Wanted: Suggestions, Thoughts, Guidance, Your Experience.........

I love all the great ideas already posted. You and I are the same height, so I feel your pain. I just want to mention that this weight loss is affecting my size differently than before. So it's really not possible to estimate. Just keep trying things on. Every morning I feel like Goldielocks: This is too big, this is too tight, this one's just right!

Janet

LOL Knit!  I love that Goldilocks analogy!  You comments made me think about something else, too.......there's no reason to think slimming down is going to happen equally everywhere, right?  Maybe the hips and waist get smaller one month and then the upper body the next month(OH LORD, the girls are already heading south in a big hurry).  I don't know -- the last time I lost an appreciable amount of weight (45 pounds) was 40 years ago.

This board is wonderful -- people are helpful and supportive.  Thanks for you input!

And a big WAY TO GO for you on your impressive achievement!  Keep workin' that sleeve

Ree

I screwed up my courage and threw out (donated) my clothes as I "under" grew them.  Then I went to thrift stores to replace with smaller sizes.  I may never buy retail again!  OK, not really, but it's been great fun.  And I'm still shrinking, so I may buy some brand new stuff when I get to "goal."

Hi Happy,

Yes, thrift shops seem to be a popular thing to use as we under grow our clothes.  I like the way your put that...........under grew.  Nice sound to it LOL  I was just trying to figure out if I should do a lot of sewing and alterations and make some new things or if I should just rid myself of everything.  I don't have a problem giving away my office suits and dresses -- the shelter can provide some uber short woman with some classic clothes that she will need to update a little with maybe a scarf or different hemming.  Anyway, I've made a plan to incorporate many of the great ideas I received from this site with my own and I think it will make me feel good all the way around.

Happy, there have been several people I've followed during my lurking days as well as after I joined........you are one of them.  Your ever-present good nature and clever posts are delightful!  I love that monkey idea -- not unlike the drug addict's "monkey on the back" -- just happens that our drug is food.  I gave up a 43 year long smoking habit -- it was a snap.  From the day I quit (cold turkey), I never once wanted another cigarette.  But people don't NEED cigarettes (or cocaine or heroin or alcohol, etc.) but we NEED to have food to survive.  It's just insidious -- no matter where we look, food it there -- TV and radio commercials, driving down the street...............UGH

What I had started to say before I waylayed myself was that your journey proves how successful one can be when you follow the good path and keep a sense of humor going strong.  Thank you for being an inspiration to those of us just starting out.

Ree

At 4'11" I would LOVE to be able to alter my own clothes. As it is, I can sew buttons but that's about it, lol. It sounds like you've got a good plan to alter what you can ****il it doesn't make sense to alter any more) and fill in the rest with thrift/sale buys. You're doing great!

Hi Pinkpeonies!

Such a cute name..........and my favorite color!  WOW, you have it even worse than I do -- height is a real problem, isn't it.  I can make you feel better, though.  My mother is only 4' 7" -- she did shrink an inch or so.............she's 92 now, so that's expected.  She hadhas a terrible time finding clothes.

If you have a bit of patience and some time, it's not hard to learn to sew.  I taught myself with trial and error and then invested in a good basic sewing book.  You just start with little things like sewing up a ripped seam or repairing a hem.  Obviously, a sewing machine is helpful.  I don't have an expensive machine -- a Brother's brand and it has a few bells and whistles, but nothing fancy at all -- was under $200, too, on Amazon!  I then bought an overlock machine (also about $200 on Amazon (also called a serger) which makes seams look like those in the off-the-rack clothes we can buy in the stores.  It's not hard -- just takes time and patience..............and a good seam ripper LOL LOL  I have to undo a lot of what I sew -- it's a never ending learning process!

Thanks, I do believe the plan is shaping up nicely. 

I was just thinking.............you are do so well on your journey.  You must feel wonderful about your success.  Back to what I was thinking -- when you reach goal, you will TRULY be a little itty bitty!  Hahahaha  I love short jokes -- and we are allowed to love 'em 'cuz we ARE short!

Keep workin' that sleeve  ...............you're an inspiration to us newbies!

Ree

 I sew as well, honestly you'll lose too much weight to alter them for long, they just won't fit right.  BUT I don't see why you can't make something completely new!  Save a few pieces in fabrics you love then make yourself something when you hit goal.  It could be a quilt, clothing, whatever, it will help you remember why you loved them without holding on to the old you.

Hi Hrford,

YES YES YES!!!  What a GREAT idea!  Thank you so much   This is exactly why I asked the question.  My old brain just never thought about using "part" of those things I love to make something different!  Your words fed my creativity and I'll be off and running with it.

I did decide to give away my office suits and dresses to the women's shelter.  Sure hope someone who needs them is short enough to make use of them.  That was easy to decide.  But those pieces I love -- hard.  Now with  your idea, I have a direction!

Hahahaha, I have to laugh -- the "old me" is still gonna be OLD!  But that doesn't mean I can't become sassy and perky again, right?

You have done an awesome job with  your journey..............I hope I can be that successful.  Each person here who does the work and follows a plan opens the road up for those of us who follow.  Leading by example is the best any of us can do for the next group.  You are a star that way.............so thank you!

Keep workin' that sleeve!  And good luck as your journey continues

Ree