I’ve been on a diet since Christmas, having tried several times over the years on my own I’m doing it with Slimmers World this time and it has made a big difference. I didn’t want to lose a huge amount but I worked out I was putting on a stone a decade and decided to put a stop to it. I’m aiming for a reasonable 10 stone, just comfortably within the healthy guide lines for my height. I’ve lost nearly 1.5 stones so I’m now feeling the difference. One of my colleagues from work goes to the same one and it’s helped us both to have that close support.
A couple of weeks ago I decided to make myself a new dress, I wanted to use a soft needlecord from my stash in a lovely mid blue. I think I bought it from Fabrics for All in Armley which has sadly closed now. I measured myself again and I was pleased to see a size 14 should fit me nicely now (this is pattern sizes not clothes shop sizes!)
I chose Simplicity 9260, a semi-fitted princess line dress with three-quarter sleeves. The photo on the pattern envelope shows a nicely fitted silhouette. I wasn’t so sure about the three-quarter length sleeves but I decided to go with it for the first make.
To reduce bulk and add a little interest I used a batik for the collar band, the undercollar and the pocket bags. It’s like a blue/ green/ purple batik which works pretty well and I had enough left for buttons too.
Well having spent what seemed like days making it and having tried it on before I put the sleeves in, I tried it on and it looked huge! Half of me wanted to laugh the other half wanted to cry! I tried a belt on with it but it still felt too big. I decided that rather than trying to alter in on my own and potentially ruin it, I’d wait till Helen came home for Easter.
We had a lovely few days with her. Before she went back I tried it on, she said put a belt on with it and showed me how she makes a fold at the side with a belt when she has her Army tunic on, it did make it feel much better and I could still access my pockets.
I’m happy with it now, I’m thinking next time of maybe making a straight size 12, I’ll have another look at the finished size measurements. I love the long full skirt, just right for cooler spring days.
thecraftycreek 
What a lovely photo of you both.
I like that wide belt you’ve used but I think you’re probably quite tall. I’m quite short so wider belts tend to take up most of my middle section ☹
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Thanks Lyn, I’m only 5’4″ so not particularly tall, I bought this belt when I made a skirt with a deep waistband which seemed to take up most of my middle, having the belt on it helped to break it up…and it’s one of those nice comfy elastic ones!!
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Lovely picture.
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It looks nice on you, and comfy too. Great photo.
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Thanks, it is very comfy too, apart from the 3/4 length sleeves, I’ve remembered why they annoy me so much!!
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You look great!!
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Thank you, I like it too
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I absolutely love the wonderful photo of you and your daughter! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Great pic of you both and the dress looks great too
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Thanks Jane 🙂
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Lovely dress. You look great. I don’t know how much a stone equals in pounds (lb.) or Kg. Haven’t you figured out I’m American yet? But I am familiar with metric since that is what science & medical/nursing uses. Please know I love the dress and with the wide belt I thought that was the was it was supposed to look.
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Hi Robin, a stone is 14lb, so I’ve lost about 20lb or about 9kg, I’m just going steadily at about 1lb a week on average. Now I’ve got used to it with a belt I love it and I’ve already worn it twice this week!
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Lovely photo and beautiful dresses!
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So nice to see you together and the dress looks lovely.
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Great picture of you two, and you are looking great, that style and color really suit you Margaret!
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