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Home Archive for 2014

Hello chickadees! It's been so long since I've been able to do a solid update. Thank you to everyone who has been adding me on bloglovin or responding to my video post. I couldn't have picked a busier time to really get my blog rolling but eh, c'est la vie! I am excited to have several posts lined up and really excited to tell you about an experience I had last night. So mysterious, right?

I Haven't Been So Kind To Me Lately

Well, let me first start by saying that loving myself has not been easy lately. I've been really down on myself for all of the weight gain since I had my lap-band removal surgery. I've sort of been going along happily not worrying that I'm going to gain weight because "I know better". And it's been a whirlwind of shame, guilt and occasional "I'm sorry I'm not pretty" comments to my husband who immediately requests that I stop thinking that way. If only I could see me the way he does. 

I think part of the downside to being so immersed in the alternative health community is being surrounded by perfectionism. Its sort of inevitable... I'm the only fat one in the room at the holistic health seminars held at my chiropractors office. Sometimes it feels like in order to live the lifestyle that I want I have to look a certain way or dress a certain way and really adjust who I am to them. Curvy Yoga was a huge wake up call last night. 

Try Something New? Why Not?

I went thinking I'd just try another form of yoga and I left remembering that its ok to do what works best for me. For once I didn't have to do my best to keep up. I didn't have to spend several breaths trying to adjust my fat to move into a pose. I didn't have to wonder if I was doing the pose right since I just couldn't reach that far. I remembered that it's ok to be me, exactly how I am. 

A couple of months ago I committed myself to a Bikram yoga practice that really threw things off for me. I learned a ton, I did yoga every single day for 30 days (yes seriously) and if you know anything about Bikram you know that its the hottest, longest, unforgiving yoga there is. Keyword: unforgiving. There was no room for mistakes and after 30 days I had some lower back issues that were shouting for some attention. 

My Body Isn't A Problem That Needs to Be Fixed

When I talked to my instructors, I kept hearing, "engage your core" but no one could really explain what that meant. I was also starting to get frustrated at the lack of adjustments allowed by the practice (using equipment or a mat) when I needed some help to work into a pose. I walked away from that angry and resentful of yoga. Also, misunderstood with everyone telling me to just relax. I didn't want to relax, I was so mad that I felt excluded by something else. I do want to add that none of this was intentional and the instructors were all really kind. There's just sort of an exclusion of certain body types that no one wants to look at it. And my weight was again treated like a problem that needed fixing rather than adjusting to how I am now.


Curvy Yoga To The Rescue

Curvy Yoga has come to Nashville. Facilitated by Anna Guest-Jelley, a forward-thinking writer, lifelong champion for women’s empowerment & body acceptance & curvy yoga instructor who saw ta need. The studio officially opened in September of 2014 and boasts a really friendly studio space with a kitchen, beautiful architecture & a friendly area to check in, get props and get ready for a luxurious session of yoga that feels incredible. It's gentle, kind, exhilarating and meets you right where you are. It was a huge reminder of what it means to exercise and all of the benefits that everyone keeps telling me about. 


Studio Tour from Curvy Yoga on Vimeo.

Finally, a place where my curves were not only accepted, but embraced lovingly. Reminding me that I am not broken and that a little bit of kindness goes a really long way. 


We All Deserve to Be Treated Well

Now, this isn't really a health blog as I've said before. But something that continues to spark my interest is the way that people are starting to open up to the idea that the concept of perfection or idealism has gotten us into a lot of trouble. The way we see ourselves directly contributes to the way we treat ourselves and we we deserve to be treated well no matter where we're at on our journey. 

I love curvy yoga. We are coincidentally moving about 10 minutes away from the new studio & I can't wait for my next class. Most people talk about how bad things have gotten in our world or how life is worse than ever but I think the opposite. I think change is coming, a revolution is happening and people are opening up to new ideas about happiness. Curvy Yoga is proof of progress and I am so happy I found it.


