Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Teddy Gained a Sweater, I Lost 50 Pounds!



"Poor Teddy is so cold!", says my 6 year old. "He needs a sweater!"

So, in my mind, the ONLY thing to do in this situation is to whip out the laptop and check Ravelry. Wouldn't you? (he he)

Almost immediately, we found the pattern, "Monkster's Sweater" and we both thought it was adorable. We rushed out to the yarn store (which I'd just left at 1 pm) just before they closed to pick out yarn. Ben chose 3 skeins of Noro Kureyon in color 226 - a blend of dark greens, reds, dark orange, purple and blues. It wasn't a color I would usually pick, but Ben (and Teddy) loved it.

I was so psyched to make this (after knitting the baby cardigan on size 2s for so long, I wanted something quick and fun) that I ended up working on it all night and made it in 4 hours! I was so much fun to knit and I'm very glad that I ended up spending a little more on the yarn because the sweater came out FANTASTIC!! (I'm even thinking of making Ben a sweater in the same yarn to match)

You can find details of this project HERE on Ravelry...I also added some hints and things like that, too.

Hmmm...what else is new? Well, I finished my Fabulous Scarf (see pattern link on right or HERE on Ravelry) out of the remainder of the Ivy Brambles Superwash Worsted to go with the Amanda Hat - both shop samples.

What do you think?


I think it's pretty convenient that you can make both out of only 1 skein - would make a really cute gift for someone, I think. I just used the same size needle that I used for the hat to make the scarf and, although the yarn in thinner, the scarf comes out lacier and has a nicer drape. Plus, the colors of this yarn are sooo pretty!

I'm still working on the baby cardigan, which I need to finish in the next week or so...and I'm designing a new pattern, too, which is super fun to make (of course I'd say that, right! LOL)

I have a new FREE earth-friendly pattern coming out right before Earth Day in April, so keep an eye out for that, k?

Oh, and before I forget.....guess what???

I finally made my second goal of 50 POUNDS lost on WW!!!!!

I'm very happy and I'm crossing my fingers that I can keep it up until I reach my goal weight. (please, please)

Here are the things I do everyday to stay on track:

1. Exercise for at least 30-40 minutes (a mixture of aerobics, Wii Fit and yoga) 6 times a week or more
2. Be vigilant about keeping track of every single thing I put in my mouth in my WW journal
3. Eat one Flat Belly Diet food with every 8 point (approx. 400 calorie) meal - this TRULY keeps me fuller and more satisfied
4. Drink at least 64 oz of filtered water per day...or more
5. Knit or spin whenever I feel like I want to eat
6. Eat more veggies, fruit and protein than carbs (I love carbs) because carbs make me so much more hungry - and I eat one carb per meal, but it's whole grain and full of fiber.
7. Only eat out once a week at a restaurant, if possible. (sometimes, it's twice, but if I do go out again, I only order a salad and grilled chicken and bring my own dressing)
8. Journal!!! (I can't tell you how addicted I am to journaling - even my iPhone has a Gratitude Journal app!)
9. Take some nice, deep yoga breaths (with or without music) to make me feel calmer
10. Eat my favorite food once a week so I don't feel deprived - but I make sure to count the points.


And, finally, a picture of me from last week with my new haircut - you can't tell, but back is to my collar and the front angles towards my face and it's longer. Do you like it? (My oldest took the picture -he's so nice)



This week I lost just under 4 pounds to make my goal. I'm freezing all the time now, but it's sooo worth it to feel better and fit more easily in my clothes. AND, I'm actually looking forward to my yearly doctor's appointment this year. Go figure!

I wanted to thank everyone who posted supportive and loving words on my weight loss - I can't tell you how much it means to me. You're like my Blogging Cheering Section and I love you guys for it. Really : )

14 comments:

Leslie said...

Woot, YOU GO Grrl! Congratulations on learning to make at least 1/3 of your plate green and making your goals. That is so amazing!

The teddy bear sweater is way to cute too.

Heide said...

Gorgeous Teddy Sweater and you deserve a pat on the back for being such a devoted mom. Congratulations on your fabulous weight loss. The dedication and hard work are intimidating for most people, but your're doing great and you look beautiful. I just started a new exercise program this morning. My goal is to lose 15 pounds and most importantly, to feel good again. The hat and scarf set are lovely too.

Anonymous said...

OMG GINA, YOU LOOK FANTASTIC!!!!! Congratulations! If you've made it this far, you'll definitely make it to your final goal. Now it's time for you to buy some skinny clothes :-) Seriously, I can't tell you how happy I am for you!
XOXOX

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah, I got so excited about your weight loss that I completely forgot to comment on your knits. The teddy bear sweater is adorable and I think you definitely should knit Ben a matching one! I may have to make some of those for Clover's dolls.

The hat and scarf are beautiful, too.

Anonymous said...

Gina, I'm glad you posted a picture. I wanted to see how great you look. And WOW! You do!
Love the Teddy Bear sweater.

Anonymous said...

You look great! Keep at it!

Joanne said...

I read your blog often, it's always so entertaining! Congratulations...you look, and I bet feel, WONDERFUL!!! I know how hard it is to stay on track, you made a commitment to yourself and truly stuck to it....Giant Kudos to you!!!!!!! You deserve a hug, pat on the back and a new piece of Jewelry!! Oh, Ian...

talumirage said...

a) cute teddy jumper!
b) epic sexiness=you.
c) that hat is freaking awesome- I don't usually like pink, but I like that! Now you know what to make for my birthday ;)

xxx
baby chicklet

Kathleen C. said...

I hadn't posted so far but I am moved to by this uhm, weighty occasion...
WAHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
And congratulations.
50 is momentous and I'm so very pleased for you. Way to go!

knittingdragonflies said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is great! Thanks for the weight loss tips and the photos of the scarf and hat. (supercute)
Vicki

Anonymous said...

Good day !.
might , perhaps curious to know how one can manage to receive high yields .
There is no initial capital needed You may begin to receive yields with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you haven`t ever dreamt of such a chance to become rich
The company represents an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with structures everywhere: In USA, Canada, Cyprus.
Do you want to become a happy investor?
That`s your chance That`s what you desire!

I`m happy and lucky, I began to get income with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to choose a proper companion who uses your money in a right way - that`s AimTrust!.
I earn US$2,000 per day, and my first deposit was 1 grand only!
It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://dysyxixaz.virtue.nu/izypyge.html
and lucky you`re! Let`s take our chance together to feel the smell of real money

Anonymous said...

Good day !.
You re, I guess , perhaps curious to know how one can collect a huge starting capital .
There is no initial capital needed You may begin to get income with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you need
The company incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with affiliates around the world.
Do you want to become an affluent person?
That`s your choice That`s what you desire!

I feel good, I started to take up real money with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to choose a correct companion who uses your funds in a right way - that`s it!.
I earn US$2,000 per day, and my first investment was 500 dollars only!
It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://sodeladuwa.greatnow.com/jiqira.html
and go! Let`s take our chance together to become rich

Anonymous said...

tired of comments like "OK. " or buy antibiotics online. Then write to me at icq 75949683256...

Anonymous said...

Would you mind my smoking?