Bex

They/Them Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/Qu33rios

[sunflower-punk]

I'm not like other girls, I'm the pope <3

[magicalyaku]

Hello and welcome to my 2023 reading wrap up! A big Thank You to everyone who followed my ramblings throughout the year! <3 I will continue through 2024. Maybe I'll learn how to write proper reviews, at least I'll try to remember better what I actually want to say about the stories. In 2022, I read 93 books plus my own. Guess how many it were in 2023? 93 plus my own!! xD That was huge coincidence and I love it. Of these 94 books, 4 are rereads (which won't be included in the "Favourite" sections), 2 are non-fiction, 11 are non-queer. I only DNFed 1 book (which is not pictured) and other than that I only disliked 6 books! (And it's a pretty soft dislike in comparison. I don't hate them nearly enough to want to shit on them again. :'D).

So on the the awards!

Most Read Author: KJ Charles (8 books)

Least Favourite Book: Daresh (Katja Brandis) (the one I could not finish for dear life)

Favourite Character: Brand (The Tarot Sequence) and Will (The Will Darling Adventures) (yes, there's a trend)

Favourite Covers (of books I read, not releases):

(There were too many. D:)

Highest Emotional Investment (aka The Agony, the suffering, the why you do this to me Award): Dark Heir - The Scottish Boy - In Memoriam

Wildest Story: The Adventures of Pinocchio

Favourite Books:

The Devil's Luck (L.S. Baird)

The Scottish Boy (Alex de Campi)

In Memoriam (Alice Winn)

Just Lizzie (Karen Wilfried)

Dark Heir (C.S. Pacat)

The Will Darling Adventures (KJ Charles)

Gwen & Art are not in Love (Lex Croucher)

The Buried and the Bound (Rochelle Hassan)

More Books I enjoyed greatly:

Oracle of Senders series (Mere Joyce)

Of Feathers and Thorns (Kit Vincent)

Wren Martin Ruins it all (Amanda deWitt)

Simon Snow series (Rainbow Rowell)

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley (Shaun David Hutchinson)

The Tarot Sequence (K.D. Edwards)

The First and Last Adventure of Kit Sawyer (S.E. Harmon)

Sixteen Souls (Rosie Talbot)

By any Other Name (Erin Cotter)

The High King's Golden Tongue (Megan Derr) and more!!

Most Used Name: I counted names last year and didn't want to do it again this year because I read so much fantasy, so the names were all over. Still, there was one who stood out amongst them all with at least 4 instances, if not more. Probably more.

Will

Congratulations. I have to admit, I've always liked that name. My favourite character of all times and part of my one and only OTP is named Will as well and I kinda hope the last book of their second trilogy never comes because it will probably make me scream and ... ...

Bonus! This year, I counted pages! Because I felt that most books were much shorter than what I read before. So I wanted to know. Turns out, my feeling was wrong. My 93 books had a whole of 33011 pages which results in approximately 350 pages per book. That's pretty normal I dare say.

That's it for 2023! I had a very good year in books. I wanted to read less actually, and failed spectacularly because I had too much fun. And if anyone's wondering how I read so much, I read fast and I just didn't do anything else in my free time. Escapism to the max. I hope, the new year treats you well! I hope, you have fun with the books you read! Let's meet again soon! <3

[sunflower-punk]

Saving this for next time I can afford to buy books :)))

[sunflower-punk]

Fixing lycanthropy in Harry Potter

(Please note, JKR is a disgusting person who is spreading only hate, and you should not provide her with financial support by purchasing licenced media or merch)

Remus Lupin and lycanthropy in general presents an issue for harry potter, as it is used to parallel the real world condition of HIV AIDS. This is a problem because of the presentation of werewolves in the series as dangerous and violent. The prejudice directly reflects the hate that was spewed at queer people during the AIDS crisis and is still rampant in modern homophobia.

To create a more accurate (or at least less harmful) alagory, my first suggestion is to make werewolves less dangerous. To do this, it should be explicity stated in the text that werewolves do not attack people unless they feel threatened (kind of like bees), despite the propaganda within the wiziding world that they are hungry monsters out for blood. This could be done by having Harry, Ron, and Hermione completing the essay Snape sets and mentioning the differences between a more evidence based account of werewolves and the texts Snape assigned them to work from.