Mabel~ Colette Patterns~ Finished Skirt

Happy Friday chickadees! I am so happy to see the weekend and to spend time nuzzled up with my little family during the inevitable cold snap that'll be hovering over Nashville the next couple of days. I have some really fun stuff to show you! I finished a couple of skirts and I wanted to give you a rundown of how they came together. I've been working on Mabel by Colette Patterns. 



A super-simple, over the weekend (if not one evening) skirt made from knit material. It was fast, easy and great practice with knit fabric (which I am slowly falling in love with). Colette Patterns are kind enough to start including plus sizes in their patterns and this skirt truly is one of the most true to size things I've ever sewn (for my body). Knits are so forgiving and I totally re-learned this lesson with this skirt. Lol, seriously, keep reading...

Mabel~ Colette Patterns~ Finished Skirt (Butt)

See this skirt? This is NOT what it looked like when I was finished. I read the measurements and I noticed that the waist measurements were about 6" shorter than my measurements required. Even at the largest size (3x). Sigh. Whatever, I thought this might be a perfect time to practice my slash and spread method just at the waist since the hips should fit perfectly. Boy, this couldn't have been more wrong. 

The finished product was HUGE! Way huge. I was going to show a picture of me wearing it but I seriously couldn't keep it on without holding it up with both hands. I took the sides in 6" (3" on each side) and it fit. I still think it might be a little big though. The material I used was not the solid knit that it should've been. I used a buttery soft, floppy knit that holds it's shape but stretches a little more than necessary. Lesson learned! Should've listened to the suggestion on the pattern. Ah, well. It's still cute!

Wanna see my pretty/useless adjustment?
I really love my little Mabel mini. I'm not going to be able to pass a gorgeous knit at the fabric store without wanting to make it into one of these skirts. Some people complained about the waistband being too thin but I rather like it. I didn't end up using the twin needles to hem the bottom but I do want to figure out a little bit prettier of a stitch for the hem. I'm going to look into it.

Mabel~ Colette Patterns~ Finished Skirt (hey, sailor!)

My friend Lauren (aka Lladybird) has me thinking about getting a serger and this skirt REALLY had me obsessing over the idea. Part 2 is version 3, the pencil skirt with the awesome faux pleat. I could not be happier about how it turned out! 

End review: kick-ass, instant gratification skirt that will TOTALLY fit. It's forgiving, flattering and awesome. Stay tuned for part 2 (the pencil skirt to rule all pencil skirts)

Image by Ash Kiel

This is not really a health blog. It is, however, a place for me to update and archive what's on my mind and this is a very important topic to me. In 2013 an ultrasound confirmed cysts all over my ovaries. This pesky little nuisance began with puberty and I truly noticed it while I was a sophomore in high school. Beginning with dark hair showing up on my chin and eventually resulting in massive weight gain around my middle section, excessive body hair everywhere, constant depression, fatigue & an insatiable craving for bread and sugar to the likes of which were not known to mankind.

Of course, back then, my parents thought I had A.D.D. and/or was only depressed. It's been devastating and my life has been massively impacted by this syndrome. I was treated horribly by my peers, misunderstood by my parents, completely ignored by doctors (and boys) and so lost for a lot of my life, hating my body and exposing it to what I believed it deserved: abuse. 

PCOS is something only women can be diagnosed with because its poly (multiple) cystic (cysts) ovarian (on/of the ovaries) syndrome (the collection of signs and symptoms that are observed in, and characteristic of, a single condition). What's really hard is the syndrome part. It's really a group of symptoms leading to the causation of cysts forming on the ovaries. Resulting in more symptoms.

Some women have an impossible time conceiving a child, some women rarely (or never) get their periods (me) which might sound like a blessing but a woman's body is meant to shed its inner uterine lining once a month. I don't care how bad your cramps are, not getting your period can be disastrous to your hormonal health and therefore the rest of your body. Some women grow thick, dark hair all over their bodies in places some men don't even have it. Some women's hair thins on their heads. And so much more. It's considered a syndrome and it's totally misunderstood, misdiagnosed and mistreated by most medical professionals.

