2023

src/posts/2023/2023-02-01-congrats-gay.md

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+---
+title: congrats on the gay
+image:
+  src: 2023/congrats-on-the-gay.jpg
+  alt: "A greeting card reading, in black. 'Congrats on the,' and then, in rainbow, 'Gay!'"
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+  - gender
+---
+
+A variation on my [congrats on the autism/adhd cards](congrats-ND).
+
+Hand carved modular stamps to congratulate your friend or yourself on your fantastic gayness.
+
+As these are modular, I can expand the range of terms offered if there is demand for it.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+roughly 4" x 3"
+
+### coloration
+
+default: onyx black with rainbow lettering on 'Gay!'
+
+### available as
+
+print, greeting card

src/posts/2023/2023-02-04-irises.md

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+---
+title: iris
+image:
+  src: 2023/iris-prints.jpg
+  alt: "3 copies of the same print of iris flowers and a bud, done in slightly varied color schemes."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+---
+
+A hand carved set of 4 stamps make up this iris print.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+- 5 x 7 inch print
+- 3.5 x 5 or 5 x 7 inch greeting card
+
+### coloration
+
+default: varies. green stem and yellow leafy bits are standard, and iris petals are usually in a pink, purple, or orange with dark blue or purple detailing. other colors on request.
+
+### available as
+
+print, greeting card

