tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19365074734574506512024-02-19T02:55:54.657-05:00Karen the LibrarianMy name is Karen. I'm a librarian. I like to do crafty stuff.SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-59137571198925774852016-04-06T18:28:00.002-04:002016-04-06T18:30:00.926-04:00End of Zippster?For a while now I've been thinking of getting out of the 'making crafts for profit' business, because quite honestly, it was only ever meant to be a hobby with a very small chance of making a profit. Which I don't. After purchasing supplies, making prototypes, photography and creating listings, paying for the listings, and fees for sales I'm lucky if I break even. And that's not counting my time. I have a pretty busy and fulfilling life, and any sewing I do is to sell and I don't seem to have the time to enjoy sewing for myself, and that's what I'd rather be doing.<br />
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So, <a href="http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1154026237&uuid=914ff542-b7e3-402a-bc67-877a0544a8cf" target="_blank">I'm selling most of my purse making supplies. </a><br />
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I still have some items for sale at <a href="http://www.artisans-at-work.com/" target="_blank">Artisans at Work</a> but won't be restocking. And I'm not quite sure yet to do with my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Zippster?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> - most of what I sell there is buttons, anything larger and the high cost of shipping is a deterrent.<br />
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I have some new fabric and patterns picked out for new projects, which I'm looking forward to working on - it's been a while since I've made something for myself!SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-22900820590121145192015-11-11T18:00:00.001-05:002015-11-11T18:00:16.817-05:00Winter Project: Basement Cleanup and ReorganizationOver the past 4.5 years I've been in my wee little house, I've slowly been fixing it up. One of the first things I did was finish the basement; a good half of it became my craft room. The other part became a bit of a dumping ground of stuff. One of my winter projects is to go through the stuff and reduce the volume of stuff with the goal of creating a more usable space at the other end of the craft room, potentially as an exercise area. I workout at a gym 2-3 times a week but I would like to do more yoga and core exercise at home. I've been doing this upstairs but it means moving furniture out of the way.<br />
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Because I don't have a driveway or front yard, some sort of yard or garage sale isn't really an option, so I've been donating and listing some stuff for sale. Once all the extra stuff is gone, I'll need to look at better storage options for the stuff I would like to keep in the basement. For one person, I really don't need so much stuff and I've been evaluating the stuff I do have and thinking about the relationship I have with my stuff. I'm hoping the end result of this process will be a space I'll look forward to using more.<br />
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SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-14068014199103076202015-02-03T10:59:00.002-05:002015-02-03T10:59:46.991-05:00New Dress: Chloe (Victory Patterns)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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I love this dress (and not just because it has pockets)! <a href="http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/chloe/" target="_blank">The pattern is Chloe, from Victory Patterns.</a> This is the first time I've sewn one of their patterns and I found it fairly easy to make and it turned out great. It took me a while do to the pockets because I've never done them before, but I just trusted the instructions and they worked! Overall though I find them a bit too bulky on the inside so I would probably make them smaller next time.</div>
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SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-34772949030360321842014-06-04T20:40:00.000-04:002014-06-04T20:40:10.482-04:00So this is what I've been up to...
I've had some people ask me about my physical health routine, so I
thought I would share what has been working for me. It's taken two
years, but I've gone down six sizes and have lost, and have kept off,
50lbs. I have met and exceeded my original weight loss goal and am now
focusing on improving my strength and endurance.<br />
<br />
Hint: Dieting on its own doesn't work. Exercise on its own doesn't
work. Everyone is different and sometimes you just have to work with
what you've got, because genetics suck sometimes.<br />
<br />
Food:<br />
Take a good look at what you're eating. I thought my diet was ok until I
met with a nutritionist. If your health plan covers it or if you can
afford it, I highly recommend seeing a nutritionist or a naturopathic
doctor who specializes in nutrition, even if just for one or two visits.
The one I saw provided me with recipes, recommendations for
supplements, exercise suggestions, and meal planning tips. (Tip: keep a
food diary for a week – it's much easier to see where changes can be
made if it's laid out right in front of you.)<br />
<br />
I'm gluten-free due to having celiac's disease, so the first thing I
eliminated from my diet was food made to be gluten-free: GF pizza, GF
cookies, GF bread… it's full of carbs and sugars, and often lots of
other weird stuff to make it taste good. And it's expensive. Gone.<br />
<br />
I eat as clean as possible, following a high protein, low carb and
low sugar diet. Being mostly vegetarian since a teenager, increasing my
protein intake was difficult, but now I eat less because I stay fuller
longer and don't get hungry in between meals. I stay away from packaged
and prepared sauces and cook most of my food from scratch, relying on
herbs and spices to add flavour. (Tip: Read the labels on spice blends –
they tend to have a lot of added sugar and salt.)<br />
<br />
Here are some typical food stuffs I eat:<br />
Proteins: chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, tofu, almond milk, goat's milk
yogurt and goat's milk cheeses, quinoa, protein powder and protein bars
(see more on these below)<br />
Beans and legumes (good for protein and fiber): chickpeas, lentils, black beans, soy beans, kidney beans<br />
Fibre: ground flax seed in my smoothie<br />
Lots of veggies – usually raw, steamed or sauteed<br />
Snacks: crackers or raw veggies with hummus, apples with almond butter,
almonds, yogurt with some maple syrup and cinnamon and nuts or dried
fruit, dark chocolate as a treat<br />
<br />
No: white rice, white potatoes, corn products<br />
<br />
(Tip: Don't drink your sugars! I don't put fruit (other than half a
banana and sometimes blueberries) or fruit juice in my smoothies, and I
don't drink fruit juices. And stay away from those fruit on the bottom
yogurts.)<br />
<br />
Meal planning: Get organized and decide on what you're going to eat
during the week. I do a lot of bulk cooking to ensure I have healthy
lunches stored in the freezer, ready to go, to avoid having to eat out a
lot. I also pre-cook batches of quinoa and chick peas (both of which
can be frozen but will last in the fridge for about 5 days) to have on
hand to make last-minute salads. I use a lot of ground chicken and
sometimes turkey to make meat balls, patties, chili and stirfrys, and
use chicken breasts for curries and stews (all of which can be frozen).
