In June 2016, Shanghai Disneyland opened, and I went about a month later. One of my good friends was part of the team bringing the resort to life, so I flew over there at the end of her contract so that we could travel around together.

This post doesn’t have anything to do with Shanghai Disneyland, but I’m feeling super nostalgic, and I wanted to force it in here.

It will connect, though, I promise.

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Today, we’re going to learn how to sew waves! This is going to be one of those foundational tutorials, much like our recent Scraps Tutorial!

Now, this project is improvisational in nature, meaning you won’t be following a specific pattern or using precise measurements. That also means your project will end up looking different than mine, which is fantastic!

We’ll be making an 8 x 8 inch quilt block using wavy seams.

I use this technique all the time. You can combine multiple blocks into a quilt, frame a single block as artwork, turn one into a throw pillow, or use it in countless other projects. The possibilities are endless!

I love this technique because it adds fun movement and a dynamic quality to your project. After a few practice rounds, you’ll be a pro at sewing waves!

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With that, let’s dive in.

The whole premise behind this section of the newsletter is that I enjoy thoughtfully ranking things. I do not like being asked out of the blue if I liked something better or worse than something else. When I get out of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, for example, my mind will go blank if asked to say where it falls compared to the other Spider-Man movies. However, I love pulling up the Notes app on my phone and quietly reflecting on the merits of a particular something.

Today’s laminated list is one of those that lives in my Notes app. I’m presenting my top five PIXAR films.

With a PIXAR ranking, there are SO MANY variables at play. You obviously have the film itself, which could actually hit very differently depending on which season of life you’re in. Then there is also the life beyond the film, such as theme park attractions. For example, Cars ranks higher on my list than it otherwise might because of the thematic majesty of Radiator Springs at Disney California Adventure. Then there are individual characters who are infinitely better than the movies they appear in (I’m looking at you, Merida).

My approach, as always, is summed up by “the heart wants what it wants.” Let’s get started.

I so deeply wish this had originally been released theatrically. I’m a sucker for a good friendship story, and that is exactly what this delivers. This is just such a tight, sweet, fun, heartwarming, lovely movie.

The animation style made me a little nervous when I initially saw the trailer, as it was the first big deviation from the Pixar template, but I immediately fell in love with it. The animation feels like a big cozy hug.

Also, as an enneagram one (shocking nobody with my meticulously curated lists), “silencio Bruno” did for naming the inner critic what Inside Out did for giving permission to experiencing multiple emotions at the same time.

This has always been a top-tier Pixar film for me, but this is a classic case of a movie that has extended beyond its film.

It is fascinating to me that this film was almost a flop but then became the highest-grossing animated film at that point. Here’s an article that explores this more.

This will now always live in a top five spot for me because of how much my niece Lucy loves it.

She loves the musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We both have that entire soundtrack memorized. We recently stayed in a Finding Nemo-themed suite at Disney’s Art of Animation resort, which was as magical as you can imagine with her. And, of course, I made her a Finding Nemo dress!

This is just a fantastic movie. The immersive, creative worldbuilding is the encapsulation of the mind-blown emoji.

I didn’t realize this until LITERALLY RIGHT NOW, but I’m wondering if my love for this movie is a seed that was planted for my obsession with being an uncle. Is Sully the archetype for what an uncle should be? I’m processing this as I type, but I think there’s something there.

Yes, I believe Sully’s relationship with Boo is the best pop-culture representation of an uncle we have. I’ll probably write a book about this at some point. Please, nobody steal this idea.

Ok, well this really side-tracked me, and I’m wondering if Monsters, Inc. now belongs at a higher position? I’ll leave it here for now, but we’ll re-evaluate as time goes on.

I’ll ease myself out of this paradigm-shifting realization by saying I’m really excited for the new Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That coaster is long overdue!

I think Remy’s journey with cooking is how I felt when learning to quilt. Just like there are not a lot of rats who cook, I didn’t see a lot of other guys who were quilting. It took a while for me to find my place. (Was that too forced, or did I land it? Could go either way).

I just love this story of pursuing your passions and then creatively making your dreams come true. On the surface, it’s such a weird concept, but it works beautifully.

My favorite version of Ratatouille is, in fact, Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical. I paid actual dollars to watch the premiere of this masterpiece. If you are unfamiliar, it is well worth an hour of your time. Andrew Barth Feldman as Linguini is the best casting since Matthew Lillard as Shaggy in Scooby-Doo.

One of my costume dreams came true when Lucy and I dressed up as Remy and Linguini a few years ago.

This falls under a similar category as Luca for me. It is a tight, super-tender story that tugs at my heartstrings in the most beautiful way. This was an initial shock to me because I have no emotional connection to Dungeons & Dragons or similar things that this movie is obviously referencing. That didn’t matter to me. I was immersed immediately, and I love it.

This film was unfortunately released theatrically on March 6, 2020, making it the last film that I saw in theaters pre-pandemic. That obviously hindered its ability to receive the accolades it deserves.

I love Tom Holland as Spider-Man, but I believe this is the role he was placed on this earth to play. He captures the character's wistful nature remarkably. This movie centers around hope and disappointment in such a devastatingly lovely way.

When I was running the Walt Disney World Marathon earlier this year, I almost caused a runner pile-up when I stopped in my tracks and cut across the course, having an out-of-body experience upon spotting Ian and Barley.

These are pretty rare characters to see in the parks, and I honestly reacted the same way that I would have if I noticed Taylor Swift was on the race course.

This is a costume dream for me, but you have to find the right time to commit to a full-body blue paint job.

So those are my top five Pixar films! The rest of this post is reserved for paid subscribers of Evan’s Quilt Emporium. Keep reading for my FULL Pixar rankings list, my current quilting project, and the soundtrack I cannot stop listening to!