src/posts/2023/2023-02-13-butch-hands.md

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+---
+title: butch hands pattern
+image:
+  src: 2023/butch-hands.jpg
+  alt: "Hands wearing a pair of pink and grey gloves with convertable mitten tops."
+tags:
+  - reference
+  - knit
+  - highlight
+---
+
+This pattern is a **Work in Progress** and will be updated with more information as I make a second pair of these.
+
+## Authorship and attribution
+
+- Created: 12 March 2021
+- Last updated: 13 February 2023
+
+This pattern was built on the [Podster Gloves pattern](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/podster-gloves){target="_blank" rel="external"} by Glenna C. on Ravelry. I highly recommend reading and following that pattern to fill in gaps with this one.
+
+## Materials and tools
+
+- bulky yarn
+- fingering yarn
+- Needles: size 8 DPNs, size 1.5 DPNs
+
+## Outline
+
+These gloves are built in two parts: bulky yarn section, then fingering. First, with bulky yarn and larger needles, the ribbed **cuff** is knit in the round. From the cuff we build the **back of the hand** by working a portion of the stitches flat in stockinette. The back of the hand then forms the **mitten top** by making additional stitches and joining to work in the round again, then knitting until a taper and grafting the ends with Kitchener stitch.
+
+With fingering yarn and smaller needles, we work from the leftover cuff stitches up to build the **palm**, using decreases to connect the edges of the bulky and fingering sections. A **thumb gusset** is built with increases, then put onto waste yarn to work later. When the palm is knit to the point it aligns with the start of the mitten top, we pick up stitches from the inside edge of the mitten top and join to knit the rest of the **hand and fingers** in the round. Finally, we split off **fingers** and work each separately, including returning to finish the **thumb**.
+
+## Directions
+
+### Cuff
+
+With larger needles and bulky yarn, CO 28 (N) stitches and join to work in the round, placing a BOR marker. Work in k1p1 rib or your preferred rib until desired length of cuff is reached, then stop at BOR.
+
+### Back of hand
+
+Remove BOR marker. Turn to work WS.
+
+p15 (N/2 + 1) stitches. Place a locking stitch marker into the first and last stitches of this row for a reference point later. Turn to work RS.
+
+Back of hand repeat:
+- RS: k15
+- WS: p15
+
+Repeat until work sits just below the knuckles, ending with a RS row.
+
+Thread a piece of waste yarn through all back of hand stitches. This is used as a reference point later to pick up stitches for the hand.
+
+### Mitten top
+
+At the end of a RS row, place a BOR marker, then make 13 (N/2 -1) stitches using the backwards loop cast on or your preferred method. Join to work in the round.
+
+Establish a ribbed cuff on the palm side of the mitten top while leaving the back of the hand in stockinette:
+- (k1, p1) x7, k1 (15 stitches in rib)
+- k13
+
+Repeat for 4 rows or your desired length.
+
+Knit in stockinette until work is about level with the end of the pinky finger.
+
+Mitten top decreases:
+- Row 1:		(k1, ssk, k7, k2tog, k1) x2 (4 stitches decreased, 22 stitches remaining)
+- Row 2:		k all stitches
+- Row 3:		(k1, ssk, k5, k2tog, k1) x2 (4 stitches decreased, 18 stitches remaining)
+- Row 4:		k all stitches
+- Row 5:		(k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1) x2 (4 stitches decreased, 14 stitches remaining)
+
+Place first 7 stitches onto one needle and second 7 stitches on to another. Graft together using Kitchener stitch or your preferred method.
+
+You can alternately begin the decreases on the pinky side of the hand earlier than on the pointer side - this will make the mitten top fit the hand closer.
+
+### Establishing the palm
+
+You will now start to work with the other stitches left by the cuff, on the RS. Use smaller needles and fingering weight yarn.
+
+Start by making 1 from the yarn between the back of hand (BOH) stitches and your first stitch. Then kfb (or your preferred increase) across all remaining cuff stitches. Make 1 more stitch from the yarn between your stitches and the BOH. You should have 28 (N) stitches.
+
+At the end of your RS row, pick up the selvedge stich *below* the stitch we marked earlier. Then turn your work.
+
+k2tog - the selvedge stitch and your last stitch. purl across to the last stitch in the row, then ssk that stitch together with, again, the selvedge stitch *below* the marked stitch. Turn your work.
+
+Palm repeat:
+
+- RS: sl1 wyif, knit to last stitch, sl1 wyif, pick up next selvedge stitch
+- WS: k2tog (selvedge stitch and last stitch), purl to last stitch, ssk (last stitch and picked up selvedge stitch)
+
+You only need to do this one or two times before starting the thumb gusset.
+
+### Thumb gusset
+
+I diverge slightly from the Podster Gloves pattern here in that there is only one line of increases going up this thumb, and so we increase more frequently.
+
+Follow right or left hand instructions accordingly until you have added 16-20 stitches depending on thumb size.
+
+#### Right hand thumb
+
+- RS: sl1 wyif, k2, knit all added gusset stitches, m1R, knit to end according to Palm
+- WS: follow Palm instructions
+
+If you would like to place a marker for the increases, I recommend setting that up as follows:
+
+- RS: sl1 wyif, k2, [knit 0 gusset stitches,] m1R, k1, place marker, ...
+
+and then on future RS:
+
+- RS: sl1 wyif, knit to one stitch before marker, m1R, k1, slip marker, ...
+
+This ensures that you are not doing your make ones with a marker in the way. But I generally don't use the marker and just knit all the "new" stitches before doing the m1R.
+
+#### Left hand thumb
+
+To be continued...

src/posts/2023/2023-04-16-chanterelle.md

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+---
+title: chanterelle
+image:
+  src: 2023/chanterelle-print.jpg
+  alt: "A print of two chanterelle mushrooms inked in a dark-to-light yellow gradient."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+---
+
+Hand carved stamp based on a photo of chanterelle mushrooms.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+about 2" square
+
+### coloration
+
+default: 2-tone yellow
+
+### available as
+
+patch, print, greeting card

src/posts/2023/2023-04-16-flatfish.md

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+---
+title: flatfish
+image:
+  src: 2023/flatfish-print.jpg
+  alt: "A print of a simple flatfish design inked in sepia."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+---
+
+Hand carved stamp of a slightly goofy looking flatfish.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+about 2" around
+
+### coloration
+
+default: sepia
+
+### available as
+
+patch, print, greeting card

src/posts/2023/2023-04-16-handspun.md

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+---
+title: handspun yarn in party mix and orange-gold
+image:
+  src: 2023/handspun0.jpg
+  alt: "4 skeins of handspun yarn, two in a somewhat pastel multicolor and two in a blend of orange, gold, and white."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - yarn
+---
+
+4 skeins of handspun yarn.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+- left skeins:
+  - 50g, 60yds
+  - 60g, 80yds
+- right skeins:
+  - 72g, 124 yds
+  - 76g, 136 yds
+
+### coloration
+
+- left skeins: multicolor mix of blue, orange, purple, pink, green, and gray
+- right skeins: gold, orange, and white

