I've decided to use an organza type material for the tie-backs on my previously dubbed "interview shirt," but that would require another trip to the craft store. What to do, what to do.
I may limit myself to going with my hubby. He's good at standing there and saying "what are you going to use that for? do you really need that? are you sure you need that much?"
I know it will be a bit of a sacrifice for him, but maybe I can make it up to him by going to the Hobby shop with him afterwards!
I've been reading Boundaries lately. In a very teeny tiny nutshell, it's about setting healthy parameters on your relationships. Like saying "I love you Mom, but right now's not a good time to visit. Thanks for dropping by, let's get together tomorrow." Instead of allowing her to just drop in for an unannounced visit while you are trying to clean the house and bake brownies for the PTA meeting and get those birthday party invitations ready before the mail carrier comes.
I'm on the chapter dealing with setting limits on your personal behavior, like your relationship with food and shopping! It's quite interesting to be doing all of this when I come to this chapter. Interesting and revealing! I highly recommend the book.
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
the big questions...
I had my interview this morning and I think I spent more time contemplating my interview outfit than preparing for the interview itself! In the end, it really didn't matter. I mean, how do you prepare for an interview? Normally, I'd find the company's website, learn as much as I can about their service, industry and market, and try to dig down a little deeper into whatever part of the company I'd be working in. It's hard to really research a state agency. I suppose I could have tried.
There were three of them! I anticipated that, and it wasn't even unnerving, but when I think about it, it could have been very nerve wracking! One asked me if I knew how many Commissioners there were. I said I really hadn't thought about it but supposed one. Wrong. I mean, is that really a serious interview question? I think it was more of an educational method. You know...the teacher doesn't just say 5 X 5 is 25. The teacher asks...what's 5 X 5? Then you remember it better because you actively think about both the question and answer.
I seriously don't think that's going to be a major sticking point in the overall interview review, but I laughed about it later.
I ended up selecting a shirt this morning because it was clean. Good reason to wear something to an interview! I couldn't find the one I wanted, and the refashioned one I REALLY wanted wasn't turning out the way I imagined in my head!
It's interesting...I even changed my shoes at the last minute because I had on these cute short heels (1") with a great point and little bow, but I sometimes roll my ankle and I didn't want to worry about looking stupid walking down the hall and falling, so I wore the less-cute-but-still-nice flats.
It's interesting to me because I think going into an interview you want to portray confidence and there are a few factors that go into confidence. You have to weigh those factors against each other until you find the balance and where you need to be. I had to weigh comfort against appearance (shirt - didn't have full range of motion in my arms with another one, but it looked more professional) and I had to weigh appearance with ease-of-mind with the shoes.
In the end, I was confident that I looked professional and wouldn't fall on my face. Works for me!
A sample of the big questions of the morning:
If you were in a position where a co-worker is being treated unfairly and you'd need to intervene on their behalf, what would you do and why?
What is your definition of morals and integrity?
Describe a situation in which you've personally demonstrated integrity.
You've messed up really bad. What do you do?
Describe a situation in which there is really bad communication and what you did to correct it.
What is one of the hardest things you face in a working situation and why.
Do I stay up all night working on the shirt that's going to make me feel fantastic or do I go to sleep early since I haven't gotten a good night's rest in almost a week?
(Still on hangers) black straight-leg slacks, chiffon-y polyester top with dotted tank lining. The top was a little busy and harsh for my taste, but it fits great. They are all store bought and all pieces I've work quite a bit. I really want to refashion something great, but I think it's going to take a certain amount of practice and trial-and-error and building experience before I get there. Not that I'm setting my expectations low. I think I'm simply being realistic.
I went to Wendy's last night with an older woman who's taken me under her wing. She's fantastic! I've never had grandparents very close (always at least 2 hours away) and I get to see her once or twice a week now. I have to tell you, I am so encouraged by her! I think our minds work very similarly and it's great seeing that she turned out all right, so I've got a chance too! My point was going to be about Wendy's though.
It's getting harder and harder to pass up the ice cream. It's still not difficult. On a scale of 1.) No Problem, 5.) Difficult, to 10.) Impossible, I'd say I'm at a 3. So no worries yet, but we went inside to order last night and being in the presence of fresh Frosties for an extended period of time was probably a little bit of a temptation. I didn't dwell on it, but it occurred to me once or twice.
