Fred

Writer, crafter, costumier, patchworker, hermit. Historical textile obsessive. I enjoy bad robots, Yog-Sothoth, and all flavours of undead, and am very much older than 21. Content will include profanity. She/they.

I write queer-normative SFF/horror and other cross genre fiction, plus non-fiction too. Got a doctorate in History of Art and am learning German.

Profile pic is a quilt I made. Banner image is Byland Abbey in Yorkshire.

https://ko-fi.com/fredatron

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fredatron_at_wandering.shop@momostr.pink

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Last Notes

2025-04-06 10:04:07

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ahaha yeah! I can't remember where I first saw the term, but DOOM just works. Didn't organise, only moved describes just about everything I tried to declutter in the last place we lived!

2025-04-06 08:39:06

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It's taken many years, but I've finally got to a point where I keep like with like (pretty successful at this, but it needs constant vigilance), and try my best not to have DOOM containers. I've still got stuff in drawers and boxes that I need to go through, but at least that's known to me.
Still got a fuckton to do in the next layer of unfucking and organising, but I'm so pleased to have the place at a stage where we can enjoy our living space.

2025-04-06 08:35:23

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This is what left us with many pots of stationery, even after the massive clearout of our last move.
Now I know what we have and have been through everything to make sure we're not keeping random shit for no reason, I can make sure we're using it and not buying new things.
There's also space in case I come across anything else that needs putting away. Happily, I'm confident we don't have other stashes of this kind of stuff waiting to be uncovered.

2025-04-06 08:32:54

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A lot of our problems come from many years of not putting things away after we've used them, and developing backlogs of useful things we don't know we have and/or can't find.
I've got pretty damn good at putting shit away over the past decade, through ongoing conscious effort, but my partner doesn't have the resources to make that effort (chronic illness). I need to get better at checking in with him and putting things away after he's used them.

2025-04-06 08:28:20

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While I was at it, I found a heap of lovely black fineliners in various widths and have distributed these between mine and my partner's to-hand pencil cases.
I've also separated out a load of good quality biros and will take those into work for everyone to use. The ones we've got in the office right now are shite.

2025-04-06 08:25:44

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So far today:
Cleared off the TV table shelves and cleaned them.
Cleared out and cleaned all the tubs of stationery.
Cleared out all the various mugs and pots that we keep stationery in, so it's to hand. A few mugs are waiting to be washed up.
Re-housed my partner's miniature painting brushes so they're all together and he can easily find them.
Made some space, and gained a decent idea about what stationery we have.
Got rid of broken and worn out things.
Made a charity bag of good things.

2025-04-06 07:19:20

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Man, this is gonna take a while. Still, I have a charity bag of useful stuff we don't need going on, and I feel like I'm making progress.
I've emptied three pots of pens just sitting around the place so far. I'll reinstall some later because we need a pen, pair of paper scissors and other bits to hand at strategic places around the flat, but they'll be better organised, tidy, and not covered in dust or mould stains.

2025-04-06 06:40:23

Back on the unfucking train this morning.
I'm setting about the load of stationery that lives in a little TV table by the sofa. We don't have a TV, so this is where the printer and my 1920s sewing machine live.
It's time to test the many many pens we own and see if they work. This won't create a lot of space, but I've cleared out all the big clutter so we're onto the small bits.

2025-03-25 07:05:41

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💜
Tempted to line the pocket belt version with this too, it makes me so happy to see it!

2025-03-23 11:51:30

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A glimpse into one of the pocket openings showing a bit of the lining ❤️‍🔥
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/114/211/593/294/812/674/original/41cd80ab36223323.jpg

2025-03-23 11:14:50

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Skirt is mostly assembled. Just need to finish off the waist, the closure, and sort the hem.

2025-03-23 08:24:03

This morning so far, I've done zero chores, but I've cut that black cotton drill into the right bits for a first version of the overskirt and assembled the front panels with their appropriately sized* pockets.
*enormous.

2025-03-21 07:47:42

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Either that or there's some mould developed in the bedroom. But the tree blossom has well and truly started, and that's usually when it starts to get me.