As a paid member, you can also listen to this post, which I believe is the best format because of the into/outro music.

Ok, let’s continue.

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As is the case with anyone who talks about something a lot, I frequently get asked for starting-out recommendations. So here is my list of tried-and-true sewing essentials. Everything from cutting tools to surprising ironing companions. Use this as a list to treat yourself or as a gift guide for the sewists in your life!

If you just want to quickly see everything together, here’s an Amazon list link. Also, as a heads up, all the Amazon links are affiliate links. I’ve included the prices at the time of writing, but they may fluctuate.

Cutting

I’m left-handed. If you too are a lefty, you know that it has been a long, hard, uphill battle in the cutting department. We live in a right-handed world, and that includes the sewing industry. All that to say, I am EXTREMELY picky when it comes to how I’m cutting fabric. Through a lot of trial and error, I feel extremely confident in the tools that will follow.

LDH Scissors: I learned about LDH at QuiltCon this year, and it was truly a magical moment. First, the Signature Midnight Edition line is breathtaking. Truly. I use their 8” True Left-Handed Lightweight Fabric Scissors ($25). If you need the right-handed option, here’s a link.

While you’re getting your scissors, go ahead and throw this Thread Snip ($8) into your cart. This little guy turned out to be the surprise-and-delight hero of my QuiltCon swag.

One final note about LDH: While these are the only two items I have, I would trust anything from this shop. My current long-term dream is to be completely LDH loyal, but we’re not there yet.

OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter: ($19.99) This is a dream. Truly. I was using just a regular rotary cutter until I leveled up with this guy, and I was truly disappointed in myself for making cutting so difficult prior to this.

OLFA 5” Straight Edge Stainless Steel Scissors: ($18.72) These are my go-tos for precision cutting. They’re super sharp, and they pack a punch.

OLFA 24”x36” Self-Healing Rotary Mat: ($58.49) I’m devastated to tell you that my beautiful navy OLFA mat has been discontinued. However, the green one is available. I used to have a Fiskars one, but I like this one SO much better. It feels friendlier. This is a sewing essential.

Omnigrip 6 x 24 inch Ruler: ($33.99) This is essential. You’ll end up wanting different sizes for different projects/moods, but start with this one. The non-slip and yellow color features on this one are very helpful.

Zoid 6 x 12 inch Ruler: ($4.89) This is actually my favorite brand, but I couldn’t find it in the larger size. The blue color REALLY stands out when cutting fabric, and I’ve found it to be the clearest while cutting.

Omnigroup 6 x 6 inch Ruler: ($9.59) I use this size ruler a ton. I would say that I have listed these three rulers in order of importance though (for me at least).

Suction Cup Handle: ($9.99) This was a game-changer when I discovered it. I put this handle on my 6 x 24 inch ruler, and it helps so much with securing the ruler while cutting. This also helps me cut my fingers less.

Ironing

Oliso M3Pro Project Mini Steam Iron: ($79.99) It is hard for me to truly find the words to describe how much I actually love this thing. I think the people at Oliso are absolutely fantastic, and they made great stuff. This thing is tiny but mighty. I find that it is perfect for more meticulous quilting ironing. The most important thing about this is that it doesn’t leak, which is a feature that is incredibly difficult to find in irons.

Gooseneck Kettle: ($19.67) This may seem like the most ridiculous thing on this list, but I promise it is important. I keep a dedicated gooseneck kettle by my iron for refilling the water tank. I’ve been doing this for so long that I’ve grown to believe that it is just normal sewing practice, but apparently it isn’t. This will simplify your life so much. It’s a necessity.

Accessories

Bobbin Holder: ($4.99) There’s not much to say about this other than it’s my favorite bobbin organizational tool.

Magnetic Pin Cushion: ($5.99) This is the one I have, but honestly you could get anything similar. Prioritize color and style, since the magnet will likely work well with whichever one you have.

Thread Holder: ($16.80) This is what I’m using to store all my threads. It is actually time for me to get a second one!

Pins: ($4.99) These are the pins I use! It is probably time to swap out my old bent ones with some fresh ones.

Fabric Clips: ($5.49) I don’t actually use these a ton, but they are really helpful sometimes. A lot of people swear by them though.

Seam Ripper: ($10.49) You just need a good one. The seam ripper I actually use is this really beautiful with a wooden handle that was a gift, but this Singer Comfort Grip one is fantastic too.

Additional Things

Crayola Washable Markers: ($8.99) This is what I’m generally using to mark up a quilt or outfit because it washes out. It’s just a good idea to have a pack of these lying around.

Tailor’s Chalk: ($5.95) This is what I’ll use if the fabric is too dark for the Crayola marker (or when I am feeling fancy).

Elmer’s Glue Sticks: ($2.88) Similar to the markers, this is what I’ll generally go for to baste my quilts. You’ll also see that I generally use this in our tutorials.

Quilt Basting Spray: ($19.50) Sometimes, however, it is easier to use this basting spray, so it’s a good idea to keep a can on hand.

Fabric

The best way to get fabric really is to go to a local store so you can see and feel it. However, sometimes your options might not be fantastic, so here are my picks!

Modern Domestic PDX: This was my go-to store when I lived in Portland, and I miss it always. Their online store is fantastic, and their prices are pretty good.

Fabric Wholesale Direct: (This is a referral link that gives you $10 off your first order.) This is where I go to get anything besides quilting cottons. Ever since Joann closed, this has really become my best option. Prices are good, and the selection is fantastic. You can even order samples if you need to test something out first.

Sewing Machines

This is a hard one to include on the list as people have tons of different opinions. I’m a Pfaff guy, and I will tell you that I have a wayyyyyy nicer machine than I could typically afford because of my time as a Pfaff Ambassador. I do love it so much. So here are some recommendations for entry-level machines if you’re just starting out.

Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine: ($149) This was my first sewing machine, and the only complaint I have about it is the dumb design on the front. As you can see below, I used my Cricut to create my own design. Otherwise, I thought it was great! I was able to sew a queen-sized quilt on this thing, so it will get the job done!

Singer 4432 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine: ($239) I’ve never owned this machine, but it has become one of my recommendations after lots of research. It doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but it is dependable and will get you started! Side note: there are several Singer Heavy Duty models, so I think you’re good with any of them if you prefer a different color.

Alright, I think that covers the essentials! Of course I have some specialized sewing machine feet and specific rulers, but this will get you started.

Do you have any essentials that I didn’t mention? Share them in the comments!

-Evan

There are exactly three reasons I do this:

1. It’s fun.

2. It gives all of my pre-cruise excitement somewhere productive to go.

3. It makes it significantly easier to find my stateroom after a late-night Funnel Vision movie viewing.

I did spend a lot of time reflecting on door decorations, preparing for this post trying to figure out of there was some sort of deeper meaning associated with door decorations for me. Is there an existential element of this that connects to something in my childhood? Maybe, but it feels too forced to actually say yes. Do door decorations give me new insight into something about my faith? Once again, perhaps? But that’s not what we’re doing here.

I feel fairly confident that door decorations are just fun for the sake of being fun.

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Sewing a quilt block onto a t-shirt is similar to sewing a quilt block onto a sweatshirt, but this has the added element of stabilizer! Also, I’m going pocket-sized with my quilt block because I did not need a quilt stretching across my chest in the oppressive Florida heat.

The basic process is simple: create your mini quilt piece, quilt it, attach stabilizer to the back of the shirt, and then stitch everything in place.

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I am a proud Walt Disney World Annual Passholder who tries to make quarterly pilgrimages to the most magical place on earth.

I just got off a 7-night Disney cruise on the Disney Treasure. That’s not super relevant to this post right now, but it’s all I can think about, so I needed to bring it up. I’ve been sitting at the Baseline Tap House at Disney’s Hollywood Studios scrolling through my pictures until I shifted gears to start writing this.

Which brings me to my point.

I have spent A LOT of time in the parks, so my park experiences are a little different than that of the typical guest. I’m not trying to cram every single attraction into each trip because I know my next trip is generally a couple of months away.

At age 33, this is just how I’ve decided to live my life.

So there’s a lot of strolling. A lot of reading and journaling. A lot of people watching. Plus, I’m also still working most of the time when I come down.

Fortunately, my full-time job is completely remote, so I’m able to go down for a couple of weeks at a time without having to take any time off. And SUPER fortunately, I’ve found some great work remote locations.

So today I’m going to tell you my favorite places to sit at Walt Disney World. This isn’t just a sit for a few minutes in between sprinting to your Lightning Lanes. This is where you can read a book. This is where you can stare off into the distance and do some soul searching. This is where you can write a Substack post.

Rather than rank them, I’m going to describe the purpose they serve. Let’s get started.

Your One-Stop Shop: Wilderness Lodge

This is the perfect destination. Truly. Bring your laptop here. Journal here. Get through your TBR pile. You can periodically change locations for whatever you’re in the mood for. Here are just a few options that I want to guide you through.

First, you need to go up those stairs in the bottom right corner of this picture. From there, follow your heart.

Should you need a classic desk:

Keep going up the stairs for this:

Here’s your view:

Then venture over to the Carolwood Pacific Railway Room for a TRULY restful destination. This is in the Boulder Ridge Villas building, out towards the bus stop.

It just doesn’t get better than this. Pair this with a meal at Whispering Canyon or Geyser Point Bar & Grill, and you’re living your best life.

Worth the Trek: Morocco

You may think that Epcot is filled with a ton of places to sit, and you’d be right. However, some are more reliable than others. You’ve got to find the balance between a dependable seat, shade when outdoors, and vibes.

The back of the Morocco pavilion is my top pick for the World Showcase.

Ever since 2020, the Morocco pavilion has been a bit subdued, which is a bummer, but that makes it an excellent candidate for a place to sit. You have to go allllll the way to the back, but grab a table there and you can camp out for a bit.

Here’s the view:

The only challenge with this place is that the past few times I’ve been there, I’ve gotten distracted and started planning vacations to real Morocco. So maybe consult your travel budget before sitting in this location for an extended period of time.

Peak Immersive Drama: Epcot World Celebration

One of my former Disney jobs was in Guest Research, and I cried more days than not during those 10 months. I was one of those people conducting guest surveys, asking you about your experience, and I was based in Epcot. Nobody is excited to rate their experience on Soarin’ on a scale from Poor to Excellent when they have just completed their “Drink Around the World” journey. It was tough.

So you can imagine my delight when the location of my workplace sadness was bulldozed to make way for the lovely World Celebration. This is the center of Future World behind Spaceship Earth, where you can find Adirondack chairs, tables, outlets, inspirational background music, and endless people watching.

This is where you’re going to want to camp out with a book for a bit.

Scenic Journaling: Balcony of Pinocchio’s Village Haus

I want to pause here to add a caveat to my places to sit list. In theory, I could go to any quick service dining location and find a table. I don’t love claiming a table for an extended period of time in places where a family is trying to push a stroller, balance a tray full of drinks with no lids and overflowing with chicken nuggets, and find a few moments of respite from the heat. I have to remind myself that most people are on vacation here, so I try not to hog tables in those spaces unless I am actually eating there.

With that said, I have a couple of exceptions because either the tables are SO plentiful or the seating is SO secretive.

This falls under the secretive category. But it’s not a secret at all. It’s right in the open, but it feels like one of those places you shouldn’t go. That’s the balcony of Pinocchio’s Village Haus in Fantasyland. This gives you the most immaculate view of Fantasyland, which is (I believe this is accurate) my favorite place on the planet. You just can’t beat this view.