I'm glad we went though, because it tells me I need to be aware of these things. Awareness is powerful.
There were three of them! I anticipated that, and it wasn't even unnerving, but when I think about it, it could have been very nerve wracking! One asked me if I knew how many Commissioners there were. I said I really hadn't thought about it but supposed one. Wrong. I mean, is that really a serious interview question? I think it was more of an educational method. You know...the teacher doesn't just say 5 X 5 is 25. The teacher asks...what's 5 X 5? Then you remember it better because you actively think about both the question and answer.
I seriously don't think that's going to be a major sticking point in the overall interview review, but I laughed about it later.
I ended up selecting a shirt this morning because it was clean. Good reason to wear something to an interview! I couldn't find the one I wanted, and the refashioned one I REALLY wanted wasn't turning out the way I imagined in my head!
It's interesting...I even changed my shoes at the last minute because I had on these cute short heels (1") with a great point and little bow, but I sometimes roll my ankle and I didn't want to worry about looking stupid walking down the hall and falling, so I wore the less-cute-but-still-nice flats.
It's interesting to me because I think going into an interview you want to portray confidence and there are a few factors that go into confidence. You have to weigh those factors against each other until you find the balance and where you need to be. I had to weigh comfort against appearance (shirt - didn't have full range of motion in my arms with another one, but it looked more professional) and I had to weigh appearance with ease-of-mind with the shoes.
In the end, I was confident that I looked professional and wouldn't fall on my face. Works for me!
A sample of the big questions of the morning:
If you were in a position where a co-worker is being treated unfairly and you'd need to intervene on their behalf, what would you do and why?
What is your definition of morals and integrity?
Describe a situation in which you've personally demonstrated integrity.
You've messed up really bad. What do you do?
Describe a situation in which there is really bad communication and what you did to correct it.
What is one of the hardest things you face in a working situation and why.
Do I stay up all night working on the shirt that's going to make me feel fantastic or do I go to sleep early since I haven't gotten a good night's rest in almost a week?
(Still on hangers) black straight-leg slacks, chiffon-y polyester top with dotted tank lining. The top was a little busy and harsh for my taste, but it fits great. They are all store bought and all pieces I've work quite a bit. I really want to refashion something great, but I think it's going to take a certain amount of practice and trial-and-error and building experience before I get there. Not that I'm setting my expectations low. I think I'm simply being realistic.
I went to Wendy's last night with an older woman who's taken me under her wing. She's fantastic! I've never had grandparents very close (always at least 2 hours away) and I get to see her once or twice a week now. I have to tell you, I am so encouraged by her! I think our minds work very similarly and it's great seeing that she turned out all right, so I've got a chance too! My point was going to be about Wendy's though.
It's getting harder and harder to pass up the ice cream. It's still not difficult. On a scale of 1.) No Problem, 5.) Difficult, to 10.) Impossible, I'd say I'm at a 3. So no worries yet, but we went inside to order last night and being in the presence of fresh Frosties for an extended period of time was probably a little bit of a temptation. I didn't dwell on it, but it occurred to me once or twice.
I'm glad we went though, because it tells me I need to be aware of these things. Awareness is powerful.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
"Thank you, thank you very much..."
I have to say, I'm proud of myself.
I know, I know, pride is bad, but this kind of pride is the result of something good. And it's not like I'm strutting around, broadcasting it to the world.
Well, I guess I am. Hm.
So anyway...
I'm still not liking how my interview shirt is coming out with the satin trim and my interview is, well, it's tomorrow. Sunday when I arrived home bleary eyed and foggy-brained I accepted the fact that my interview skirt wouldn't be done in time. No way was I working on it in that state of half-awakeness. I told myself I'd just have to use my Wardrobe Refashion Get out of Jail Free card for a skirt or something. Then I realized - I have nice black pants that the shirt will go fine with. And they look really professional. So, I conceded that I didn't actually have to use my one chance to shop for clothes on this interview. I'd have the great newly tailored shirt and I'd look fantastic.
Enter knit shirt, serger, pleats, bad serger setting, puckering, lettucing, satin trim stretching the knit too much, etc etc etc. *shaking head, sigh*
It's all a part of the learning experience, no? I really wish I'd learned this a Looooong time ago!
