I'm still hopeful, though, that a trip through the laundry will shrink it up a little bit and make it a squidge better for the short-term. We'll see. It takes me a while to save up enough whites for a full load. I don't tend to wear a lot of white clothing as inevitably I slop something on myself. Even making this top, I must've pricked a finger with a pin because I found a drop of blood on it. Luckily, I found it *before* I touched it with the iron so it came out.
Now, onto the main topic of this (long-winded) post …
I hope you don't find my "what am I wearing" posts (like this one is) boring or too self-serving, but I will own up to the self-serving part as I'm trying to document for myself what I'm wearing, and when, to go along with the weight loss journey. I thank you in advance if you make it through to the end.
I haven't had a working scale in years (helps with the denial) so I'm not sure how much I've actually lost. I'm guessing 15-20 pounds. I'm also guessing I still have about 80 to go. I know I can do it, and I'm determined to make it happen before my next (milestone) birthday in March 2012. I was born in 1962 — you do the math. ;-)
I'm not planning on getting a new scale for a while longer because the current number is still going to be a downer and I think for me it's more effective to judge by how my clothes fit and look and my trusty measuring tape. A scale is only a number after all and even in my thinnest days in my 20s, I always ALWAYS weighed more than anyone else my size (which was a 1980s size 12). I know "big bones" is a fatty excuse, but I really do think I have *dense* bones or something, that just weigh more than someone else's. Ten pounds of boobage doesn't help the number either and I never lose weight there. ;-) All this means a scale has never been my friend and won't be now. The next step is exercise and firming up to go along with the reduction in food intake, which I've now started. I have an eliptical bike in my air-conditioned bedroom for heaven's sake and I decided it was time to dust it off.
So, here we go …
These RTW capris fit me 2-3 months ago. They are size 24. I can now *easily* pull them on and off without undoing the fly, and in this pic the waistband is riding on my low hips. To give you perspective, the top I'm wearing hits below my stomach. I wore them around the house yesterday and Alex was calling them "clown pants," which is what prompted a new try-on session this morning. I will be donating these white capris as soon as they are washed. I really liked having white capris, so I will be looking for another RTW pair. I'm not going to be making any new pants for a while. I have plenty in my closet that I'll be digging out soon enough.
I was looking up stuff on my blog yesterday and came across another pair of capris I made 4 years ago and had completely forgotten about. When I saw the blog post last night, I figured I had donated them since I didn't remember seeing them in my closet. After a closer look this morning, I found them hanging in the back squished between the other pants that I'll soon be fitting into. This is what I'm wearing right now. Dani approves.
These are my "Best Jeans Ever" jeans. The last time I tried them on was about 2 weeks ago and I couldn't zip them or button the waistband. Now they fit and are actually more loose than tight. I can tell I'm losing belly fat quicker than anywhere else, which is fine with me. You will notice that I don't show side-view pics very often and am still not quite ready to. One downside is that all of my tops are now too long since there's a lot less belly to hold them up but I can deal with that side effect. I'm wearing 3" wedge sandals in this pic so my legs look pretty long for me. The top is from BWOF from 2007, I think. I couldn't get my belly into it last month. Now it's loose.
The capris I bought at Walmart recently are size 20. How true that is, I don't know. But I do know I couldn't wear any of my smaller pants and capris 2 months ago and now I can wear a good number of them. I still have more RTW and MM jeans for the trip downward and will keep testing loss progress with those every couple of weeks or so. Once I'm too small for my oldies, I will probably then buy a scale.
Parting shot: Dani with Chili's bear. She's sneaking in a play and a chew because she knows if he caught her, she'd be Dead Meat. She looks guilty, doesn't she?
Yea, Debbie! You are looking good. I look forward to more skinny pictures!! BTW, I made it to the end of your post without any problem :).
ReplyDeleteGood for you !! I am trying to lose weight too, but it seems so hard to do after age 60!! I love to sew for myself and I LOVE your blog! You are such an inspiration with the things you sew. Love it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss and definitely keep posting the photos as you drop down lower. Personally I get very emotional when clothing items I love become too large, and it's sad to see them go. Just today I made a new pile of "too big" and that included three jackets I'd sewn. Keep up the good work, you'll get there.
ReplyDeleteDon't get a scale - that's my advice. I love the idea of using your blog to document and not rely on the scale. And if you don't have a scale, you can never answer the intrusive question, "How much weight have you lost?" You can just answer "I don't know, but I feel great." And go, dog, go.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your posts, no matter the length. I agree that "what fits" is more appropriate that "what weight," although I do weigh myself at work (simply for reference purposes, of course).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss and a toast (dry, high fiber of course, lol) to your continued success with it. You may think you are being a little "self serving", but I would disagree - it is motivational to many of us with a hunk of junk we need to get rid of (too bad we can't offer it for free on CL). I have lurked on your blog for years and years (and greatly enjoyed your posts on PR, and used your tutorials), and I don't think I've ever posted - but I wanted to this time to say "You go girl!" It is exciting to watch you make such positive changes in your life, hopefully I'll get serious about making my own! Hope to see less of you each week :-)!