In my experience, there’s hardly ever anyone else up there. I generally have the place to myself, which is why I have no issues snagging a table. Although I do usually grab an afternoon snack of a kids’ meal pepperoni pizza.

This is where I do my deepest journaling. I’m reminiscing. I’m dreaming. I’m vision-casting. Please go there and be inspired.

Remote Work Oasis: Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This is a rope-drop work location for me, meaning I’m getting there first thing in the morning and hunkering down for a bit. This is one of those locations where I’m doing some serious remote work.

In the morning, I have literally never seen another person here. That’s not even being dramatic. I’ve had it to myself every single time I’ve been there. That obviously will not be true once the lunch rush hits, but it is a prime spot in the morning. You have to make your way allll the way to the water to get a peak view of Expedition Everest.

Honorable Mention: Baseline Tap House at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

This is my actual view while writing this in the notes app on my phone.

I’ve only ever grabbed drinks here before, but I’m having the BEST time. I got the Golden Road Mango Cart, I’ve got my fan on full blast, and I’m feeling so relaxed.

This is an honorable mention because I did not plan to include it on my list, but I can confirm it is worth checking out.

I feel like a part two to this list may be in order because I have more places that I want to discuss. I haven’t even mentioned The Boardwalk or Skyliner loop yet, and I have some LOVELY spots there.

Alright, so that does it for my free section, but paid subscribers will be able to learn about which places I don’t like to sit, some tips for making your park sitting the best it can be, as well as the dress I recently made for my niece, and the things I’m currently obsessed with. There’s a lot more, and if you subscribe, you can listen to this post too!

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If you’re questioning the “other,” here’s my post from last month where I discuss my year-long quilt celebrating my 30th birthday.

That “30 Quilt” remains my favorite project I’ve ever done. It was far more than a sewing project… it was therapeutic. It was eye-opening. It was challenging. To put it simply, it was all the things. I had done plenty of other projects since then that I enjoyed and was proud of, but nothing of that emotional or creative depth.

I wanted SOMETHING, but I knew it couldn’t be the same thing. I didn’t want this next project to feel like the direct-to-VHS sequels of Disney Renaissance films. I wanted something that was more Zootopia 2 rather than The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning or Kronk’s New Groove. My apologies to everyone I just offended. I am a big fan of (shoutout to Raven-Symone’s cover of Grazin’ in the Grass) and Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.

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Over the past few years, I’ve found that some of my favorite projects are scrap-based. I love combining colors and patterns to create something fun and unique! I’ve used this technique so many times that I’ve developed a system to (I believe) achieve maximum scrappiness without the sloppiness. It is an art form that I will be inviting you into today.

I want to give the disclaimer from the beginning that this is more of a vibes project than a strictly instructed tutorial. I’ll let you know when precision IS actually important.

Well, I’ll tell you now. It’s the ironing. Ironing is essential for crisp scraps.

For this project, we’re going to sew a frame-worthy scrapsterpiece. Is that the best way to merge together scrap and masterpiece? Let me know if you have a better portmanteau word.

To let you know what we’re working towards, here’s what mine will look like in the end:

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Today’s newsletter is a big one. It is one that I’ve meditated over and had to prep myself for the potential discourse that could follow. But I’m ready. My therapist is on standby, but I do feel confident in what I’m presenting to you.

Here we go.

Before we get to our official laminated list for today, I would like to present to you my Taylor Swift resume. I need you to know that I am, in fact, extremely qualified in this department.

I recognize that presenting my Taylor Swift résumé is about as impressive as telling you I enjoy weekends and good weather. But this matters to me. So here we are.

I’m not some fair-weather fan who swooped in between 1989 and Folklore. I’ve been around since Debut.

I’ve been to every single one of her headlining tours. Even Fearless, all the way back in 2009.

I had tickets to Lover Fest West. I still sometimes sit around and dream about what it would have been like.

In high school, my sister and I drove to Nashville to see Taylor Swift at CMA Fest and attend her 13-hour meet and greet. Did we get to meet her? No. But we did get within about 5 feet of her.

I didn’t just learn about Ronan when Red (Taylor’s Version) came out in 2021. I wept through that song in 2012 when it first came out as a single.

I believe that the best version of Love Story was performed at the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Festival.

Have I convinced you that this is scientific? The list could go on and on. I’ve paid my dues. I’ve done my homework.

Before we officially dive in, I would like to share my methodology and some disclaimers.

I legitimately like all these albums. Due to the nature of a rankings list, something has to go at the bottom.

I am ranking cohesive eras. My top Taylor Swift song may not necessarily come from my top album. The top songs list will come later. I went back and forth on whether I was considering each album in its pure form or also wanted to include vault tracks. With Taylor, it gets tricky because there are so many bonus tracks, variations, deluxe editions, a secret double album, etc. Rather than get too caught up in semantics, we’re distinguishing Eras (and I will separate out Folklore and Evermore).

To quote one of Taylor Swift’s BFFs, Selena Gomez, my personal approach really lands at “the heart wants what it wants.”

Number 12 - Taylor Swift (debut)

When I want to feel empowered, I watch Taylor Swift’s 2008 ACM Awards performance of “Should’ve Said No.”

The Mia Thermopolis jeans-and-hoodie look. The trademark quick costume change by way of a rip-away outer layer, revealing something sparkly underneath. And a showstopper finale. Kneeling in an onstage rain underneath a waterfall of words.

With a career-beginning era like this, none of us should be even remotely surprised that this would escalate to our current post-Eras Tour existence.

And this is what I mean when I said that something has to be at the bottom. I like Taylor Swift (the album) obviously. It’s our origin story. Am I often just popping on Debut and listening through the album as I do with others? Not generally. Also, Taylor herself, in her infinite wisdom, didn’t even include this in her setlist on the Eras Tour.

