13 Tips, Tricks and Advice to Sew BETTER! 💗

[@drsusanboden3376]

My tip is the only numbers that matter are on your tape measure. So much heartbreak, wasted time and self-shaming goes on about ‘I am a size 8 in RTW but a 20 in the big 4 pattern companies’. Be a sewing detective (about your body and fit) not the sewing police. I absolutely adore your vim, vivacity and vigor 💕

[@handmadeharriells]

*be a sewing detective and not the sewing police* I LOVE THAT.

[@katherinetrumm7022]

Tip 12, have fun and making it your sanctuary... Preach 🙌. I have had people try to push me into taking commissions and starting an Etsy shop, to which I have said no. Sewing is just that for me, time to unwind and create with out pressure.

[@handmadeharriells]

Ah yes, I’ve learned the people I sew for have to understand not only the assignment, but the assignment they’re giving me 😬

[@Ginyasha]

garments becoming quilts becoming garments again feels like magic and i will never stop.

[@handmadeharriells]

I mean right? And you have the perfect handle for magic 😁

[@handmadeharriells]

HI Y'ALL! I'll be checking in later today...we're celebrating a family birthday here and we've got merriment to make 💗

[@louisechristinelarsen2248]

May you have a beatiful time together

[@handmadeharriells]

The celebrant says thankya!

[@handmadeharriells]

🥂 !

[@beth12svist]

Also, considering that quilts were once upon a time made out of old clothes, I see no problem whatsoever with making clothes from old quilts. It's just taking the thing full circle. ETA: I should probably add, as a person interested in the history of textile, I also understand and support the need to preserve the integrity of old textiles. But if it's in the family and you have permission from the family to remake that quilt, as you do? Cool, you're continuing and enhancing that family quilt's story. :-)

[@handmadeharriells]

Yes, I would never reimagine a quilt without permission, and I don’t have permission for the quilt in this video yet! But I’m gazing at it right now, thinking about how MARVELOUS the edge would look on the hem and neckline of a sweeping gown….sigh…….

[@nancyring8104]

Marcy, I’ve been sewing for 60+ years, but you gave me some new ways of looking at some things!! And, you hit all of my favorite tips as well!! Also, I watched that “quilt police” video yesterday and had a few thoughts of my own!!😡 (I also make quilts, btw.) Anyway, great job on the video and Hi, Rob!!❄️❤️

[@rmorine6394]

Quilter and sewist here too. I felt Mary's genuine passion and pain in that video. She's not one to come from a "quilt police" kind of place. She was deeply troubled about a trend, and was pretty bold about putting her feelings out there. That took courage, knowing plenty of people would disagree. I can see both sides. If it's your own family quilt, like Marcy's, where you know the story and how you want to write the next chapter of that story, that could be pretty awesome. Maybe it's like the final tip to learn the rules so you can "break" them wisely. For someone who wants to make a quilt garment, before cutting into it, consider making a block of the pattern. That would help with understanding how to deconstruct or cut into it to make a garment. Quilts aren't going to behave the same as bought fabric when you cut into them. Also since they are finite "measure twice, cut once!" 😄

[@handmadeharriells]

Rob says Howdy, Nancy! Yes, I had to tap out pretty quickly. I’ve had shade thrown my way for a quilt jacket and gown I made several years ago, and so my eyes can’t roll harder. Many, many, MANY better things to raise awareness about… @RMorine, I love applying the final tip to quilts that are up for reincarnation…and imagine the fantastic time you’d have really studying the quilt and how it went together before reimagining it! I know that one of the uncredited sewists brought up in that video takes that kind of time and care.

[@nataliequinton5976]

Ironing is life! And a good iron is the best tool. I love me a cordless iron. And nice caveat emptor on believing all the internet sewing sites.

[@daxxydog5777]

Loving Lady Featherweight in the background!

[@elainerhode2298]

I knit, crochet and sew and consider myself a novice/beginner at all, but the most relaxed I've been has been sewing. I would whip out 3-4 scrub tops in a weekend and loved every minute of it. And ironing, forget it, I LOVE to iron, seams twice, finished garment once. Thanks for the hints, got to find a flat, hard surface to start my next project.

