March 15, 2012

Blue sparkles

Yesterday, I bought some more sequin fabric to make a couple more sparkle skirts for my races. I bought blue and purple. I just made the blue one...
I think I want to wear purple to my next race, so I'll make that one tomorrow. I'm getting faster at making them, but they are still a big pain in the ass to make.

I guess I was feeling crafty yesterday, because I also had the urge to knit or crochet something. But I wanted something quick and mindless, so I went with a very practical item--a dish scrubber. I've been making these things for a few years, and I LOVE THEM. They work so much better than any dish scrubber you can buy at the store, and they're super cheap to make.

I buy a skein of kitchen cotton and a roll of tulle. The tulle is probably about 6 inches wide on the roll, so I slide it off the cardboard roll and then I cut it in half and cut each of those in half--so I wind up with four long strips of tulle to hold together with the kitchen cotton while I knit or crochet a scrubber.

The cotton holds in the soap and water, and the tulle is a gentle abrasive to get off the crud from dishes. It's safe to use on non-stick pans, too. I hold the strip of tulle with the cotton and crochet two rounds out and then two rounds back in on the other side. The whole thing takes 15 minutes, and looks like this when it's done:

It's not very pretty, but it lasts a really long time and I just wash it in the washing machine.



Anyway, I don't know what possessed me to do this today, but I decided to put my post-op lower body lift pictures back on my blog. The traffic I was getting from Pinterest has died down significantly, which makes me feel more comfortable sharing the photos on my blog again. I just hope I don't see them on Pinterest again! I will have to report it as a copyright infringement like I did before.

Pinterest has created a code that you can post to your website to prevent people from pinning photos, but I don't want to prevent ALL my photos from being pinned. Most of my photos I'm fine with seeing on Pinterest. But it's extremely embarrassing to have my post-op photos on there, and when I saw them, I was thisclose to deleting my entire blog. So please, if you view my post-op photos, leave them where they are.

I'm now four months post-op, so I think I'll have Jerry take some new pictures tonight.



Today I had a scheduled 7-mile run. I was feeling extremely hyper and wound up this morning for some strange reason. I met Jessica at her house and we set out for our run.

I felt like I could run forever, and run super fast--unfortunately Jessica didn't feel as crazy as me, so we stuck to our training pace ;) I didn't bring water or Gu with me (I really don't need it if I'm doing less than 10 miles or so).

We ran into some guy that had his black lab with him (unleashed) and I kind of panicked. I'm really scared of dogs while I'm running because I've been bitten three separate times while on a run. People apparently think it's okay to let their dogs wander around without a leash. So when I saw the guy's dog today, I just kind of yelped and came to a dead stop, waiting for him to catch his dog.

Tomorrow I'll run intervals and then take Saturday and Sunday off for our big day on Monday--the 15-miler!! It will be new territory for both of us.



32 comments:

  1. Oooooh I like the blue sparkles!!

    It drives me crazy when people don't leash their dog! It's super duper if people believe their dog is so well behaved it's unnecessary, but you NEVER know. There are dog parks for leashless dogs, people!! We ALWAYS leash our dog!

    Yes I am running the martian half marathon! After my 10 mile run, I secretly wish I had signed up for the 10k. We should definitely meet up!

    This is random, but I'm still relatively new to blogger so here goes... I know if someone replies to my post, I get a comment. However, if someone replies to a comment I leave in another journal, I don't get an email. Is it a setting I'm missing? Or perhaps this feature isn't available?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Duh! I get an EMAIL if someone makes a comment.

      Delete
    2. No, Blogger unfortunately doesn't notify you if someone responds to your comment. I wish they did! So many times I ask a question in a comment and forget to go back later and see if the blogger responded to it.

      Delete
    3. That's exactly why I asked!! I hope blogger will add this feature.