It is nostalgic. It features a collection of incredible, still-relevant songs.

I’m thankful for it. It helped us find our place in this world.

Number 11 - The Life of a Showgirl

AirPods in (theme for this list). Iced latte in hand. A stroll through the nearby woodsy park (lol Wood). Track Twelve begins.

The claps. The beat. Something inside of me that I am still unpacking with my therapist was unlocked. I was transported to Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam when I believed the rockstar life was just around the corner for me. That song is easily in my Top 25.

This album is FUN. So why did it land this placement on the chart? I feel like I learned a bit too much about Travis in this album. And while I do enjoy dancing to this, I have not been as deeply impacted by The Life of a Showgirl as other eras. Would I have gotten an orange iPhone if it were not for this mysteriously timed Era? Who’s to say?

Number 10 - Fearless

Fearless gave us Love Story. It gave us You’re Not Sorry. You Belong With Me. And for all those reasons, I will forever be grateful to this Era. I was Platinum Edition all the way from the beginning, so Forever & Always (Piano Version) was my preferred version of this song.

This is the Era where we got our first headlining tour. 16-year-old me attending his first Taylor Swift concert in Lafayette, LA, could have never imagined the Swiftdom that he would now experience at age 33. I still remember that night so vividly. We had dinner at The Blue Dog Cafe. Her openers were Gloriana and Kelly Pickler. I got their autographs in the lobby. The storytelling! The costumes! The joy! I recently came across my souvenir program from this concert, and it was a magical stroll down memory lane. But I don’t even need those because I have these pics that were probably taken on a Nikon Coolpix.

I will say this Era hits a bit differently in my old age because I often find myself quietly singing “The Best Day” to myself as I hold back tears playing with my nieces and nephews. The Phrase “my big coat” undoes me every time for some reason.

Number 9 - Evermore

It is with this era that I am nervous that I am making enemies. But I must remind you. I LOVE ALL ALBUMS ON THIS LIST. Organizing this list was one of the most difficult tasks of my life. And I’ve run seven marathons.

But this is my list, and I stand by it.

It is impossible not to compare Evermore too deeply to Folklore. They’re sisters. I do want to give Folklore its own space, so I’ll just say that Evermore is further down on the list simply because it feels like more of a continuation rather than the blessed shock value and genre pivot that came with Folklore. But enough comparison, let’s talk about this album.

Evermore is entrancing. It is immersive. It is surprising. I WEPT the first time I heard Marjorie. And then again, when I first heard it live. And again, when it was a main plot point in Taylor Swift: The End of an Era. Closure came at a time when I NEEDED it. I went through a scream-sing in my car phase of Champagne Problems.

What she did with Tolerate It in the Eras Tour still wrecks me.

Number 8 - Speak Now.

This Era was the first post-2009 VMA Awards album. A canon event for Taylor and Swifties everywhere. I remember being Haunted by the song Innocent. Mean transformed me. Long Live?! ENCHANTED?! Just wait until my top 25 list comes out.

If I had to be nitpicky, which is a necessity in formulating a list such as this, I’m not a purple person. I recognize that this is not a serious critical framework, but vibes matter. The theming of this album perhaps doesn’t connect with me in the same way that others do, which is why this album lives at number eight.

If you want a fun afternoon activity, I recommend looking up the guest performances from the Speak Now Tour. For example, here’s Taylor singing “Baby” with Justin Bieber and another one with her singing “Who Says” with Selena Gomez.

Number 7 - The Tortured Poets Department

We were expecting RepTV. All the signs and clowning pointed to that. It is difficult to capture the emotions that surrounded the release of this one. Of course, we always want a new album/era, but none of us were expecting this. So for me, this album took some time. And then 31 songs?? It really took a while to grasp this album. There were just so many lyrics to learn.

But I love it. I don’t think every song is perfect, but as a cohesive era, this is thematically impeccable. You just feel things with this. The word play is unrivaled. One song from this album became my top song in my Spotify Wrapped for 2025. That same song helped plan my itinerary for a recent trip to London.

I do need to confess something with this, though. There is one song that I actively dislike, which is EXTREMELY rare within Taylor’s discography. It’s track 22.

We’ve now made it halfway through the eras. The second half of this list is reserved for my paid community.

This might be the most challenging and thoughtful ranking work I’ve ever done. Numbers 12-7 were very tough to organize, but these next six are in such an elite, personal space for me that I need an added layer of trust built into our relationship.

So if you’d like to know where Red, 1989, Reputation, Lover, Folklore, and Midnights (stated in release order to not give anything away) fall on the rankings chart, then please consider subscribing! If you’re already a paid member of Evan’s Quilt Emporium, then skip this and keep reading. You’ll also hear about my current crafts for an upcoming cruise, as well as the non-Taylor Swift album I’m obsessed with right now.

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My sister and I were trying to fly to San Diego, where we would meet up with our friend Katie for a Disney Cruise for my 30th birthday. I’d planned everything out perfectly to create the ultimate milestone birthday celebration. I’d made t-shirts and sweatshirts. Door decorations were created! Since the cruise was going to be over New Year’s Eve, I’d created a light-up Mickey Mouse that looked like the Times Square ball that I would slowly lower over the course of the cruise. I had Palo reservations and Cabo excursions booked!

But Southwest Airlines had other plans.

Southwest was in the middle of its infamous nationwide meltdown, canceling flights across the country. However, our flight to San Diego was one of the few that had not been canceled, so we continued on to the airport.

We were hopeful. I refused to believe that anything would come between me and my perfectly planned birthday.

My sister Carrie and I sat down to dinner in the ghost town of an airport. I was a pool of anxious sweat.

Eventually, the worst happened. Time of death was called on our trip when the flight was officially canceled, and I found out there was no way to get to Southern California until the day the ship was scheduled to return to port.