[@handmadeharriells]

A fellow iron lover! YES!

[@apriljoperez]

I have been binge watching the show Elementary on Hulu and imagine my delight when I recognized my favorite KZbin sewist in the cast! Totally made my night!!

[@handmadeharriells]

Ah I loved shooting those episodes! The zanier the part, the happier I am 💗

[@hannahcoleman2940]

“Cheers my dear” from 🇬🇧 and 🇮🇪 🙏💚☘️

[@sarahnelson3778]

I'm a quilter, but I'm a sewist first! I think that quilt would be great on you. So go ahead a cut it up, just be warned it's probably hand sewn together. So it may unravel easily when you cut it. Can't wait to see what you make next! Love you, thanks for inspiring others!!!

[@handmadeharriells]

One day! And it’ll probably take a week of planning before I even get to cutting 😅Thank you, Sarah 💗

[@juliebute905]

Cut up that quilt and have fun!!! It’s your quilt and you can do whatever you want with it. The seam ripper is my favorite tool! I Enjoy your videos. I have been sewing for over 50 years and I learn something new about sewing all the time.

[@handmadeharriells]

Julie, that makes me SO happy to hear. I bet I would learn a thing or twelve from you!

[@TwixyNo]

MARCY! Poetry in number 4! This is another very fun and helpful vid. It made me want to clear off a big floor area, give it a good dusting, unravel some fabric and have at it. Like that tailor’s ham and dog leg I have been threatening to make. I have all the parts, including sawdust! Now I need some time when my cat is asleep so I don’t have kitty arguments that I just can’t win. Thank you and Rob for your.efforts (as clearing snow is an effort).

[@handmadeharriells]

Kittens always win arguments 🤣🤣🤣but I hope you got some fabric unraveling in! I have yet to sew a stitch here and I’m getting ANTSY. Poor Rob, he really had to shovel with a broom 😅

[@TwixyNo]

@@handmadeharriells I always have a broom in my car in the winter. First. It is better than a little snow brush to clean off snow. Second, if my car breaks down i can still get home.

[@Mrs.Jones_]

I love the old 221 in the background! I have one too. It’s the best machine ever!

[@Whitney_Sews]

First video I've ever seen of yours and I love it! Immediately subscribed.

[@handmadeharriells]

Welcome!!

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

Great list... I also love a lack of seam allowance, it makes things fun. and also, thanks for reminding me that I don't miss snow. LOL

[@handmadeharriells]

🤣🤣🤣snow sure is prettier here but yeah, I can do without it on a regular basis!

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

@@handmadeharriells it is def pretty. I love to look at it... through a window,from inside a heated home. Maybe crack the door open for a minute to feel the cold, crisp air but just for a moment. LOL

[@stephs.8082]

love your style and effervescent personality inspiring my return to sewing

[@Andrea_Hall]

I think you need to bring your little crystal glass and come to Australia for some sewing retreats. I would love to spend a weekend learning how to sew and have fun with you. Though I would probably be too busy fan girling than actual learning!!! 😂😂😂❤️

[@handmadeharriells]

Now that would be FABULOUS. I get pretty fangirly myself when surrounded by sewists, so we’d surely need a full cocktail hour of playing before getting to the sewing (ie, more playing)

[@Andrea_Hall]

@@handmadeharriells sounds like a perfect plan. ❤️

[@rachellynncreates2703]

I use washers for pattern weights. Yesterday i went to grab one..... and there was a giant googly eye in the pile! It was hilarious!!

[@handmadeharriells]

🤣🤣🤣🤣googly eyes, never not funny 😅😅

[@angelabatterman6381]

Great tips and tricks. I am in a Face Book group for Cross Stitchers, they kept talking about frogs. Finally I asked , "What is a frog?" It is when you use your seam ripper for taking out incorrect stitches since you are rip rip ripping them out! Another is "Eat the Frog first". Poor frog, but it means to do the hard part first. Measure twice cut once is the best, my Rule when I had my drapery workroom. Always love watching you.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Rip it, rip it, rip it. The sound a frog makes.. Lol.