ReplyDeletePatty
I like these posts, as I feel like I get to know bloggers through seeing what they've worn on their body. Everybody has a slightly different body with different "trouble spots" and it really helps me learn fitting when I see clothes on a person. Some sewing blogs don't show many modeling pics (I'm as guilty as anyone) and that frustrates me.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, good on you for the weight loss! Also, those capris look really good on you, so I'm glad you found them again. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your journey to getting healthier. It sounds like you are making great progress, so keep doing what works! I'm working on the same thing and exercise is so key, but some days it's so hard to get up and do. :)
ReplyDeleteAll 3 of my girls were home this weekend, and I've been trying to clean out my closet for about 3 weeks now. So I dragged them into my room and sat them on the floor, then hauled everything more than 10 years old out of the closet. Those things that still fit well went back into the closet, and the girls took at least 50 pounds of dresses, skirts, tops and a few jackets. They were really excited that my clothes are so old they're back in style, and that they're all the same size I was once upon a time! Good luck with your closet cleanout, and you'll look wonderful on that day in 2012 when you can say you're 25 twice over. Trust me, that will make you feel a little better (damned little, actually, but that's what I tell myself).
ReplyDeleteI love watching the process and seeing the "new" old clothes come out of the closet. It is exciting to watch the transformation. Please keep sharing!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I know it's a sucky reason to be losing the weight, but you're looking great.
ReplyDeletePS - I also avoid scales and use my clothing's fit as a giude.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the weight loss - you're looking great!!! I'm also losing weight - health reasons..it is sooooo cool when something fits that used to be too small!!! I had that milestone birthday yesterday and it was fun!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, you look fab, good going! It is tough, I'm starting a plan now also. Hmmm. I had to delurk to tell you I"m sending you good thoughts and a boost for the job you do (I'm just starting to learn a coverstitch, and your tuts are invaluable, I thank you so much!).
ReplyDeleteI thought you looked thinner in your last post. You look great!
ReplyDeleteHere is a funny story about not owning a scale. I have never owned one. Growing up with a weight obsessed mother who weighted herself 3 or more times a day may have something to do with it. My daughter is now 18. Last year she moved away from her pediatrician and wanted a GP. For the first consultation she had me in the room since she wasn't 18 yet. The doctor asked general questions before the exam. She asked my daughter a few self image questions to get a feel for her idea of how she felt about herself. She then asked my daughter what she thought her perfect weight should be. My daughter shot a me a scared look. I new she had no clue. I almost fell over laughing when she said she thought she should weighed 240 pounds. (My daughter weighs 120 pounds) It was nice to see that she didn't have a reaction to a number. She really had no idea what she weighed or what she thought she should weight. I quickly explained that we didn't own a scale. The doctor said it was nice to have gone this far in her life without being concerned with a number on a scale. I guess I did a good thing by not owning one.
ReplyDeleteI say don't get one. Numbers can through you off but feeling good is always a plus in my book.
You look great, keep up the hard work.
Debby
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy seeing other sewists model their creations. Please do keep showing us what-you-wore-today.
Problem with scales is they lie. If the atmospheric pressure changes, they lie. Intestional problems? They lie again. Your best guide is how your clothes feel. But having said that, I'm also proud to say how much I've lost in number of pounds. It can be encouraging. Just don't get hung up about it.
You are looking great! Enjoy the journey.
ReplyDeleteNot self-serving at all - We all want to rejoice with you as you get sleeker and healthier. You inspire me to continue on in my weight loss as well. Great job!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Patti
I know what you mean about the scales. I have very heavy (fat) legs even when I'm thin so they always make me weigh more on the scales than I look. So when WW say my goal weight is 58kg (127lb) I know I can *never* get there. I'd rather go on how I look and feel. Every time.
ReplyDeleteI read it all, and GOOD FOR YOU!!
ReplyDeleteScales are weird things. Mine requires that I get on, see the weight, get off, weigh myself a second time and go with the second weight. I have done this many times right before going to the doctor's office and in the same clothing and the second weight is always exactly what I get on a medical scale. The first weight is anywhere from 2 to six pounds heavier. That's my story and I'm sticking with it!
ReplyDeleteYou are looking great. I can really see the loss. Maybe you can make some more bags as you work your way through the downward wardrobe. Keep up the good work and positive attitude!
