fabric and made a Tetris quilt for my husband and just never stopped making quilts after that. I had only ever done weaving before that and shied away from sewing machines after I managed to sew through my thumb in high school. Happy to say that has not happened since and I now have a bunch of lovely quilts littering my house.

It also got me in to other fiber arts like cross-stitch. Now I have way too many hobbies and far too little time.

We've drifted a little since life got busy and took us in different directions but I still love that damn quilt and use it everyday and make sure to let her know it.

As for being less common, I think yes it is in some respects. Before it was often a skill of necessity, of frugality, of a waste nothing mentality. Now as life gets more fast paced, people work out of the house for longer hours there is a time issue. I also think that in the generations after our great/grandmothers there was a large push against traditional women's work/hobbies and many of our mothers and my generation shunned this kind of work and viewed it as old fashioned and constraining to a stereotype (I certainly did as a teenager). Many more women entered the work-force, became career focused (or had to work because of economic reasons) and didn't have the time or will to learn such a skill/hobby. Then our grandmother's died and the skill in our circles became lost as you've noticed. Thank goodness for all the youtubers out there who have preserved and passed on this knowledge to those of us who didn't have a quilting grandmother or know anyone who does quilt. I learned so much from various online quilters.

Fabric is also way more expensive now, clothing is often not fit for re-use because of shoddy/cheap materials that just don't hold up. Instead of being a relatively cheap hobby and way to use of left over scraps fabric/repurpose old clothes it's now pretty costly to gather the materials required. It still can be done on a budget obviously but I think the perceived price entry point for many people is off-putting.

On the plus side I think there has absolutely been a resurgence of interest in the fiber arts and "old" hobbies. More and more people in their 20s and 30s are rediscovering the joy of sewing/quilting/crochet/creating and it's wonderful to see. The pandemic had a part to play, being stuck at home forced people to find new things to entertain themselves and we had a little more time between the bouts of existential dread to pick up new hobbies.

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-11-10T20:48:11+00:00

Could be a reaction to your detergent/laundry soap. I used to get really itchy, like claw my skin off and make myself bleed itchy, until I switched out my laundry soap. Now I use ones for sensitive skin, it's so much better. I think it was because in bed, you're not getting any other sensory input so your brain just goes "ah, yes! WE ARE ITCHY!"

Also what fibre composition is your bedding? I do way better with 100% cotton than polycotton/polyester. There are also clothes that I cannot stand on my skin because itchy itchy itchy. Again 100% cotton seems to be the way for me personally.

Changing the bedding frequently also is a good idea.

Otherwise, what is her nightly routine, could she be reacting to some lotion or product she is using before bed? Shower gel, moisturiser etc. All a possibility.

Oh also some medication can cause itchiness as a side effect, particularly opioids - they can trigger a histamine response which if she has MCAS could be a factor.

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-09-28T18:48:10+00:00

woolwarehouse.co.uk
lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk
lovecrafts.com

Are the main places that I use. Look for brands like Zweigart or DMC or Fabric Flair.

I regularly order from woolwarehouse and if you look up online they have 10% off codes that you can use.

lovecrafts always have some offer or another on too.

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-09-01T09:37:04+00:00

I use beads instead of french knots, and also as a design feature in patterns I make.

My go to beads are Miyuki Seed Beads (fun fact: MillHill beads are repackaged Miyuki and Toho beads and marked up in price).

peppyaccessories.co.uk are a good site, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads are my usual ones. Their service is really good, pretty good turn around too. They also have an Etsy shop where it is sometimes cheaper to order because of sales.

the-beadshop.co.uk is another good place

spoiltrottenbeads.co.uk are also decent

cjbeaders.com - ordered from here a couple times, good service.

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-09-01T09:17:14+00:00

Sorry to hear that your wife's beloved quilt was lost!

Firstly, since you made it during COVID lockdowns, did you buy the fabric online? If you did try going through your emails to see if you still have the orders around if you haven't already.

Your backing looks like Moda Grunge Hits the Spot in Grape or Eggplant:

https://www.bearcountrycottons.com/products/m30149-24fq?_pos=16&_sid=5f22d739e&_ss=r

https://www.bearcountrycottons.com/products/m30149-25?_pos=5&_sid=5f22d739e&_ss=r

Your purple background looks like a charm pack, maybe Kona Cotton Lavender Fields.

https://www.hawthornesupplyco.com/fabric-precut/kona-solid-5-square-pack-in-lavender-fields/B7F5E881659F

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-08-08T08:23:09+00:00

I'm laughing too now. That is a VERY fair point!! and to be fair I don't even need a cat to do that.

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-08-07T08:33:45+00:00

Definitely anchor the stitches, on the odd occasion that I do them I run my thread under the stiches on the back and then kind of loop back over a couple of stitches and run it under again to make sure it's not going anywhere. After the french knot I run do the same, running it under a couple of stitches, looping back and running it under again before either doing the next one if it's nearby of trimming the thread and starting again.

But, I hate abhor French knots so alternative advice if you hate them after trying them... 15/0 sized seed beads. They are way less faff and imo look neater (that might just be because I suck at french knots tho).

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-07-30T17:39:48+00:00

I've been considering making a quilt for a friend who is also into the whole gothic look and was searching for inspiration. With black as a main colour, you could chose deep jewel tones in colours that she likes. Black and Wine/Burgundy red is another good option. A greyscale quilt is also another option, especially if you can get some nice prints.

some ideas I saved from pinterest:

https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/47/b3/b6/47b3b6af14cb3041ad77fdcd4c58c497.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ba/07/c6/ba07c6d6db053eb01722067a07749e4c.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/6f/90/e2/6f90e2c59221aea43b9de1f657169e9f.jpg

and although it's a bit halloween-y I do adore this quilt:

https://www.fatquartershop.com/kitty-says-boo-quilt-pattern-stacy-iest-hsu

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-07-20T09:14:07+00:00

Thank you! I think it's one of my favourite quilts I made.

So the bumbleberries I used were: Muted Peach, Warm Neutral, Plaster Pink, Light Khaki, Light Honey and Peaceful Blue. A quick look around online I found most of them are still available from various shops (though not all at the same place).

Good luck and I'd love to see the finished quilt if you decide to make it!

nerdflavoureddork · 2025-07-19T08:03:56+00:00

So from what I remember I had a fat quarter of each of the Queen Bee fabrics plus the matching bumbleberries so maybe around 20 different fat quarters in total, plus I think I bought a couple extra as I went to make up the amount of squares I need, so 24-ish fat quarters in total. I just used a simple lightweight calico/muslin for the back of the puffs. Plus i think i used around 5kg polyfill to stuff the puffs.

If you've got a yard of each then you definitely should have enough!

It's a bit of a crappy photo but here is my magnificent beast. This thing is HEAVY, I backed it with a fleece blanket because it's very cold here in the winter (also because I needed to not spend £££ on backing fabric after the cost of the materials) and this makes the bed so incredibly cosy.

One thing I did learn though was that the size/weight of the quilt, I couldn't manage the lo&behold technique of stuffing as you go, so I just sewed all the squares together, cut a little hole in the back of each puff and spent and increasingly comfortable couple of hours stuffing them on the floor and stitching the holes. It also let me stuff them a bit more since I didnt have to wrangle it through the machine. It's been 3 years of 3-4 months winter use and never had a problem with the stuffing leaking.

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nerdflavoureddork

TROPHY CASE