[@handmadeharriells]

This is the FIRST time I’ve understood why it’s called frogging ! 🤯

[@smallfootprint2961]

@@handmadeharriells ... Yay!

[@meganmyers1657]

Thanks for making this! I'm a new sewer so I'll take all the help I can get!

[@jeannepien4565]

You are so much fun. I haven't sewn in years. I saw the skirt you made for Kristy Glass. You inspire me! I'm making sun dresses for my Granddaughters.

[@handmadeharriells]

Oh I bet they’ll love them!

[@deeaskegard268]

Thanks for today's video! You are so uplifting. And, thanks for the iron recommendation: mine spits and spills often.

[@handmadeharriells]

🤗you’re most welcome, and thank you, Dee!

[@deidrabenson361]

Thanks sooo much for sharing!❤️❤️❤️

[@conniepetruk7300]

Amazing Marcy!!!! Miss you🌹

[@handmadeharriells]

HI CONNIE. I'm late to the party!

[@sandreawhite7534]

Love these. It should be fun!

[@rbersani1]

Loving your videos....and Rob. :)

[@handmadeharriells]

That Rob is sneaky 🍸

[@miriamgladen9615]

Love the T-shirt. And in the 1970th I was wearing a warm and comfortable jacket. Quilted. Of course you can cut up your quilt. Love from Germany

[@handmadeharriells]

Thankya Miriam! I mean, who wouldn’t want to walk around swaddled in a quilt 💗

[@janebaker745]

Absolutely fantastic another really helpful video... I taught myself to sew properly during lockdown in 2020... now I make and sell handbags.. but I'm yet to try making clothes... but I really really want to ... so this is giving me more confidence to try xxx Thank you from a very wet n windy West wales in the UK xxx

[@handmadeharriells]

That’s wonderful Jane! You can absolutely sew a garment, it’s just more steps and maybe a few more curves 😊. Stay dry!

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Hello. Howdy. Thank you for sharing. I love the stuff in your background. Sewing, knitting, and reading is my therapy.

[@dongraham7881]

Marcy AKA Barry. It took me two years to figure out why your face was familiar to me. And yes the hair and that killer smile kept me guessing, what, where, when. Many of you may be well aware. I just watched for the sewing tips and you guys are a great couple. Deathproof ! (the movie)

[@handmadeharriells]

Ahahahahaaaa! God I loved shooting that. Occasionally someone will drop me a 🦋 and it always takes me a minute to figure it out! Thanks very much from both of us 💗

[@roxyadams9858]

Hi. I love your videos. Please make a video on the basics of pattern making. Thank you

[@handmadeharriells]

I’d love to-I’m thinking about releasing long form videos soon!

[@roxyadams9858]

@@handmadeharriells ❤❤❤

[@rachel4theking]

THANK YOU! Hubby just ordered my Valentine gift...one of your shirts💖

[@handmadeharriells]

Ah Rachel! I hope you like it! (and thankya, hubby 😉)

[@kaygee4691]

Loved this! 😄Wholeheartedly agree with number nine! Ironing is life! Or, the way Roberta Carr put it (wow, that's dating me, innit?) "Pressing IS sewing." If one is doing it right, they're spending more time at the ironing board than they are in front of the sewing machine. You and Rob are just too cute, btw!

[@jeaniekrieger6619]

# 10 was my favorite and so very true and not often on sewer's lists. I liked how you talked about seam allowances also. I think 5/8" became a US standard because various patternmakers thought 1/2 inch was over used. ;-) Keep on keepin on Marcy.

[@handmadeharriells]

I can imagine the meeting: Folks, 1/2 inch SA is so overdone. Let’s be trendsetters 🤓😅 Yes, and I think we ought to talk more about #10! In terms of indie designers, it’s eye opening to look at the designer, the block usually has a similar shape…

[@nancysteiner8814]

Loved it! Thanks for the fun morning watch😍😜

[@lilahedgie]

One of my coworkers referred to a seam ripper as a "sewing eraser," because you can just erase those mistakes!