You can even do this with someone, to reduce the effort or to increase
the quantity and variety.<br />
<br />
If you're planning on using a gym or having an active physical
exercise routine of some sort, consider using a protein powder (whey
protein isolate) and protein bars. I resisted using protein powder for a
while, thinking that as long as I was eating well, I should haven't to
dump a bunch of powder into my smoothie. Wrong. Because it takes me 45
minutes to get to my gym (I usually go in the early morning before
work), I drink a protein smoothie before my workout and I eat a Lara bar
afterwards. This has helped immensely with maintaining my appetite
throughout the day.<br />
<br />
If you have any allergies, food sensitivities or restrictions, please
carefully read the ingredients for the protein powders and protein
bars! There are so many to choose from and it can be overwhelming as to
which one to use – some brands have sample packs you can try, or just
ask around to see what other people use. I was using Vega Sport but
recently switched to Diesel because it's a bit cheaper.<br />
<br />
Treats and cheat meals: Don't deny yourself small rewards. I try to
eat out only once a week, and allow myself a treat (chocolate, a fancy
coffee) at most once a week. I have a sweet tooth and it's taken a lot
of discipline but I now no longer get the kind of cravings I used to.
Your body will soon learn not to miss sugar.<br />
<br />
Exercise and physical activities:<br />
If you're new to using a gym and if you can afford it, I highly
recommend hiring a personal trainer for at least 6 months. They will
create a plan based on your abilities and goals, and show you how to use
the equipment and lift weights properly so you get the most benefit
from your workout, and to reduce the risk of injury.<br />
<br />
Try not to focus too much on the number on the scale. Measurements
are a more accurate reflection of your progress. I do my own check-in
once a month (weight and measurements) to see how I'm doing. On average,
I've only been losing about 2 lbs a month but have gained a lot of
muscle mass (being able to deadlift your own weight = pretty freaking
awesome). If your primary goal is weight loss, you can lose more faster,
but from what I've learned, gaining muscle mass helps keep the fat off
longer, and you'll be more fit and healthy overall in the long run.<br />
<br />
My typical week consists of 3-4 visits to the gym: 1-2 medium to high
intensity cardio classes (usually Zumba and Step), yoga or pilates, and
weights and low cardio. At a minimum, I think it would difficult see
any positive changes without going at least twice a week. I'm at the
point now where I really enjoy going to the gym so I don't see that time
as a burden or a chore. But, I also don't have kids and can afford that
kind of time.<br />
<br />
I don't have a car, so I do a lot of walking. When the weather is
nice I try to get out for walks and bike rides on the weekends. Over the
winter I did indoor skating at my local arena. I always take the
stairs, not escalators (one of my pet peeves on the TTC: able-bodied
people who will wait in a crowd to go up an escalator. Walk. Up. The.
Stairs. It's not so bad!). I walk eight flights of stairs to get to the
lunch room I use at work.<br />
<br />
(Tip: Combine your physical activities with social opportunities –
take a yoga class with a friend, go for a walk with a co-worker at
lunch, go for a bike ride with your partner.)<br />
<br />
Tracking and Accountability: I started using a Fitbit fitness
activity tracker about 6 months ago and I love it! For a while, I was
also inputting all my food in the website but found it really
cumbersome. If you are concerned about your portion sizes, eat out a
lot, snack a lot, or are an emotional eater, it may be worthwhile being
consistent with entering your food. I found that my caloric intake
wasn't too bad, it was my lack of physical activity that needed to
improve.<br />
<br />
The benefits of an active lifestyle extend beyond physical
improvements. I sleep better and my energy is maintained more throughout
the day. Being able to run up a flight of stairs or run after the bus
without running out of breath feels really good! I have muscles. My
confidence and self-esteem has improved. And I'm working towards the
prevention of the effects of aging, such as osteoporosis.SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-340344086424569642014-04-28T20:01:00.000-04:002014-04-28T20:01:00.228-04:00New gym
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This past March I decided to change
gyms, one that had more locations and variety of classes, and a lower
membership price. I get bored easily with routine and need a way to
stay motivated and challenged. At my old gym I worked with a trainer
twice a week for about 6 months, which I found really beneficial, but
not wallet friendly. </div>
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As someone with anxiety, it's not easy
for me to walk into someplace new and feel comfortable, but I'm
trying to challenge this by going to different locations and taking
different classes. Finding the gym, locating the change room and the
class studio, adjusting to a new instructor or routine, figuring out
where the showers are… can all be very stressful for me. There's also the
challenge of getting organized at night to ensure I have everything I
need for the day, including a healthy lunch and snacks, and getting
up when the alarm goes off at 5:30am. I find that going in the
morning is easier than after work – the TTC is far less crowded and
I'm more likely to go, as sometimes things come up after work. I also
find that my energy level is more consistent throughout the day and I
sleep much better at night.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>In the past 7
weeks, I have managed to visit 6 different locations and take a
variety of classes (I love Zumba!). I'm really proud of myself for not letting the anxiety prevent me from doing the things I want to do. Going to the gym 3 times a week has become part of my routine and I'm really happy with how fit and healthy I feel.</div>
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SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-43331895841713563432014-04-21T20:58:00.001-04:002014-04-21T20:58:23.901-04:00New dress which took far too long to make!I started this dress back in December, and just finished it. Sometimes I can finish a dress in a week-end, but with this winter being so long, dark and cold, I just wasn't feeling creative or motivated. It's a vintage pattern I found on Etsy, from an Australian and New Zealand company called Style.<br />
