a new adventure

Oh the choices I have to make! 

On Monday started a twelve week course to sew my own Duffle coat. It seems like a lot of time for just one coat. Yes, I probably could make a Duffle coat without going on a course but I just know I would take short cuts and would end up with a coat that doesn't quite fit or has a wonky zip. I checked out the course plan, the first few weeks are entirely dedicated to the creation of a perfectly fitting toile. I'll be learning some new skills, for example pattern adaptation beyond just making something shorter or longer. My body shape requires plenty of adaptations. I am learning to use new tools, too. One of the items I needed to bring along to the course was a French Curve. I have never heard of such a thing. It looks funny. I hope that I'll find out how to use it properly because the description that came with it sure isn't very clear. So far I have used it to trace the pattern curves onto paper.

The course is expensive. No doubt the Duffle coat will be the most expensive piece of clothing I own but being able to sew a coat surely can be considered a life skill? The next one will be cheaper.

I ordered a selection of coating fabric samples so I don't have to go into town. The thought of going into town makes me dizzy. Coating fabric is quite expensive and it would be a shame to own 3 metres of lurid pink boiled wool when you thought it was really raspberry red. Did you know it is possible to order fabric samples? I didn't. I thought I might want to make a Paddington blue coat but I am not so sure now. At the moment I quite like the dark purple in the top photo. I am also considering herringbone patterned wool. Which sample is your favourite? The reds are richer in real life, it is difficult to do all colours justice in the one photo. 

I'll let you know when I have decided on a coating fabric. I haven't even started to think about the lining fabric. I quite fancy something warm and fluffy but maybe I'll end up choosing a colourful cotton poplin fabric, in true Boden style. Fancy that!

I have thought long and hard about adding more commitments to my already full life. I am stretched to breaking point some days and often I am in bed by 9:30. But I am a super organised, my children and husband are well trained in the art of cooking, cleaning and doing the laundry and my time management is impeccable. Life is too short not to be lived to its full. I'll manage somehow. 

Or so I thought. The first evening was hellish. I rushed home from work, ate a rushed meal and rushed off to the class. Richard was away and I had to trust my organisation skills were up to the task: The big ones had to make sure the little ones were ready for Beavers twenty minutes after my departure. The little ones had to be picked up to go to Beavers and back. The babysitter had to be in the house before the little ones came back. All was fine but I had not thought about unexpected events, such as the dog escaping and chasing urban foxes through the neighbourhood. I had to abandon class early to help catch the dog. By the time the beast was cornered and caged I was ready to cry and abandon the course. Spending two hours tracing a pattern with 40 pieces (of which I need most) didn't help. 

Alas, I have recovered and I have also finished tracing and cutting the pattern yesterday. I have told the dog if he escaped once more he was Sunday roast. He wagged his tail happily and went about his own business. 

As always, thank you for stopping by. I noticed new followers. Welcome! I am hoping to catch up with you at some point. In the meantime, thank you for joining and for leaving comments. Cxx