[@handmadeharriells]

YASSSSSSS.

[@lyndagasper4346]

I’ve recently come upon your channel and love it! You make it interesting and fun to watch. Thanks for the tips and keep em coming.

[@SewtheDistance]

Love this, love you and all your videos! Great advice! Thank you for addressing that person and her video. As a quilter, and a quilt collector, I have struggled personally with this subject, and that person's video made me realize just how silly I was being, which I realize it is complete opposite of her intent. Brava to you!

[@handmadeharriells]

Wow, that is surely not the response they were going for and I and HERE FOR IT! Brava back atcha!

[@debbieguillot287]

Thanks so much for the great tips. Always great to see you guys! Can’t wait to get my shirt!

[@handmadeharriells]

Oooo Debbie I hope you like it! And thanks from both of us 😘

[@candyflossinct]

Marcy I applaud you for no 5 .. whoop whoop self Love and a good self esteem #2022goals

[@handmadeharriells]

ALWAYS. They’re just numbers!

[@smallfootprint2961]

Hi Marcy. I learned to use the 5/8ths inch seam allowance a lifetime ago, so it comes naturally. I can have any sized seam I want, example: if I surged a seam, but just have to remember where the seam line is. A French seam; 1st 1/4 in, and then 3/8 in, adds up to 5/8ths. Love your experience, your colors, your makes, and all those great tips. Hi Rob.

[@handmadeharriells]

Rob says hiya! I also love to do a French seam using the center line of my presser foot-it’s just slightly over 1/4 inch, so when you stitch, trim and stitch, the turn of cloth gets you to exactly 5/8ths in the end.

[@smallfootprint2961]

@@handmadeharriells .. you so smart!

[@robynbraxton8337]

Love you Marcy and you too Rob

[@handmadeharriells]

🤗🤗🤗

[@traciperdue]

Thanks for sharing, Marcy. So true. Thanks for the tips. Have a great day!!!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

OOOO that quilt and pillow!!! Cute t shirt. My daughter sews, knits, crochets and embroiders I am thinking of one for her xxxxxx

[@handmadeharriells]

Ooo maybe we need a tee for all the thread arts!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

@@handmadeharriells great idea!!!!

[@meganmyers1657]

Yayayayay the best part of Saturdays!

[@handmadeharriells]

🤗🤗🤗

[@hcelestemorris]

Perfectly put!!! All of it! Love your tips and your joy!

[@l.baughman1445]

Love the tips, “Hi” back to Rob! Now, I support the philosophy that one does not cut up Quilts to make other stuff. Family history, fiber art, etc. It is a POV. Ken Burns collects them. Someone commented with some good points about if family were ok with it, or if it was made of old clothes-and now needed to be clothes again, etc, that could also be another part of the family story, the quilt’s story. Honor the history and respect the maker, and if you need to change its form, do it with love and care. Those be my thoughts.

[@handmadeharriells]

And fine thoughts they are! There are certainly quilts I wouldn’t reincarnate, but then there are others in family closets destined for donations. I think it’s also about the POV of the possessor…and maybe how many quilts they’re looking at keeping 😳 Rob’s grandmother was prolific! I wonder what will happened someday to my rather prolific garment filled closet. Rob says hi !

[@l.baughman1445]

@@handmadeharriells ♥️♥️♥️

[@candacej.wilson3770]

Again, awesome you always give me my sewing medication! Yes, Ironing is the TRUTH!! ❤️❤️I have been unsuccessful with most of the pattern companies they never fit my door knobs!😁. I get through it somehow. Butterick most cut too small. I have most of the fit books purchase over the years (Fast Fit, Sandra Betzina). I LOVE SEWING! I sewed everyday in the Army! I honesty must say, It’s up and down. I all almost every sewing tool know to man. I really need to know how to alter my patterns or learn to make own slopes. You are best!❤️❤️❤️ I can only tolerate a few of the tube tubers! I wish you could have a meet-greet, I will be in line running. I coming to NY with my Auntie 2/26/22 to check out some of your suggestions. Thank you again.