src/posts/2023/2023-04-16-junco.md

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+---
+title: junco
+image:
+  src: 2023/junco-print.jpg
+  alt: "A print of a junco mid-takeoff from a branch. Eir head is inked in black, body in gray, and the branch in sepia."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+---
+
+Hand carved stamp based on a photo of a dark-eyed junco.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+about 4" square
+
+### coloration
+
+default: black, gray, and sepia
+
+### available as
+
+patch, print, greeting card

src/posts/2023/2023-04-16-killdeer.md

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+---
+title: killdeer
+image:
+  src: 2023/killdeer-print.jpg
+  alt: "A print of a killdeer in black ink."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+---
+
+Hand carved stamp based on a photo of a killdeer.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+1.5" x 2"
+
+### coloration
+
+default: black
+
+### available as
+
+patch, print, greeting card

src/posts/2023/2023-04-16-leather-keychains.md

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+---
+title: leather keychains
+image:
+  src: 2023/leather-keychains.jpg
+  alt: "A picture of multiple leather keychains sitting on a wood table. Many of them are simple rectangle shapes with stitching around the edge; a few are odd wavy or geometric shapes. A few say things like 'MOM' or 'EGG'."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - leather
+---
+
+Hand-stitched leather keychains made from scrap leather.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+1-4"
+
+### coloration
+
+- undyed leather
+- stitching in dark teal, light teal, or red

src/posts/2023/2023-04-16-lupines.md

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+---
+title: lupine
+image:
+  src: 2023/lupine-prints.jpg
+  alt: "6 versions of a print of lupine flowers with the leaves inked in light green and the blossoms inked in a variety of blues, purples, and pinks."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+  - shirt
+---
+
+Hand carved stamp based on a photo of lupines.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+6" x 5.5"
+
+### coloration
+
+default: green leaves, blue/purple/pink blossoms
+
+### available as
+
+print, greeting card, patch, shirt

src/posts/2023/2023-04-16-seedling.md

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+---
+title: seedling
+image:
+  src: 2023/seedling-print.jpg
+  alt: "A print of a 3-stage design of a green seedling barely open, starting to straighten up, and growing strong, with little piles of dirt beneath each one."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+---
+
+Hand carved stamp of seedlings to celebrate new life.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+1.5" x 4"
+
+### coloration
+
+default: sepia dirt, 2-tone green seedlings
+
+### available as
+
+patch, print, greeting card

src/posts/2023/2023-04-20-heron.md

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+---
+title: heron
+image:
+  src: 2023/heron-print.jpg
+  alt: "A print in black ink of a great blue heron, leaning downwards so that eir beak is level with eir feet."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+  - shirt
+---
+
+Hand carved stamp of a great blue heron. Based on a photo from [birdpixel](birdpixel.com){target="_blank" rel="external"}.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+4" x 8"
+
+### coloration
+
+default: black
+
+### available as
+
+patch, print, greeting card, shirt

src/posts/2023/2023-05-04-flicker.md

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+---
+title: flicker
+image:
+  src: 2023/flicker-print.jpg
+  alt: "A print in black, brown, and red ink of a northern flicker (a type of woodpecker). Viewed from the back, he is looking over his shoulder and upward towards something unseen above him (my bird feeder)."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - card
+  - shirt
+---
+
+Hand carved set of stamps of a northern flicker, hungrily eyeing our bird feeder.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+roughly 6" square
+
+### coloration
+
+default: black, sepia brown, and satin red
+
+### available as
+
+print, greeting card, patch, shirt

src/posts/2023/2023-05-04-hair.md

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+---
+title: hair
+image:
+  src: 2023/hair-print.jpg
+  alt: "A print in black ink of belly hair."
+tags:
+  - gallery
+  - print
+  - gender
+---
+
+Hand carved stamp of some tummy hair, in celebration of testosterone.
+
+## details
+
+### dimensions
+
+4" x 6"
+
+### coloration
+
+default: black
+
+### available as
+
+patch, print, greeting card??

