My sewing mojo has finally come home and I have loads of ideas of things I want to sew again. It's been missing so long this time, I was wondering if it knew it's way back home ~ *sigh*
Although, there will be a lot more fit going on around here instead of just sewing since I've managed to lose 40 lbs since November 2013. I had a few stops and starts at the beginning but lately I've been losing weight pretty steadily by just changing my diet. I eat ALOT of green vegetables, protein via chicken, some fish and I've eliminated almost all junk food from my diet. That's not to say that I don't have an occasional potato chip, or a mini snickers bar but I don't consume no where as much as I use to. I'm still inbibing my beloved Mountain Dew but instead of drinking almost 2 liters a day, I now have 20 ounces.
So not only is almost everything too large...some things I can still pull off wearing but most will need to be donated. I've had to purchase new bras & underwear and no longer need the support garments that I use to wear. Things jiggle now in a most unflattering way so I guess I'm going to have to figure out some type of exercise to tighten things back up...something I'm not looking forward to because I'm so not an exercise girl.
Now, I haven't lost so much weight that I'm no longer plus sized. Let's just say I'm a whole lot closer to 200 lbs than 300 lbs now. I've managed to lose all of the menopause weight plus a little more. The dr. is very pleased with my weight loss and I do feel better than I'd been feeling.
The thing that is really disheartening and I haven't had the nerve to face is the fact that so much of my wardrobe that I've sewn, no longer fits. Some is just obviously too big and I will have to make a decision about. Some things can be worn but are obviously loose and a few things I've altered to fit the smaller me.
All of the dresses pictured above will definitely be given away - maybe not the center navy blue one - still trying to decide if I will alter that one or not. But the rest were loose-fitting to start and now they just hang on me. I think I'm most sad about losing this one though...
It was an amazing make and I know I only wore it 4 or 5 times... My main problem is that I HATE to alter. H-A-T-E to alter but if I don't want to walk the streets nekkid, I will have to alter a few things.
You will probably start to see less dresses here and more separates since they are easier and quicker to make especially if you use elastic in the waistlines. I'm also on the fence about trying some new styles now that I'm getting a waistline again...so we'll see.
Just wanted to give an update prior to posting the new pics...there will be quite a few posts from Monday on...so I guess I'm back!
Welcome back! You've been sorely missed. I am glad you are reaching the health goals you have set for yourself. I am sure it has been hard work. Looking forward to watching that new wardrobe appear!
ReplyDeleteI can surely understand your sadness on losing the fabulous items you have made. Great that your sewjo is back. Now you can start on a new wardrobe. It will be very interesting to see new styles and how they look on the new Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteThat dress is amazing, the one with leather blocks. Can you get more of similar fabrics to replicate for new and gorgeous you? May
ReplyDeleteMissed your posts. Congrats on the weight loss.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss! Some lucky lady will get to wear some amazing dresses because of it, look at it as a double blessing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your weight loss and look forward to more posts. Missed you.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you back. I've missed your wonderful posts. Just look at this a an opportunity to shop your incredible stack and create even more amazing garments. Keep sewing, you are such an inspiration, whatever size you are.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I'm so happy to see you posting again! Congratulations on the weight loss; sounds like you're doing it the right way! Looking forward to seeing your new creations! Stay warm. Snowing like crazy here in Maryland!
ReplyDeleteLove that black dress with the leather trim.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss--you're looking great. I have missed your posts so much. Glad to see you back.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS on your health improvements! And on feeling better! I SO understand the devastation of loosing beloved clothes and even more cherished TNT patterns. You'll get through it, but it is a challenge.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your mojo is back - can't wait to see all the new clothes you'll start cranking out. Try not to think of all the dresses you'll be missing, but focus on all the wonderful new ideas you'll be able to bring to life.
ReplyDeleteDelighted to see you back and congratulations on the weight loss. Now comes the fun part - creating new clothes to suit new you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your healthy eating! After losing a mighty mountain myself, I found the looseness disconcerting at first, too. I've given up on "tightening" and just count on good underwear(!)--and the pleasure of being lighter. And remember, those Sharpei puppies are pretty cute with their soft folds! And hey, we all wear our histories on our bodies, one way or another. I'm glad your mojo has returned.I just wish the Spring would....
