tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post82457758422570674..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: What We Talk About When We Talk About WeightGertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-16714512790262363962011-12-11T00:32:14.557-05:002011-12-11T00:32:14.557-05:00I think it's a really difficult thing to accep...I think it's a really difficult thing to accept yourself the way you are. For me, my main motivation for accepting my weight, my face, etc. is that I'm just happier when I do. And when I'm happy I can get so much accomplished.<br /><br />Also, I owned a tailoring shop for a while, and EVERYONE complains about some detail about their body. There is always a feature a girl hates that someone else is just dying to have. I figure we should all just be grateful for what we've got and move on with life.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16850159089269703045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-45371067205084483832011-11-29T16:48:14.125-05:002011-11-29T16:48:14.125-05:00This business about not being able to stop eating ...This business about not being able to stop eating ultracaloric food is like -in my own experience- a drug addiction. I do not believe in excuses (Iwas not happy, I was getting obsessed, we have to love ourselves as we are, etc) to continue pusuing the pleasure in food. Overweight is overweight. For our height, all of us know when we are above the limit, and that is dangerous on our health (more than smoking!!). I am not talking about being underweight, but about being on a normal weight. And about trying to enjoy more healthy plesures that chocolate pie and peannut butter. Personal, I lost 12 kg two years ago, and I tell you, they are never coming back. I feel like and exjunkie. But of course, it comes with effort and dedication (shoping, cooking, carefully selecting what i eat) but i'm never hungry and hey! form time to time, I can sin, but not everyday!!! <br />LOVE!Mertxehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10126670153437138246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-42969451196760615322011-11-22T02:58:53.352-05:002011-11-22T02:58:53.352-05:00Fashionable <a href="http://www.loudstarba...Fashionable <a href="http://www.loudstarbazaar.com/shop/brand-starlyte-ethos/starlyte-ethos-jungle-dress/p_78.html>Indie clothing styles</a>!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-61433294469327156352011-11-21T16:08:54.070-05:002011-11-21T16:08:54.070-05:00I am a naturally thin woman. I don't do anythi...I am a naturally thin woman. I don't do anything to maintain my weight, I don't restrict my diet all that much, I just am what I am.<br /><br />It might seem odd, then, to think of someone whose body type more closely resembles to "norm" that is portrayed by culture and media as being made to feel insecure by other women.<br /><br />Ever since I was in high school I have received disparaging comments about my body from other women, mostly because my body type makes THEM feel insecure about themselves. Women often disguise these comments by pretending to be paying me a compliment, or will praise my body while they insult their own. My body just is what it is, and it is very frustrating and hurtful to be made to feel "responsible" for someone else's self-esteem or to feel bad for the way I naturally look. <br /><br />These kinds of comments feel violating to my body and I have always hated them. I do not wish to apologize for the way my body looks naturally, nor should you have to. I am still learning better strategies to deal with comments that carry heavy negative connotations, either directly about my body or about the way my body "makes" another woman feel.<br /><br />Love yo'selves ladies!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47318933867933197742011-11-19T06:36:36.098-05:002011-11-19T06:36:36.098-05:00Gertie, judging by the number of comments you have...Gertie, judging by the number of comments you have received, you struck an artery with your post! (bigger response than touching a nerve)<br />Having been a chubby child (the only clothes that fit were the Chubette brand from Lane Bryant) who is now 66 and working to maintain a healthy weight, I can relate.Carolnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-41487168672575918432011-11-15T18:28:29.285-05:002011-11-15T18:28:29.285-05:00Gretchen - how incredibly normalizing that someone...Gretchen - how incredibly normalizing that someone as gorgeous as yourself has the same neuroses re: weight that I have. Though I have never had (nor likely ever will) have the discipline to eat only 1200 cal/day. How did you survive?! Thank you for sharing.Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11754273952833822075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-63431923742519558422011-11-12T23:10:59.113-05:002011-11-12T23:10:59.113-05:00Maybe this explains why I had no friends but I was...Maybe this explains why I had no friends but I wasn't aware of my body image until I was probably 22 or so. Those were much simpler times. I miss that. *sigh*Evahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08746600131596459987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-88517587550377808062011-11-12T16:59:36.922-05:002011-11-12T16:59:36.922-05:00Couldn't have said it better myself! Even the ...Couldn't have said it better myself! Even the part about realizing that we are "all good." I think I was doing yoga when I had that realization too! Great blog!martha @ runninginmommylandhttp://www.runninginmommyland.