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I had a few problems with making this dress, the first being that it was a Miss pattern and I wasn't sure how the measurements would work out, so I added an inch all around, which turned out to be unnecessary. Also, since I started the dress, I've gone down a size so I had to make more adjustments. It seemed that each time I tried on the dress to see how it was fitting I had to make more adjustments. Also, the contrasting fabric I purchased to use as the sleeves was too heavy and it wasn't draping nicely, so I ended up putting it around the neckline, and somehow it actually lined up.<br />
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Overall I'm not very happy with my sewing skills on this dress, it's not my best work. This should have been an easy pattern but because it took me so long to finish I kept losing motivation and focus. I'm relieved it's done, too bad the weather isn't nice enough here for me to wear it yet!<br />
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<br />SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-11120070098243161372014-04-14T19:58:00.000-04:002014-04-14T19:58:00.016-04:00It's finally spring!
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This winter was pretty awful for a lot
of people, myself included, and I'm slowly trying to fight my way out
of hibernation. Getting through the ice storm and power outage, the
stress of the holidays, major ongoing stress at work, and a
resurgence of TMJ pain and a subsequent neck injury meant that I
wasn't feeling very motivated or inspired to do much. I started
sewing a dress in December and it's still not finished, much to my
frustration. My basement isn't heated so it only gets residual heat
from the furnace, and with it being so cold this winter I just didn't
feel like being in that space. At the beginning of April I had to
deal with raccoons, who made their way into my attic over the winter,
meaning I may need to have some repairs done to my attic or roof. </div>
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But, one good that happened recently is that I was treated by a friend to a really nice <a href="http://www.windsorarmshotel.com/tearoom" target="_blank">high tea at Toronto's Windsor Arms Hotel.</a> I
was really impressed by the décor and service, and by their
gluten-free menu, meaning I was able to enjoy cute tiny sandwiches
along with my friend. It made me realize how much I've missed by shutting myself in and that I need to go out more and spend quality time with friends.</div>
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SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-84442159312389382442014-04-09T19:37:00.000-04:002014-04-09T19:37:00.403-04:00Closing of Wise Daughters Craft Market
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At the end of March, Wise Daughters
Craft Market, in the Junction area of Toronto, closed after 5 years.
For 3 years, I had the pleasure of selling my coin purses, glasses
cases and magnet sets at this store, and found many wonderful gifts
for friends and family. I even took some classes there. I'm sorry to
see the store gone, and I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for the
owner. The space has been taken over by <a href="http://www.ladeebee.com/" target="_blank">LaDeeBee</a>, which will sell
yarn and bead supplies and offer workshops.
For now, I'm still selling at <a href="http://jinksartfactory.ca/" target="_blank">Jinks Art Factory</a> and <a href="http://www.artisans-at-work.com/" target="_blank">Artisans at Work.</a> </div>
SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-84144682666928883772014-01-19T14:53:00.000-05:002014-01-19T14:53:11.104-05:00New topIt's been a while since I've had the time to make something for myself, but over the Christmas holidays I set out to do just that. Fabric is a light blue cotton gauze, and I used<br />
<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b4684-products-4805.php?page_id=4271&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Butterick's B4684</a>, with some slight modifications with the sleeves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1UuRZBFCokLJ4Jj7K-0fuHC7rXZjTHyP8-tST3hvL66eJGzHRv22P5Ws8GV90MP98DvDy5cjHReWNQxCvX6Xz_JB-TNB4CnVzOe24CkRX4ywXLLLnWGk7uQqs5mHjrR4Pg1slkxEr2A/s1600/20140112_160326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1UuRZBFCokLJ4Jj7K-0fuHC7rXZjTHyP8-tST3hvL66eJGzHRv22P5Ws8GV90MP98DvDy5cjHReWNQxCvX6Xz_JB-TNB4CnVzOe24CkRX4ywXLLLnWGk7uQqs5mHjrR4Pg1slkxEr2A/s1600/20140112_160326.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-14081217428749458592014-01-05T16:56:00.000-05:002014-01-05T16:56:21.048-05:00Closing down one of my Etsy shopsAfter almost 6 years, I have decided to close <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kltrocksforBlythe?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">my very first Etsy shop, the one I opened to sell clothes and accessories for Blythe dolls.</a> About a year ago I noticed a sharp decline in sales and quite honestly I've lost interest in Blythe dolls as a hobby. I haven't been updating the shop and let the items expire. I'm going to focus on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Zippster?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">my other shop, Zippster, </a>and retail opportunities. SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-37112995354624362662013-08-21T13:52:00.001-04:002013-08-21T13:52:43.325-04:00How I Know I'm An Introvert<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/20/introverts-signs-am-i-introverted_n_3721431.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post recently posted an article on introverts, with a checklist of 23 signs of how to determine if you are one</a>. I know I’m an introvert. I’ve
always known it, and will always be one. It’s not that I’m shy, or quiet, it’s
that I’m observing (and there’s nothing wrong with that). It’s difficult
explaining the difference. And then there’s the extra challenge of mental illness
and anxiety disorders.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here’s the checklist; the italicized text is a summary from the
article, and I’ve added my comments underneath. From the checklist, I would say
I meet at least 16 of the criteria, with the other 7 as ‘maybes’ or ‘sometimes’:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">1. You
