I finally was able to finish and deliver the coat I replaced the lining in. That was a daunting task, but it fits and she is comfortable, no binding, etc. So all is well.
Now on to the next project. Before I can sew today, I need to vac and clean the carpet in the downstairs bedroom. DS has decided to switch rooms, so he's moved everything out, I get to clean.
Then I will cut out my dress.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
30 OCTOBER 2013
Happy pre Halloween!
I spent the morning sewing! Finally! but not for me.
I made a pair of pajamas in flannel to be part of a jedi knight costume for my dgs.
It turned out pretty cute. I didn't get to see him in it as my ds delivered it for me...although he waited until 9pm. So I'm sure my boy went to bed thinking Grandma failed him! This made me very sad. Hopefully it fits him!
Tomorrow I need to finish up the lining in a coat for a friend of mine.
Friday I am cutting out that dress I've been talking about for the past two months. I think my mojo is finally back.
I'm really excited. My twin brother provided points so my son and I can fly back to KC for Thanksgiving! I haven't been back since the summer after my mom passed away in 2007. I really miss my siblings. I've got a great niece I've not yet met...she's almost 2! She's going to be a big sister in Feb to a little brother. Then I have a niece that is due the week of Thanksgiving, so hopefully she'll be born while I'm there. That would be cool.
I finished the afghan for my sister. I just have to weave the ends in.
Now it is time to start planning for Christmas. I have no idea what I'm going to do this year. It won't be a lot as I have no money, no time, and no idea of what to make!
My gd is learning to sew. I think I'm going to either put together a sewing box with fabric and patterns, or give her a gift card and she can do it herself. I'd like to make everyone pj's. Not sure they'd want them though........
I need to make me some pj's too!
Well, that's it for today. Headed to bed with my notebook to make my lists. Good night.
Happy pre Halloween!
I spent the morning sewing! Finally! but not for me.
I made a pair of pajamas in flannel to be part of a jedi knight costume for my dgs.
It turned out pretty cute. I didn't get to see him in it as my ds delivered it for me...although he waited until 9pm. So I'm sure my boy went to bed thinking Grandma failed him! This made me very sad. Hopefully it fits him!
Tomorrow I need to finish up the lining in a coat for a friend of mine.
Friday I am cutting out that dress I've been talking about for the past two months. I think my mojo is finally back.
I'm really excited. My twin brother provided points so my son and I can fly back to KC for Thanksgiving! I haven't been back since the summer after my mom passed away in 2007. I really miss my siblings. I've got a great niece I've not yet met...she's almost 2! She's going to be a big sister in Feb to a little brother. Then I have a niece that is due the week of Thanksgiving, so hopefully she'll be born while I'm there. That would be cool.
I finished the afghan for my sister. I just have to weave the ends in.
Now it is time to start planning for Christmas. I have no idea what I'm going to do this year. It won't be a lot as I have no money, no time, and no idea of what to make!
My gd is learning to sew. I think I'm going to either put together a sewing box with fabric and patterns, or give her a gift card and she can do it herself. I'd like to make everyone pj's. Not sure they'd want them though........
I need to make me some pj's too!
Well, that's it for today. Headed to bed with my notebook to make my lists. Good night.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Almost ready to sew!
I measured again and I'm back down to what I originally wrote down for my waist.....so I don't think I gained inches I think I read the tape measure wrong.
So I've lost 16 pounds. I went to the gym twice this week. rode my pedals the rest of the week.
I did the weight machines at the gym. My wrists hurt so bad I thought I would die! My shoulders are hurting less, so I think the tendonitis is getting better.
Now that I don't have to readjust my pattern, I will cut it out today and see how it fits. Pictures will be coming.......
So I've lost 16 pounds. I went to the gym twice this week. rode my pedals the rest of the week.
I did the weight machines at the gym. My wrists hurt so bad I thought I would die! My shoulders are hurting less, so I think the tendonitis is getting better.
Now that I don't have to readjust my pattern, I will cut it out today and see how it fits. Pictures will be coming.......
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Lucky I didn't cut out when I thought I would!
I've lost 10.5 pounds now. I hadn't cut out my dress yet, so I decided to measure. I'm glad I did. I was 5 inches bigger in the waist. I either read it wrong or wrote it down wrong, so I need to add another 1/2 inch to each seam as well!