The root cause of PCOS is insulin resistance.
What’s insulin resistance?
Well, when you eat and break down your food, you break it down into glucose which then enters your bloodstream (we tend to know this as “blood sugar”). Glucose needs to then move into your body’s cells so that they can use the glucose as energy. This process requires the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas in the correct amount to carry out the task.
However, most of us in the modern world are sending ourselves on blood sugar rollercoasters every day by feeding ourselves excess carbohydrates and sugars, which then results in the body pumping out tons of excess insulin to control the swing.
Eventually (because your you aren’t eating the right foods, or you’re genetically predisposed to it as is probably the case with women with PCOS) your cells become ‘resistant’ to the insulin because there tends to be so much circulating all the time. Once they become resistant to the insulin, the glucose begins to ‘bounce off’ the cells instead of going inside to be burned for energy. - Tracy Raftl of The Love Vitamin 

When I finally put a name to what was wrong with me it was devastating. Our amazing lactation specialist was over at our home 2 days after I'd given birth to my little mermaid. I was not producing breast milk and we couldn't figure out why. After explaining everything I was going through she asked me a series of questions and nodded, saying "dude, its obvious, you have PCOS". A couple of weeks later I had an ultrasound done to confirm it and she was right. I couldn't believe it, it was a massive mystery solved. I needed some time to absorb what this meant for me and just feel the frustration and anger that comes along with realizing it wasn't my fault, I didn't know, no one did. The big question became how it's been impacting my life all of these years and what I can do to control it. 


I've had my nose to the metaphorical grindstone for almost two years and learned very quickly that there are a lot of routes. Most information I've gathered has taught me that my only option is pharmaceutical. In listening to my instincts, I just knew that masking symptoms was never the answer. I dug deeper.

It can only be controlled by specific lifestyle changes: a natural (non processed or injected) diet, specific exercise targeted at metabolism and insulin, minimizing stressors (total opposite of standard american life), herbs and a whole new perspective on loving myself.

The very first step for me was quitting sugar (3 weeks ago):

After 1 week, here's what's changed:

  1. I got my period. Yep, it was 3 months late and it showed up on day 4.
  2. I don't need 30-45 minutes to get myself out of bed in the morning.
  3. I don't feel hungover until noon.
  4. My focus levels are much better and I'm finding the time and energy for things that felt impossible a week ago.
  5. I'm being nicer to myself, not so irritable.
  6. I'm looking forward to movement even if its just walking upstairs from the car.
  7. I can see the cookies and organic peanut butter cup and not buy it.
  8. I'm craving healthier foods like arugula & kombucha.
  9. My eyes are brighter.
  10. My skin looks much better, especially my chin.
All of that, after only one week with one real change.

Paired with that I've been reading Mark Sisson's book: The Primal Blueprint all about a paleo lifestyle. And a couple of days ago I stumbled across a blog that I absolutely love called The Love Vitamin and there was a very informative blog post on PCOS with a lot of excellent resources including PCOS unlocked: an in depth guide to PCOS that covers EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know about PCOS and how to combat it naturally with diet and lifestyle. It’s written by Stefani Ruper who has suffered with PCOS and the accompanying severe acne her whole life and has really done a seriously amazing job with this ebook (and reversing her PCOS!).

*side note: I don't want to minimize anyone's process, I've been through a lot, I totally get it. I'm also absolutely thrilled that things are coming together and I'm already seeing results.

Further Reading on PCOS


Here are a few stories from real women who have beaten their PCOS with nourishing foods:

Real Life Testimonial: A Paleo Diet for PCOS & Infertility

My Story: Recovery from Gluten Intolerance, PCOS, and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

An Unconventional Approach to PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome)



I continue to keep a journal around my emotions and my PCOS symptoms and i'm hoping to keep seeing a steady, consistent change in other symptoms. Specifically the dark hair growth everywhere. It's a stress that has impacted my life and continuously causes me problems. I'm also excited to say that I've had the energy and kindness needed for more movement in my life including curvy yoga, a sprint once a week, weight lifting & hiking through the mossy forrest behind our apartments. 

