Saturday, September 13, 2008

The Department of Unintended Consequences




About one year ago yesterday, my husband found out that he was borderline diabetic. I remember the day (though not the date) because I heard the news after attending the first fall meeting of my knitting group (Knitters, Etc- meets the 2nd Friday of each month from Sept-May at the Red Rooster Cafe in Aberdeen, SD, 1:00-3:00- everyone welcome). On that drive home, before I talked to The Husband, I ate 2 Reeses Peanut Butter Pumpkins. Those were the last things I ate without thinking (at least it was something I love).


Since that day (and to be more accurate, from the moment I learned of his diagnosis), everything about our lives changed. We changed what we eat, and how we eat it, and how much we eat, and when, and what we do in between meals (exercise, for one thing). As a result, my husband (who was never heavy) lost 45 lbs, has been able to drop one blood pressure medication, lowered his already low cholesterol (who knew anyone could have a count of 133?), and most importantly, he's maintaining his blood sugar levels without medication.


Though I am not diabetic (and my bp has always been very good), and I had no objection whatsoever to being fat, I changed my life right along with him. In the last year, I've lost 77 lbs, and the most recent jeans I bought were size 8 (down from 24) (in the interest of full disclosure, the Size 8's are relaxed, and they're not loose, except in the legs). And I've gone from 3X tops, to just plain L (and sometimes M, if it's a big M). I more than exceeded my goal, and I've maintained this weight (within a 3lb range) since the end of June while slowly increasing the amount I've been eating (it's as hard to stop losing weight as it is to start- go figure).


This drastic change involved several complete wardrobe changes (not as much fun as it sounds- and pretty expensive to boot). Though I didn't realize it for a long time, the size and body change also meant that I could not wear the Dakota Dreams sweater- for which this blog is named- that I designed and took 6 months to knit (and wore once before this whole adventure started).


It's fall now, and I want to wear my sweater. So I'm going to have to do something drastic- I'm going to have to cut it down.


The sweater is 30" long (I like tunic sweaters), and 58" around (it wasn't tight, but it wasn't all that loose either). I am going to cut it down to 44" around (it still won't be tight), I'll shorten the sleeve opening from 11" to 10" (well 22" to 20"), but that won't affect the length because I'm going to have to cut the excess out of the sides, and sew side seams. The change in armhole openings means I have to tinker with the sleeve width as well. And I'm going to have to redo the neckline- either tear it out and reknit it, or just pick up ribbing and knit some more. The neckline was loose before, and it's ridiculously loose now.


And maybe I can do something about the wonkiness with the front bands- I have no idea why they don't line up properly.


It's going to be an adventure, and I'll take pictures.


p.s. I cropped my head out of the pic because it's early morning and I definitely look like it is early morning.

13 comments:

Stacy Kraus McDonald said...

*Way to change your life!* Congrats on the weight loss and good luck with the sweater cutting. I hope the diabetes is gone now too.

Teresa said...

Congratulations!! If you have enough left over with the sweater cutting, you could always sew up mittens. :D

joannamauselina said...

It's amazing, and great that you were with your husband all the way. Making such lifestyle changes while one's partner does not is nigh impossible. So, you have been a lifesaver, literally. That lovely sweater sure looks huge! Congratulations. I'll bet you were just as cute when hefty, however.

Emily said...

That sweater is too gorgeous not to be able to wear it. I hope the sweater cutting goes well. And congratulations on sticking with your new lifestyle.

gail said...

WOW! Congrats on such a weight loss! I admire anyone able to stick to it like that.

Unknown said...

I'm very impressed, Kathleen. You've given me hope, as I've been told my blood sugar is a bit high.

Linda said...

What a gorgeous sweater! And Congratulations on the life changes, they can be so wonderful. I can't wait to see the new sweater on the new you :-D

Anonymous said...

That's fabulous! My father-in-law is diabetic, but also able to control it with just diet and lifestyle changes. Way to go! I've lost about 50 pounds total in the past three years, and I totally understand what you mean when you say that the wardrobe changes are NOT fun! Good luck with the sweater alterations!

Bunny said...

Congratulations on your weight loss. I will be looking forward to seeing another picture of you in the re sized sweater. I also really like the Wendy Wardrobe stencils doll. Today While At Micheal's I saw the Project Runway Paper dolls in the kids crafts. They are very much like Wendy with stencils and cut out accessories. and They have pads of paper withe the fabrics. I wanted to buy one of everything.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the weight loss, and I am very much looking forward to pics of your sweater. After!!!
Mona

Donna said...

Kathleen,
Congratulations on the life change. And good luck on the sweater. I am looking forward to seeing how you work this one out. I hope to someday (soon) have the same problem. Although will never get to an 8.

22 to 18 and aiming for 12.

RuthieJ said...

Congratulations to both of your on your weight loss and health improvements! Good luck with refashioning that beautiful sweater.

Allison said...

Your story is truly inspirational! Congratulations on your success!