And believe me, I looked into every single option across multiple airlines and calculated the additional driving times. So I was stuck in Nashville for another week.

It was in this moment that I realized I had accidentally attached my entire emotional stability and sense of self-worth to a Disney Cruise.

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Time Estimate: 1-2 Hours

Today, we’re going to make a quilt block sweatshirt. This is my favorite project. I love this because it is super approachable (meaning legitimately beginner-friendly) and one of those projects you can make as basic or complex as you want.

I have at least 5 variations of this hanging in my closet right now that are part of my regular outfit rotation.

I’ve made countless ones for friends. I’ve sold them in my shop. They’re a crowdpleaser.

You probably don’t need more convincing, but here are some ways that this project is fantastic:

You can customize this for any holiday.

Fall? Collect some cozy autumnal scraps and cut them into a leaf. 🍁

Christmas? Get some green fabric and cut it into the shape of a Christmas tree. 🎄

Football Season? Sew together your favorite team’s colors and cut them into a football shape. 🏈

The possibilities are truly endless. I’m more than happy to brainstorm with you in the comments.

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Originally I had something else planned for this post, but I decided to go more current. I’m writing this on my airplane back home to Tennessee right now.

This truly is the best post-trip exercise. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

If you’re new here, this newsletter has three main sections to it. I’ll give you a rankings list, a project I’m currently working on, and something I’m currently obsessed with! And I want to hear from you. The comments section at the bottom is your friend.

I’m too excited to keep writing an intro, so let’s get to it.

It was the middle of the day. I was sitting at a coffee shop working, and I got a phone call that would alter the entire course of my April.

My sister said, “Do you want to cat-sit for one of my friends for two weeks at the end of the month?”

Yes. Immediate yes.

I did a quick glance at my calendar. There was nothing more important than a free place to stay in New York. I work remotely, so that wasn’t an issue either. I told her to confirm with her friend, and I would figure out the details later.

I’m not a cat person, but that didn’t matter. This was worth pretending.

This surprise trip was only two weeks away, so I needed to start planning.

It also feels worth noting here that my sister’s friend and I have now become actual friends ourselves, and I had a fantastic time caring for Juno.

I am a grown-up high school theater kid. I had dreams of Broadway. My first trip to New York was when I was in the sixth grade to perform in The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with an organization called Camp Broadway.

And that love is just as strong now. Sixth grade me would honestly be a little disappointed that I’m not staring in a show on Broadway, but he doesn’t know how much fun quilting is yet. He’d be proud of how we’re choosing to spend our time as an adult though.

I decided that I wanted this trip to be all about Broadway, and that’s what this post is about.

I saw 11 shows in two weeks. A Broadway marathon.

And I honestly loved all 11.

So I want to give you my rankings and thoughts on each show that I saw. Already I’m sweating because a rankings list feels impossible, but we’re going for it.

Before we get to that though, you might be interested in how I got all these tickets

I’m not made of money, so my goal on this trip was to do as much lottery or rush as possible.

Here are the resources I used:

• Playbill’s full lottery/rush guide

• Telecharge Lottery/Rush

• Lucky Seat Lottery

• Broadway Direct Lottery

• Theatr App

As we go through the shows I’ll share the source of each ticket.

I do also want to say, I will rank these, but I think you should see all of them. Normally I would like to have weeks or months to meditate over a rankings list, so you’re just getting raw, impulse rankings. I’ll provide a superlative for each one that may be more helpful if you’re trying to pick out shows.

11 - The Show That Enables You to Fulfill your High School Dream of Stepping Into a Show: Masquerade

Ticket Source: Show Website

This one is bottom of the list because it feels like something that should be in a category of its own. This isn’t a traditional show, but rather an immersive experience through world of The Phantom of the Opera. You get dressed up. You wear a mask. You sweat a little bit the entire time because you’re wondering if you’ll be asked to harmonize with Christine.

This really feels like an experience where anything is possible.

This was the one ticket that I bought prior to my trip because I wanted to plan out my outfit. The second I found out you were required to wear a mask the entire time, I knew I needed a quilted mask with a matching quilted bow tie. I have a reel about the design process here. They do provide some lovely thin masks, so I grabbed one of those as a backup, but my quilted mask lasted the entire two hour experience with no issues!

Masquerade was just the coolest experience. I don’t want to spoil anything because I think the mystery is what makes it so special. I’ll just say that if you care at all about The Phantom of the Opera, this is a must. Also, show up with a “yes, and” attitude. You won’t be asked to do anything wild, but it is just better to accept that you are in the Opéra Populaire alongside your friends Christine, Mr. Phantom, and Raoul.

10 - Glitzy Glamorous Spectacle: The Great Gatsby

Ticket Source: Telecharge Lottery

So I know a lot of people are very passionate about The Great Gatsby, but historically I have not been. I know I read it in high school and I definitely saw the Leo movie at some point, but I honestly had very few actually memories of it. All that I could remember from it was that Gatsby was rich.

Well last year I went to New York, and I saw the broadway production because Sarah Hyland (who I love) was in it. I instantly became obsessed. I understood the Gatsby hype in a way that I had not before.

The soundtrack became my top album on my Spotify wrapped. Don’t worry, Taylor Swift was still my number one artist, and “The Black Dog” was my top song. I haven’t left the straight and narrow.

I had to see this again Corbin Bleu was playing Nick Carraway. I loved it just as much a second time. Getting to see Eva Noblezada was also surreal.

There’s something about the sheer spectacle of it that really connects with my soul. I’ve actually unpacked this show multiple times in therapy, which feels like its own kind of endorsement. There’s just a lot there.

Here’s my one critique of this is that I want to share in a safe space is that I wasn’t a huge fan of Reeve Carney as Gatsby. I think there are better roles for him. However, when I met him at the stage door, he made the most intense eye contact with me that I have ever experienced from another human being. I need to journal about that. It was also his birthday.