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-39209000982558430912011-11-10T10:57:30.548-05:002011-11-10T10:57:30.548-05:00"like we all looked the way we were supposed ..."like we all looked the way we were supposed to look."<br /><br />Beautiful and profound. May we all get to that place!<br /><br />Great post.Erinhttp://howmuchdoyouweigh.tumblr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-27831103120480549472011-11-10T10:54:51.478-05:002011-11-10T10:54:51.478-05:00You just can't touch on this subject without s...You just can't touch on this subject without setting off a firestorm. I dealt with these issues in my grad art program and geez did I get pushback, from accusing me of slamming thin people to assertions that I was trying to speak for all women. Something about this topic makes people get out their torches and pitchforks. <br />Your blog post was the best piece I've seen on this topic. Well-written, clearly expressed, and without the shrill bitterness I'm sure would be in my writing!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-62272027355164679232011-11-09T10:39:44.311-05:002011-11-09T10:39:44.311-05:00Great post...I read your blog alot, but have never...Great post...I read your blog alot, but have never commented. Weight is such a huge issue with so many of us. When I turned 50, a while ago, it was scary...but after that day it was kind of liberating....Who cares anymore how I look. My family loves me like I am. I spent most my young adulthood fretting and worrying about myself. What a waste of time that was. Funny tho, I still do not post pics of me in my outfits...hmmmm..Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16566482482136016795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-17485765114568371812011-11-09T10:14:19.983-05:002011-11-09T10:14:19.983-05:00I really liked what you said about alienating othe...I really liked what you said about alienating other groups when you say " Real women have curves" or " It's not healthy to be so fat." In high school I got teased for being too skinny. Although I ate like a pig, it was something I couldn't help and my self-esteem was affected greatly by comments from others.So many times I would defend myself, "No I'm not a tweeker, in fact I don't do any drugs." "No, I am not making myself throw up or starving myself." I have realized that I am just as much woman as any one else, I am just a small woman. That's ok and I enjoy the variety of women in this world. Enjoy You!Rachelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82868699424978697232011-11-09T00:42:23.516-05:002011-11-09T00:42:23.516-05:00I feel that some of the comments are problematic -...I feel that some of the comments are problematic - especially the few that mention being "unhealthily fat". All you can tell about a fat person is... that they're fat! :)<br /><br />Sure, I'm obese according to the BMI (a statistical measure I have some problems with), but over the last few years I've worked on increasing my movement. I'm at the point where I can, on a whim, go on a 50k bike ride, or a 15k hike up 1300m of elevation, and feel great the next day. I haven't lost any weight, or even any inches, and I'm OK with that. I'm not OK with people judging me as fat, and therefore unhealthy (though honestly, it's none of their business if I were).<br /><br />I moved into sewing clothing from sewing costumes because it's difficult to find athletic wear and cute sundresses that fit well. I'm still working on the sundresses, and am starting on the athletic wear. Quick-dry plus-fours and waterproofed canvas spats for hiking? Yes, please!dotted lineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12833251316062787618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-77932623868507767862011-11-08T23:57:07.008-05:002011-11-08T23:57:07.008-05:00Its funny, and sad, I was just thinking that I rem...Its funny, and sad, I was just thinking that I remember in freshman year of college trying to work out to make my rear bigger... and then work out to make it smaller... within like 6 months. Yikes. So glad to be more comfortable in my own skin now. But I feel slightly ashamed how flattered I feel when people say I'm thin or tiny - I'd much rather be strong or athletic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-77805424722140694132011-11-08T21:30:37.075-05:002011-11-08T21:30:37.075-05:00Last year, I lost some weight, and I started talki...Last year, I lost some weight, and I started talking with some people about it. The weight loss wasn't deliberate, but it was enough that I had to do some whole new wardrobe shopping (which I didn't really want to do). And as I'm in my early twenties, this was new to me. <br /><br />I wanted to talk about it with somebody. I remember being very careful about who I talked to about it because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. So I told only my best friend (who is one of the prettiest people I have ever met). My best friend was uncomfortable with that conversation, even though all I said was that I lost weight and all she said was that she gained weight. <br /><br />But since then, I've been very sensitive to losing weight in myself because it can be such a contentious topic. Some people noticed when I lost the weight, and when they said something about it, I could hear the jealousy in their voices. <br /><br />But it just goes to show me how ingrained this is in our society, that such a simple thing can be so emotion-laden.michiru7422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74131211020563223702011-11-08T21:09:08.805-05:002011-11-08T21:09:08.805-05:00I haven't had a full length mirror for about t...I haven't had a full length mirror for about three years now and, honestly, it's great. This last year I gained quite a bit of weight, yet don't feel (too much) insecurity over it. I'm also pregnant at the moment so that helps! But I started this pregnancy 35 lbs heavier than I normally weigh. I've gained my usual pregnancy weight of about 35+ lbs and still have 2 months to go. While at times it doesn't feel good (hips hurt, back hurts, can't bend over as far sooner than normal) due to the extra weight, I'm not real stressed about it like I was with my first two pregnancies. I think not having a full length mirror that I stare into every day criticizing this area and that imperfection has helped. Of course it has it's cons. There's been times I've left the house in an outfit that didn't really go together like I thought it did in my head! But for the most part, it's brought a greater acceptance of myself for myself.Jessie Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01163388747099039273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-75185960397238426682011-11-08T20:56:19.587-05:002011-11-08T20:56:19.587-05:00I have a wide circle of female friends and acquain...I have a wide circle of female friends and acquaintances. Almost everyone I know sews, embroiders, quilts, or is in some way creative. Through "respect for the cloth," I reached some point of equilibrium. <br /><br />Some of my friends are post-menopausal. Some are married, others single. <br /><br />The women I know and dress come in every imaginable shape and size and coloring. In my work, I focus on bringing out the positive aspects of every woman I work with- clients, colleagues, etc. The thing is, I respect these people and they respect me. It's a mutual respect based on knowledge and hard work. <br /><br />I know I'm lucky to have a circle like that, and I have to say that knowing so many creative, strong, individual women has encouraged me to grow as a person.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-9190469344586087872011-11-08T20:23:20.525-05:002011-11-08T20:23:20.525-05:00Gertie, I think you are GORGEOUS and don't nee...Gertie, I think you are GORGEOUS and don't need to lose a pound! As women, it's so common for us to talk about our weight and how we feel about it, but I try not to do it. After reading the book "Losing It" I realized that the diet industry is hugely responsible for how we women feel about our bodies. Since reading that book, I never talk about "how fat I am" or that I would love to lose 5 pounds.* I also don't say to anyone, "Have you lost weight? You look great!" People look great no matter what their body size is. <br /><br />Bravo to you, Gertie for writing about your experience! I always love your honesty! <br /><br />*For the record, I have had two babies, as have most of my friends, and being pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum does a doozie on your body. It is extremely hard not to talk about how you feel about your weight after that. I only wish our society could accept that making a baby is a miraculous thing and, yeah, it changes your body. But look at what you've done: made a human being!!Rosehttp://www.thelaughingmonkey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-64396610890107557282011-11-08T20:13:47.411-05:002011-11-08T20:13:47.411-05:00I think that you're lovely, Gertie, and thank ...I think that you're lovely, Gertie, and thank you for this honest post.<br /><br />When I was 15, I lost nearly 20 pounds and was very thin ( I wasn't overweight to begin with). After I lost that weight I fell in love for the first time in a big way. I thought I had the world in my pocket. <br /><br />Of course I gained the weight back and the boyfriend didn't want to have anything to do with me anymore. I cringe when I think of the trauma and self-loathing I heaped on myself.<br /><br />I can't do anything to change what happened in the past. What I CAN do is love my body now to the best of my ability and talk with my daughter about how she feels about her body.<br /><br />My little girl is just seven, and already struggling to accept the shape of her body. It's heartbreaking, but we all have to keep talking about this issue to get past it.Miss Pricklyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17124464700790056459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-49621427590532274942011-11-08T19:12:31.127-05:002011-11-08T19:12:31.127-05:00Crazy!!!! I just blogged on this EXACT subject thi...Crazy!!!! I just blogged on this EXACT subject this morning (http://blog.emilylapish.com/2011/11/be-kind-a-quick-little-post-for-your-day/), and a friend pointed me to this post since it was in the same vein. It's so heavy on my heart, this self-image issue. It saddens me to see so many (MYSELF included) speaking such negative words to ourselves and others. Thank you for this post!Emily Lapishhttp://emilylapish.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-81250895932284693002011-11-08T18:22:42.879-05:002011-11-08T18:22:42.879-05:00Gertie,
