So this isn't a crafty post (I'm finishing lots of projects a the moment - so expect lots soon), but it is something that is important to me. About 6 months ago I reached a point where I decided that I needed to lose weight for two reasons, one I could barely fit into my clothes (so had to lose weight as I couldn't afford new ones), and secondly because I took part in a genetics study and found out I had the gene for coronary artery disease (and after lots of tests my only major worrying factor was my weight). After weeks of convincing myself that I could lose weight if I just thought about it, I decided drastic action needed to be taken and I joined weight watchers. I'm not normally a fan of these things but after lots of research, I decided weight watchers was for me as it was about re-education and lifestyle change which I knew would help me in the future for maintaining my weight loss.
So off I trotted to my first meeting, and it all went from there the ladies who ran the group were lovely and friends and family joined with me for support (without them I could never have done this). Every week I soldiered on, but still felt like I was eating normally except having a slightly smaller portion size and being more considered when I was ordering out in restaurants. I was convinced that this was making no difference at all but every week I weighed I kept losing weight.
However two weeks ago I finally reached my goal weight having lost just shy of 3st, and it felt amazing ( however I still have a little bit to lose to be where I want to). But I still went home to continue down the path of sensible eating (I think it is engrained on my brain now).
I'm not saying its changed my life or anything like that (i'm still me), but it has given me my confidence back and more importantly I feel healthier, so much so that I have started running again after several years of not - which is very exciting indeed!
I just want to thank all of my friends and family who have helped me through this without you I could never have done this (you know who you are).
Crafternoon in June!
Lovely Crafters. Both myself and claireabellemakes will be hosting a crafternoon in Cambridge on Thursday 20th June, and we would love to see some of your lovely faces there.
It starts at 4pm in The Mill (details in below link), but don't despair we'll be crafting till late and I wont get there till 6pm (just in time for cocktail hour - hahaha).
So come along for craft, fun and new faces (and make sure to sign up below).
I Look forward to lots of eager sign ups
http://etsycraftparty-
It starts at 4pm in The Mill (details in below link), but don't despair we'll be crafting till late and I wont get there till 6pm (just in time for cocktail hour - hahaha).
So come along for craft, fun and new faces (and make sure to sign up below).
I Look forward to lots of eager sign ups
http://etsycraftparty-
Learning to do Free Machine Embroidery
This afternoon I went to a class at Cally Co in Cambridge to learn how to do free machine embroidery.
The class was taught by Caroline Austin of Two Turtle Doves who is the best sewing teacher I have ever encounter, she was fun, friendly and completely inspirational. She started the class by talking us through her journey into the craft, she then went on to show us examples of work which she had done (which were amazing and especially as they featured lots of animals). After this she introduced us to the set up of the machine and showed us how to start off. Then we were free to go, she showed us how to do the craft with or without a hoop, but it became quickly apparent that I was a natural hoop user and I definitely felt more in control using the hoop.
First of all we started off doing circles and lines to get a feel for the machine, we then moved on to doing some applique work and lettering (I have terrible handwriting at the best of times so this was definitely not the part of the class I excelled at). Then we had a break for a well earned cup of tea and cake, over tea she showed some good books to use and discussed different ways we could use the craft such as sewing onto card ( which is something I definitely want to try).
After tea we came to the hardcore stuff, and were tracing images from the light box to then embroider. There is no surprises that I chose the deer initially - how could I resist, and below is how he turned out (earlier she had told us how doing multiple outlines gives a nice effect - which I tried out). I now need to work out what to do with him - I think I'll frame it.
After I finished this I had extra time so Caroline told me to make a napkin (she said these were a nice way to use the craft for gifts) For this I chose a lovely rabbit.
The class was taught by Caroline Austin of Two Turtle Doves who is the best sewing teacher I have ever encounter, she was fun, friendly and completely inspirational. She started the class by talking us through her journey into the craft, she then went on to show us examples of work which she had done (which were amazing and especially as they featured lots of animals). After this she introduced us to the set up of the machine and showed us how to start off. Then we were free to go, she showed us how to do the craft with or without a hoop, but it became quickly apparent that I was a natural hoop user and I definitely felt more in control using the hoop.
First of all we started off doing circles and lines to get a feel for the machine, we then moved on to doing some applique work and lettering (I have terrible handwriting at the best of times so this was definitely not the part of the class I excelled at). Then we had a break for a well earned cup of tea and cake, over tea she showed some good books to use and discussed different ways we could use the craft such as sewing onto card ( which is something I definitely want to try).
After tea we came to the hardcore stuff, and were tracing images from the light box to then embroider. There is no surprises that I chose the deer initially - how could I resist, and below is how he turned out (earlier she had told us how doing multiple outlines gives a nice effect - which I tried out). I now need to work out what to do with him - I think I'll frame it.
I really enjoyed this class and feel that in 3 hours I made a serious amount and progress, and feel really confident to continue at home.I shall definitely keep you all updated of my progess.
Zombie!
So this year I decided that I have to complete my unfinished projects. In October I decided that I was going to make a knitted zombie for Mr CG for his birthday in November, his birthday came and the zombie was far from complete, I then set my sights to finish it for a Christmas present (utter fail), and then for Valentines (we'll forget that this was my third deadline). But await the drum roll.......the zombie is finished 7 months later than planned.
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