find small talk incredibly cumbersome.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introverts are notoriously
small talk-phobic, as they find idle chatter to be a source of anxiety, or at
least annoyance. For many quiet types, chitchat can feel disingenuous.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. I
have no idea how to start a conversation with someone. Especially if that
someone is also not good at chit-chat. Awkward, frustrating and exhausting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">2. You go
to parties - but not to meet people.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're an introvert, you
may sometimes enjoy going to parties, but chances are, you're not going because
you're excited to meet new people. At a party, most introverts would rather
spend time with people they already know and feel comfortable around.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. I enjoy going out but not with
the intention of meeting new people. (This may explain why I’m currently single.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">3. You
often feel alone in a crowd.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever feel like an outsider
in the middle of social gatherings and group activities, even with people you
know?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. Why is this? Again, it could
have something to do with not enjoying chit chat. It’s difficult for me to have
engaging conversations at social gatherings and events. And I know sometimes I
give off the vibe of not wanting to be approached. Maybe it’s a self-defense
mechanism. I’m working on this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">4.
Networking makes you feel like a phony.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Networking (small-talk with
the end goal of advancing your career) can feel particularly disingenuous for
introverts, who crave authenticity in their interactions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. So stressful! Smaller, more
intimate gatherings are far easier. One of the reasons I left a very good job
in the academic sector was due to the expectation of professional networking –
conventions, conferences, meetings, social events. No thanks. And, I shouldn’t
have to ‘sell’ myself to prove my worth as a valuable employee. My work speaks
for itself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">5. You've
been called "too intense."</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have a penchant for
philosophical conversations and a love of thought-provoking books and movies?
If so, you're a textbook introvert.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. See point 1. I don’t know how
to do, nor enjoy, idle chit chat. I’d
rather have more engaging conversations, which at social gatherings, doesn’t
seem to be appropriate, practical or desired. So when I do try to have a conversation
with someone, sometimes I come off as being too serious. (Or opinionated. Which
I am, unapologetically.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">6. You're
easily distracted.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While extroverts tend to
get bored easily when they don't have enough to do, introverts have the
opposite problem - they get easily distracted and overwhelmed in environments
with an excess of stimulation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s not that I get distracted, I
get overwhelmed in high stimulus environments (hello, anxiety). It makes it
difficult to concentrate or enjoy the moment, often resulting in withdrawing
(closing off), or having to physically remove myself from the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">7.
Downtime doesn’t feel unproductive to you.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the most fundamental
characteristics of introverts is that they need time alone to recharge their
batteries. Whereas an extrovert might get bored or antsy spending a day at home
alone with tea and a stack of magazines, this sort of down time feels necessary
and satisfying to an introvert.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Somewhat true. As much as I need downtime
(me time) I get restless easily. It’s sometimes difficult for me to relax and
give myself permission to watch a movie, for example. More often than not,
although it’s improving thanks to the practice of mindfulness, there’s a
constant dialogue going on in my head, a ‘grocery list’ of things I should be
doing, of rehashing the past, and rehearsing the future. Rumination. It’s
exhausting. I’m working on this, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">8. Giving
a talk in front of 500 people is less stressful than having to mingle with
those people afterwards.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introverts can be excellent leaders and public
speakers -- and although they're stereotyped as being the shrinking violet,
they don't necessarily shy away from the spotlight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. Why
is this? I’m fine (for the most part) with giving presentations, and when I
used to perform as a musician. The nervousness comes afterwards, of facing
people and hearing their feedback.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">9. When
you get on the subway, you sit at the end of the bench - not in the middle.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever possible,
introverts tend to avoid being surrounded by people on all sides.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. Again, my anxiety disorders play a part in this, in that I
can’t have my back to a door/opening, I prefer facing the door/crowd/group. I feel safer
this way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">10. You
start to shut down after you’ve been active for too long.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you start to get tired
and unresponsive after you've been out and about for too long? Everything
introverts do in the outside world causes them to expend energy, after which
they'll need to go back and replenish their stores in a quiet environment. Short
of a quiet place to go, many introverts will resort to zoning out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. I get cranky. Once I’m done,
I’m done, and I need to go. But it’s difficult communicating why you need to
go, so I usually come up with an excuse. How do you say to a friend, “I’m
sorry, I’ve had enough of you, time for me to go be by myself now!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">11.