I'm keeping pretty well in perspective though. A few months ago, I'd be very tense and crazy right about now, trying to manipulate the time to finish the darn thing before the interview instead of realizing some plans just don't work out and I have plenty of other shirts in my closet. Yes they fit, yes the are professional. Yes, they kind of make me look like I might be pregnant, but they fit, they are professional and otherwise they look really good. (Except for the preg-o part!)
Again, I was very close to using my one chance to shop for new clothes in this two-month period of the Wardrobe Refashion Challenge, but I realized I really don't need to. My time will be better spent plucking my brows, getting a good night's sleep, and practicing up on those hard interview questions. You know, the ones like "What's your biggest weakness."
I know, I know, pride is bad, but this kind of pride is the result of something good. And it's not like I'm strutting around, broadcasting it to the world.
Well, I guess I am. Hm.
So anyway...
I'm still not liking how my interview shirt is coming out with the satin trim and my interview is, well, it's tomorrow. Sunday when I arrived home bleary eyed and foggy-brained I accepted the fact that my interview skirt wouldn't be done in time. No way was I working on it in that state of half-awakeness. I told myself I'd just have to use my Wardrobe Refashion Get out of Jail Free card for a skirt or something. Then I realized - I have nice black pants that the shirt will go fine with. And they look really professional. So, I conceded that I didn't actually have to use my one chance to shop for clothes on this interview. I'd have the great newly tailored shirt and I'd look fantastic.
Enter knit shirt, serger, pleats, bad serger setting, puckering, lettucing, satin trim stretching the knit too much, etc etc etc. *shaking head, sigh*
It's all a part of the learning experience, no? I really wish I'd learned this a Looooong time ago!
I'm keeping pretty well in perspective though. A few months ago, I'd be very tense and crazy right about now, trying to manipulate the time to finish the darn thing before the interview instead of realizing some plans just don't work out and I have plenty of other shirts in my closet. Yes they fit, yes the are professional. Yes, they kind of make me look like I might be pregnant, but they fit, they are professional and otherwise they look really good. (Except for the preg-o part!)
Again, I was very close to using my one chance to shop for new clothes in this two-month period of the Wardrobe Refashion Challenge, but I realized I really don't need to. My time will be better spent plucking my brows, getting a good night's sleep, and practicing up on those hard interview questions. You know, the ones like "What's your biggest weakness."
Monday, July 14, 2008
My To Do List
Well, I've had to accept that some things just won't happen. Isn't that life, LOL. We ended up running to a big chain store right before the birthday party to get our niece and nephew their gifts...which they loved! It's so much easier getting people gifts when you spend time with them! Especially little ones that don't talk yet! But my little niece is enthralled with bugs and is developing into a major tomboy - even at 2! And my nephew loves telling me about his leapfrog games! So we got our niece a book entitled "I love bugs!" and little rollerskates...the plastic type you slip your shoe into and strap in. And of course, our nephew got a new leapfrog game!
I did finish making the laundry soap and boy - when Jen says be careful about breathing in the powder from the ground soap fresh from the blender, she isn't kidding! Next time I'll follow ALL of her directions!
I think the angle of my shot makes the plastic tub look really small, but it's actually quite deep!
I finally got around to assembling the rice salad idea I had last week. I don't think I wrote about it, but I put it on my To Do list so I wouldn't forget it, like so many other ideas I've had in the past! I put it together this morning quickly before I left for work and sneaked a quick sample: yuuuu-mmmy! I can't wait to try it after it's sat for a few hours. I made up the rice late last week and just had to add the rest of the ingredients:
Green Olives
Blue Cheese (my preference is gorgonzola)
fresh peas (shucked)
dressing
I wanted to use greek dressing, but discovered that we are fresh out! So I used a creamy caesar. I didn't have time to throw my own together, so I just used what I had.
You know, I've heard of tutorials about photographing food and I didn't understand. It's just a close-up shot, right? Well apparently not! Because all my food shots look terrible! I'll have to take that tutorial, LOL!
The reasoning behind this rice salad idea is that eventually I'll cut out white flour from my diet (for medical reasons), so I'm experimenting now so I have good food ideas before I'm wildly desperate! If I were trully following all the restrictions I should be on, I wouldn't have been able to use the dressing either (or the cheese) and I'd use a lemon-juice/olive oil dressing of some sort.
