Weight issues, and Lekala patterns

Hi everyone!

Today I wanted to talk a bit about something that has changed for me in the last month--my weight.  I didn't start the New Year with a resolution to lose weight or anything, it just kind of happened. Kind of.  Ok, there was a little work involved on my part.  You see, I have always found time to work out at least 5-6 times a week, and now I have incorporated jogging into that routine.  However, I never really decided to change my eating habits at all.  I figure, if I work out that many days a week, I should be entitled to eat whatever I want.

After I started taking a Health and Wellness class at my local church, though, I decided that I was wrong about my eating habits.  In fact, I don't know how my body was making it through the day because I had so many carbs, sugars, and fats in my diet.  So...while in class they gave us a recommended eating plan, and it did not sound restrictive to me.  I had a whole list of things that I could eat an unlimited amount of, like fruits, veggies, and lean meats. I also had a smaller list of items that, if I decided to eat them, I would have to count toward my calories for the day(of which I only get 250).  I'm not sure if this is similar to Weight Watchers or not, but combined with my working out, I have been able to lose 10 pounds!

Now I feel absolutely great!  I have more energy, and I have gotten rid of my persistent heartburn and headaches!  I am so elated to be finally giving my body the nutrients it needed for a long time.  The best part of it all is that my kids are picking up much healthier eating habits too!

So with all of this weight loss I am curious as to whether or not this will change my sewing habits.  My waist measurements have definitely changed (I know I have gone at least a whole size down in RTW), and so have  my bust measurements (down a bra size, and maybe a cup size?).

The other day while looking at online sewing patterns, I ran across some custom downloadable patterns made by a company called Lekala.  Apparently, you enter four measurements (height, bust, waist, and hips)
into the pattern of your choice, and they will create a custom pattern for you!  Intrigued with this idea, I decided to give it a try--especially since they offer a free pattern on their website, and a lot of their designs are both adorable and affordable.

I am now working on Lekala 8004, a jersey blouse with crossover front.  I have already typed in my measurements, received my pattern via email, printed out my pattern,and cut my fabric.  In total, I think I printed 14 pages for this top.  It wasn't bad at all.  Putting the pattern together took a little more out of me, though.  If this works out, then great.  If not, it will be a good experience in seeing what this company has to offer.

In case you are curious about some of the Lekala designs, here are a few that caught my eye:

And there are more where that came from!  You can check out the 99 cents download collection at Sewing Patterns, or you can see the whole extensive collection at Lekala.