2025-03-21 07:39:20

Slightly stuffy nose and two sneezes this morning.
It appears that Hayfever season has begun 😬

2025-03-20 07:35:49

Been having a very competent week.
Went to mark some museum objects on Monday only to learn that the child safety cap on the bottle of acetone was also curator proof. Took far too long to get into it both times 😭
This morning, emptying the vacuum cleaner, failed to get the lid back on the cylinder and sent dust flying all over the kitchen floor. Beautiful.
Things are now clean though 🎉

2025-03-19 08:14:38

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😂 I'm just gonna sit here and yell DO IT!!!!
I love the embroidery on this one, but have you see this? HOT DAMN https://holyclothing.com/collections/valkayrie/products/valkayrie-maxi-1

2025-03-19 08:08:33

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I'm in love with the concept of the overdresses at Holy Clothing (https://holyclothing.com/collections/overdresses/products/tauriel-silver).
There are some details that won't work for me, so it's not worth me saving up to order one, but I think something similar would work for me as separates in a different style. The overskirt will basically be a system for carrying huge pockets, and the waistcoat needs to have skirts. I have a large arse and like it to be warm.

2025-03-19 08:04:51

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The more I think about it, the more certain I am that flashy waistcoat was the reason I bought that needle cord in the first place.

2025-03-19 07:51:11

Went shopping in the stash this morning and found some black cotton drill. Perfect for an overskirt wearable mockup.
Who knows when I'll actually make it, but I've hauled out the fabric so I'll remember to wash it tonight.
Also found some utterly glorious teal needle cord that makes me think flashy waistcoat.
I have annual leave next week, and I'm hoping to get my arse into gear and make a damn waistcoat.

2025-02-16 09:21:12

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The corsets in this ad aren't heavy duty shapewear - even the one the grown woman is wearing. These sit at the more conventional end of dress reform.
Also, gotta love the lass telling us the buttons don't pull off. I'm guessing that might have been a problem.

2025-02-16 09:18:41

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FITS BABY TOO!!!!!!
OK, now I've got that out of my system, some context.
Corsets for infants were stiffened tubes, usually using cording (string sandwiched between two layers of fabric), which were intended to help the kiddo's torso grow properly. They were standard before medical science figured out that rickets was caused by a vitamin deficiency.

2025-02-16 09:14:08

Wanna see my favourite C19th corsetry advert?
This has been making me laugh for weeks now.
Presented with no context (I'll put a bit of context downthread, as a treat).
Dates from 1890-91 btw.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/114/012/777/951/168/428/original/002506b16477baa1.png

2025-01-02 12:02:43

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If only I could be arsed to bring mine out, I might find the needle faster! I've got a magnet on a stick with a light embedded, it's great for finding pins and needles.

2025-01-02 11:46:47

Just had to order a few more curved beading needles, because I lost one somewhere in the living room this morning, I mislaid an entire pack several months ago, and I've one left that I can access.
Happily, I found some of the old John James ones on eBay for very cheap.
Still, I have a premonition that one of us is eventually going to find that needle and it may not be a pain-free experience.

2024-12-14 07:25:26

The tatting shuttle arrived yesterday! It's really pleasing, and was super dirty. Like utterly filthy! Understandable - I'm guessing it spent a long time in a forgotten corner getting dusty.
I've cleaned it with water and cotton buds, which got so much grime off it was amazing. It's looking much happier now.
The shuttle is definitely made of bone and is held together with brass pins. It's even got a little hole to secure thread through.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/649/971/628/685/986/original/3b20b289465e7115.jpg
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/649/972/855/773/240/original/76f83c3bdfe76bc3.jpg

2024-12-10 23:48:15

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Thanks! Yep, I'll definitely share pics when they arrive. I'm now going to be the living embodiment of the packidge meme until the parcel comes.

2024-12-10 23:30:39

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The one I chose has a lot of crochet hooks, including four that I'm pretty damn sure are bone. I've been wanting bone crochet hooks for a long while for various very nerdy reasons.
There are some vintage knitting pins in there, and some metal crochet hooks that look in the region of 1880-1930 (I'll likely change my mind when I have them in my hand). They need treating for rust, and I need to practice treating objects for rust. Win-win.