If I wait another week, maybe I won't have to, but, I don't want to wait. I need clothes now and on the princess seam dress, I can take it in easily, I think. I'll not stitch the sleeves in the round and that will help taking in the side seams. I'm excited . Hopefully I'll get it cut out this week, the muslin, then the fabric. For this one I'm going to use a black ponte knit(the one with rayon in it, I just love the way it feels and drapes), then wear jackets and sweaters with it, until I look good enough in the style. I have the fabric, at least I think I have enough of the fabric. I'll have to check in my stash.
I have to finish replacing the lining of a coat this week as well. Busy week, Still haven't mastered the sleeping part of working nights, but I've got the eating and exercising down well.
Last weekend, since I was awake at night, I exercised between Friday and Monday evening, 10.25 hours (I think it was that). I have stationary pedals, and I'm sure they aren't as effective as a stationary bike, but they are helping because my blood sugars are 212 in the morning instead of 287-300. I'm taking less insulin all the way around.
This weekend I will have done 5.5 hours. Not as much, but 2.75 hours a day is not a bad thing. I'm happy with it. I'm starting to lose and I'm starting to lose inches.......what more could a girl want!
If I wait another week, maybe I won't have to, but, I don't want to wait. I need clothes now and on the princess seam dress, I can take it in easily, I think. I'll not stitch the sleeves in the round and that will help taking in the side seams. I'm excited . Hopefully I'll get it cut out this week, the muslin, then the fabric. For this one I'm going to use a black ponte knit(the one with rayon in it, I just love the way it feels and drapes), then wear jackets and sweaters with it, until I look good enough in the style. I have the fabric, at least I think I have enough of the fabric. I'll have to check in my stash.
I have to finish replacing the lining of a coat this week as well. Busy week, Still haven't mastered the sleeping part of working nights, but I've got the eating and exercising down well.
Last weekend, since I was awake at night, I exercised between Friday and Monday evening, 10.25 hours (I think it was that). I have stationary pedals, and I'm sure they aren't as effective as a stationary bike, but they are helping because my blood sugars are 212 in the morning instead of 287-300. I'm taking less insulin all the way around.
This weekend I will have done 5.5 hours. Not as much, but 2.75 hours a day is not a bad thing. I'm happy with it. I'm starting to lose and I'm starting to lose inches.......what more could a girl want!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
So, I watched the Craftsy class on plus size fitting with Barbara Deckert again last night. I decided to get out Simplicity 1586 and upsize the dress.
It wasn't too bad. I took all the measurements (shell shocked!) but quickly recovered and started altering the pattern. Tonight, I'm going to cut it out on an old sheet to fit it.
I'm excited because I am finally getting my blood sugars straightened out I think. Working the nightshift has been difficult trying to figure out what to eat, when to eat, when to sleep, etc. I'm still not sleeping a regular schedule, but today when I woke up at four, let me back track, when I went to bed at 9:30 my blood sugar was 133. I decided to not take any insulin to see what happened. I woke at 4pm and took my sugar. It was 108! I had also put myself to a little test. I have a pair of stationary pedals (bike) that I ride. I've never been convinced that they do any good. So last night I rode for 30 minutes. When I went to bed at 2:30am my bs was 167. (mind you I was also being very careful in what I ate). I took 4 units of Humalog. My blood sugar was 161 when I woke up at 6:30am. I took 4 units again. Then I rode the pedals for 1 hour and 20 minutes. When I went back to bed, my blood sugar was 133. Ok, so the insulin had pulled it down. Not a lot, but so much better than being 278 when I go to bed or get up. So imagine my surprise at 4 when it was 108! Estatic to say the least. I have to surmise that the exercise does indeed work, so I'll keep it up. So I've eaten a meal. I had about 3 oz of hard cheese, dill pickles and green peppers (grown in my friends garden). I will take my sugar in about an hour and see where it is at. In the meantime I will hop back on my pedals while I was the finale of Biggest loser from whatever season. I'm bound and determined to get back on track like I was last year. I can do this. It just takes effort and time, but I know I can do it. I started back to the gym a month ago, and can now ride a regular stationary bike instead of the recumbent. My knee doesnt' hurt too much. But I can only maintain about 15 minutes on the bike at a good pace. So maybe by working it at home too, I can work up time at the gym. My membership runs out in FEbruary, so I need to really make good use of the time left. I don't know if i'll sign up again or not.