You're in a relationship with an extrovert.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's true that opposites
attract, and introverts frequently gravitate towards outgoing extroverts who
encourage them to have fun and not take themselves too seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exception: I’m currently not in a relationship, and I tend to
gravitate towards other introverts, probably because I can’t keep up with
extroverts and find them overwhelming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">12. You'd
rather be an expert at one thing than try to do everything.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dominant brain pathways introverts use is
one that allows you to focus and think about things for a while, so they’re
geared toward intense study and developing expertise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This too is probably an exception
for me. I crave knowledge and learning new things. I often have several
projects on the go and get impatient with myself when trying to learn how to do
something new. If I had the time and finances, I would be a constant student.<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">13. You
actively avoid any shows that might involve audience participation.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because really, is anything
more terrifying?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah… no thanks!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">14. You
screen all your calls -- even from friends.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may not pick up your
phone even from people you like, but you’ll call them back as soon as you’re
mentally prepared and have gathered the energy for the conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. Guilty. Sorry!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">15. You
notice details that others don't.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The upside of being overwhelmed by too much
stimuli is that introverts often have a keen eye for detail, noticing things
that may escape others around them. Research <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">has found</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>that introverts exhibit increased
brain activity when processing visual information, as compared to extroverts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup, although I wouldn’t have
indentified this as a trait specific to introverts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">16. You
have a constantly running inner monologue.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most introverts need to
think first and talk later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. See point 7. It’s
frustrating, because it means not being able to express myself in the moment
and not saying what I need or want to say, which I often later regret. Because of
not wanting to have an uncomfortable conversation or an argument, I avoid
confrontation at all costs, even it if means not being able to stand up for
myself. I’m working on this too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">17. You
have low blood pressure.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">2006 Japanese study</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>found
that introverts tend to have lower blood pressure than their <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">extroverted counterparts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Huh. I do
tend to have lower blood pressure. Interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">18.
You’ve been called an “old soul” -– since your 20s.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introverts observe and take
in a lot of information, and they think before they speak, leading them to
appear wise to others. I think hard, and analytical.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t recall every being called an
‘old soul’, but I’ve often been told I’m wise or mature. Ha!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">19. You
don't feel "high" from your surroundings.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neurochemically speaking,
things like huge parties just aren’t your thing. Extroverts and introverts
differ significantly in how their brains process experiences through
"reward" centers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another exception: If I’m at
event I’m really enjoying, like a concert, or doing something I really enjoy, I
do experience euphoria. And I pick up on the energy of others, so if I'm at an event and everyone is really into it and there's a positive vibe, that makes me happy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">20. You
look at the big picture.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When describing the way
that introverts think, they're more interested in ideas and the big picture
rather than facts and details. Of course, many introverts excel in
detail-oriented tasks -- but they often have a mind for more abstract concepts
as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. I’m much better at discussing
concepts and theories than relaying facts and figures. I love trivia but am
really not very good at it. Give me the answer, and I can start a discussion on
it, but not the other way around.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">21.
You’ve been told to “come out of your shell.”</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many introverted children come to believe that
there's something "wrong" with them if they're naturally less
outspoken and assertive than their peers. Introverted adults often say that as
children, they were told to come out of their shells or<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">participate more in class</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes! Stop
saying this! I don’t need to come out of my shell, I have no shell to come out
of.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">22.
You’re a writer.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introverts are often<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">better at communicating in
writing</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>than in person,
