Jo Avery – the Blog

Tiny House Town

I have been busy recording the videos for my next The Thread House Academy class over the last few weeks and this has involved making some fun new items.

I have been teaching this as an ‘in person’ workshop since 2018 when it was a class for that year’s Stitch Gathering (the annual one day retreat I organised in Edinburgh for seven consecutive years). It became a very popular class that I taught many times at MyBearpaw studio. It’s a really fun class to teach as you get quick results and it’s easy to finish a small project from your samples rather than just add another orphan block to the pile.

Back at the start of April I shared this post about our forthcoming classes and talked about the new Tiny Improv Town quilt I had made as a new class sample. During the filming of the class I made a total of four new items starting with this mini quilt (12″ x 15″) using one of the panels.

In the class we learn how to make tall town houses, large detached mansions and tiny trees. These elements can then be brought together in different combinations, including quilts like the one above if you make enough of them.

I used houses and trees for both sides of this large project pouch. This is made using a free tutorial available on my blog here.

Next I used Karen’s Drawstring Bucket Bag pattern and four of the detached mansions to make this useful pouch. This pattern was a tutorial for our Academy Free Taster Weekend last year but now Karen has published it as a stand alone pattern which is available at her website here. And you can get 25% off as an introductory offer until next Friday! If you had signed up for our Annual or Term 1 Pass for 24/25 you will still have access to the pattern in your library so do check that out.

Finally I decided to try out a pincushion! I had a trial run at this a few weeks back and wasn’t convinced I could pull it off for the class. It’s all very well bodging something into existence but trying to explain it so that students can successfully make one is another matter altogether!

The first one had a pitched roof (on the right) and this was the real stumbling block. So I made it into a flat roof (on the left) and it all worked out! And I have been able to explain how to make your very own Tiny Townhouse Pincushion in the online class.

Our Academy classes are pre-recorded videos with lifetime access (lifetime of the Academy) and can be bought as a single class only or as part of a Term or Annual Pass. Tiny Improv Town goes live tomorrow and can be bought now by clicking here.

As well as all these new projects I have been digging out items that I made with previous class samples to share with the class including this Project Bag above which is another PDF pattern from the very talented Karen. And Karen has kindly put this at a 25% discount until next Friday too!

And finally I wanted to share my unicorn! I few years ago I launched the Patchwork Pony pattern with a Sustainable Sew Along. You can read all about it in this first post here. The PDF pattern includes my original Dala Horse pattern (complete with EPP saddle and embroidered detailing), the Pony version, a Unicorn horn attachment and even an addendum to make Reindeer antlers for a Christmas version!

You can use all sorts of orphan blocks and remnants to make interesting versions of the pony/unicorn including leftover Tiny Improv Town class samples! The Sew Along included lots of blog posts with useful tips and ideas that are all still available, just search Patchwork Pony to find the posts.

I have also set up a 25% off discount for the Patchwork Pony PDF pattern which will last until the end of June! Just click here to head to my website to find out more or buy. No code needed the discount has already been applied.

I now have a big day ahead, I am performing with 400 other Rock Choir members in a big concert at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh later today!! Wish me luck!

3 comments

  1. Wrath of the Infinite is a major expansion in Path of Exile that drags players into a warped reality, where time fractures and impossible anomalies twist the rules of combat. This expansion introduces corrupted zones, a new progression mechanic, powerful bosses, and unique loot, making it one of the most challenging and rewarding additions yet. If you’re ready to master the Infinite, this guide covers everything from zone mechanics and top-tier builds to loot strategies and survival tactics.

    Understanding Wrath of the Infinite
    At the heart of this expansion is a mysterious force corrupting Wraeclast with time-bending energy. When you enter these “Temporal Breach Zones,” you’re no longer playing by normal rules—enemies behave erratically, buffs and debuffs change rapidly, and environmental effects constantly shift.

    Each zone operates under a Corruption Gauge that intensifies as you defeat enemies. The more the gauge fills, the more the world breaks apart, triggering new events, enemy mutations, and the appearance of powerful mini-bosses called Infinite Echoes.

    Key Mechanics
    Temporal Breach Zones
    These are corrupted maps filled with unpredictable hazards. They appear randomly or can be accessed directly via Temporal Rift Devices. Inside, you’ll encounter:

    Timeline anomalies: Sudden changes to gravity, movement, or damage scaling.

    Zone shifts: The map may reverse or duplicate layouts mid-run.