src/posts/2023/2023-05-11-carving-transfer.md

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+---
+title: block printing transfer method
+image:
+  src: 2023/transfer-wip.jpg
+  alt: "A pink block of carving material with a printed design of a bird attached to it. The paper has been partially rubbed away (process described in this post) to reveal the inked design on the carving material."
+---
+
+## materials
+
+### for transfer
+
+- [speedy-carve](https://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-speedy-carve-blocks/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+  - I have since also used [moo carve](https://www.dickblick.com/products/moo-carve-professional-carving-blocks/){target="_blank" rel="external"} and been successful
+- laserjet printed or xerox'd image, preferably something with high contrast
+- acrylic gel medium - I use [Golden Soft Gel Matte](https://www.dickblick.com/items/golden-soft-acrylic-gel-medium-matte-16-oz-jar/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- paintbrush
+- [brayer](https://www.dickblick.com/products/testrite-foam-brayer/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+
+### for carving
+
+- carving tool(s) such as [speedball carving tool](https://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-linoleum-cutters/){target="_blank" rel="external"} or [flexcut carving tools](https://www.dickblick.com/products/flexcut-lino-relief-printmaking-set/){:target="_blank"}
+  - I use a narrow V tool from flexcut and large/small U tools from speedball at current
+
+### for printing
+
+- my favorite stamping ink at current is [VersaFine](https://www.tsukineko.co.jp/english/detail/versafine/index.html){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- (edit 18 Sep 2023) I have since used [Speedball fabric block printink inks](https://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-fabric-paper-block-printing-ink/){target="_blank" rel="external"}. Preferable for fabric.
+
+## process
+
+1. Cut printout and speedy-carve to desired overall shape
+1. Paint an even layer of gel medium on both printout (inked side) and speedy-carve
+1. Align the gel'd printout to the gel'd block, and press on using a brayer
+1. Let dry. Really. Let it dry. Leave it be.
+1. Dampen the back of the printout with a sponge or wet finger, then gently rub to remove paper
+1. Done correctly, this should leave your image (and a thin layer of gel medium) on the speedy-carve
+
+## references
+
+- [3 methods for transfer including PVA glue transfer](https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2021/11/19/the-best-way-to-transfer-images-to-lino/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [gel medium transfer onto label paper](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmKVw72mm5Q){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [4 methods for transfer including gel medium transfer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD8AyNOisFw){target="_blank" rel="external"}