Thanks for listening to my story, and if you think you might have PCOS, definitely try to figure it out. Sometimes just putting the puzzle pieces together can be such a relief. Then, when you're ready, the healing can begin.

What a wonderful weekend we had in Chattanooga. I am so ridiculously happy for good friends, good food & good finds. We had no clue we'd totally fall in love with this weird little city. The 24 freeway totally takes you into Georgia and back into Tennessee to get to Chattanooga. The littlest city with a whole lot of personality.


We stayed with an Air BnB find. Our hosts were magnificent and our room was so pretty you guys. One of the hosts is a florist with an eye for cuteness and warmth. There were adorable little motivations hung up around the house. They had the cutest ideas everywhere. And to top if off they have a friendly golden retriever who loves to give kisses. We were so happy with our stay.


I'd like to shamelessly plug her blog: JamieLynnLeake.com for nifty ideas and pictures of their gorgeous home. I have to admit I was a bit concerned with Noelle staying with a stranger just in case their toddler tolerance was low. What? She's a tornado, a loud, cute, amazing tornado. Jamie really took to her and by the end of the trip they were buddies. Jamie also gave me a sewing machine cover that she sewed, I'll be posting a picture of that soon. SUCH a cool idea.


On friday night we headed into the city for dinner. I wasn't totally impressed with the display (what?! I'm picky!) but the burgers were delicious at Urban Stack. After dinner, Jeremy took Noelle on a walk to the Choo Choo Hotel and enjoyed the trains on fire? Yeah, I didn't get it either. I went on a wine hunt and ended up at a little shop next to Whole Foods. I bought a delicious bottle of Rex Goliath merlot.


On Saturday morning I met up with a friend I made in Nashville and visited while we were in Portland last year. It was so nice to see her, her darling son and finally meet her husband who totally hit it off with Jeremy. It was nice to catch up with a like-minded mama at Aretha Frankenstein's. Yes, I totally ordered the pancakes which were a lot more like actual cakes. I truly enjoyed my veggie omelette that came with way too much spinach which is totally how I like it. Great company, great food.


Honestly, the rest of the trip we walked around and did touristy stuff. I think the next time we go we're going to do the aquarium and there's a sewing store in town that I didn't hear about until it was too late. I have lots of projects coming up and Colette pattern's Dahlia is on its way to me right now.


Let me start by saying that knits are totally brand new to me. I absolutely love my friend Lauren'spost on knits and why they aren't scary and whoever started that nasty rumor should have needles stuck in his/her face. Lol. What's funny is that every blog post I read about working with knits will point out at some point that it's not that difficult. Taking down the rumor, one tutorial at a time, eh?


Let me also tell you that while this is my first official, finished renfrew top it's certainly not the first attempt. The last one was made of some super solid, heavy knit material in a gorgeous olive green color that was cut the wrong way (stretchy going up and down instead of side to side). It was really late guys, and my little mermaid had had a particularly rough, needy day and yeah, I probably shouldn't have been cutting fabric much less operation a machine with a needle attached to it.


I digress.








So, here is is. A finished renfrew top in view A, which is the long sleeves and round collar. Honestly, it's barely wearable. Lol. And I'm not even upset about it. Sewing this top taught me a lot and I really challenged myself. Here is what renfrew #1 taught me: 