Well, as you can see I ramble back and forth. But i'm excited. I think life might be turning around again and I just can't let it go back to what it was........
After I cut out and sew my test garment, I will try and take pics.....now remember, I'm a big girl, it won't be pretty, but something I need to do to motivate me.
It wasn't too bad. I took all the measurements (shell shocked!) but quickly recovered and started altering the pattern. Tonight, I'm going to cut it out on an old sheet to fit it.
I'm excited because I am finally getting my blood sugars straightened out I think. Working the nightshift has been difficult trying to figure out what to eat, when to eat, when to sleep, etc. I'm still not sleeping a regular schedule, but today when I woke up at four, let me back track, when I went to bed at 9:30 my blood sugar was 133. I decided to not take any insulin to see what happened. I woke at 4pm and took my sugar. It was 108! I had also put myself to a little test. I have a pair of stationary pedals (bike) that I ride. I've never been convinced that they do any good. So last night I rode for 30 minutes. When I went to bed at 2:30am my bs was 167. (mind you I was also being very careful in what I ate). I took 4 units of Humalog. My blood sugar was 161 when I woke up at 6:30am. I took 4 units again. Then I rode the pedals for 1 hour and 20 minutes. When I went back to bed, my blood sugar was 133. Ok, so the insulin had pulled it down. Not a lot, but so much better than being 278 when I go to bed or get up. So imagine my surprise at 4 when it was 108! Estatic to say the least. I have to surmise that the exercise does indeed work, so I'll keep it up. So I've eaten a meal. I had about 3 oz of hard cheese, dill pickles and green peppers (grown in my friends garden). I will take my sugar in about an hour and see where it is at. In the meantime I will hop back on my pedals while I was the finale of Biggest loser from whatever season. I'm bound and determined to get back on track like I was last year. I can do this. It just takes effort and time, but I know I can do it. I started back to the gym a month ago, and can now ride a regular stationary bike instead of the recumbent. My knee doesnt' hurt too much. But I can only maintain about 15 minutes on the bike at a good pace. So maybe by working it at home too, I can work up time at the gym. My membership runs out in FEbruary, so I need to really make good use of the time left. I don't know if i'll sign up again or not.
Well, as you can see I ramble back and forth. But i'm excited. I think life might be turning around again and I just can't let it go back to what it was........
After I cut out and sew my test garment, I will try and take pics.....now remember, I'm a big girl, it won't be pretty, but something I need to do to motivate me.
Friday, August 30, 2013
My last post was actually written on Wednesday, not Friday, but I forgot to hit publish....duh.
Yesterday my friend and I hit Hancock fabrics. I just didn't see anything that impressed me. But I did pick up some more patterns:
Butterick B5827
Yesterday my friend and I hit Hancock fabrics. I just didn't see anything that impressed me. But I did pick up some more patterns:
Butterick B5538
Butterick B5861
Ok, I bought the Simplicity Amazing Fit pattern because it had different cup sizes. I'm a C cup, and most patterns aren't an issue, but I convinced a friend to buy the same one because she is a D cup and I thought we'd have better luck making this pattern. She is very narrow in the shoulders, big busted and narrow waist.
B5538 I love view C. She bought a pin stripe for hers, I didn't buy any fabric. I am sure there has to be something in my stash that will work for this one. Just have to buy buttons once I decide.
B5827 I'm not sure if I like the neck line on this dress. I don't usually wear higher necks since I had neck surgery because I can't stand anything around my neck, but I thought it was a cute pattern so I'm going to try it.
B5861 You can't see the detail on this shirt, but to the right and left of the placket there are Pleats. Not on this view, but on the other views on the pattern. I thought it would be cute made up in a black and white print, maybe a rayon.
So that is my pattern stash...like I didn't have any others to work on......but I love those sales and I only paid 1.99 for each. So 8.00 for 4 patterns is pretty good. Now I just have to get to work.
SEWING COMING UP!
