D*C Lavender Dress and Health
Feb. 11th, 2014 09:32 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
helwenGetting a little work done on the lavender Lolita-inspired dress over the past week. Really have to get more stuff done in general, but eh, making some more life changes and that's always a time suck. All good, all good.
Anyway!
The dress's original bodice is lined but the skirt wasn't and I finally realized that the material isn't thick enough for a single layer to not be influenced by a darker color beneath it -- the skirt is a split skirt and I'll have a darker lavender beneath it as a ruffle skirt. So I cut out a "slip" piece from an old curtain last week and yesterday I finally sewed some lace onto the edge as the hem.
I also found some trim to go down the middle of the double-edged pleated ruffle I made, which arrived mid/late last week.![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
fitzw, danabren and I all agreed it was a little creepy-looking, but I figured the palm/fan-shape could look like it went with my demon pony's fins or tentacles, plus it was a good color match, as far as I could tell from the computer screen. Started applying it last night, and I think it looks pretty good!
*****
I've also done some work on re-sizing the bodice, but am putting that aside for now. I'm still tweaking my diet and exercise plans and hopefully that will lead to some significant changes health-wise and will affect my figure. I've added a few supplements, at least for now -- fish oil, Vitamin C during the day and Vitamin D before bed. Soaking in the tub, rolling out various muscles, and trying to keep up with certain exercises at home, as well as going to see Phil at The Body Tailor. Trying to do even 10 minutes of kung fu daily helps immensely; even on a bad day, doing kung fu or tai chi forms slowly, is a Good Thing (tm).
I'm working on reducing endocrine disruption and increasing exercise/activity levels. The most recent change was to cut out conventional dairy, and I am feeling better. I was pretty creaky this morning, but so far I've been active (for me) for at least four days in a row, and today's looking pretty good for that too. My usual thing has been that if I work out or go to kung fu one day, I crash the next day -- or if I manage two days together, then I _really_ crash on the third day. Nice to see some light in that there tunnel...
Going to up my core work a little, too. Still can't sit on my heels when kneeling, but getting a little closer; my jumps are improving. Still have a long way to go, but I actually achieve hang-time a couple of times in class last night, so yay.
Feeling pretty good about how I look these days. Yes, I have a ways to go to achieve my goals, but I think it's important to be able to feel good about yourself, no matter how you "look" in the mainstream's way of thinking. My goals are more mobility, more kung fu, and more creativity. I'm on my way in all areas, and that is beautiful.
Anyway!
The dress's original bodice is lined but the skirt wasn't and I finally realized that the material isn't thick enough for a single layer to not be influenced by a darker color beneath it -- the skirt is a split skirt and I'll have a darker lavender beneath it as a ruffle skirt. So I cut out a "slip" piece from an old curtain last week and yesterday I finally sewed some lace onto the edge as the hem.
I also found some trim to go down the middle of the double-edged pleated ruffle I made, which arrived mid/late last week.
fitzw, danabren and I all agreed it was a little creepy-looking, but I figured the palm/fan-shape could look like it went with my demon pony's fins or tentacles, plus it was a good color match, as far as I could tell from the computer screen. Started applying it last night, and I think it looks pretty good!*****
I've also done some work on re-sizing the bodice, but am putting that aside for now. I'm still tweaking my diet and exercise plans and hopefully that will lead to some significant changes health-wise and will affect my figure. I've added a few supplements, at least for now -- fish oil, Vitamin C during the day and Vitamin D before bed. Soaking in the tub, rolling out various muscles, and trying to keep up with certain exercises at home, as well as going to see Phil at The Body Tailor. Trying to do even 10 minutes of kung fu daily helps immensely; even on a bad day, doing kung fu or tai chi forms slowly, is a Good Thing (tm).
I'm working on reducing endocrine disruption and increasing exercise/activity levels. The most recent change was to cut out conventional dairy, and I am feeling better. I was pretty creaky this morning, but so far I've been active (for me) for at least four days in a row, and today's looking pretty good for that too. My usual thing has been that if I work out or go to kung fu one day, I crash the next day -- or if I manage two days together, then I _really_ crash on the third day. Nice to see some light in that there tunnel...
Going to up my core work a little, too. Still can't sit on my heels when kneeling, but getting a little closer; my jumps are improving. Still have a long way to go, but I actually achieve hang-time a couple of times in class last night, so yay.
Feeling pretty good about how I look these days. Yes, I have a ways to go to achieve my goals, but I think it's important to be able to feel good about yourself, no matter how you "look" in the mainstream's way of thinking. My goals are more mobility, more kung fu, and more creativity. I'm on my way in all areas, and that is beautiful.
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no subject
Date: 2014-02-11 03:36 pm (UTC)Good for you for knowing that it's not about how society sees you, but what makes you feel good. I'm glad that you're happy with the changes and I know just how much work that can be. As much as I enjoy people telling me I look good, I enjoy the fact that it's easy to climb the stairs more.
no subject
Date: 2014-02-12 04:16 pm (UTC)Yes, stairs! For that, the postural work I've been doing has also helped, as I've had a tendency to lean forward for most of my life, I think. As a kid I had nearly permanent bruises on my shins from tripping going up stairs. Adding some weight on top of an already challenging situation has done nasty things to various joints, some of which I'm undoing -- one of my bunions is actually diminishing :) But really, whatever my body needs to do to be more functional, I'm good with it. It is tricky sometimes to remember that my priorities are health and functionality, but I try to take a moment now and then to really look at myself in the mirror and see all the good stuff that's happening, and that helps a lot. I try never to compare myself to other people, including athletes, because no matter what you do, there's always someone who is, or appears to be, thinner/smarter/richer/stronger/whatever-thing-you're-obsessing-over than you -- it's just a recipe for stress and insanity.
I thought your face was looking different in the last photo you posted on FB. Still lovely as ever, my friend! And I'm delighted to hear that stairs are better for you too :)
no subject
Date: 2014-02-13 09:23 pm (UTC)At this point, I've probably lost about 60-65 lbs. I feel good about how I look and I just feel good. It will always be a struggle for me, but I'm winning it and that feels wonderful.
Wise words about not comparing yourself. It is so much an ingrained part of our society, but we can be so much happier if we resist the pull.
no subject
Date: 2014-02-14 11:14 pm (UTC)