Good luck on the weight loss. I've been stuck at the same number since my knee injury. At least I"m not gaining!
ReplyDeleteYou are looking so good Debbie! I read all your posts -don't think you have it in you to be boring. Many of us struggle with weight always so we'll be right there with you.
ReplyDeleteNow for a funny. One daughter who weighs in at about 105 loves to tell people she lost 200 plus pounds of dead weight ugly fat almost overnight (when she shed her cheating untruthful spouse now ex). Of course everyone wants to know how immediately.Lol! mssewcrazy
First of all: Congratulations on taking poundage off.
ReplyDeleteSecondly: I can't remember how I found my way to your blog but I immediately started checking in regularly. Because I loved the self-photos of things you had sewn for yourself. Thank you.
I'm so impressed! I just graze when I'm unhappy so it's really inspirational to see somebody break that habit and turn it around. I may be lurking most of the time but I check your blog most days to see how you're doing. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHooray! Your posts are always full of lessons so please don't edit. Cheers to you and those fun pups!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your weight loss. I know how satisfying it can feel when you put something on one day and realize it's too large. I personally don't own a scale, I go by how I feel and how my clothes fit me. I don't even let the nurse tell me my weight when I go for my annual check ups. For me I get too hung up on the number so it's best that I ignore it.
ReplyDeleteI love "what I wore" type posts, please keep em coming.
Way to go, Debbie. Congrats on the weight loss and I know what you're experiencing first hand (the weight loss part) as I started that journey 3 years ago. At my lowest weight, I'd lost 81 pounds. I'm now hovering at about 70 lbs lost and have 20 to hit my goal. A year of baby and daughter being sick and hospitalized, now mom in the retirement/nursing home, causes some stress eating. But I LOVE what you are doing about journaling the process and focusing on clothing fit and tape measure. This is just as important as any scale number because that scale will waver and plateau sometimes. The measurements may still keep shrinking - and really, to me, the ultimate goal is how I look and feel in my clothes! Keep it going - I'll be following you.
ReplyDeleteScales, shmales, who needs 'em?
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful, and I know it feels great fitting into clothes that used to fit.
Andrea
satinbirddesigns.blogspot.com
You are doing really well. And looking good too!!
ReplyDeleteyou are looking great, keep it up. By the way , I love your dogs.
ReplyDeleteYou know, if scales make you anxious, I don't see any reason why you can't go on without one just as you have been. The only thing that's important is not to be in denial about how much fabric you need to cover up any body part that should be :-). So since you've got that part down fine, there's no reason to flog yourself with yet another standard of how you should be.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Debbie. I will be celebrating that big birthday with you next year! Don't know how the heck that happened:)! Where does time go, right?
ReplyDeleteYou're doing marvelous! What diet are you following? I know how difficult it is to lose weight, having battled it my entire life, and still do. It's a mind game, and if your head is in the game, you will win! Keep doing whatever you're doing because it's working!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping you can motivate me to loose with you. I just got a recombent bike and I'm really going to take it out of the box soon.
ReplyDeleteWe turn fifty the same year. It's a good milestone to motivate. I've been debating what I want to do to tone up and improve flexibility. So far, I'm only thinking about it - LOL. Too much else going on.
ReplyDeleteWAY TO GO with the weight loss. I'm glad you're not focused on the numbers. They really are quite subjective.
How fun to have an entire wardrobe to re-experience on the way down and then the delight of sewing new clothes. YES YES
Good for you on the weight loss. I'm trying to shed a few kilos too. At 52 it isn't easy at all.
ReplyDeleteAs a life-long food issues gal myself, I applaud you for your honesty. Last night, I started a new book club discussion about cravings, and how it's not the food we crave, but so much more.
ReplyDeleteHere's to great success and happy days ahead for you.
YOU LOOK GREAT..and you have inspired me....thank-you.
ReplyDeleteYay for smaller clothes Debbie!! I am starting on a similar journey for a number of reasons. I have 3 sizes of RTW pants that I wore a few years back and I am hoping to donate each size as I shrink into each smaller size. Hopefully I will get to the smallest size (size 14 - the size that I have the most pairs of) and then be able to start purchasing smaller sizes than I have been in the last 20 years!! I will watch your journey with interest. I've been thinking of joining WW again but I'm not sure. I'll see how the Debbie inspirtation program works first!! LOL thanks for the impetus to get on the recumbent bank which is surrounded by fabric bins in the walk in closet downstairs. TIme to get dgs to pull it out for me.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. And I agree, clothes are the only true measurement of size. And even if you aren't losing pounds, you will lose inches, and that goes unnoticed if you are relying on the scale.
ReplyDelete