    Environmental threats: Temporal storms, damage echoes, or slowed cooldowns.

    The Corruption Gauge
    This meter fills as you kill enemies. The higher the percentage, the more difficult—and rewarding—the zone becomes. Hitting certain thresholds causes unique events:

    25%: Enhanced rare enemy spawns

    50%: Increased loot drops and modifiers

    75%: Mini-boss encounter

    100%: Infinite Echo boss and maximum rewards

    You can exit the zone at any time and “lock in” rewards based on the current corruption level.

    Infinite Echoes
    These elite enemies act as phase bosses, appearing in high-corruption zones. They drop Echo-Forged Items with unique temporal modifiers and have mechanics that exploit time-based combat—for example, replaying your last 5 seconds of damage or reversing your movement inputs.

    Best Builds for Temporal Warfare
    To survive in these volatile environments, you’ll want builds that are versatile, tanky, and mobile. Here are some of the best archetypes:

    Toxic Rain Pathfinder
    Fast map clearer with DoT damage

    Excellent evasion and flask uptime

    Can safely deal damage from range while moving through anomalies

    Juggernaut Cyclone
    High armor and regen make it nearly unkillable

    Cyclone allows constant repositioning within shifting maps

    Great synergy with Echo-Forged delayed damage gear

    Vortex/Cold Snap Occultist
    Reliable crowd control and screen-wide damage

    Cold slows help counter enemies with time-speed buffs

    Curse scaling punishes rare and unique mobs in corrupted zones

    Ignite Elementalist (Fireball/Flame Surge)
    Wide area burn effects for clearing

    Ailment immunity reduces debuff vulnerability

    Great against Echo bosses with high health pools

    Survival and Efficiency Tips
    1. Know When to Exit
    Don’t get greedy. If you’re struggling at 70–80% corruption, exiting early with solid loot is better than losing everything to a wipe at 100%.

    2. Prep for Chaos
    Always bring gear with movement skills like Dash, Flame Dash, or Shield Charge. Use defensive auras and flasks to handle sudden damage spikes from temporal effects.

    3. Use Temporal Orbs
    These new consumables allow you to influence map corruption behavior—boosting loot, changing enemy density, or slowing the corruption timer. Save them for harder content or gear farming.

    4. Adapt to Anomalies
    Watch for combat-affecting anomalies like Time Freeze, Echo Damage, or Reverse Regen. Familiarity with these can make or break high corruption runs.

    Top Bosses and Echo-Forged Rewards
    Several major bosses await at 100% corruption:

    Echo of Ruin: Creates clones that copy your damage taken—don’t AoE carelessly.

    Timeless Maw: Marks zones that explode in delayed bursts—stay mobile.

    Lord of Reversal: Resets combat every few seconds—burst windows are key.

    These bosses drop Echo-Forged Items with rare temporal affixes, including:

    Chrono-Bind (amulet): Stores 10% of damage taken and reflects it every 3 seconds

    Sands of Undoing (boots): Dash resets cooldown when time anomalies trigger

    The Gearwheel Mantle (chest): Increases all damage while moving backward

    These pieces offer build-defining options for players embracing time-warp synergies.

    Final Thoughts
    Wrath of the Infinite redefines challenge in Path of Exile. With its corruption mechanics, time-twisting bosses, and powerful loot, it rewards players who adapt quickly, think tactically, and build characters for resilience and flexibility. Whether you’re racing the corruption gauge or theorycrafting around Echo-Forged gear, this expansion offers one of the richest gameplay experiences in PoE’s history.

    Venture into the breach, embrace the chaos—and unleash your own Wrath of the Infinite.

  2. In the vibrant, fast-paced world of Monopoly Go, few features are as thrilling—and potentially lucrative—as the Bank Heist. These high-risk, high-reward moments allow players to steal in-game cash from opponents. But when paired with the rare Golden Peg, these opportunities turn into jackpot-level events. This guide to Monopoly Go: Heist of the Golden Peg will help you master the mechanics, optimize your strategy, and walk away with the biggest possible haul.

    The Basics of the Bank Heist
    The Bank Heist is a chance-based mini-event triggered by landing on a Railroad space during active in-game events. When it activates, you’ll get to select safes or tiles that can contain large sums of your rival’s money.

    Types of Heists:
    Standard Heist – A basic chance to swipe a bit of your opponent’s bank.

    Mega Heist – A higher-tier version with increased payout.