2024-12-10 23:27:02

God only knows how I didn't realise this before, but eBay has job lots of old sewing equipment stashes for very little money, and I can just go on there and buy one.
Ethical mystery box!
Feeling burnt out, headachey and having had an episode of weird visual bullshit earlier today that made work a bit of a struggle, I've treated myself to the contents of (presumably) someone's late relative's sewing and crochet tin.
Very excited about this arriving.

2024-12-02 08:54:56

Got the winter quilt up this morning. Guess who didn't measure before making? Yeah. I like it though.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/582/380/100/938/488/original/bb47f488ffd8e44a.jpg

2024-11-30 08:26:22

New Sally Pointer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr43b95n3n0
Very tempted to try this with the nettle I've got left.
#ExperimentalArchaeology #Textiles #TextileCrafts #HistoricalTextiles

2024-11-28 07:45:03

Going to go see Barney this morning on my way to work, in case I don't get another chance.

2024-11-18 09:36:06

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Bollocks. Turns out the split is a damn mouth ulcer. Which, yep, unsurprising after so many salt and vinegar crisps when I'm already feeling run down.
Painful and annoying though. And we're out of anbesol. Guess I'm off to the shops at lunch.
Going to hammer it with vitamin C and hope that helps.

2024-11-17 21:06:29

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Somehow managed to get the embroidery mounted up, I think maybe I was treating it as a fidget toy (also procrastinating writing is a powerful essay to get sewing done). Used a piece of card, softened with polyester wadding. There's a circle of felt on the back to cover up all the tension threads.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/500/315/464/565/266/original/d5a902ba21391d7b.jpg

2024-11-17 20:43:24

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These are quite overweight chihuahuas, which is why they're potato shaped. But the walks are doing them a lot of good.

2024-11-17 18:51:22

Finished the mini wreath embroidery. Marked as sensitive because I've sewn a seasonal greeting onto it and it's way too fucking early for that.
Also I stabbed my finger and bled on it, because of course I did. I'll take a look in daylight and might need to put on a few more bits of plant.
Sending this off to the parents, once I can be arsed to mount it. Might not be tonight.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/499/793/773/263/028/original/dbfc042c5649d6d1.jpg

2024-11-17 18:31:32

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😂
They're roughly the size of a cat and the shape of a potato, and they wiggle when they're excited! Just to help with that picture 😅

2024-11-17 17:47:49

My split lip hasn't got much better, but at least I can be confident it's not a cold sore (it's a split, there's no blister, and no other associated symptoms. Just an annoying sting whenever I eat or move my mouth, like a paper cut).
This hasn't happened to me in years, and I'm guessing it's because of the acetic acid and being a bit run down. I've got back into daily vitamins and am hoping that'll help.

2024-11-17 10:44:32

Time to go walk the chihuahuas.
There's nothing quite like the greeting you get from dogs you only see to take them for a walk.

2024-11-17 10:09:34

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I think I'm responding to uncertainty and helplessness in the face of global events and the overwhelming tide of malice and destruction by trying to be super organised in the things I do have power over.

2024-11-17 10:01:10

Super slow start to the day, but I've managed to get two of the remaining three (I miscounted earlier!) international parcels ready to post. The other one isn't going so far and doesn't need sending yet.
Hoping to get the final birthday parcel of the year sorted today as well. Went in with the parents to get nephew a rugby top he wanted.
Walking the doggos this morning. Looks like it'll be good weather for tiny hounds.

2024-11-15 08:30:00

It only went in yesterday, and only in one gallery, but the fake snow is already everywhere.