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Carolyn! I'm in the same boat, and I too dislike altering. But I also love the clothes I've made, so I'm taking things in, a few at a time. Most sweaters, shirts and straight dresses do very well just taking out the hems then taking in the side seams and sleeve underarms, then serging to finish. This works even for my jeans and slacks. But I'm looking forward to new clothes when I have some time this summer!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the weight loss. I know that it is hard to think about parting with your creations. If you donate them to an agency that helps women get back on their feet, you will be able to give another women a positive experience. Hopefully that will take some sting out of losing your creations. Now you need to go on a snoop shopping trip to try out new styles.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your eating healthy and losing weight and feeling better. I love everything you make and look so forward to your new wardrobe. Love your blog and everything I can learn from it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. You are an inspiration. I, too, need to take off quite a bit of weight. It is not easy, so you have every right to feel proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back and I'm thrilled to hear your mojo found the way home. I so wish I had Monday off! You'll figure it how to make it work and will have tons of amazing clothes again soon. g
ReplyDeleteWell done with your tremendous weight loss Carolyn! I always love to "drop" in and have a look what you are up to. Contrary to your weather, it is very hot in my corner of the world. Shall I send you some warmth?!?
ReplyDeleteall the best,
Therese
Glad to hear of your health improvements since losing weight. Lots more energy to spend time with those gorgeous grandies of yours. It is hard to move on clothing you love. I didn't have such a large loss but remember still fondly one skirt I had made with such care and then I had to give it away. I gave them to a friend who passed them onto a group of younger ladies with low incomes and was told one of them fit my beautiful skirt perfectly and loved it. Some consolation.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! You have your mojo back, you make beautiful clothes and you have stash to make anything you want. You've worked hard...you deserve to make yourself a whole new wardrobe...and what fun!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have had an amazing journey and one you should be very proud of. Your dresses are amazing and it will be hard to let them go, but like you doing alterations is not something I like to do. So glad the sewing mojo has returned and I look forward to following along on your new journey.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your Sucess with your weight management and like your positive attitude.
ReplyDeleteYes, losing weight is great, but it can be hard on the wallet as even shoes can become too large!
Doubt that anyone could hate altering more than me, however, you may have to approach these changes to your existing garments as a refashion, as you may have to shorten hemlines, make armholes smaller etc.
Onwards and upwards
All the best
Miss J
Congratulations what an achievement, pleased to see your sewing mojo's back.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to "see" you back blogging. Congratulations on the weight loss too. If it were me, I would try and alter some of the dresses, especially the one with the leather splicing. Then you've got a whole world of new patterns to explore.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, it is hard work shifting the first few pounds to get the ball rolling. Good job you have plenty of ammunition in that cupboard for a whole new wardrobe. Those donated clothes will be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYou look fab and it must feel good to feel good.A new body is an excuse to make new clothing! If you find a workout your like, let me know. Such a challenge.--Louise
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Carolyn! For me, weight loss was so much fun to find my waistline again! Made fitting a whole lot easier. Not to mention as side note my health.LOL I actually crave healthy foods now. Most of the time. :) Glad you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss. You must be so proud of yourself. As someone above mentioned, donate your beautiful clothes to an organization that helps women entering the work force for the first time. It will help them gain the confidence necessary to succeed. I would also keep one of my favorites just as a reminder.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have you back blogging ... missed you while you were gone.
Oh Carolyn, I so know how you must hate to give away your sewing babies but I would alter that black creation. It really is special. Congrats on the weight loss and improvement in health.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back. Congratulations on the weight loss. I'm so with you on the altering. I hate it too. x
ReplyDeleteYou are my hero. I've been procrastinating on taking charge of my health and your story has inspired me to STOP! My personal favorite was your dusty pink lace masterpiece which you should definitely keep. I've found sometimes for very special fabrics/makes that taking the whole garment apart then using pieces as my new fabric is much more satisfying and results in a better fit.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss. Hoping that you will find a way to alter some of your dresses.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're back to blogging, Carolyn, and congrats on your weight loss! I hate altering too but if you really love a dress, maybe you'll reconsider changing it to your new size and call it a triumph dress! I'm anxious to see your new makes.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, you've done an amazing job with changing your eating habits and losing that weight. Your garments are so much a part of who you are, you deserve to be able to make them fit the new you. I know you hate to alter - why not treat yourself to having them altered for you? You can find a sewing professional/alteration specialist by checking ASDP's referral list at www.sewingprofessionals.org. Our members are listed there by location and by specialty. (We're in the process of migrating our site to a new template, though, and some pages may not be available at the moment. Give it til the middle of next week and it will all be sorted out.) This way, you can rescue some of those favorites, and free yourself to sew new beauties - guilt free!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your success! I would definitely hate losing that black dress too but I'm with you - NO to alterations in my sewing world!