9 - Weird, Nostalgic, and an Absolute Blast: Little Shop of Horrors

Ticket Source: Lincoln Square TKTS Booth

This is easily in my top three shows of all time. I know it doesn’t super make sense that this show would then be placed at number 9, but within my rankings specifically of this Broadway Marathon the spot made sense to me.

This was my final show of the trip, and I came to this production for Jordan Fisher. It is important to support other Disney Adults.

I saw a lot of incredible performers on this trip. Like objectively some of the best broadway stars that we currently have. I have never seen someone so committed to a character as Jordan Fisher was to Seymour. He had this quirky, fun, nerdy take on Seymour that he never strayed from for a second. He isn’t eligible for a Tony for this, but he won one in my heart for this performance.

Don’t sleep on this show. It is in an itty bitty off-broadway theater where no seat is a bad seat. This show is so weird and so magical.

8 - Slow start (for me), but HOLY COW: Maybe Happy Ending

Ticket Source: In-Person Box Office Rush

About ten minutes into this show I started to think, “It’s not for me, and that’s ok.”

But then.

Something changed. I realized this is one of the most beautiful stories.

I think the problem was that my seat sucked. I was on the front row, but alllllll the way as for the side as you can be. However, I was sitting by a 76-year old diva wearing a white suit covered in what I can only assume were Swarovski crystals (or diamonds). I helped Carol and her friends locate their seats next to me, and she promptly asked me if I could hold her playbill while she went to the restroom. Immediately I knew there was nobody I would rather experience this show with.

I am dying to see this again with a better seat. Because of how this is staged, I would really recommend prioritizing a good seat if you can.

It’s so tender.

7 - Should Be Required Viewing for Every American: Ragtime

Ticket Source: Show Website

I was having no luck with lottery on this show. About halfway through my trip I asked myself which show I would be actually sad about if I didn’t get a chance to see, and the answer was Ragtime. I bought a ticket basically just to ease my anxiety of constantly refreshing ticketing apps and stressing over lotteries. Worth it.

Ragtime is a masterpiece.

This is one of those shows where it feels like nobody just stumbled into the theater. Everyone in Lincoln Center that night understood this was something powerful and special. We were all sniffling as we exited the theater.

This is one of those shows in which I have the entire soundtrack memorized, and I was prepared to step into the role of Mother’s Younger Brother should anything happen to Ben Levi Ross (but I’m glad nothing did happen to him because he was phenomenal).

This production was breathtaking. I could white infinite posts about Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. Caissie Levy singing Back to Before was better than I could have imagined. Brandon Uranowitz as Teteh brought the role to life is such a truly magical way. And this ensemble was the best I saw in my two weeks.

Just go see this. And bring tissues.

We’re at the point in this post where everything that follows is reserved for my paid community. There are six more shows to describe, and the paywall allows me to truly dive into the emotional theatrical depths.

I’ll also share the nerdy Disney book I’m currently obsessed with and the quilt project I’m planning based on my Broadway Marathon. You’ll also have the ability to listen to this post, which is always a good time.

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Well, that’s how quilting started. General sewing was much more wholesome.

As is the case when people bring up their hobbies, I get asked a lot how I started quilting. We like to know what inspired a passion. Who doesn’t love an origin story?

Note: This post is reserved for my paid subscribers because we get deep, emotional, and nostalgic to a level that I need the paywall. I’d love to have you as part of that trust circle!

No spoilers, but you’ll hear how I got my first sewing machine, the process behind my first quilt, some unmet expectations due to a global pandemic, and so much more. You can also listen to the audio version, which I think is the way to go. Ok, that feels like enough of a teaser.

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You can use any small photo album for this. Or pivot entirely. Want to make a passport cover? That could work. Book cover? Absolutely. Journal cover? Yes. The only limit here is your imagination.

This feels to me like a very entry-level quilting project. You’re basically making a tiny quilt with a few additional accessories. So what I’m saying is, if you make this, you’re officially a quilter.

Also, I’m going to walk you through how I originally made this, meaning there will be no official pattern for this one. That is because I want you to see how approachable it can be to randomly make things from your imagination one afternoon. Also, I’m going to share how I attach my binding 99% of the time, and it may make some of you clutch your pearls.

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I’m Evan, and this is my emporium. Let’s dive in.

I love lists. I have a lot of hobbies and a lot of things that take me to a ten on the excitement scale. Because of that, I often get asked for my favorite (fill in the blank). With my personality as it is, these questions used to really stress me out. I’m not a good off-the-cuff person. I always believe that my answers to these (usually) casual questions about favorites need to be etched in stone.

But I have to weigh the pros and cons! I need to create an emotional bracket. I need to spend time fasting over this.

So I have a folder in my Notes app (the best iPhone app) where I keep rankings of things like Marvel movies, Pixar movies, Taylor Swift albums, etc. I like to be prepared. I like people to know that I take their question seriously. Picture that episode of Friends with Ross’s laminated list.

So this section is my laminated list.

I love Oreos. I just always have. I do believe they are the superior grocery store snack aisle treat. It’s hard to say when I became a connoisseur of Oreos, but somewhere along the way, it happened. Like a fine wine, I enjoy dissecting the flavor notes and presenting the emotional journey that the sandwich cookies are inviting me on. But see, even describing it as a sandwich cookie feels disrespectful. It’s so much more than that. It’s a lifestyle. It’s the people’s cookie. It’s a journey into imagination.

So I’m going to give you my most requested list. Here are my top five Oreo flavors. Also, I need to mention that while researching this (because I’m a journalist), I discovered there are over 200 flavors that have existed. I’ve only made a small dent into this number.

Without further ado, here we go.