and many are drawn to the solitary, creative profession of writing. Most
introverts say that they feel most creatively charged when they have time to be
alone with their thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is
something I’ve been working on, as I feel it would be therapeutic. I’ve tried journaling,
but it doesn’t come easy to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 11.5pt; padding: 0in;">23. You
alternate between phases of work and solitude, and periods of social activity.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introverts can move around
their introverted “set point” which determines how they need to balance
solitude with social activity. But when they move too much -- possibly by
over-exerting themselves with too much socializing and busyness -- they get
stressed and need to come back to themselves. This may manifest as going
through periods of heightened social activity, and then balancing it out with a
period of inwardness and solitude.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yup. My social activities, hobbies
and interests are cyclic. I’m getting better at balancing the cycles and for
the most part I feel my friends recognize that I do go through phases, which I think is pretty common and not necessarily specific to introverts.</span></span></div>
SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-12897281413209414662013-07-06T15:16:00.002-04:002013-07-06T15:16:50.594-04:00New Dress: Butterick B4443I've been remiss in posting, mostly because of an extended spell of depression, which affected my motivation and creative inspiration. Last week-end I finally sat down to do some sewing for myself, which I hadn't done for a while. I made a dress from Buttericks B4443 pattern:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzUq34f0sIp_5Ljle_iK66qo6PTcRPwpkEUzNlUd0kcPMCpR5ycF56x7NHUL7wtr1AflGqgGCghZrX1p1-lNcSbOn96iVhox7RsmvSWfByp70c0Qt8WausDwIjgw5M_ajn45htmZ2ObQ/s1600/B4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzUq34f0sIp_5Ljle_iK66qo6PTcRPwpkEUzNlUd0kcPMCpR5ycF56x7NHUL7wtr1AflGqgGCghZrX1p1-lNcSbOn96iVhox7RsmvSWfByp70c0Qt8WausDwIjgw5M_ajn45htmZ2ObQ/s320/B4443.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
My fabric was from Lizzy House Constellations. This was a fairly straightforward and quick pattern to make. The only adjustment I made was having to add extra width at the hips for the skirt because of my wide hips, so I created darts at the back so the skirt matched up with the bodice. I'm really happy with how it turned out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ymwB_W1PjU5yL7agRx7s1n5YTJcfRQZffTxE55j207uIv0tRaHuO4xocPjxN9nucJw6xg6gBj0cTPly0Z6MnCb7uzA6DveW3AjcOr9iE7rCgqL6eWfnH9n5CnEkBLlXEbXXqQaSQ4aU/s1600/IMG_9787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ymwB_W1PjU5yL7agRx7s1n5YTJcfRQZffTxE55j207uIv0tRaHuO4xocPjxN9nucJw6xg6gBj0cTPly0Z6MnCb7uzA6DveW3AjcOr9iE7rCgqL6eWfnH9n5CnEkBLlXEbXXqQaSQ4aU/s320/IMG_9787.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XlMN-_H2PBNsYO2iQUvcMVUfYCzLf1fFYGKEgBDzLIL1IPPI4-NuzZsi8YMNmQWjHGwx4Si2zGXNEds02wh2XiKucfVNcqofBocFVMaYA8qeeFenhhyphenhyphenIy1EQ03OxnbRJn-Vr-dMIrGU/s1600/IMG_9784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XlMN-_H2PBNsYO2iQUvcMVUfYCzLf1fFYGKEgBDzLIL1IPPI4-NuzZsi8YMNmQWjHGwx4Si2zGXNEds02wh2XiKucfVNcqofBocFVMaYA8qeeFenhhyphenhyphenIy1EQ03OxnbRJn-Vr-dMIrGU/s320/IMG_9784.JPG" width="163" /></a><br />
<br />SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-69599589672223993662013-02-01T10:10:00.002-05:002013-02-01T10:10:36.783-05:00New Store in East YorkLast December, my local residents' association in East York partook in an initiative to fill empty storefronts with holiday pop-up shops. The end result being that there has been some rejuvenation in the area, including a new store and arts centre called <a href="http://www.artisans-at-work.com/home.html" target="_blank">Artisans at Work.</a> It will be a place for artisans to create, market and sell their works, and also a place for classes, workshops and shows. My <a href="http://www.zippster.ca/" target="_blank">Zippster </a>items are available at the store, which will be having a grand opening event soon. Stay tuned for pics and more info!SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-58002782422560253792013-01-25T10:16:00.001-05:002013-01-25T10:16:18.971-05:00New writings by mePreviously, I had mentioned that I was expanding the scope of this blog as a way to share my other interests and activities. One of these is to improve my writing skills while also finding an outlet to express my thoughts on feminism and gender equality. In particular, I am interested in the way women are portrayed in the media.<br />
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I submitted a pitch for a blog post to the editor at <a href="http://www.gender-focus.com/" target="_blank">Gender Focus</a>, which eventually resulted in a<a href="http://www.gender-focus.com/2012/12/10/beyonce-run-the-world-girls/" target="_blank"> commentary on Beyonce's Run The World (Girls) video and song.</a> More recently I wrote <a href="http://www.gender-focus.com/2013/01/19/not-a-happy-housewife-why-i-dont-relate-to-tv-commercials/" target="_blank">a critique on the portrayal of women in TV commercials, specifically household cleaning products.</a> This was a big step for me, and I'm hoping to do more writing soon.<br />