src/posts/2023/2023-05-12-backend-accessibility.md

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+---
+title: backend accessibility
+image:
+  src: 2023/camelCase-print.jpg
+  alt: "A carved stamp next to its print. The print reads '#camelCase' in a slightly formal-looking italic font."
+tags:
+  - reference
+  - software
+---
+
+> These notes are from a talk I gave at work. If you think something is missing or incorrect, please let me know!
+
+Backend developers still have users: other developers. We're all human, with human limitations and differences. Design for those limitations and you'll find you improve the end result for everyone.
+
+## Documentation
+
+The first thing you can do: document. By this I don't just mean standalone text documentation; I also include code comments, clear variable and file naming, and pipeline or script outputs that report success or failure *and give details*.
+
+## Rely on standards
+
+Rely on existing standards where possible. Style guides, spell checkers, linters, and formatters are all great. Make standards easy to follow with linter, editor, etc. config files in your repo, or add a devcontainer so others can easily get started with the project. When there's no standard, create one; for example, set up github issue and PR templates. And whenever you can, automate tests *and fixes*.
+
+## User stories
+
+### I want to understand new terms as they're introduced
+
+- Abbreviations/initialisms: can stall anyone unfamiliar with them. Spell them out when they're first introduced, and add the abbreviation in parentheses.
+- Jargon: avoid it as much as possible. Keep a friendly tone.
+- Neologisms: tech loves em! Often compound words or portmanteaus. For compound words (or, at times, hashtags), use camelCase or another style that distinguishes between words. This helps visually as well as improving screen reader pronunciation.
+
+### I want to quickly scan a page for the information I need
+
+Sighted users may take for granted the ability to skim a page by glancing at headers or highlights. Users with screen readers rely on several features for the same functionality.
+
+For example, screen readers can summarize the headers on a page. To leverage this, break up content with headers and avoid using other formatting to achieve similar effects visually. Stick to one h1 per page, and don't skip levels (e.g. go from an h1 to an h3).
+
+Screen readers can also summarize a page's links. In order for this to be effective, links need descriptive text attached to them (and always avoid bare links!). Compare these examples:
+
+> Read [more](https://www.w3.org/WAI/ARIA/apg/patterns/) about accessibility patterns on the web
+
+vs
+
+> Read more about [accessibility patterns on the web](https://www.w3.org/WAI/ARIA/apg/patterns/)
+
+The second example has text directly attached to the link that describes its content. This is a vast improvement over the first example, where the link would just be read out as "more". Since links are visually highlighted, good link text also improves readability for everyone.
+
+A table of contents can be helpful for a broad set of users, from the power user who knows exactly what she needs from the page to the newbie who just wants to see what the major topics are.
+
+### I want to be aware of and able to understand all content on the page
+
+Alt text/image descriptions for image and transcription/audio descriptions for videos are essential (and not just for screen readers - they're really useful if you've got poor internet connection). The references section of this document will link to  more information on writing good alt text, but in general, focus on why the image/video is there and what it is conveying.
+
+(If you find you are simply transcribing text in an image, remove the image unless it conveys additional detail - images showing text intended to be read are less user-friendly than the same content conveyed as text. If the text is purely decorative and not intended to be read, carry on - just make sure you *don't* transcribe it since it's not meaningful!)
+
+I find this comes up the most in backend as *diagrams*. We love diagrams in place of words! Unfortunately, you'll want those words for some users eventually. Avoid alt text like "diagram of components" or "flow chart showing pipeline" - either write out a more direct explanation that mentions all entities contained in the diagram, or direct the reader to a section of text that covers the same content (e.g. "flow chart of the pipeline described below"). If you're writing a direct explanation, don't feel the need to describe each shape or arrow - focus on describing the relationships and entities those shapes and arrows represent.
+
+## todo notes
+
+These are bits of feedback or further thoughts that have yet to be integrated into this.
+
+- tabs vs spaces (prefer tabs - allows each developer to customize based on eyesight and personal preference)
+- don't use color alone to convey meaning
+- autocorrects and confirmation prompts
+
+## References
+
+- [Accessibility guidelines and requirements — Microsoft style guide](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/style-guide/accessibility/accessibility-guidelines-requirements){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [Write accessible documentation — Google docs style guide](https://developers.google.com/style/accessibility){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [Is it accessible? — Adrian Roselli](https://adrianroselli.com/2024/08/things-to-do-before-asking-is-this-accessible.html){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [Collected accessibility resources — Marco Salsiccia](https://marconius.com/a11yLinks/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [A11y coffee](https://a11y.coffee/start-testing/){target="_blank" rel="external"} [note: spell out 'accessibility' rather than shortening to 'a11y'!]
+
+### Alt text/image descriptions
+
+- [How to write an image description](https://uxdesign.cc/how-to-write-an-image-description-2f30d3bf5546){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [How to write alt text and image descriptions for the visually impaired — Perkins School for the Blind](https://www.perkins.org/resource/how-write-alt-text-and-image-descriptions-visually-impaired/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [An attempted guide to writing effective alt and descriptive text for art](https://mannequinrentals.help/2024/03/21/an-attempted-guide-to-writing-effective-alt-and-descriptive-text-for-art/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [Alt text as poetry](https://alt-text-as-poetry.net/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [Writing alt text for a scientific figure - Kristin Briney](http://dataabinitio.com/?p=1161){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [My approach to alt text - Adrian Roselli](https://adrianroselli.com/2024/05/my-approach-to-alt-text.html)
+
+### Other specific topics
+
+- [Tabs vs. spaces - Adam Tuttle](https://adamtuttle.codes/blog/2021/tabs-vs-spaces-its-an-accessibility-issue/){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [Accessible numbers](https://accessiblenumbers.com){target="_blank" rel="external"}
+- [Chartability](https://chartability.fizz.studio){target="_blank" rel="external"} (data visualization)