  • I am nowhere near a size 16. In my first attempt I thought I could just make the base longer. But it turns out that that waist band was gonna make me look like a sausage casing. I'm even considering not doing a waistband and leaving it flowy at the bottom, hemmed of course. Maybe? I mean it is knit material. Hmmm. I also have to figure out how to make the arm holes a bit bigger because my armpit area is much bigger than the 16. 
  • The softest, floppiest, curliest knit material is a really big challenge. Not an impossible one, but pretty substantial for the knits novice. I can totally forget about pressing seams which is both a blessing and a curse. 
  • Pre-wash Michelle, pre-wash. Dammit, did you hear me? Pre-wash your damn fabric. 
  • Your collar skills are kick ass! Good job Michelle, seriously. You did a damn fine job on that collar!
  • My sewing machine is awful. How did I figure this out? Well, I've been price checking machines all over nashville. Used ones, new ones, old ones, overpriced ones etc. And during that process I've seen demonstrations and even test driven a few. On top of that I've been watching YouTube videos of Pfaff machines and holy crap. It's so much smoother, so much lighter. I seriously feel like I've been sewing with a covered wagon instead of an honda prius. While I most definitely can't afford the prius yet, I can totally afford a used toyota corolla. So my Pfaff Hobby 1142 is on it's way right now from Chicago from a short little bidding war on ebay that I totally owned. 
  • Notches are important. Overlooking even one can totally throw me off. Paying extra special attention to notches is a must. 
I must learn how to finish seams without a serger. There are a couple of people whose advice I can ask for on this and the Colleterie has some great input on it too in their Guide To Sewing With Knits.
I finished, did my best with what I had and am super proud of the progress I've made. I'm high-fiving myself right now (and a million angels).




The pattern itself is awesome. Straight forward, simple as pie. You may have to make some alterations but if you pay attention to the measurements and compare them to yours thoroughly it's totally worth figuring out. The instructions, cutting out the pattern all of it was such good practice and a great segway back into sewing. I know there will be lots of renfrew tops in the future and I'm thinking I might even have to involve a cowl neck and some kind of cute pocket here soon.
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HI, WELCOME

I'm Michelle & I love to sew. Once upon a time, there was a teenage girl who got fed up with plus size "fashion" and decided to take matters into her own hands. If you can't join 'em, sew it yourself!

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LATEST POSTS

  • Mabel Skirt From Colette Patterns~ Part 1
    Mabel~ Colette Patterns~ Finished Skirt Happy Friday chickadees! I am so happy to see the weekend and to spend time nuzzled up with m...
  • PCOS: A Horror Story
    Image by  Ash Kiel This is not really a health blog. It is, however, a place for me to update and archive what's on my mind and...
  • Curvy Yoga
    Hello chickadees! It's been so long since I've been able to do a solid update. Thank you to everyone who has been adding me on ...
  • I Choo Choose You Chattanooga
    What a wonderful weekend we had in Chattanooga. I am so ridiculously happy for good friends, good food & good finds. We had no clue...

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      • Mabel Skirt From Colette Patterns~ Part 1
      • PCOS: A Horror Story
    • ►  October (2)
      • I Choo Choose You Chattanooga
      • Renfrew View B Pattern from Sewaholic
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Latest Posts

  • Mabel Skirt From Colette Patterns~ Part 1
    Mabel~ Colette Patterns~ Finished Skirt Happy Friday chickadees! I am so happy to see the weekend and to spend time nuzzled up with m...
  • Curvy Yoga
    Hello chickadees! It's been so long since I've been able to do a solid update. Thank you to everyone who has been adding me on ...
  • Kicking Resolutions To The Curb: How I Ended The War With My Body
    I was so excited to wake up to so many motivational, realistic blog posts around January 1st! Most of the time, I feel inundated by “New...
  • PCOS: A Horror Story
    Image by  Ash Kiel This is not really a health blog. It is, however, a place for me to update and archive what's on my mind and...
  • Renfrew View B Pattern from Sewaholic
    Let me start by saying that knits are totally brand new to me. I absolutely love my friend Lauren's post on knits and why they aren...
  • I Choo Choose You Chattanooga
    What a wonderful weekend we had in Chattanooga. I am so ridiculously happy for good friends, good food & good finds. We had no clue...

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