    Golden Peg Heist – Rare and immensely profitable, boosted by the mysterious Golden Peg.

    The Golden Peg doesn’t appear often, but when it does, it acts as a multiplier or bonus modifier that supercharges your heist rewards—sometimes even granting jackpot-level outcomes.

    How to Unlock a Golden Peg Heist
    Golden Pegs are tied to specific limited-time events, so timing your gameplay is key.

    Tips for Triggering a Golden Peg Heist:
    Watch for Event Notifications – Special heist events such as Mega Heist Week, Gold Rush, or Vault Bash often include Golden Peg opportunities.

    Increase Dice Rolls – The more you roll, the more chances you have to land on Railroads and trigger heists.

    Use Roll Multipliers – Boost your chance to trigger a Golden Peg by rolling x10, x20, or higher near Railroad tiles.

    Maintain a Dice Reserve – Saving 500–1000 dice for events increases your ability to take full advantage when a Peg appears.

    Winning the Heist Mini-Game
    Once inside a Bank Heist, you’re presented with safes or tiles to choose from. Picking the right ones determines how much cash you steal.

    Smart Heist Tactics:
    Look for Patterns – While random, some players report luck with consistent strategies like picking diagonals or corners.

    Prioritize High Value Players – Target opponents with larger vaults for bigger rewards.

    Stay Focused – Don’t rush during a Golden Peg Heist. It’s worth taking a moment to choose carefully.

    Defend Yourself – Keep shields active so others can’t steal your own cash after a big win.

    Making the Most of the Golden Peg
    When the Golden Peg appears, it’s time to act fast and smart.

    Golden Peg Bonuses May Include:
    Double or triple heist rewards

    Instant sticker packs or dice

    Rare collectibles and vault multipliers

    Tips to Maximize Golden Peg Gains:
    Use Boosted Dice Rolls – Rolling with x10 or x50 can exponentially increase your total winnings.

    Combine with Events – If a Landmark or Sticker event is running, spend your Peg Heist cash there for extra bonuses.

    Track Your Targets – Players with few shields and full banks make the best heist targets during Peg boosts.

    Optimize Your Event Timing
    Golden Peg Heists usually appear during large community events. Plan your play schedule around these to make the most of each opportunity.

    Preparation Strategy:
    Save Dice for Major Events – Don’t burn dice between events unless progressing specific milestones.

    Stack Free Boosts – Use shields, income multipliers, and friend rolls to stretch your momentum.

    Play at Peak Times – Activity spikes often mean more chances to hit full-bank players.

    Spending Your Heist Winnings Wisely
    A successful Peg Heist can earn you millions in Monopoly Go cash. Here’s where to invest it for max returns:

    Smart Investments:
    Landmarks – Build and upgrade to increase income and unlock sticker rewards.

    Milestone Events – Spend cash to climb event ladders and earn free dice, packs, and more.

    Sticker Albums – Buy missing stickers and finish sets for rare items and bonuses.

    Avoid These Common Mistakes
    To stay ahead of the curve, steer clear of these pitfalls:

    Wasting Dice During Cooldowns – Only roll big when boosts and events are active.

    Missing the Peg Window – Golden Pegs appear briefly. Log in frequently to catch them.

    Neglecting Defense – Big wins draw attention. Keep your shields topped off to protect your fortune.

    Conclusion: Claim the Peg, Seize the Fortune
    In Monopoly Go: Heist of the Golden Peg, fortune favors the bold. Mastering heists is about more than just luck—it requires planning, awareness, and strategy. When the Golden Peg shines, your chance at massive wealth is just a few clicks away.

    Stock your dice, watch the event timer, and strike when the moment is right. With precision and a little luck, you’ll become one of Monopoly Go’s most feared—and richest—players.

  3. In the vast and dangerous world of Lineage 2M, few threats compare to the might of Antharas, the legendary Earth Dragon. As one of the game’s most formidable world bosses, Antharas poses a significant challenge to even the most experienced adventurers. In Shadowstrike of the Antharas Awakening, players who favor swift, lethal attacks and tactical positioning—particularly those using Shadowstrike—can rise to the occasion and strike a deadly blow from the shadows.

    This guide will walk you through building an effective Shadowstrike assassin and preparing to face the awakened form of Antharas with confidence and precision.

    Mastering Shadowstrike: The Assassin’s Signature Move
    Shadowstrike is a potent rogue skill that epitomizes precision damage and stealth. Available to classes like Abyss Walker or Treasure Hunter, this ability focuses on dealing heavy critical strikes from behind or out of stealth, ideal for both PvE boss fights and PvP ambushes.