I really didn't stop because I was lazy, my laptop blew up! I tried posting with my tablet, but I'm a keyboard kind of gal and just couldn't master the touchscreen keyboard. I guess it's true, you can't teach an old dog new tricks!
So, did I get the laptop fixed yet? NO.......... I bought a desktop computer. They tend to last longer for me than laptops do, however, my laptop has a service warranty for 3 years and they are going to either fix it or replace it. I'll give it to my ds, that way we'll both have machines. He needs one for school. I just need one.....because.......well.....hmmm......well just because!
I'm working the night shift. 9-5. It's not too bad. I work with clients in the Pacific Islands and since their daytime is our night time, it goes to reason I should work when I can contact them! I haven't figured out a schedule yet on how to get much accomplished because I'm trying to sleep during the day and keep getting woke up so much that I actually don't get much sleep, therefore, I don't get much done! Story of my life!
On the sewing front.......I've started a quilt (that's my new thing well, new for about 3 years now). It is a quilt of valor for my nephew. The design is by Mark Lapinsky... I was able to get most of the fabric that he used in his, but not quite all. It will look good though. I'm about half way finished. Pics to come once I get it put together.
Sewing for me:
B5053 Connie Crawford T shirt.
This is my go to pattern for t shirts. In store bought sizes I am a 3-4 x . It depends on the length. I use the 2X on her patterns and they fit perfect through the shoulders and bust. Through the stomach is a little snug, but that will go away losing more weight. The length is long, the way I like. Gives plenty of shrink room (especially since everything seems to shrink, or I just get bigger ...lol and they get shorter!)
There are 3 sleeve options. The first one I made it was a very short sleeve and my biceps are too large for that. Hence, it sits in the pile of clothes not worn unless it is an emergency...like I haven't done laundry yet!
I use the sleeve that ends right above the elbow. It is the most comfortable. I don't put ribbing on the neck, I just fold it down and top stitch. I have a babylock evolve (I think that is the cover stitch machine) but I don't know how to use the coverlock on it. I really need to just get it out and practice....I'm sure it isn't rocket science! It's that "old dog" mentality that keeps me from doing it...I think.
The most recent top is an olive green knit. It came off the flat fold table at the Cotton Shop here in SLC. It washes up nicely and feels like it has some rayon in it. It isn't as thin as some knits with rayon though, so I really like it. I'll see if I can get my ds to take a pic of me....horrors!.
I've got a navy blue knit, same as the green, to do next. Since I work at nights, I don't have to wear dresses, I can wear slacks. Don't have many of those either, since I live in jeans when I'm off, or lately, my night shirt!
But, I'll probably only work this shift through December, so I'm going to need more dress clothes. So the next project in mind is:
/The sweater jacket is like what I'll make only there are pockets at the bottom right beside the lapels. This isn't the pattern though....of course, can I find the one I bought? Noooooooo......but I will.
Well, that's the news. Now that I have a computer again, I will post regularly...well at least more than once a year!
So, did I get the laptop fixed yet? NO.......... I bought a desktop computer. They tend to last longer for me than laptops do, however, my laptop has a service warranty for 3 years and they are going to either fix it or replace it. I'll give it to my ds, that way we'll both have machines. He needs one for school. I just need one.....because.......well.....hmmm......well just because!
I'm working the night shift. 9-5. It's not too bad. I work with clients in the Pacific Islands and since their daytime is our night time, it goes to reason I should work when I can contact them! I haven't figured out a schedule yet on how to get much accomplished because I'm trying to sleep during the day and keep getting woke up so much that I actually don't get much sleep, therefore, I don't get much done! Story of my life!
On the sewing front.......I've started a quilt (that's my new thing well, new for about 3 years now). It is a quilt of valor for my nephew. The design is by Mark Lapinsky... I was able to get most of the fabric that he used in his, but not quite all. It will look good though. I'm about half way finished. Pics to come once I get it put together.
Sewing for me:
B5053 Connie Crawford T shirt.
This is my go to pattern for t shirts. In store bought sizes I am a 3-4 x . It depends on the length. I use the 2X on her patterns and they fit perfect through the shoulders and bust. Through the stomach is a little snug, but that will go away losing more weight. The length is long, the way I like. Gives plenty of shrink room (especially since everything seems to shrink, or I just get bigger ...lol and they get shorter!)