I would also make a slight alteration to the medications that are used. I would keep wolfsbane pretty much the same (perhaps include a pain management element?), but also present a second potion that requires less frequent doses and lasts longer (this is so that remus forgetting his potion on the night they catch Peter does not impact the effects of this potion). This potion is based on the real life medication used for HIV positive people to prevent the spread of the virus by reducing viral load, its purpose would be to prevent the spread of lycanthropy so that when transformed, Remus does not risk infecting others.

This change allows the narrative to shift focus from the people around Remus (and the threat he poses to them) to the effect lycanthropy has on Remus himself. The pain it causes, the mental load of being unable to control himself, the damage the curse does to his body, etc. This creates a more accurate representation of disability, as it presents the condition as affecting the individual in a significant way, unrelated to its effect on those around them.

With these changes, the story becomes about a discriminated minority, pressured out of his position on no real basis (as he now poses no real threat to the students, unlike the canon story) and it can explore both the struggles he faces with his condition and the difficulties caused by a bigoted society.

[sunflower-punk]

Started a new project (no, I have not finished the project that I need done for the 16th, but shush!).

Making an outfit for an allotment themed barbecue and bar crawl!!!

This is the plan:

I only have a few days, so there's an order of priority since most elements could be substituted with something I already have (e.g. the skirt).

Got some mount board and a hat to turn into a mushroom. I've already got fabric for the underside (and some fairy light, tho I'm not sure what I'll do with the battery pack), but I need to get my hands on some red for the top :/

I already have a strength fabric for the corset and I'm going to hunt through my scraps to try and find a fashion fabric. I've bought a pattern, just need to print and assemble it and I've got zip tie boning, the real problem is grommets/eyelets (also a problem for my ballgown project).

I'm trying to find some scrap green for the leaf caplet (hopefully with enough to add a hood..)

I've got plain white cotton for the shirt, but I need to do a mock up to see if my self drafted pattern works.

I will update when I've made progress. Wish me luck :)))

[sunflower-punk]

Progress update: hat complete. Nothing else. Running out if time.

Wish me luck :/

[sunflower-punk]

This is the completed corset with a bit of embroidery to match the mushroom hat

[sunflower-punk]

Massive changes for the progress of my ballgown!!!!

I have purchased a secondhand hoop skirt...

^ hoop skirt with original underskirt over the top

I still need to add more volume to the bottom of my petticoat and hem it

But my skirt has come a long way (almost all the trim is gathered down and sewn on) and I've finished making a hefty bum and hip pad to support the skirts and exentuate my waist

I'm waiting for some organza I bought to arrive (I need to order more as well) and I would like to find some fun trim and appliques to add to the bodice. I also want to add gems to the skirt and perhaps an organza overskirt.

No improvement on the bodice (I was too excited about the hoop skirt, lol), but I'm already feeling like I walked right out of a fairytale :)))

Not sure how I'm going to fit on the bus tho... :/

[sunflower-punk]

Forgot to post updates as per usual, but here are the few progress photos I remembered to take and the final dress

First is the cut out pieces for the bodice, the the assembled bedside before I bound the top edge. Then there's the bodice before adding the bertha and the overskirt draped before sewing. The final pic is the one I took before leaving for the ball.

Pretty happy with how it turned out, although my skirt was too big for me to go on any of the rides they had outside :(

[ibajo256]

[sunflower-punk]

Started a new project (no, I have not finished the project that I need done for the 16th, but shush!).

Making an outfit for an allotment themed barbecue and bar crawl!!!

This is the plan:

I only have a few days, so there's an order of priority since most elements could be substituted with something I already have (e.g. the skirt).

Got some mount board and a hat to turn into a mushroom. I've already got fabric for the underside (and some fairy light, tho I'm not sure what I'll do with the battery pack), but I need to get my hands on some red for the top :/

I already have a strength fabric for the corset and I'm going to hunt through my scraps to try and find a fashion fabric. I've bought a pattern, just need to print and assemble it and I've got zip tie boning, the real problem is grommets/eyelets (also a problem for my ballgown project).