[@handmadeharriells]

Oh thankya Candace, what love filled sewing sentences! Sewing medication right back at us 🥰 You’re going to love your trip. Definitely stop in Chic Fabrics and say hi to my guys! And one day, I’ll have to figure out a big ole meet up.

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

The only quilt cutting that will get somebody cut would be one of those my mom made for each of her seven kids. By hand. One for each of us. Messing with that will get you a thorough and professional ass whuppin.

[@handmadeharriells]

HAHAHAHA I bet it would, and I wouldn’t dare if I were one of those seven 😅!

[@uniquewhimsy622]

Cool shirt🥰🥰🥰

[@lynylyn316]

Great tips! Love the feather weight in the background 💖 Still use my moms. That tee is epic. 💸

[@handmadeharriells]

There’s a money flies emoji?! Where has this been all my life 😅😅😅

[@dacrayzblaze1]

i find 1/2 or 5/8 much easier to use than 3/8. I also use a magnetic seam guide and that is how i ensure that my stitches are straight. I will never stitch without it!

[@Grwmslays435]

Thanks for the tips! Your podcast just popped up on my feed and I enjoyed watching it. Thanks for the sharing these tips. I learned to sew as a teenager. I made clothing; costumes, guilts and lots of alterations. Your tips remind me of what my mother taught me. It’s been awhile since I made clothing but I hope to sew some hand made clothing this year. Looking forward to watching more of your podcast.

[@handmadeharriells]

Thanks Diane, oh I hope you jump back into garment stitching!

[@pamici1]

Every time I think I can't love you more!!!!

[@handmadeharriells]

🥰🤗🤗🤗well Thankya!

[@hollyscott8772]

I love seeing your Featherweight behind you. So cute and an amazing powerhouse of a machine! Please tell me you sew with her!

[@handmadeharriells]

I do indeed! In fact that’s my very first machine 🥰

[@TraceyTruly]

My tip, don’t use fabric scissors for cutting wire…. 👀 embarrassed 😳 bwahaha I am a sculptor/crafter first with sporadic, lightning strike moments of sewing random straight seams….and USED to keep my fabric scissors in the same container as my other well used and abused scissors cause I trusted I would not dare 👀 use them on wire…………..eep…. Now I keep my fabric scissors, dedicated to fabric, in a whole other container off my main work station so I din’t absently mindedly use them for “just a wee snip” of armature wire….. Great tips! The not being afraid to use thread, not be too stingy, really spoke to me.

[@handmadeharriells]

Oh Tracey noooo 🤣🤣🤣🤣Whenever a pair of my scissors gets demoted the next in line gets tougher and tougher jobs (like a wee snip of armature 🤣) Yes, stingy can bite you in the booty…reminds me of another thing I need to learn, don’t skimp on the fabric if it’s expensive and you love it, cuz when you get it home and find out the only thing you can make is a tank top you’ll be mad (ask me how I know)

[@kaygee4691]

Hey Marci. Don't mean to be coming across as nit-picky, (well maybe I am, a bit) but just wanted to state a few thoughts on the terms "ironing" vs. "pressing". I'm so used to the word "pressing" when it comes to garment construction, my ears perk up whenever I hear it referred to as ironing. It depends on the state the garment is in. Pressing is what you do the garment while it's being constructed. Ironing is what happens after it's been sewn. Just sayin'. 😁

[@handmadeharriells]

Kay, to be honest, I wondered if anyone would call me out for the difference! Sometimes the short attention span of YT means details end up on the cutting room floor…but to be further honest I do call it ironing too often!

[@carolyncarter-nash6757]

You are so beautiful and adorable! I love you and your videos. Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏻💜

[@handmadeharriells]

🤗🤗thank you Carolyn, and you’re most welcome!