One night last week I couldn't sleep, so I got up and cut it up and re-pinned it at the appropriate height. Unfortunately I pinned the wrong sides together, so when I went back to it I had to figure out how to switch that, but I got it done eventually.
I also couldn't sleep friday night, so I worked on my skirt. Didn't work so well. But I'll write about that whole process once it's complete...needless to say, I'm realizing that sewing isn't the best activity to be doing in the middle of the night! (or any time I'm really tired) Fortunately, I realized that before I began working on anything last night when I was so terribly tired. What a mess that could have turned into!
I've added some new things to my To Do List, including a refasion for a bike jacket for my Hubby. If all goes well, I'll only have to spend money on heavy-duty snaps and whatever tool necessary for attaching them!
I did finish making the laundry soap and boy - when Jen says be careful about breathing in the powder from the ground soap fresh from the blender, she isn't kidding! Next time I'll follow ALL of her directions!
I think the angle of my shot makes the plastic tub look really small, but it's actually quite deep!
I finally got around to assembling the rice salad idea I had last week. I don't think I wrote about it, but I put it on my To Do list so I wouldn't forget it, like so many other ideas I've had in the past! I put it together this morning quickly before I left for work and sneaked a quick sample: yuuuu-mmmy! I can't wait to try it after it's sat for a few hours. I made up the rice late last week and just had to add the rest of the ingredients:
Green Olives
Blue Cheese (my preference is gorgonzola)
fresh peas (shucked)
dressing
I wanted to use greek dressing, but discovered that we are fresh out! So I used a creamy caesar. I didn't have time to throw my own together, so I just used what I had.
You know, I've heard of tutorials about photographing food and I didn't understand. It's just a close-up shot, right? Well apparently not! Because all my food shots look terrible! I'll have to take that tutorial, LOL!
The reasoning behind this rice salad idea is that eventually I'll cut out white flour from my diet (for medical reasons), so I'm experimenting now so I have good food ideas before I'm wildly desperate! If I were trully following all the restrictions I should be on, I wouldn't have been able to use the dressing either (or the cheese) and I'd use a lemon-juice/olive oil dressing of some sort.
I also intended to finish my green sweater and blue skirt for my interview on Wednesday. Well, the sweater will be done, but not the skirt. I just have to accept it! First is a shot of the sweater before alteration as well as the satin I indent to use as a sash. You can see there is a seam running across the bust/under the arm. The only problem I had with it was that I have a very small torso, so it was hanging really low!
One night last week I couldn't sleep, so I got up and cut it up and re-pinned it at the appropriate height. Unfortunately I pinned the wrong sides together, so when I went back to it I had to figure out how to switch that, but I got it done eventually.
I also couldn't sleep friday night, so I worked on my skirt. Didn't work so well. But I'll write about that whole process once it's complete...needless to say, I'm realizing that sewing isn't the best activity to be doing in the middle of the night! (or any time I'm really tired) Fortunately, I realized that before I began working on anything last night when I was so terribly tired. What a mess that could have turned into!
I've added some new things to my To Do List, including a refasion for a bike jacket for my Hubby. If all goes well, I'll only have to spend money on heavy-duty snaps and whatever tool necessary for attaching them!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Skirt Refashion
Here are pictures of the progression of my first skirt refashion:+of+DSC00796.JPG)
What's wrong with it: Flouncy, too long for petite wearers,the ties on the side won't do anything for my waist, and frankly, neither will the color.
What I did:
Took off the 4 inch band at waist and the long ties. Took out some of the triangular filling panels, then dyed it blue (this panel is blue because I decided to take the rest of the panels out later.)
Reattached lining, sewed remaining panels together, fixed hem, adjusted waist, then added hook and loop fasteners. I was very reluctant to reattach the zipper...kind of afraid of it!
But then I tried it on and found that it pulled a bit, showing a gap of skin. Not Good. I'd decided to go back and install the zipper, but then when I thought about it more, realized I couldn't because I only had 4 inches to work with. What else could I do?
I inserted a panel from one of the triangular scraps as so...
And Voila! No skin!
It's high enough on the waist that it won't usually show. I'm not thrilled with it, but I'm happy that I found a creative way around the problem. I may make more changes again, but if I do I'll post them. Tomorrow I'm wearing my new skirt!
