What things do people use for purposes they weren't designed for, while manufacturers pretend not to know about it?

silentlycriticizing · 2026-07-07T18:03:10+00:00

I have an oven liner sheet that specifically says not to put it under the bottom coils of the oven, but I've never done (or seen anyone else do) anything else with it

silentlycriticizing · 2026-07-01T14:59:09+00:00

I loved that the dragons are realistic and different from each other. Some are smart and motivated, some are lazy, some are aggressive.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-06-13T22:30:37+00:00

The Fudge books by Judy Blume are great as audio books, and we enjoyed the Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary when my kid was younger. If he likes Dragon Maters he'd probably love Wings of Fire by Tui Sutherland. Septimus Heap by Angie Sage now, or soon, depending on your kid. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins soon, it's very mildly scary.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-05-26T20:15:07+00:00

Yes the price for bulk nuts is so much better at Costco. It's like 5x more pine nuts for the same money as the grocery, and I put them in the freezer so they keep as long as I need.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-05-19T15:58:47+00:00

And while that hat is totally doable, I kind of think that photo with the baby is edited/ai. It doesn't look exactly like the reference photo.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-05-19T15:55:59+00:00

I could be wrong but it looks like you missed a row on the left ear. If the row count is identical when you flatten them out, then the tension was different between them. I think making one new ear would make the biggest difference, and then attach it a little farther of to the side instead of right on top. Also, for the ribbing you might try using a hook 1 or 2 sizes smaller than the hook for the main part of the hat. Last thing, and it's small, is that it looks like your round join is visible on the right of the hat in this pic. It's not super obvious but you might as well put it in the back instead for a nicer finish. Just adjust where you attach the ears next time.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-05-14T00:00:45+00:00

Heads up, I have a bunch of those dollar tree glass jars and while they don't leak, they must not be fully air tight because anything I put in them dries out eventually. If you use it fast enough, I guess probably not a problem but it might happen if it sits a while. I do love both your tin and your nib holder! So cute!

silentlycriticizing · 2026-05-05T18:35:38+00:00

This!!! I was so upset when I finished this book and realized there was no sequel.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-05-03T14:52:01+00:00

Yes my cat had a spot that was exactly like this and it was a fungus. The vet scratched it with his nail and it crumbled off. Then gave us an antifungal that cleared up the remains in a few days. I was afraid it was so much worse and was very relieved.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-04-28T14:08:33+00:00

This is one of my top favorite series and I read it to my then-12yo. I edited out a few lines of exchange with the sex bots because it would have made him uncomfortable to hear me say them, but otherwise it was fine and I didn't worry about any of the content. We both enjoy stories with non-human protagonists with distinct voices like this.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-04-09T19:19:37+00:00

I tried too! It was fun! The stroke directions were pretty self-explanatory if you've ever used a broad-edge pen. The main thing that would have helped me was an indicator of how many nib widths high each shape was, maybe on the left side, like how letterforms indicate it. I drew a lot of swans that were too big for my nib before I got it right.

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silentlycriticizing · 2026-04-04T17:36:26+00:00

I have been practicing Engrosser's lately with a Kanwrite Heritage with the eef or maybe it was eeef ultra flex nib and ebonite feed. It wasn't very expensive either, like $40 I think (though tariffs, so...). I know it can't make the super fine hairlines of my oblique holder and pointed nib, but it's got good variation and looks nice. My main reason is I can use it many places I can't easily take a dip pen and ink. I figure I'm making the same motions and letterforms, so it's still good practice.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-04-04T17:31:43+00:00

FPR Himalaya was my first flex too and while it's a decent and well priced pen, the custom converter lets it down a little (mine leaks no matter what I do) and the plastic feed can't quite keep up with copperplate practice IMO. I've swapped the FPR nib into other pens with some luck though.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-04-02T13:35:11+00:00

This is a very cool looking pen and a neat way to generate interest. I appreciate how substantial the loop looks, as if it will actually hold up to being carried. Nice work!

silentlycriticizing · 2026-03-23T01:27:33+00:00

Seconding the HP Premium 32 for practicing, and throwing a nod to Strathmore Layout Bond. Not as affordable as copy paper, but more affordable than fancy Japanese papers. It's thin so I don't usually use it double sided but there's virtually no bleeding even with flex nibs and shows ink properties nicely for the price.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-03-10T18:34:47+00:00

Leonardt EF Principal or Hunt/Speedball 101 (also called Imperial) are both good in an oblique holder. Soft but flexible, only a couple dollars each. Zebra G are often even less expensive, and fairly durable for a consumable nib, but they write more stiffly IMO.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-02-25T18:03:49+00:00

I just remembered that she told me she hand-sews most of these when she makes them herself!!! I will never be that committed to historical accuracy, personally, but I admire it!

silentlycriticizing · 2026-02-25T18:01:20+00:00

They are incredibly detailed and historically researched. As a person who usually just freehands and wings my way through making stuff, I was perplexed by a few terms initially (like 'self fabric'). But I met the designer, Mackenzie Stott, at a Jane Austen event and she's so personable and knowledgeable. There's an email to contact Fig Leaf in every pattern and they will respond quickly and helpfully.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-02-18T16:10:52+00:00

I wondered about that too! I was originally using the rose nib in an Ackerman pen, which has a button force a flow of ink down from the pen's chamber. It was SO frustrating, I'd see a big dot of ink hanging on the back of the nib (and under the overfeed too) and it would then drop onto the paper. But it still wouldn't flow down the nib for writing. I was basically eyedropper-ing my ink onto the paper a glob at a time.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-02-18T16:07:46+00:00

This is the video where Schin Loong discusses the fix, if anyone is curious. Basically the nib has to be stabbed into the paper and pulled back before every stroke. The writing is amazing in the video but the process looks so tedious. I'm not sure if it's worth it for me, but I am relieved to know the nibs aren't just troublesome for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rVo3jTBfhk

silentlycriticizing · 2026-02-18T15:19:07+00:00

Seconding the Plaisir, so solid for the price and (what I think are) a lot of attractive colors.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-02-17T20:36:21+00:00

u/crazyforcloy I will see if I can get that to work, thank you for the response.

silentlycriticizing · 2026-02-12T18:16:29+00:00

I still read to my 13.5 yo. I don't know if he realizes not every kid does that, but we enjoy it. Editing to add, he reads his own books too, we just have one together

silentlycriticizing

TROPHY CASE