      Delete
  2. Dogs totally freak me out too. There are streets I won't even go down because I know they have dogs. I just finished your entire blog and was sad that I came to the last post. You have inspired me to blog about my weight loss.
    www.desireschocolate.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally wrote it wrong.

      www.desireschocolate.blogspot.com

      Delete
  3. Your running skirts are adorable! Not sure if you already talked about it (sorry if you did!) but did you find instructions online? Offline? Or are you just naturally talented? :) I am looking into sewing and would love to make sparkly skirts for me and my running buddies when we do our marathon in October!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, I think I'm going to make a tutorial for the skirts. I didn't use a pattern, but they're super simple to make! The fabric isn't the greatest to work with, but it's so cute that it's worth the hassle ;)

      Delete
    2. hmmm Katie have you considered making them for sale? I would so use the tutorial too! running attire gets sooooo pricey!!!

      Delete
  4. As one of those dog owning people, I do not have my dogs off leash in most areas. That said, there is a large park nearby where I frequently take my dogs, which is an allowed off leash area. It is also a very popular biking and running path. I always try to keep a look out for joggers or bikers coming through, because the dogs will sometimes run across the path in front of people (I stop them 99% of the time from doing that). My dogs ignore the joggers and bikers for the most part, or at most will follow behind a jogger for a couple of feet. As long as my dog is not in front of them or touching/trying to touch them, I don't worry too much about it.

    But, as I said, this is in a location where dogs are allowed to be off leash. I assume that anyone choosing to bike or jog in this park knows that dogs will be off leash, and that they are okay with dogs as long as they leave them alone. (I fully expect people to object to dogs darting in front of them or jumping on them when they are just trying to run by.) I have once had someone freak out about my dogs being off leash at this park, which I basically ignored. As long as my use of the park is legal and not interfering with others, I can use it how I want.

    That said, for those of you who have problems with off leash dogs, or encounter them commonly, the best thing to do is stop. Dogs will often lose interest quickly. If you either speed up or start yelling, it will generally increase a dog's interest in you. And, my normal tip for people walking dogs who encounter off-leash dogs is to carry a handful of kibble or treats, and throw it in the face of the approaching dog. Doing this will stop 9/10 dogs dead while they then attempt to search down every tiny bit of treat on the ground.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Three times! Holy crap! I don't like when people let their dogs roam free because it's not safe for THEM (and you). There's nothing stopping them from darting into the street when they see a squirrel and then a car comes and hits them. So not fair to the poor driver that has to walk around with THAT on their conscience forever. That's what fences are for. I open up my back door and Molly tears around the yard like a greyhound and then leaps like a deer after a squirrel.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love those dish scrubbers. I may have to learn how to make them, they are very hard to find around here.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow you are crafty!

    I used to crochet some and now I'm feeling inspired to make those dish things… Love the skirt too.

    I am a dog lover but -

    I hate, hate, hate when I'm running and encounter dogs off their leashes. Scares the hell out of me. My park has a strict leash law (it's a very busy park) but yet, there are still many who blatantly ignore the signs. I do slow down and walk when I see a dog off the leash but that pisses me off, I'm still panicked and now my pace and momentum has suffered. Keep your dog on a leash or go to a dog park (or to a park that allows leashes off!)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Do you have a pattern for the dish scrubbers? I would love to make some and never knew that was the trick to getting them scrubby but holding the soap too.

    Love, love, love your blog. I'm relatively new to reading it and enjoy reading the "real" side of losing weight and keeping it off. I admire all the times you face a challenge and aren't afraid to spell it out to your readers just like it is. I haven't tried PB2 yet but am seriously considering it.

    Thanks for keeping it real!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't use a pattern, but it's honestly super easy. You can make them any shape you want (just crochet a little square or circle). I've made them in all different shapes and sizes. I find it works best if it's pretty small, about the size of my palm.

      Delete
  9. I love the dish scrubbers too! My grandma makes them for me and the other women in the family.

    Thank you for reposting your pictures of your lower body lift. I cannot believe the difference! You look amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  10. love the skirts!!!! and holy crap getting bit by a dog would scare the hell out of me too!!!