I think I'm going to go back and turn the lining into shorts to make this into a skort. The back tends to hike up and I can just see me bending over to do some filing and my boss walking around the corner...not funny! I think I'll move on to something else for now and come back to it! Oi. I have a feeling this particular refashion is going to go on for months!
+of+DSC00796.JPG)
What's wrong with it: Flouncy, too long for petite wearers,the ties on the side won't do anything for my waist, and frankly, neither will the color.
What I did:
Took off the 4 inch band at waist and the long ties. Took out some of the triangular filling panels, then dyed it blue (this panel is blue because I decided to take the rest of the panels out later.)
Reattached lining, sewed remaining panels together, fixed hem, adjusted waist, then added hook and loop fasteners. I was very reluctant to reattach the zipper...kind of afraid of it!
But then I tried it on and found that it pulled a bit, showing a gap of skin. Not Good. I'd decided to go back and install the zipper, but then when I thought about it more, realized I couldn't because I only had 4 inches to work with. What else could I do?
I inserted a panel from one of the triangular scraps as so...
And Voila! No skin!
It's high enough on the waist that it won't usually show. I'm not thrilled with it, but I'm happy that I found a creative way around the problem. I may make more changes again, but if I do I'll post them. Tomorrow I'm wearing my new skirt!
I think I'm going to go back and turn the lining into shorts to make this into a skort. The back tends to hike up and I can just see me bending over to do some filing and my boss walking around the corner...not funny! I think I'll move on to something else for now and come back to it! Oi. I have a feeling this particular refashion is going to go on for months!
My new friend
Well, I finally made friends with my sewing machine last night. I had to get the book out again to figure out how to thread the bobbin and all the other start-up stuff, but I did it and it worked, and I managed to sew a straight line (the third time) and I'm psyched! It's funny, the whole time I was threading the machine, I was thinking "I could just hand sew the darned thing!" but then when I sewed a seam in 10 seconds, I put it all in perspective!
I don't have any pictures of last night's portion of the refashion process because I missplaced my memory card. (Found it this morning!) But I almost finished my refashion from a few weeks ago on a skirt which I've never worn. It was white and flouncy...too flouncy. I was told that because of my wide hips, I should wear a-line. I took it to the extreme and picked up this skirt that was just so poofy it was ridiculous. Plus note to self: never buy anything you intend to wear without trying it on first!! Of course, that doesn't apply if you're just looking for things you can refashion, but you get the gist...
So I took out the waist pannel to shortten it and all the triangular panels and I was still left with an A-line skirt! (Tells you how poofy it was!) I did a lot of the seam ripping a few weeks ago, plus a dye job - my first! Came out really well! It's now a light blue and I love the color! I also had to take the top band panel out in addition to the silly oversized wrap/ties. Yeah. I don't need anything else to help make me look wider, thank you very much!
The only thing I need to finish is the closure. I hand-stitched in hook and eye loops but now I see why they aren't used in leu of zippers. It leaves big gaps, so I'm going to have to break down and put the zipper back in after all. I think I'll spring for some iron-on adhesive. Hopefully it doesn't push me too much over my WR budget! I learned this zipper trick from Darling Petunia. She's fantastic and all her stuff comes out looking great!
All in all, I stayed up way too late, but I wanted it finish it! It's not done, but only because I need that adhesive strip...pictures tomorrow as long as I get to finish it!!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Lunchcapades
I had a great thrifting trip on today's lunch break, but not many pictures taken. There's lots of new projects and ideas for refashioning! I got 13 items for $33.88. Most of them were 1/2 off too! (Half off thrift prices = 1 happy thrifter!)
On my way back to work, I stopped at Dairy Queen and sprung for a French Silk Pie Blizzard. Mmmm...
Uhhh...yeah, still in transition!
JUST SOME of my beads!
What could I do with this? Actually, I've been looking through my books and mags again and have all kinds of ideas...but which one do I want to do?
Just a little peek under my *table*skirt!
On my way back to work, I stopped at Dairy Queen and sprung for a French Silk Pie Blizzard. Mmmm...
My new bag, a yard sale find from a couple weeks ago. LOVE it! (I should really clean the price sticker goo off it though!!)
