Having read Kafka as a teenager I was aware of doppelgängers, but largely constrained their existence to literary device. Until I met my own! It was at a knitting group, so we're already off to a good start. This young woman has a similar build, haircut, mannerisms and carriage, and similar name. It was a bit unnerving but also amusing.
Do you have a doppelgänger, or know someone who does? Do you believe in them? Should one befriend one's other self or turn and walk away?
January 29, 2011
January 28, 2011
Coping with Chronic Illness
I was thinking today about some of the ways I cope with chronic illness and pain. I have chronic myofascial pain, chronic daily headache and fibromyalgia. So lots of pain and lots of time alone where I don't feel up to doing anything.
1) Get a snuggly pet, if possible. My lap cat is the best day-to-day coping mechanism I have. Pets are also helpful because they force you, even on awful days, to get out of bed and take care of them.
2) Internet! There is no comparison between my life before the web and after. Even in the early days of newsgroups it was amazing to find other people living with the same condition. The number of people, and ways to stay connected, are beyond my dreams 15 years ago.
3) I hate to say it, but TV. The best distraction for me on my worst pain days. I ditched tv and use Netflix and my computer to stream movies, documentaries, tv shows, whatever. Some hand sewing, knitting, embroidery, etc, is perfect to keep your hands occupied while the screen is distracting your brain from the pain.
4) Friends. Sending email or calling friends, even when you can't meet in person, is so important. It's too easy to lose touch and end up alone. Also the internet can be a good way to make new friends. Not everyone is nice, normal or sane but the ratio is about the same as people on the street.
A significant other can be extremely beneficial, or not. It's difficult to retain an awareness of one's self worth while disabled and many people prey on that, consciously or not. If you find someone who loves you as you are, friend, family or SO, don't let them go! These are the people that make life worthwhile.
5) Get out of the house. Even if it's just to walk around the block or grab some groceries, being outside and seeing other people is a huge help. The daily interactions that most people take for granted are something I have to work at. One of the best things is having a couple hours each week to chat with my physical therapist during appointments. It's not planned talking like with friends, it happens whether I feel well or not, and it helps keep me sane.
6) A hobby. I started knitting 17 years ago, soon after my chronic pain started. I loved having a way to be productive and learn new things. Your hobby may be completely different so long as it's something you love that you can do while sick.
7) Focus on the positives, try to ignore the negatives. Part of this for me is focusing on what I can do, not what I can't. There are infinite possibilities in the world and no one can do everything. Even on my worst days I'm a champion sleeper and a great lap for kitties ;)
What are some ways you cope with illness or stress?
1) Get a snuggly pet, if possible. My lap cat is the best day-to-day coping mechanism I have. Pets are also helpful because they force you, even on awful days, to get out of bed and take care of them.
2) Internet! There is no comparison between my life before the web and after. Even in the early days of newsgroups it was amazing to find other people living with the same condition. The number of people, and ways to stay connected, are beyond my dreams 15 years ago.
3) I hate to say it, but TV. The best distraction for me on my worst pain days. I ditched tv and use Netflix and my computer to stream movies, documentaries, tv shows, whatever. Some hand sewing, knitting, embroidery, etc, is perfect to keep your hands occupied while the screen is distracting your brain from the pain.
4) Friends. Sending email or calling friends, even when you can't meet in person, is so important. It's too easy to lose touch and end up alone. Also the internet can be a good way to make new friends. Not everyone is nice, normal or sane but the ratio is about the same as people on the street.
A significant other can be extremely beneficial, or not. It's difficult to retain an awareness of one's self worth while disabled and many people prey on that, consciously or not. If you find someone who loves you as you are, friend, family or SO, don't let them go! These are the people that make life worthwhile.
5) Get out of the house. Even if it's just to walk around the block or grab some groceries, being outside and seeing other people is a huge help. The daily interactions that most people take for granted are something I have to work at. One of the best things is having a couple hours each week to chat with my physical therapist during appointments. It's not planned talking like with friends, it happens whether I feel well or not, and it helps keep me sane.
6) A hobby. I started knitting 17 years ago, soon after my chronic pain started. I loved having a way to be productive and learn new things. Your hobby may be completely different so long as it's something you love that you can do while sick.
7) Focus on the positives, try to ignore the negatives. Part of this for me is focusing on what I can do, not what I can't. There are infinite possibilities in the world and no one can do everything. Even on my worst days I'm a champion sleeper and a great lap for kitties ;)
What are some ways you cope with illness or stress?
January 27, 2011
Exciting News...
Spurred on by the terrible photos I've been taking, and posting, I bought a tripod! Hopefully this will allow me to take good pictures of my garments to share with readers :) Of course this means I'll soon spend a sunny day re-photographing garments!
My previous method was standing on a dining chair while photographing myself in a mirror, or getting a lovely yellow effect while using the hall mirror. Then I upgraded to using the timer with the camera on a bookcase: unfortunately this cut off most of my legs. Not so helpful when attempting to photograph a skirt.
My previous method was standing on a dining chair while photographing myself in a mirror, or getting a lovely yellow effect while using the hall mirror. Then I upgraded to using the timer with the camera on a bookcase: unfortunately this cut off most of my legs. Not so helpful when attempting to photograph a skirt.
January 26, 2011
New (Vintage) Skirt
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| New Skirt! |
After basting and trying on many times I got a nice fit. The skirt originally had no hip shaping, just straight lines from waist to hem, and the darts were flat-arse sized.
Then I noticed a small tear in the wool, near a side seam. I decided to patch it from the back with some of the fabric trimmed off the seam allowances. I used pick stitches around the patch and on the frayed threads, and it looks good. Most importantly it's done!
The self fabric pockets bags didn't lie flat so I resewed them. As soon as I put my hands in the pockets they stretched out again :/ I graded and whipped down the side seam allowances for a smoother line at the hip. Then I restitched the hem and waistband, sewed the bar closure back on, and it was finished :)
Unfortunately the skirt is black, and I have neither a tripod nor a photographer, so the photos are crap. Please also excuse the cat hair.
I like that this looks vintage yet works with so many pieces in my closet. I even have boots to wear with it! And I'm so not a shoe person.
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| Front pocket detail |
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| Back of skirt |
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| Back with zip open: shows lining, pinked seam allowances and self fabric pockets |
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| Skirt with new jacket |
January 24, 2011
Alterations
I'm interested to read how many seamstresses dislike mending and alterations because I find them very satisfying. How many times can you spend half an hour and have a new item to wear?
Friends find mending magical! Returning someone's favorite garment to wearability makes you a hero. I've mended a tear in a favorite sweatshirt, as invisibly as possible, to great acclaim. I only do mending when I wish, however, and when I have time. Some mending chores are terribly dull: the new wool coat that needed all its buttons resewn.
What are your thoughts on mending, and do you ever help out a (very very good) friend?
PS: I had planned to photograph some finished projects today but there's no sun. Someday soon, I hope, I'll have new clothes to share :)
Friends find mending magical! Returning someone's favorite garment to wearability makes you a hero. I've mended a tear in a favorite sweatshirt, as invisibly as possible, to great acclaim. I only do mending when I wish, however, and when I have time. Some mending chores are terribly dull: the new wool coat that needed all its buttons resewn.
What are your thoughts on mending, and do you ever help out a (very very good) friend?
PS: I had planned to photograph some finished projects today but there's no sun. Someday soon, I hope, I'll have new clothes to share :)
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