[@eurydiceallen7412]

Quilter clutching pearls over “cut the quilt” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@handmadeharriells]

🤣🤣🤣it’s good to get the heart rate going 😘

[@janetteewer1803]

Where did you get your tshirt? Love the slogan.

[@handmadeharriells]

That’s one of my own designs, part of our “merch” shop! There’s a link in the description box 💗

[@Masroe]

I love the shirt! However, I was sad when I didn’t see it available in mens sizes.

[@handmadeharriells]

Fixed! ‘Mens/Womens” sizes are now up via the link 💗

[@beth12svist]

Oh yes on seam allowances. Being continental European, I grew up without them. MUCH easier to make alterations to them, too, since you can measure the pattern directly and don't have to keep subtracting the allowance!

[@handmadeharriells]

Ooooo now is that why burdastyle doesn’t include SA? It’s really so much cleaner!

[@beth12svist]

@@handmadeharriells I have no source on why that's the continental standard but I assume this is exactly why, yep.

[@dale3404]

I’m curious about those pattern blocks. Which company is best for pear shapes?

[@yolandahsiao1969]

Friends with wider hips have loved Deer & Doe

[@handmadeharriells]

I’d also look at Cashmerette, I’ve heard nothing but good things!

[@handmadeharriells]

Ooo and also, I’ve found that Burdastyle patterns have an excellent crotch curve for wider hips-but my hips go more front to back than side to side, if that makes sense. Be interesting to see if it works for both angles of the pear!

[@dale3404]

@@handmadeharriells 👍

[@Bernietheoc]

👏

[@mekdeshabesha]

You are very beautiful and great personality me and you going to be friends with my beginner sewing journey 😂❤

[@heatherjsews]

Lol appropriating quilt culture! I literally just read a big instagram rant about quilt clothes. My great grandmother started a quilt and never finished it, I used her half made quilt to add panels to my jeans 20 + years ago, they unfortunately fell apart and were replaced with other scraps from various friends clothes. My only regret is not reinforcing them with Machine stitching over her hands stitches! No one else in my family would have made anything with them, and I stand by my right to repurpose my great grandmother's almost an almost quilt top!

[@handmadeharriells]

You kept her handiwork alive by giving it new life, and I bet you loved those jeans to literal pieces💗

[@harperreads]

Quilter here - right now the quilt world is going gaga about a jacket made out of a quilt. Go ahead and cut your quilt if you want to. Check the construction, though. Probably hand sewn, and possibly appliquéd.

[@tmcdgreen]

"Make sewing be the refuge." ~ Marcy Harriell, 2022

[@handmadeharriells]

We need something to be, right?!

[@melissagoad3161]

So where can I find a list of the rules to start? Been sewing for decades with a trial and error technique and frankly, I know it could be easier. I get books but they are ... drier than a martini and don't translate to 4D in my head.

[@handmadeharriells]

I can definitely work up some lively rules to start! Though I’m sure that after decades you’re doing much better than you think 😁💗

[@loveloreal]

I hate the term "makes" and "sewists".. I prefer seamstress IDK why no one wants to really say that. I call myself a seamstress and I don't feel like a mistress... : D.. I call them "garments" not makes. Ugh. "makes" could be anything. I'm not a painter. I didn't mold a cup!

[@handmadeharriells]

🤣🤣🤣yes we all get super itchy about our labels don’t we?! I grew up with tailor vs seamstress (the latter always said with a derogatory tone, unfortunately, the tailor was always more skilled 🙄). I think that’s also why I like sewist vs sewer (because gross).

[@fairyring123]

"Block"?

[@l.baughman1445]

Block is the primary pattern measurements and shapes used by a pattern company as the starting point to all the patterns in their collections. It’s the master template, so to speak. Also known as a “sloper”. 😷👍

[@handmadeharriells]

I could've sworn I replied...but yes, just as L. says!

[@loukalicious]

So yes, I should learn how all them machines I'm working with work.... somehow it works. Say hi to the nostril!