THE BIG BAG 'o thrift finds! Off the top of my head, I got a jean jumper...clearly even I would be too small for the thing, but LOTS of great material! Wool button-up sweater that's way too long and wide for me, but I'll be able to make appropriate adjustments. A Pantsuit/jumper with an attached vest. It's black with white cording detail on the vest. Sounds funny, but it's very elegant. And very much too small for me, but will be good material for something and the detail on the vest will dress something up very nicely. A handful of t-shirts, some plain, some with cool logos or designs. One with a parrot scheme I'll use in a reverse applique for something for my dad - huge parrot head!!
All in all, a good break! Here's some more pics from my craft organizing project from this weekend...
Uhhh...yeah, still in transition!
JUST SOME of my beads!
What could I do with this? Actually, I've been looking through my books and mags again and have all kinds of ideas...but which one do I want to do?
Just a little peek under my *table*skirt!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Okay, no turning back now!
This is it! This is my Two Month Wardrobe Refashion Pledge!
I, MJ pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoated, recylcled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings! Signed, MJ.
The rules go as follows:
1.
No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.
2.
In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!
3.
You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.
4.
You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.
I, MJ pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoated, recylcled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings! Signed, MJ.
The rules go as follows:
1.
No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.
2.
In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!
3.
You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.
4.
You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Awareness
I've become more and more aware of my shopping-as-therapy activity lately. It's not so much the shopping, it's the clothing. I'm not happy with my body, and it's going to take a LOOONg time to change my body, so wearing something new makes me happy. Therefore, I shop for new clothes and get a quick hit of gratification that first few times I wear them, then I'm back where I started...back at the store, looking for something new again to soothe my unhappiness with my body.
Perhaps actually attempting real lifestyle-type change would be in order! (Rather than "dieting") While I do plan to make a series of food-related lifestyle changes in the near future, I am also looking at this whole shopping thing. It has such a negative impact on so many areas of my life, including (but certainly not limited to...) finances, my marriage (hiding my purchases when I don't feel like justifying them...because I know deep down I can't justify my purchases!), and the attitude that I can ignore the real problem and just keep buying clothes!
In a way, it's fortunate that I'm, well, oddly shaped. There, I said it. Let's just get it out there on the table! I'm short and stout. I will take 10 or more items into the dressing room and MAYBE come out with 1 or 2. I say this is fortunate, because it keeps me from buying out the store!!!
I'm large but petite...another contradiction! I'm 5'1" and, let's just say...Queenish. And I don't mean that in a royal way. But you know how pantyhose comes in A, B, and Queen? I love that! I would never have thought of naming a size Queen. And certainly not a large size! Maybe they should rename the "A" category "Princess!" Guess not. Right, so...it doesn't stop there. I'm bottom heavy too. And my arms are larger than their normally corresponding torso, so any tops I get "off the shelf" have to be a bit big in the torso so as to allow for a roomier sleeve. Then my waist is a much narrower size than my butt and thighs. Even when I was thin, I lamented my huge thighs. (I promise, God, If I'm ever size 4 again, I won't complain about my overly muscular legs!!!) So if I can manage to get pants or a skirt over my hips and thighs, the waistband is usually saggy...and since I'm petite, it's often at-or-above my belly button. (think old man pants!!!)
To clear up, I would say I have a size 16 waist, but have to wear 18 to not make my butt and thighs skin-tight. I could fit into size 10/12 (Large) shirt, but now need to wear XL (14/16) to allow for a normal range of motion in my arms!
A few years ago when I was given my new sewing machine, I got real excited (see last post). I had these plans of customizing patterns for my shape and maybe even designing my own clothes. I had so many ideas of necklines and dress styles, seriously. So many! And then I started cutting out a pattern and, well...it took too long and my scissors slid all over the place, and there wasn't enough room to block out the whole pattern, and the sewing machine was taking some getting used to and....well, see my last post.
All this explanation leads me to this: I found, quite by accident, Wardrobe Refashion. I was wearing a brown-toned top with black slacks one day earlier this week and was feeling a bit "what not to wear-ish" and decided to google "fashion rules." It was then that I stumbled upon this fantastic, amazing site/challenge/community! You have to check it out for yourself, I can't do it justice in the few words and minutes I have left to make this post...please check it out!!!