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<br />SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-50376853233941971142013-01-07T09:18:00.000-05:002013-01-07T09:18:16.013-05:00Crafty Supply Sale in the Junction this Saturday<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fellow crafters: I'll be selling at a craft supply sale at <a href="http://www.wisedaughters.com/" target="_blank">Wise Daughters Craft Market,</a> this Saturday, January 12. I'll have lots of fabric and some other craft stuff. Come by if you're looking for some cheap supplies, and visit the store while you're there, which carries hand made goods by local artists (including me!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/138606789625029/?ref=22&suggestsessionid=01357568093" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the sale info.</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">(Wise Daughters Craft Market and LadeeBee Supplies present:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">New year craft supply trunk sale</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Sat, Jan 12, 11:00 – 4:00</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">3079B Dundas St. W. in the Junction)</span></span>SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-17612766624364134212013-01-04T11:52:00.000-05:002013-01-04T11:52:32.174-05:00Branching OutI've decided to expand the focus of this blog; originally it had meant to serve as a way to promote and share my sewing. Recently I've become more interested in improving my writing skills as a way to express my opinions on feminism and gender equality, specifically the representation of gender stereotypes in the media. This is something I've been interested in for a while but didn't have the confidence or means to do so.<br />
<br />
As a way to get my feet wet and for feedback on my writing, I <a href="http://www.gender-focus.com/2012/12/10/beyonce-run-the-world-girls/" target="_blank">submitted a post</a> to <a href="http://www.gender-focus.com/" target="_blank">Gender Focus</a>. This is just a start, I'm hoping to do more writing in the future but I also realize I need to work on my writing skills, which will hopefully improve the more I do.<br />
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<br />SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-33315918785388979402012-10-19T09:56:00.000-04:002012-10-19T09:56:10.912-04:00New features for Etsy sellersEtsy has recently announced some exciting new features for sellers: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/news/2012/etsy-gift-cards-are-here/" target="_blank">Etsy gift cards</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/news/2012/save-time-with-listing-variations/" target="_blank">Listing Variations</a>, which will allow customers to pick customization options on an item if available, such as colour or size. <br />
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Too bad neither feature is available to sellers outside the U.S. Considering 95% of my customers are Americans, I'm eagerly awaiting for these features to be rolled out to international sellers.SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-54316879687626030002012-10-15T10:46:00.000-04:002012-10-15T10:46:09.486-04:00Holiday Shopping DeadlinesYes, it's time to start thinking about Christmas. Canada Post has posted their <a href="http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/campaigns/holiday/default.jsf" target="_blank">suggested mailing deadlines</a> for online shopping. Here's a summary, for regular air:<br />
Canada: Dec. 10<br />
USA: Dec. 10<br />All other regions: Nov. 30<br />
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Shop local! New items recently stocked at <a href="http://www.wisedaughters.com/" target="_blank">Wisedaughters </a>and <a href="http://www.jinksartfactory.ca/" target="_blank">Jinks Art Factory.</a> I also take requests for custom orders.SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-80194374267230627862012-07-31T11:47:00.002-04:002012-07-31T11:47:47.269-04:00<a href="http://abbeycats.org/" target="_blank">Abbey Cats Adoptions</a>, the cat rescue agency for which I volunteer, is having a <br />
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<strong>Black Tie Event </strong></div>
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Adopt Black or Black and White or White with Black Kittens!!!</div>
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July 30 - August 12, 90.00 for 2 (That's 11.25/Paw)</div>
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These sweet, hard to place yet loving kittens are seeking happy homes and families to live out their lives.</div>
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Will you save a pair of loving kittens?</div>
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Provide all necessities: Food, shelter, comfort and companionship; add love to the mix and you'll have the perfect recipe for 24/7 entertainment and kitty-love.</div>
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Costs less than a day at the theme park and the benefits you reap go on for years.</div>
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And another benefit... you help us to rescue more cats & kittens</div>
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<br />SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-48827993526940965402012-07-16T09:36:00.000-04:002012-07-16T09:36:31.290-04:00Craft show this week-endIt's been a while since I've participated in a craft show. This coming Saturday (July 21), I'll be at the <a href="http://www.shopcats.ca/ShopCats.html">Toronto Etsy Street Team Handmade Marketplace.</a> This show features sellers from the Toronto Etsy Street Team, of which I am a member. The team works to promote fellow Toronto handmade crafters, artists, craft suppliers and vintage sellers. <br />
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<a href="http://www.shopcats.ca/SPRING.html">See the list of vendors here.</a> <br />
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</div>SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-12572404689326703382012-07-05T08:55:00.000-04:002012-07-05T08:56:58.537-04:00New Skirt: New Look 6981<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9Q6Rlds64wBTVm92Verylgh4PFr0BQPbRIPvSyUcUGdWCSpnSf-V9ypbz9dHFwYr9YJ7dBetTx6IkcDPUClCtUXKLXr4ZN0UmIrfKOYC4Ydx_MRApX6O4KrqlMq4nG3CekGAQqAbmlw/s1600/skirt+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9Q6Rlds64wBTVm92Verylgh4PFr0BQPbRIPvSyUcUGdWCSpnSf-V9ypbz9dHFwYr9YJ7dBetTx6IkcDPUClCtUXKLXr4ZN0UmIrfKOYC4Ydx_MRApX6O4KrqlMq4nG3CekGAQqAbmlw/s320/skirt+1.JPG" /></a></div>