I'm trying to find some scrap green for the leaf caplet (hopefully with enough to add a hood..)

I've got plain white cotton for the shirt, but I need to do a mock up to see if my self drafted pattern works.

I will update when I've made progress. Wish me luck :)))

[sunflower-punk]

Progress update: hat complete. Nothing else. Running out if time.

Wish me luck :/

[sunflower-punk]

Started a new project (no, I have not finished the project that I need done for the 16th, but shush!).

Making an outfit for an allotment themed barbecue and bar crawl!!!

This is the plan:

I only have a few days, so there's an order of priority since most elements could be substituted with something I already have (e.g. the skirt).

Got some mount board and a hat to turn into a mushroom. I've already got fabric for the underside (and some fairy light, tho I'm not sure what I'll do with the battery pack), but I need to get my hands on some red for the top :/

I already have a strength fabric for the corset and I'm going to hunt through my scraps to try and find a fashion fabric. I've bought a pattern, just need to print and assemble it and I've got zip tie boning, the real problem is grommets/eyelets (also a problem for my ballgown project).

I'm trying to find some scrap green for the leaf caplet (hopefully with enough to add a hood..)

I've got plain white cotton for the shirt, but I need to do a mock up to see if my self drafted pattern works.

I will update when I've made progress. Wish me luck :)))

[sunflower-punk]

First attempts at instant photography!!!

I have one more (the very first), but it has my face in it (also it's just not very good, lol), so I'm not posting it.

I'm really happy with these and I'm steadily building up my confidence. I've only taken three because it's so nerve-wracking to take a photo when every mistake costs 75p :// I have to keep reminding myself that this is why I'm interested in film photography.

I've also finished my first roll of 35mm film and I'm taking it to get developed tomorrow (so nervous that I'll find out I did something wrong or that my ancient camera wasn't working properly the whole time...). I will make a post about it when I get the photos back!

[sunflower-punk]

Massive changes for the progress of my ballgown!!!!

I have purchased a secondhand hoop skirt...

^ hoop skirt with original underskirt over the top

I still need to add more volume to the bottom of my petticoat and hem it

But my skirt has come a long way (almost all the trim is gathered down and sewn on) and I've finished making a hefty bum and hip pad to support the skirts and exentuate my waist

I'm waiting for some organza I bought to arrive (I need to order more as well) and I would like to find some fun trim and appliques to add to the bodice. I also want to add gems to the skirt and perhaps an organza overskirt.

No improvement on the bodice (I was too excited about the hoop skirt, lol), but I'm already feeling like I walked right out of a fairytale :)))

Not sure how I'm going to fit on the bus tho... :/

[sunflower-punk]

Started a new project, didn't remember to take photos at key points, so ur gonna have to use ur imagination for some of this...

Summer ball time (second year version)!!!

Unfortunately this year does not have a historical theme :(((( instead it's 'golden hour gala' not to my tastes, but ok, I can make a gold ballgown! I've still taken a lot of inspiration from historical fashion in the construction and style of the dress.

Started with a decently sized underskirt I got for a tenner from a charity shop. It's got nothing on a proper crinoline, but I'm working with what I've got and I appreciate it for the job it does :) then I got some old charity shop bedsheets from my fabric bag and cut panels for a petticoat. I added pockets into this layer, then added a waistband and attached the pockets to it with a strip of fabric.

I bought a set of curtains from a charity shop and cut pieces for a circle skirt, i've sewn the side seams with openings to reach the pockets, and there will be a closure in the back. The skirt isn't full length, I've cut strips to turn into a ruffle for the bottom (ran into an issue when I realised I didn't have enough fabric, but I made it work). I have a second hand corset that I altered to fit me and I drafted a pattern for a bodice. It still needs some altering, but the basic shape is coming together.

I'd like to add more fullness to the bottom of the petticoat and I plan on making new hip padding to make the skirt more dramatic.