So I'm going to make friends with my 2-year-old, brand-spankin-new sewing machine my hubby got for me and take the challenge...no NEW clothes for two months! I don't officially start until July 1st, but I'm already starting on two projects.
*just lost the rest of my post for the 3rd time!!! oi.*
So, what I so-eloquently said (and lost 3 times!!!!), in a nutshell....is that yeah, this could end up really bad-looking, but I'm already wearing really ill-fitting clothes, so why not take the challenge for just two months? I'm not that great a seamstress, but this will also give me the chance to get better at it!
I can't wait to finish up my first two projects and move on to the other 20 in my head! (only half kidding!) And I'll add my progress here...it's really very exciting! The key is going to be doing this without getting obsessed about it!
Perhaps actually attempting real lifestyle-type change would be in order! (Rather than "dieting") While I do plan to make a series of food-related lifestyle changes in the near future, I am also looking at this whole shopping thing. It has such a negative impact on so many areas of my life, including (but certainly not limited to...) finances, my marriage (hiding my purchases when I don't feel like justifying them...because I know deep down I can't justify my purchases!), and the attitude that I can ignore the real problem and just keep buying clothes!
In a way, it's fortunate that I'm, well, oddly shaped. There, I said it. Let's just get it out there on the table! I'm short and stout. I will take 10 or more items into the dressing room and MAYBE come out with 1 or 2. I say this is fortunate, because it keeps me from buying out the store!!!
I'm large but petite...another contradiction! I'm 5'1" and, let's just say...Queenish. And I don't mean that in a royal way. But you know how pantyhose comes in A, B, and Queen? I love that! I would never have thought of naming a size Queen. And certainly not a large size! Maybe they should rename the "A" category "Princess!" Guess not. Right, so...it doesn't stop there. I'm bottom heavy too. And my arms are larger than their normally corresponding torso, so any tops I get "off the shelf" have to be a bit big in the torso so as to allow for a roomier sleeve. Then my waist is a much narrower size than my butt and thighs. Even when I was thin, I lamented my huge thighs. (I promise, God, If I'm ever size 4 again, I won't complain about my overly muscular legs!!!) So if I can manage to get pants or a skirt over my hips and thighs, the waistband is usually saggy...and since I'm petite, it's often at-or-above my belly button. (think old man pants!!!)
To clear up, I would say I have a size 16 waist, but have to wear 18 to not make my butt and thighs skin-tight. I could fit into size 10/12 (Large) shirt, but now need to wear XL (14/16) to allow for a normal range of motion in my arms!
A few years ago when I was given my new sewing machine, I got real excited (see last post). I had these plans of customizing patterns for my shape and maybe even designing my own clothes. I had so many ideas of necklines and dress styles, seriously. So many! And then I started cutting out a pattern and, well...it took too long and my scissors slid all over the place, and there wasn't enough room to block out the whole pattern, and the sewing machine was taking some getting used to and....well, see my last post.
All this explanation leads me to this: I found, quite by accident, Wardrobe Refashion. I was wearing a brown-toned top with black slacks one day earlier this week and was feeling a bit "what not to wear-ish" and decided to google "fashion rules." It was then that I stumbled upon this fantastic, amazing site/challenge/community! You have to check it out for yourself, I can't do it justice in the few words and minutes I have left to make this post...please check it out!!!
So I'm going to make friends with my 2-year-old, brand-spankin-new sewing machine my hubby got for me and take the challenge...no NEW clothes for two months! I don't officially start until July 1st, but I'm already starting on two projects.
So, what I so-eloquently said (and lost 3 times!!!!), in a nutshell....is that yeah, this could end up really bad-looking, but I'm already wearing really ill-fitting clothes, so why not take the challenge for just two months? I'm not that great a seamstress, but this will also give me the chance to get better at it!
I can't wait to finish up my first two projects and move on to the other 20 in my head! (only half kidding!) And I'll add my progress here...it's really very exciting! The key is going to be doing this without getting obsessed about it!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Obsession
Okay, so I have a tendency to get a little...well...obsessive.
Take beading, for example. A couple years ago, I got this idea that I could make beautiful and unique jewelry by learning how to bead. I didn't take classes, I simply got all the materials and tools (and I mean ALL) and a few how-to books (sound familiar?) and taught myself the basics.
I spent ALL my free time (and then some, stealing time from housekeeping, etc) learning to bead and making admitedly awefull stuff!