Not a very clear picture, sorry.
I use the sleeve that ends right above the elbow. It is the most comfortable. I don't put ribbing on the neck, I just fold it down and top stitch. I have a babylock evolve (I think that is the cover stitch machine) but I don't know how to use the coverlock on it. I really need to just get it out and practice....I'm sure it isn't rocket science! It's that "old dog" mentality that keeps me from doing it...I think.
The most recent top is an olive green knit. It came off the flat fold table at the Cotton Shop here in SLC. It washes up nicely and feels like it has some rayon in it. It isn't as thin as some knits with rayon though, so I really like it. I'll see if I can get my ds to take a pic of me....horrors!.
I've got a navy blue knit, same as the green, to do next. Since I work at nights, I don't have to wear dresses, I can wear slacks. Don't have many of those either, since I live in jeans when I'm off, or lately, my night shirt!
But, I'll probably only work this shift through December, so I'm going to need more dress clothes. So the next project in mind is:
This is a Butterick too. B3039
I want to make the dress in a black ponte roma (or the one with rayon) Then wear jacket or sweater with it. I have the knit, just nothing for the jacket. I have a really cute sweater pattern and I have a light weight rayon knit in heather gray that would work perfectly with it.
I also want to make a straight skirt out of the black ponte . I don't know if pencil skirt would look good on me, so I'll just make it straight. Then I can wear a shirt underneath the sweater or make a twin set out of the grey. I have plenty I think.
/The sweater jacket is like what I'll make only there are pockets at the bottom right beside the lapels. This isn't the pattern though....of course, can I find the one I bought? Noooooooo......but I will.
Well, that's the news. Now that I have a computer again, I will post regularly...well at least more than once a year!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
So, the question for today is "How many times have you started a blog, only to have abandoned it and have to start over?"
Shortly after I got out of the hospital last year, I stopped blogging. I' not sure why. I just did. I stopped dieting, I stopped working out, I stopped everything! As hard as I tried, I just couldn't get that mojo back and get in gear.
I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out why that happened. First of all, my biggest problem is stress. I don't deal well with it at all. I've gone through a separation, let my teenager live to see his 18th birthday! and trying to adjust to being on my own again......has taken its toll on me.
However, that being said, I am a fighter. Once I've bottomed out, I start to rise again. So here we are 1 year later, quickly approaching my 60th birthday, gained all but one pound back, and now starting over.
So, I went online and joined Weight Watchers. I'v lost 17 pounds (again). I tried all year to get back on the 30 day diabetic cure, but couldn't make myself stick to it. So my sister and I discussed WW and I decided to give it a tr y. I'm adjusting pretty good to it. I've started exercising. I bought Richard Simmon's "Sweatin to the Oldies". Oh to be a fly on my wall. You'd roll on the floor laughing!
I can only do a few of the dances, but I am tryin
g.
IN the past 2 weeks, I have made a skirt and a top. FUNNY STORY about the skirt. I went to Joanns and picked a basic skirt pattern.
Shortly after I got out of the hospital last year, I stopped blogging. I' not sure why. I just did. I stopped dieting, I stopped working out, I stopped everything! As hard as I tried, I just couldn't get that mojo back and get in gear.
I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out why that happened. First of all, my biggest problem is stress. I don't deal well with it at all. I've gone through a separation, let my teenager live to see his 18th birthday! and trying to adjust to being on my own again......has taken its toll on me.
However, that being said, I am a fighter. Once I've bottomed out, I start to rise again. So here we are 1 year later, quickly approaching my 60th birthday, gained all but one pound back, and now starting over.
So, I went online and joined Weight Watchers. I'v lost 17 pounds (again). I tried all year to get back on the 30 day diabetic cure, but couldn't make myself stick to it. So my sister and I discussed WW and I decided to give it a tr y. I'm adjusting pretty good to it. I've started exercising. I bought Richard Simmon's "Sweatin to the Oldies". Oh to be a fly on my wall. You'd roll on the floor laughing!
I can only do a few of the dances, but I am tryin
g.
IN the past 2 weeks, I have made a skirt and a top. FUNNY STORY about the skirt. I went to Joanns and picked a basic skirt pattern.
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