ReplyDeletehope spring come soon for you, and congrats on your health successes. I think you should give an alteration a try, maybe on something you are not too attached to, just to see if doing it is not as bad as you think!
ReplyDeleteThat black dress is the absolute BOMB, though! If it were mine to alter, I would separate the front from the back at the side seams, take away some excess from the sides (cutting in jagged shapes, and create a leather "belt" closure to turn it into a modern tabard/apron style dress you could wear atop a skinny knit tank dress in a strong contrasting color... but that's me!
ReplyDeleteI am very glad to read that your weight loss is YOUR idea and under your control. That's being healthy, and full of powerful goodness. Which I think you have much of.
ReplyDeleteI know, all I do is alter and I love doing it. I just think that black dress cannot be lost to you. I would just hang onto it until your body gets where it needs to be.
Looking on the bright side - so much fabric! All the fun things you can make for your new body. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteSo very happy to see you back! During a previous snowstorm, I was forced to take a train from Baltimore to Albany, and thought of you as we went through the snow in New Jersey. I wondered if you were hunkered down and sewing. Maybe your were, or getting ready to. So glad about the new you and the return of the mojo!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, and Happy 2015! Re. alterations - why don't you take your one most fave garment and tackle it as though you were sewing it for the first time. You'll be surprised at how satisfying the process can be. And congrats on all your self discipline, no doubt that has resulted in a healthier you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight lose. Do alter that gorgeous black dress!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to see you pop up in my inbox, Carolyn. What an amazing weight loss, and now I totally understand the lapse in sewing mojo. I lost a similar amount 2 years ago, and it really is a wardrobe dilemma. At times, I was running in a dress down the sides just before I put it on to go out! Throwing good sewing practice out the window, the things I liked and wanted to wear I just sewed from underarm to hem, right across the hem itself - I know, shocking :) For a few months I could not throw things out in case the weight came back (lack of confidence), then I took the plunge and everything I did not love went to charity. I still have something of a problem - my steps continue to automatically go to the plus size in the stores, because that was my comfort zone. Saleswomen have had to tell me to look elsewhere - so weird! I also tend to cut garments too large, despite the evidence of measuring, then have to pin in and downsize. I will get there in the end! I would love to see you alter that black dress which is a stunner, and look forward with enthusiasm to see what you produce in 2015. Good luck and happy sewing.
ReplyDeletecongrats congrats congrats....buckle down and alter away. what you've created are amazing outfits but as true fans usually do, we(I) support whatever you decide and look forward to your new stuff....Job well done!
ReplyDeleteYour black insert dress is one of my all time favourites!! It is such an inspiration to me the way you took something on trend, and recreated it for your size and made it look EVEN BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL! Keep the dress, even if you don't alter it... just because it is amazing and wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAwesome job on the getting healthy thing! That is sooo important. I look forward to your new posts and new wardrobe, now that you've got your mojo! (Mine's back too, but not the time... A little at a time is better than nothing, right?)
ReplyDeleteI can so relate Carolyn to so many things you've posted. The loose skin, yikes! Having to give away all your favorite handmade clothes. :( And having to sew so you won't be nekked. I've become very adept ant thrift store shopping, or I would be nekked. I'm starting to sew separates as well. I've found a TNT pull-on pencil skirt that works and have made it 4 times now. Only takes a yard of fabric too, so I can make one this size, and then make another one once I lose another 20 or so pounds.
ReplyDeleteSo...you were sewing a bit less because you have such a full wardrobe. Sure some of the items are *very* loved but you get to dig in the stash and make some BRAND NEW lovelies for your closet!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, no, the amazing pleather dress!!!!! Seriously, please find a way to refashion it- it's just too cool to donate!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, Carolyn! So great to hear about your new healthy eating habits, and that you're feeling better. I totally understand how a shift in size kills the sewing mojo. It's hard to throw out TNT fitting adjustments and start getting used to working with new ones. Why not try an alteration on something not quite so dear to you heart?
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - About 12 years ago, I embarked upon a major weight loss regimen. It took a long time to get the weight off, and there were a few lapses - especially during the time immediately before and several months after my father passed away. The good news is the weight can and will come off as long as you remain committed to your goal. Keep up the great work. I know it isn't easy, but it's not impossible. The really good news is you get to make an entirely new and stunning wardrobe to show off the results of all your hard work.
ReplyDelete