[@handmadeharriells]

🐽🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stevezytveld6585]

*Dispatch from Ottawa* - Friends. As I sit and type today I am surrounded by Domestic Terrorists, Nazis and "confederate" fans. They have guns. Yesterday they attacked our 73 year old neighbour who walks with a cane. Earlier this week they ripped the mask off of our 13 year old neighbour. She is black and her parents don't yet speak English because the family just got here. Only her teenage brother was there to defend her. The Terrorists are dominating the land that is Ottawa's Rainbow District. Anything with Pride Regalia is covered in human shite. Windows of businesses with Pride Flags are getting shattered. People are followed, mocked and threatened. There are confederate flags. Dear America. That's your flag. Not our. Get it the (expletive's deleted) OUT of my country. There are Nazi flags. There was a Nazi in my convince store yesterday. He had the right tattoos. I get harrassed every time I leave the building. Going to the grocery store to pick up my prescriptions is a literal walk through the mutants for the entire 30 minute walk. They have fire pits in the middle of the street. They're having cookouts. They are day drinking - every single liquor store in this city is empty. The new game of Centretown (downtown) when we see shite and piss in the snow is a round of what we're calling "Trucker or Dog". Police do nothing. They are waiting for one of us to die before they do anything. I know I'm not yet suicidal because I realized that walking through the multiple checkpoints to get to City Hall (normally a 20 minute walk) with a sign reading "For the Honour of Nathan Cirillo Get Out" would get me killed. And there's no TV cameras around so my last minutes would be turned into a shaken phone video meme. He was the young man killed while standing Honour Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I fed him his last meal; I was part of the food contract looking after his unit (and I've been on Disability for PTSD ever since). Multiple people have been filmed jumping for joy on top of The Tomb. Yesterday I had to call in threats that I was reading in the comment stream of their You Tube live feeds. The first "Hang Tudeau from the Crain" that's parked in front of the Parliament Buildings. The second, while I was on hold for the first, was "Blood will run in the streets". I have a police record number to prove it, if anyone is stupid enough to argue with me. They. Have. Guns. Pray for us, eh. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi PROUD

[@handmadeharriells]

Cathy, and Steve…as in our country last winter, I look at the news in shock, but also without surprise. There’s so little I can say. An already shaky world was set on a terrible-and completely avoidable-path three years ago. I don’t know how we get back on track. My father drove an 18 wheeler for 22 years, and never met a stranger, never hesitated to help. I remember sunny summer days when he would take a detour through our neighborhood to catch us playing on the street. I would giddily pull the "air horn" sign and he would give a couple short blasts. It was my favorite thing in the world. This is what comes to mind when I see the atrocities going on. The world is upside down, and I hope you can stay safe in it until it returns to some kind of normal. We’re sending you our love.

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@handmadeharriells Thank you for the love sent, It was received. My first job out of university (I graduated into the 90's recession) was working at a warehouse for a grocery chain. And the guys in the trucks were great - loved them, they had my back. Except for two drivers who would constantly creep out any woman they saw in the street... nothing like yelling at your coworkers to cut it the f out during the middle of a shift... I'm assuming they are enjoying the cookout... These guys are fringe of the fringe. G5 and vaccines will get you microchipped level of Kool-Aid. They don't have a clear leader. And they won't leave until they have 'government-to-government' negotiations with the Governor General and the Senate to rewrite the constitution in their own image. Handmaid's Tale much, fellas? Yesterday Steve was attacked coming home from the Chaplaincy (he's an Anglican Vocational Deacon and works in the projects in the west end of the city). Young guy with no mask pushed passed into the elevator and the assault began. Steve's OK. Neck is sore from taking it in the jaw several times. Right eye is red from getting a piece of rock salt knocked into it. Shiner for his right eye, probably one developing on the left. I don't think he has a concussion, but it's not like we can just stroll into Emerg these days... No one knows how this will end. Police are still letting gas canisters through the line, like they said they were not going to. So they have gas. And a whole bunch of empty beer and wine bottles. They also have around 100 children living in the trucks without real sanitation. So they have a supply of human shields at the ready. Please, Dear Lord, no Jonestown do-overs on this one? Kay?