2024-11-03 20:51:59

One of the fidget toys I printed this morning, from a free DMC pattern. I think I'm finally getting the hang of French knots.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/420/988/109/985/652/original/f9f19511f28f68ef.jpg

2024-10-27 07:50:20

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Done!
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/378/286/471/357/491/original/3eb7f9f5449e42cd.jpg

2024-10-27 07:09:48

These are two of the eyelets I need to finish off. Because I relined the bodice, the metal eyelets it came with are only through the outer fabric.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/378/126/449/761/438/original/094cb7a454712d79.jpg

2024-10-20 10:49:25

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Isn't it just!
It's the wrong season for wearing, but is it the right season for making?...

2024-10-20 09:44:50

Well, I've reached the point where I have all pattern pieces ready, but I have some unfucking to do before I can get fabric out and start cutting it.
Will I do this? We will see!

2024-10-20 06:40:51

It's headache time. Lovely.
Starting the day by printing the rest of that bloody cape pattern that I've wanted to make for years.
I need a smart winter coat, and this will be it. I'll be making it from wool in my stash, so the only cost was the pattern. Might need to buy lining, depending. I'd like to use some linen I already have, and I'm thinking about that glorious bright teal I bought a few weeks back.
The cape: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1587944269/witchy-cape-sewing-pattern-sizes-s-to?ref=yr_purchases

2024-10-08 06:52:55

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One of the things I found at the bottom of the to-be-sold bag is an old velvet trouser leg. The other leg is now a cushion, and a really useful one at that. This leg used to be a doorstop, though back then it was stuffed with old jumpers that had come to the end of their life (they have long since left us).
I've lined it up to be washed, and if it comes out nice I'll use my collection of wadding scraps to stuff it and make a second cushion. I think it'll be really good for back support.

2024-10-08 06:51:13

So far this morning, did the regular chores, chopped up veggies for the bigass chilli I'm planning on making after work, sorted through the to-be-sold old clothes bag and transferred everything into a far smaller bag, found a few things I want to salvage, and did a few society things.
Still feeling grotty, so I'll be working from home today.
#food

2024-09-25 06:57:18

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Here's the twisty boy. Very happy with it, and very tempted to paint it up too.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/196/879/082/788/475/original/e849cc1fa4c3a88d.jpg

2024-09-24 06:56:43

My new-to-me embroidery stand arrived yesterday. I'm really pleased with it, and the fact I managed to put it together without messing up. 😅
It's lightweight, simple, made of wood and metal, and is flexible enough that I can turn the frame however I like while I'm working (needed for the braid stitches).
I think I'll get a lot of use out of it. It's already making the goldwork easier.

2024-09-17 06:49:47

Last night, Barney followed us to bed and stomped around on us meowing and purring for a while, then fucked off into the living room to do Important Cat Things, where he stayed until I got up at quarter to six.
He had no accidents out of his tray, and wasn't sick. Win!
He's had some shoulder time, some lap time, and he's now having a snooze on the sofa next to me.

2024-09-08 18:09:37

Progress!
Elizabethan plaited braid stitch with some chain stitch and heavy chain stitch in places because the widths of the channels aren't ideal. There are a few early C17th examples which use chain stitch or heavy chain stitch in a similar way, so I'm OK with that here.
#PearAndSnailCoif #Embroidery
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/103/249/555/820/868/original/cd45480f2aaf474c.jpg
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/103/250/095/094/768/original/cd6f5f4da1892169.jpg
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/103/250/704/686/015/original/f8863b91e65e1756.jpg

2024-09-03 17:43:23

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This is the quilt. Sunrise by Jackie Benstead.
As I say, it's not just the trees. And it's not just the colours, the depth. It's the fact it's made of log cabin blocks. There's a serious skill to this that isn't immediately apparent and is so very very impressive. This fucking quilt. Excellent.
(Even if it's painted after piecing and then top-stitched, which I'm now wondering if it was, I still love it.)
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/074/825/663/831/854/original/3487f41918dc890b.jpg

2024-09-03 17:33:19

Going absolutely feral over this one particular miniature quilt in this quarter's edition of The Quilter (magazine of the Quilter's Guild of the British Isles).
I can't find it online anywhere, but I'm sure it will be eventually.
This fucking quilt, it's amazing. It's not so much the overall effect, which is pretty cool, it's the sheer technical capacity that got me.
I'm gonna go get a photo.