Finally got around to making a skirt from this pattern, New Look 6981, <a href="http://librariankaren.blogspot.ca/2012/06/new-top.html">from which I had already made a top. </a>It was very quick and easy to make. The only change I made was that the instructions called for a lapped zipper but I did an invisible one instead.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yAJ9tj1p1KNF3CfBbOccW6pGJTpfG_VbYdCpC_Ex29Twoytwopig8fdngCRuQeZVazA2z4-_9YHU3mvBDoOxa2zvioWA0MBSDJMd7VIZLja8MwhSRKkWDLT5EowQ4pEFAD2Ru4E0Rxo/s1600/skirt+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yAJ9tj1p1KNF3CfBbOccW6pGJTpfG_VbYdCpC_Ex29Twoytwopig8fdngCRuQeZVazA2z4-_9YHU3mvBDoOxa2zvioWA0MBSDJMd7VIZLja8MwhSRKkWDLT5EowQ4pEFAD2Ru4E0Rxo/s320/skirt+2.JPG" /></a></div>SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-24316226403278666112012-06-13T09:37:00.001-04:002012-06-13T09:40:53.444-04:00New top<br />
New Look 6981:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAX9phXETUYbFS5DnFnzOFupC1CJa_bBTMg4wkIVzXWcQhMg4ehY0s68mzqxH7jQOUTIdASRGR4pF5TTxsegl9J6zU5hvT3-lQnBkESO37LChlzvJ6yu_D8SloWzCyy5HqYjP8nTnd7M/s1600/gold+top+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAX9phXETUYbFS5DnFnzOFupC1CJa_bBTMg4wkIVzXWcQhMg4ehY0s68mzqxH7jQOUTIdASRGR4pF5TTxsegl9J6zU5hvT3-lQnBkESO37LChlzvJ6yu_D8SloWzCyy5HqYjP8nTnd7M/s200/gold+top+2.JPG" width="173" /></a>This top should have been quick and easy to make but I had some trouble with the draped/cowl neckline. The instructions didn't make sense to me at all so I ended up doing what made sense to me, and it turned out ok. Despite that, I was able to make it fairly quickly - there is just the front and back, and armhole bands, which give it a nice finished look. The fabric is a light weight knit which drapes quite nicely. I came across it while shopping for fabric for a skirt (in progress!) and thought it would be nice for a more dressy top. It's beige with a bit of sparkle in it - fancy! </div>
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<br />SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-61453148909269655292012-05-29T16:00:00.000-04:002012-06-13T09:41:18.801-04:00Current sewing projects<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOt3fBbbbrUjBKhcr_6ez0FPceWifITiWPWHeBGyQZgv7hNgEKVhfB53VLhvHk2qNIZDHGEvsEfiARzuFTfnzR6bJuJNTNT2ecryB4AcXDw6qY4d1rpbQk3m0Id1a_AX8F9H3UWbXNME/s1600/grey+tunic+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOt3fBbbbrUjBKhcr_6ez0FPceWifITiWPWHeBGyQZgv7hNgEKVhfB53VLhvHk2qNIZDHGEvsEfiARzuFTfnzR6bJuJNTNT2ecryB4AcXDw6qY4d1rpbQk3m0Id1a_AX8F9H3UWbXNME/s320/grey+tunic+1.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
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When my local Fabricland closed last year, I took advantage of their sale to purchase lots of patterns, which I'm only now starting to work on. This tunic is New Look's 6677. I found a really nice lightweight cotton, making this an ideal sleeveless tunic for summer. This pattern includes different variations of the same tunic, allowing for lots of personal customization.</div>
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Love the split side seam (very comfy) and the </div>
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detail of the front neckline panels. It was fairly quick and </div>
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easy to make, except the front neckline panels were a bit </div>
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tricky because I hadn't made them like that before; it meant </div>
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some careful lining up - pay attention </div>
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to those dots on the pattern!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzWIgSCkNVpditXGg7xERZR6cCI_mK-Eckt7STobi849X6HYRsT4Xn8wJ_LePCdgnWJyVqfiTcFWOfY_yHZuhlCWLXyULLJ4JwOp3cLbxr6apm5vgk0UkY9kUBTYCsyn1hTvsS5BfLd8/s1600/grey+tunic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzWIgSCkNVpditXGg7xERZR6cCI_mK-Eckt7STobi849X6HYRsT4Xn8wJ_LePCdgnWJyVqfiTcFWOfY_yHZuhlCWLXyULLJ4JwOp3cLbxr6apm5vgk0UkY9kUBTYCsyn1hTvsS5BfLd8/s320/grey+tunic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next up, some skirts and a top from New Look's 6981. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh320J8nfoApQkQXt6cAvq9wWPY8GQvGJ5mMsxhOjx_RNWamfsaeJ8lSa1YylkuusTl54ZK7fVX6kacNQB6bJitQb6OQgmkttF_hxN903Sk2h2kQjPJOovMerRPoeGGCy2GPfTDEetR4F0/s1600/grey+tunic+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh320J8nfoApQkQXt6cAvq9wWPY8GQvGJ5mMsxhOjx_RNWamfsaeJ8lSa1YylkuusTl54ZK7fVX6kacNQB6bJitQb6OQgmkttF_hxN903Sk2h2kQjPJOovMerRPoeGGCy2GPfTDEetR4F0/s320/grey+tunic+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-44770511230426421292012-04-13T13:12:00.000-04:002012-04-13T13:13:07.925-04:00Some of my picks for Mother's Day gift ideas for the hip mama, made in Toronto!:<br />
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<script src="http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=2&l=NzYxNDAyOHwyNzIyNjc3MDY4&r=-1&t=a&m=0&u=7614028&">
</script>SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936507473457450651.post-21136401515199401172012-03-23T11:45:00.000-04:002012-03-23T11:45:19.957-04:00New box style toiletry bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1Zkkw5OHgWYA-hL6kTsNlUvhmOMrcHXipWVzyIEZvSz20gsdSFYWt2MXhY_7SVUsSDVXjNbUIYSOJJ47tMs1GapXtydcIeMbmJqhcrqXjcW2bP8ff2aj2Ry5mVZWrQEABnFhHjIX8qs/s1600/box+bags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1Zkkw5OHgWYA-hL6kTsNlUvhmOMrcHXipWVzyIEZvSz20gsdSFYWt2MXhY_7SVUsSDVXjNbUIYSOJJ47tMs1GapXtydcIeMbmJqhcrqXjcW2bP8ff2aj2Ry5mVZWrQEABnFhHjIX8qs/s320/box+bags.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For those wanting a more gender-neutral or practical toiletry/cosmetic case than the ones I make with the metal frame (<a href="http://librariankaren.blogspot.ca/2011/07/new-vintage-fabric-clutches.html" target="_blank">similar to these clutches</a>), I now have a zippered box-style bag. They have a water-proof nylon lining and the outer fabric has been reinforced. Pulls at both end make it easier to open the zipper, or to hang the bag from a hook. <br />
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It took me a couple of tries to figure out the pattern for the dimensions I wanted for the bag. One of my criteria was to ensure it would be long enough to hold a toothbrush, and I didn't want something too big or cumbersome. I'm pretty happy with the final result.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wisedaughters.com/" target="_blank">Available exclusively at Wise Daughters.</a></div>SpecialKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13399810908269829121noreply@blogger.com0