    I would buy dish scrubbers if you made some!!! I will probably talk my sewing friend into making me some sparkly skirts!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I don't remember if you have an esty account, but you really make some cute stuff. Maybe you could come up with a way to put a logo on your stuff and sell them on your site?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I LOVE to make stuff... until it feels like a job or a chore. So I think if I started selling this kind of stuff, I would start resenting it rather than enjoying it, if that makes sense. But I'm happy to post tutorials :)

      Delete
  12. Katie, I'm glad to hear you've decided to post your photos again. I started reading your blog after you had removed them, and I've always been really curious. As someone who's just starting her weight loss journey (started at 260, down to 240, goal of 145), loose skin is something that I know I'm probably going to have to deal with. It's nice to see what I might expect and to know that others have been through the same thing. I really hope everyone respects your wishes this time around.

    You have inspired me to lose weight and start blogging! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  13. oh, please don't delete your blog!! i found you via pinterest (the before/after picture) a few months ago and i find you so incredibly inspiring- i'd be devastated if you deleted. seriously, i never comment anywhere, but i felt like i had to tell you not to- you've done so much and you are such an amazing inspiration. i just get the feeling you are a great person- sharing your story helps make us stronger!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I made myself a GREEN skirt for the St Paddy's run with that same fabric!!!!!!! We're skirt twinsies! :)

    What if you started embedding your site address onto each picture with a photo editor. That's what I do. I've been blogging before blogs were invented (over 10 years now), and have found a simple embed helps a lot. It doesn't STOP it, but it helps. Take it as flattery lady. You're getting attention, and some people stink with jealousy. Others just think you're cute as a button, and want to share your super cool ideas with all the world. Roll around in it for a while. It's a good place to be. Start embedding so you can get credit for your work! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  15. So crafty, those skirts are too cute;-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. You are so crafty! I tried to learn how to crochet and failed miserably! Maybe one day I'll figure it out! Those dish scrubbers are seriously genius! I am so glad you decided not to delete your blog, I really would have been so sad..actually I would probably die. Yes I would.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love the scrubbies!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the scrubbies too but have never made any. I got one at a craft show years ago and that sucker still works great. Will definitely make some now. I got the same bug yesterday and started knitting dishcloths for my mom. What's with dogs??? I have the same dog fears and dammit if every big dog doesn't jump right on me when I walk by. So annoying.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love easy crafty days. Also I wanted to say I thought your ice cream idea was awesome-best idea I've seen online in a while!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love the skirt and the scrubbers! You should make those to sell! My favorite dishcloth is one my mom knitted for me!

    Thank you for reposting your pictures. Amazing difference! Unfortunately for me, even with a body lift, I don't think I'd look so good. (Since I'm 44 and have had 7 kids) I'll definitely need something once all the weight is gone.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am very new to the racing/running thing, I have only been doing it for about a year on and off so I will admit that I don't know everything about running. But this post has me wondering "why would you wear a skirt to run in"? I have never heard of a running skirt until your blog. Is there a benefit to it or is it just a "that looks cute" kind of thing? Don't get me wrong, I am all about looking cute, and I consider myself a girly girl. Nothing wrong with it. I was just curious about why you (personally)would wear them. Color me confused and curious, not mean or malicious.
    Thanks for you blog. It has really helped in in my goals and I love looking at it daily, especially the guest blog that your hubby wrote. Keep up the great work! Your awesome.
    Newbie Runner in Idaho

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha, very good question! Wearing a skirt like this is solely to look cute--it certainly isn't very practical! Which is why I wear black running tights underneath it.

      When I was obese, I never considered myself a "girly girl" because I just didn't FEEL pretty or cute. But after losing the weight, I'm learning how fun it is to dress girly and look cute!

      Delete
    2. Waiting for the tutorial on how to make one! :)
      Newbie Runner in Idaho
      ps My hubby started running with me today! I guess I inspired him :)Thanks for inspiring me!

      Delete
  22. Katie-
    You inspired me with the ice cream thing yesterday, so I did the EXACT thing!!!! Same kind of ice cream and containers even, the only difference is that I filled 10 containers. I saw something new that I HAVE to try next...Ben & Jerry's FroYo!!!! I will get that when the carrot cake ice cream is gone.
    I agree with the person that suggested Etsy!!!!! I am not at all crafty, but I would buy a running skirt from you!!!!
    ~Laura

    ReplyDelete

I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

Featured Posts

Blog Archive