    Core Mechanics:
    Type: Melee active skill

    Effect: Delivers massive backstab damage with increased crit chance

    Perks: Bypasses a portion of enemy defense; high burst potential

    Cooldown: Balanced; short enough to use multiple times per boss phase

    It’s a skill designed for players who excel at timing, positioning, and surgical strikes during chaotic battles.

    Building Your Shadowstrike Assassin
    A successful Shadowstrike build focuses on speed, critical hit rate, and evasive agility. Your goal is to dive in, strike hard, and escape before retaliation.

    Class Progression:
    Start with the Rogue base class

    Specialize into Treasure Hunter or Abyss Walker

    Focus on passives that increase stealth duration, crit rate, and movement speed

    Stat Priorities:
    DEX for accuracy and evasion

    STR for increased melee power and crit damage

    AGI for faster skill cooldowns and movement

    Recommended Gear:
    Weapons: High-crit daggers or dual blades such as the Silent Fang

    Armor: Light armor sets with evasion, movement speed, and stealth bonuses

    Accessories: Use crit-enhancing rings and cooldown reduction items

    Enchants: Prioritize backstab damage and critical rate improvements

    Preparing for the Antharas Awakening Encounter
    Antharas isn’t just another boss — he’s a world-ending force. When he awakens in the Dragon Valley Core, your team must be well-geared, highly coordinated, and fast to react.

    Minimum Requirements:
    Level 55+ character

    Enhanced equipment (+6 or better)

    Access to Dragon Valley Dungeon – Core Chamber

    Awareness of global spawn timers for Antharas Awakening events

    Antharas Mechanics Breakdown
    Antharas’ fight is split into distinct phases, each presenting unique hazards. Reacting appropriately to each mechanic can mean the difference between victory and a wipe.

    Phase 1: Earthquake Shockwaves
    Giant AoE slams deal heavy earth damage

    Position around his flanks to avoid direct hits

    Use mobility skills to dodge and reposition

    Phase 2: Stone Golem Summons
    Golems spawn in waves to protect Antharas

    Prioritize ranged and healer-type golems

    Shadowstrike is excellent for sniping key targets during this phase

    Phase 3: Awakened Rage
    At 30% HP, Antharas enters an enraged state

    All attacks are faster and deadlier

    He unleashes Roar of Destruction, a massive AoE that can kill if not dodged

    Assassin Strategy: Shadowstrike in Action
    Here’s how to leverage Shadowstrike in each phase for maximum impact:

    Engagement:
    Use stealth or evasion skills to close in without drawing aggro

    Time your Shadowstrike for when crit buffs or debuffs are active on the boss

    Hit from behind to trigger maximum damage potential

    During the Fight:
    Wait for openings between Antharas’ AoE attacks to move in

    Chain Shadowstrike with evasion or retreat abilities to minimize risk

    Use cooldown potions to maximize uptime on Shadowstrike

    Mob Phase Tactics:
    Quickly eliminate stone golems to reduce pressure on your team

    Shadowstrike can one-shot key minions if timed correctly

    Avoid getting surrounded — always plan your escape route

    Teamplay Tips
    Tanks should position Antharas so assassins have clear access to his rear

    Healers need to stay mobile to follow fast-moving DPS

    Communicate cooldown rotations and alert teammates when the rage phase begins

    Assign Shadowstrike users to minion control when needed

    Loot and Long-Term Gains
    Victory against Antharas can earn you:

    Antharas Ring – A powerful crit-based accessory

    Dragon Scale Materials for crafting rare gear

    Blueprints for assassin-focused weapons

    Earth Essence Crystals to enhance Earth resistance or backstab damage

    The Antharas Cloak, a rare drop, grants stealth-related bonuses and is highly sought-after by rogue classes.

    Conclusion: Become the Shadow That Slays the Dragon
    Lineage 2M: Shadowstrike of the Antharas Awakening is a high-stakes challenge where speed, precision, and strategy come together. The rogue classes excel in this fight, weaving through danger and delivering fatal strikes. Shadowstrike is more than just a skill — it’s a statement of dominance in the art of assassination.

    If you’re ready to step into the shadows and take on one of the game’s greatest foes, this is your moment. Build wisely, strike decisively, and let the legend of your blade echo through the depths of Dragon Valley.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.