Then I lost interest. I think because I wasn't seeing progress fast enough.
Then I found a great fiction author, and then another, until I was reading ALL the time!
And these are not two isolated examples. I tend to get obsessive when I find something I enjoy. Now it's yard sales. I'm going away for the weekend coming up and I'm incredibly dissapointed that I won't be able to go to any yard sales! Even to the point that I wondered if there was a way to see if there were yard sales in the area we're going to (because Saturday morning will be pretty much free time).
Enough!! Wow. Seriously. So hubby and I talked and I have to be carefull about how much stuff I get, even if it's free (did I mention my addiction to craigslist and freecycle?). So this weekend away will be good for me.
Another thing I'm obsessive about is clothes. I clothes shop a lot. Even if it's cheap stuff, it's still money spent and it adds up quick! So I'm taking a good hard look at what I've got, what I've ignored, what I can maybe alter. Growing up in a wicked*rural part of the western US, (over a hundred miles to the nearest large city), my mom made a lot of clothes and I became familiar with the concept. (picture is of the road out to Lowel Point in Seward, AK where I was born and raised until age 8. Note the pale green/blue of the water - that's no photo trick! It really is that color!!)
Except. Our sewing machine was always breaking down and very touchy and I was too impatient to deal with it, so I learned to handsew everything. I know...turns a couple-hour project into a couple-day project, but that's what I was comfortable with.
Well I got obsessed about sewing a couple years ago and now have a brand-spankin-new sewing machine...that I have not used since. Now that I'm determined to change my shopping ways, I'm getting excited again about sewing and doubly determined to "make friends" with my machine. I may take a class instead of following along my old pattern of teach-yourself-until-you-get-bored-or-frustrated-then-quit.
So I suppose the game plan is to be aware of my obsessions and to not jump into new things without really thinking about time, expense, etc.
Wish me luck!
*wicked is New England slang for communicating an extreme, like it was so cold, or the movie was incredibly funny.
Take beading, for example. A couple years ago, I got this idea that I could make beautiful and unique jewelry by learning how to bead. I didn't take classes, I simply got all the materials and tools (and I mean ALL) and a few how-to books (sound familiar?) and taught myself the basics.
I spent ALL my free time (and then some, stealing time from housekeeping, etc) learning to bead and making admitedly awefull stuff!
Then I lost interest. I think because I wasn't seeing progress fast enough.
Then I found a great fiction author, and then another, until I was reading ALL the time!
And these are not two isolated examples. I tend to get obsessive when I find something I enjoy. Now it's yard sales. I'm going away for the weekend coming up and I'm incredibly dissapointed that I won't be able to go to any yard sales! Even to the point that I wondered if there was a way to see if there were yard sales in the area we're going to (because Saturday morning will be pretty much free time).
Enough!! Wow. Seriously. So hubby and I talked and I have to be carefull about how much stuff I get, even if it's free (did I mention my addiction to craigslist and freecycle?). So this weekend away will be good for me.
Another thing I'm obsessive about is clothes. I clothes shop a lot. Even if it's cheap stuff, it's still money spent and it adds up quick! So I'm taking a good hard look at what I've got, what I've ignored, what I can maybe alter. Growing up in a wicked*rural part of the western US, (over a hundred miles to the nearest large city), my mom made a lot of clothes and I became familiar with the concept. (picture is of the road out to Lowel Point in Seward, AK where I was born and raised until age 8. Note the pale green/blue of the water - that's no photo trick! It really is that color!!)Except. Our sewing machine was always breaking down and very touchy and I was too impatient to deal with it, so I learned to handsew everything. I know...turns a couple-hour project into a couple-day project, but that's what I was comfortable with.
Well I got obsessed about sewing a couple years ago and now have a brand-spankin-new sewing machine...that I have not used since. Now that I'm determined to change my shopping ways, I'm getting excited again about sewing and doubly determined to "make friends" with my machine. I may take a class instead of following along my old pattern of teach-yourself-until-you-get-bored-or-frustrated-then-quit.
So I suppose the game plan is to be aware of my obsessions and to not jump into new things without really thinking about time, expense, etc.
Wish me luck!
*wicked is New England slang for communicating an extreme, like it was so cold, or the movie was incredibly funny.
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