I will update when I remember to... at the very least I will take a photo at the ball and post that :/

[sunflower-punk]

You know it's gonna be a good art project when you're rooting through your recycling bin for materials

[sunflower-punk]

First attempt at dyeing yarn that I spun:

Collected dandelions from my garden and boiled them, then left them overnight. I didn't do the full process because I don't have alum, I just went straight to dyeing the yarn.

This is the finished yarn and a comparison to the undyed wool. It's not a very noticeable difference, even in person (and not at all on camera), but I was expecting that, since it was going from beige to yellowish beige :/

I would have loved to do a different colour, but dandelions were all I had access to. Maybe next time I'll try and find something else (suggestions and tips are very welcome).

Overall, I'm still pretty happy with it for my second attempt at spinning and my first attempt at dyeing (I would consider anything that didn't come out ruined a success, lol).

[sunflower-punk]

GUYS!!!!

It's finally happening...

After so long waiting to learn how to spin yarn, I visited a local independent yarn shop only to find this!!!!

I found some wooden dowels in the art room at my college and bought some small cup hooks from bnq. My dad had a spare plank of wood and a hole saw and....

Tada!

I made three, but two are quite wonky :/

This one works tho and I'm finally spinning!!!!!!

I'm getting more consistent as I go, I'll post again when I've finished :)))

Any tips from experienced spinners would be greatly appreciated!

[sunflower-punk]

This is it completely spun and plyed, then I knitted a little of it (not it's permanent form) to see what it was like.

It's very inconsistent, but I'm happy with it for my first try since it is, undeniably, yarn!

I can't wait to do more spinning, I've already ordered more wool (didn't think I'd get through this so fast) and I'm going to work on improving to consistency of my drafting.

[sunflower-punk]

Thought I'd already posted an update to this... oops :/

This is my second attempt wound up into a centre pull ball ready for plying. It's much more consistent and much thinner.

This is after plying. I'm definitely much happier with this second attempt, but I have another 50g of this wool and I'm considering doing the same with it and then plying the 2 together for a cable 4ply, or just using this as it is to make short socks.

As always, advice from more experienced spinners is greatly appreciated :)

[sunflower-punk]

If I had a nickle for every time that I read a book where a character rides into battle impersonating another character to rally the soldiers, I'd have two nickles, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice, right?

[green-character]

Since I have no friend to speak about Perciver with and haven't been in the fandom for quite a few years I'm asking you people on the internet to please share with me your favourite fanworks about them

[cherrylisie]

Art General @beekekies

@percival-ignatius-weasley

@ablique

@teeth317

@doofranch

Fanfics General

sugareey

hchollym

volunteer_of_hufflepuff

Fanfics specific

Twenty-nine by Endrina

tears like shooting stars by starsailing 

At least he has great abs by Irisen

Burn Across the Sky by MoonytheMarauder1 (beforethemoon)

little messed up but i'm not anymore by happynotdignified

One Rainy Friday by Artemis1342

An Unexpected Visitor

we fell in love in october by i_wanna_be_your_sin

Sneaking Around Like a Snitch by rem_png

good old-fashioned lover boy by aeoneskova

[sunflower-punk]

Saving for later

[sunflower-punk]

GUYS!!!!

It's finally happening...

After so long waiting to learn how to spin yarn, I visited a local independent yarn shop only to find this!!!!

I found some wooden dowels in the art room at my college and bought some small cup hooks from bnq. My dad had a spare plank of wood and a hole saw and....

Tada!

I made three, but two are quite wonky :/

This one works tho and I'm finally spinning!!!!!!

I'm getting more consistent as I go, I'll post again when I've finished :)))

Any tips from experienced spinners would be greatly appreciated!

[sunflower-punk]

This is it completely spun and plyed, then I knitted a little of it (not it's permanent form) to see what it was like.

It's very inconsistent, but I'm happy with it for my first try since it is, undeniably, yarn!

I can't wait to do more spinning, I've already ordered more wool (didn't think I'd get through this so fast) and I'm going to work on improving to consistency of my drafting.