Number 5 - Pistachio Oreo Thins

This is the only Oreo Thin on my list, but clearly it imprinted on me. I think Oreo Thins have a GREAT cookie-to-creme ratio. I don’t know what else to say; I’m a sucker for artificial pistachio flavoring.

Number 4 - Chocolate Covered Pretzel Oreo

This flavor is really set apart by the flavored cookie. This isn’t just your normal chocolate or golden cookie. This goes above and beyond. A flavored cookie lets me know that Oreo believes in this product. They didn’t just try to force a flavor; they crafted and curated this. It’s salty. It’s crunchy. It’s chocolatey. It’s an absolute dream. It tastes exactly how it is marketed.

Number 3 - S’mOreo

The S’mOreo has a long and titillating history. It originally debuted in 2015 as a S’mores Oreo. It features a graham-flavored cookie with chocolate and marshmallow creme. This limited edition flavor returned in 2017, 2019, and 2021 under the same name. As a long-time S’mores enthusiast, I was a fan from day one. However, I remember saying FROM THE BEGINNING that the name was SUCH a missed opportunity. Well, in 2023, my prayer was answered, and they were finally rebranded as S’mOreo. What sets these apart is similar to the Chocolate Covered Pretzel Oreo, the flavored cookie. I think that is what it takes for me to earn a spot in my top five.

Number 2 - Halloween Oreo

Cynics will tell you that the Halloween Oreo is (in essence) no different than a traditional Double Stuf, or even another holiday edition. But I’m here to tell you that they’re wrong. A Halloween Oreo is the most elite form of an Oreo that would be my number one spot if not for what swooped in to actually claim the title.

I don’t know what it is that truly makes this special. Is it my love for Halloween? Maybe. Is it the added food coloring? Perhaps. I think this really comes down to legacy, though. The Halloween Oreo was first introduced in 1991, and they have been a festive staple ever since. Ask most other Oreo enthusiasts, and they will agree with me in the same way that it is universally agreed upon that the best Diet Coke comes from McDonald’s.

Number 1 - Firework Oreo

At the end of the day, I really just love a Double Stuf. I do enjoy all these flavors, but a Double Stuf is what I’m eating most regularly. So that is what almost landed at the top of my list. But as I reflected on it, Oreo once found a way to elevate the Double Stuf to the most elite level of culinary snackery that has me drooling on my keyboard as I’m typing this. Imagine for a moment you’re enjoying your favorite Double Stuf Oreo when all of a sudden, magical bursts of candy ignite in your mouth, turning a simple treat into an almost cinematic experience. Enter: Firework Oreo.

The Firework Oreos were Double Stuf with popping candy (or Pop Rocks) in them. That’s it. Perfect and magical. They were a limited edition flavor in 2017 and haven’t been seen since.

It is worth noting that popping candy has been included in both 2024’s Space Dunk Oreos and Coca-Cola Oreos, but it’s not the same. Fireworks walked so they could run.

Before we move on, I do have some honorable mentions with explanations for why they didn’t make the cut.

Reese’s Oreo

These are objectively perfect. However, they are so rich that I cannot eat more than one or two in one sitting. It feels more like the Michelin Star version of the Oreo. A bit too prestigious for me. I’m more of an every-man Oreo guy.

Selena Gomez Oreo

I love a celebrity collaboration/endorsement. It’s literally how I know what to buy. And Selena Gomez? Sold. Instantly. These were amazing. There were two chocolate cinnamon-flavored cookies, with a filling that combined a layer of chocolate and cinnamon creme on top of a layer of sweetened condensed milk creme with cinnamon sugar inclusions. They could easily be in a top 10 list. Also, these couldn’t make it to the top five because I could never figure out the whole deal with the QR code to get a song or something.

There have been a few Oreos I do not like, but the only one worth talking about is The Most Stuf. It’s just too much. I felt like I needed to be air-lifted to my dentist after taking one bite.

Everything beyond this point is behind a paywall. If you would like to learn how my niece might be trolling me for custom outfits and the book series that has consumed me, you can join my paid community! You’ll also be able to listen to the audio version, which features some truly magical music.

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Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Evan.

I’m a quilter. That’s what a lot of this emporium will revolve around.

I’m also an uncle. That’s actually more important to me than the quilting, but “Uncle Emporium” sounded like the opposite of what I was going for with this Substack. You may also notice from the picture above that I’m a Disney Adult (and proud of it).

That may be all you really need to know right now. We’ll get to everything else in due time.

So let me tell you what you can expect as a member of Evan’s Quilt Emporium.

You’ll get three things from me every month:

1. A Newsletter
   This will include a favorites list, a current project, and whatever random obsession has taken over my brain that week. There will also be an audio version for those of you who, like me, would rather listen than read. You can expect lists about favorite Oreo flavors, Taylor Swift album rankings, worldwide Disney park rankings, and other matters of deep cultural significance.

2. A Video/Written Tutorial
   Sometimes it will be a sewing project. Sometimes it will be a super-approachable craft. Maybe it will even be a weird bingo card tutorial. It will be a good time regardless.

3. An Audio/Written Project Deep Dive
   This will be an audio and written essay where I fully explore a project. Curious how I started quilting? We’ll cover it. Want to know my extremely scientific approach to Halloween costumes? I will present a PhD-worthy analysis. We’ll go deep and personal here.

My goal is for this to be a fun, creative, and (dare I say?) magical breath of fresh air for you.

Do you want to hear about my lie in seminary that was my quilting origin story? Would you like to watch me accidentally destroy a cutting mat while teaching you to sew a (perhaps ridiculous) belt-loop keychain quilted photo album? Maybe you’ll enjoy a story about a devastating (for me) 30th birthday celebration that led to my most special project EVER. Well, we shall have all of that and more.

I’m so excited you’re here.

I think we’re going to have a really good time.

-Evan