I'm also a dressmaker, and my best fr...Gertie,<br /><br />I'm also a dressmaker, and my best friend is a professional photographer, and it's been a great and difficult journey for both of us to grow healthier in the way we see ourselves (which takes much longer than learning to see OTHERS in a healthy way!) Anyway, I just got around to reading this post today, which was lovely especially after reading my photog buddy's post here - http://blog.emilylapish.com/2011/11/be-kind-a-quick-little-post-for-your-day/ - I highly recommend the quick read, if you have a second.Bekahhttp://www.laurelandfife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-44123509058539669812011-11-08T18:20:18.169-05:002011-11-08T18:20:18.169-05:00Anonymous 5:43 p.m.:
Somebody will always have an...Anonymous 5:43 p.m.:<br /><br />Somebody will always have an opinion, complaint, unsolicited advice, etc. In my case, it's two of my mother's friends telling me I don't look well. I look fine. I feel <i>great</i>. I ignore them. They have both admitted to Mom that they're jealous, but I don't flaunt the loss and how they react is not my fault and should not be my problem.<br /><br />RebeccaK: Vintage sewing did wonders for my body image, even before I lost weight. Nothing ever fit me properly. Turns out, 1940's patterns fit me with almost no alteration (let the hips out a little, is all). I can now make adorable clothes that fit me. I no longer have to be uncomfortable, physically and psychologically, every day because of my build. Even if I'd never lost an ounce, my life has improved dramatically because of sewing.Little Black Carhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14313164876855565140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-62679607435050099622011-11-08T18:19:29.839-05:002011-11-08T18:19:29.839-05:00I think it is good to focus on 'healthy' r...I think it is good to focus on 'healthy' rather than weight. When people say they want to lose kilos/lbs I suggest they measure themselves instead because muscle weighs more than fat so if you are exercising you will probably get some muscle definition but get on the scales and get bummed because it doesn't register a lot of weight loss.<br /><br />Really, anyone can be unhealthy - fat, skinny or inbetween. It;s about knowing your body shape and accepting that no matter how fat or skinny you are you will always be bigger in the hips and thighs for some or bigger in the boobs for others. Some are short, some are tall.<br /><br />I have a 6 year old daughter and I have had to change the way I talk about body image because little people have big ears!! She says to me 'Do you need to exercise to lose weight, mum?' And I have to take a deep breath and say 'No, I need to exercise to keep my heart healthy and my body working right.' Love your body, don't beat it up. For everyone this will mean something different!<br /><br />Real women have curves isn't true and real women are size 0 isn't true. The truth is Real Women Come in Different Sizes - just work out how that translates to healthy for yourself.Jane Elisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-54343594913425596392011-11-08T18:16:58.374-05:002011-11-08T18:16:58.374-05:00I used to be insecure about my body, not so much b...I used to be insecure about my body, not so much b/c I thought I was fat but b/c I didn't like my muscular legs. So until, oh, high school, I refused to wear shorts. I remember my friends essentially bribing me into wearing shorts at the end of the school year, and how embarrassed I was the whole time... until one of my guy friends told me I had "great calves". That definitely changed how I viewed myself! These days I'm comfortable with my body, thanks in large part to sewing and being able to adjust clothes to my personal style - and also b/c it took me this long to develop one, and to stop caring about what (I thought) others thought! Anyway. Thank you for such a great post =)Stephanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-76489043863192894162011-11-08T17:42:58.979-05:002011-11-08T17:42:58.979-05:00Little Black Car:
I tend to avoid the topic as we...Little Black Car:<br /><br />I tend to avoid the topic as well. But very often someone who is clinically overweight and doesn't exercise starts opining on other fit and trim people's food and activity choices. It never fails to astonish.<br /><br />Angela:<br /><br />Putting aside people with anorexia or individuals whose illness has made them lose weight, the people with weight-related health problems are usually fat. Ask any doctor. No one is talking about unhealthily or unhealthy thin people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com