GREEN JACKET : : MCCALL’S PATTERN : : M5525
Dark Skinnies Pashu by Parasuco, thrifted Boots Ralph Lauren via Winners
Scarf thrifted McCall’s Pattern # M5525}I was going to be a fashion designer
My story today takes us back, way back, to when I was in high school. Occasionally there were those school days that were just fun. And this day was one of them. My Phys Ed class was going for a morning outdoor excursion, a ramble in the bog to be precise, and it was Awards Presentation Day that afternoon. So, kinda like no school really. I left the house in faded blue jeans, a plaid shirt, and serviceable hiking boots. I remember it clearly. I was intentionally making a fashion statement. It was the late seventies, and I was going for androgynous hiker girl. There was nothing girly about this ensemble. That afternoon, my BF’s and I were in assembly eager to watch our peers accept awards and scholarships acknowledging their outstanding achievements. When the time came for the Home Economics Scholarship, we giggled like the school girls we were and wondered who the Suzy Homemaker was going to be. Well, the joke was on me.
When my name was announced, I was a bit stunned to be honest. I was the Suzy Homemaker we had mocked moments before? Yes, I had taken sewing classes throughout high school, but Suzy Homemaker? Egad! Even my name was a match. I bounded up on the stage, styled in an outfit so incongruous with the honour bestowed upon me, that the entire auditorium including myself was in laughter.
Okay, about this outfit. In contrast to what this little blog shows, I actually do wear coats and jackets, socks and boots, throughout the winter. I had been searching without success for a jacket that was colourful, warm, water resistant, and not too bulky. I could not find one, thrifted or new, so I decided to sew my own. I used a heavier cotton for the lining {colourful and warm}, made it large enough that I can layer a sweater under it for the extra chilly days, and ta da, a finished jacket appropriate for both our current weather and any unexpected awards presentations. The colour of the jacket is most closely represented by the last photograph.
Rainy, gray day courtesy of Vancouver Canada.
{Edible Canada Granville Island}
Today I am linking up with Patti at Not Dead Yet Style for the ever popular Visible Monday. Please pop on over and take a look.
Also linking up with Faith Hope and Charity Shopping
52 Comments
I bet you can make tiny little cupcakes, too!
I'm impressed – sewing your own coat, and it looks perfect! That's the way to get exactly what you want. And I love the lining.
Like Val, color me impressed with your Skills! That jacket is fabulous and you look great, Sue (Suzy?? : >) Thanks for linking up with Visible Monday!
The variety of shades of green and blue are fascinating me. You look fabulous!
Wow, you made that jacket! Looks lovely, of course I love the color and that lining is perfect. Nice to see the pics of Granville Island market.
Shirl
Colour! On outwear?! In Vancouver?! I just want to hug you. That is a fantastic jacket and your sewing skills boggle the mind. I enjoyed your awards story. LOL. I also enjoy seeing so many familiar landmarks in your photos. I've been catching up. I liked your tree and your holiday glitter outfit – fantastic!
Love it ALL … I'm just so taken with the lining and the scarf! Ralph Lauren makes some of my favorite boots, and they really look spectacular. A little edge to sharpen up the pastels!
Have a wonderful 2013!
love the mix of colors with the fabulous jacket and the gloves
brett
Such pretty colors! I love that lime green jacket!
Jordan
http://jordansvintagekitchen.blogspot.com
Congratulations for making a coat like this.I bet you can make a complete wardrobe for yourself!So jealous!I loved your story.Hugs,Angie.
You made that jacket?!! I'm sooo impressed. Wonderful colors.
It has worn well and still looks as good a when it was new. Yes you can sew and design
What a cute story! “Suzy Homemaker”! Love your jacket looks beautiful on you!
Rebecca
http://www.winnipegstyle.ca
La, a note to follow Sew! 😉 You did a great job on that jacket. Beautiful color on you too. Congratulations on your recognition. I would have loved to have received something like that. My only recognition during my school years was out in the parking lot during classes. 😉
Just made a batch after I faux painted the driveway, kidding. thanks for stopping by and commenting Val.
that's such a lovely jacket, I love the colour and it suits your skin tone perfectly. Great photos.
Thank you Patti.
I love greens and blues together. Makes me think of mermaids.
Yup, I did indeed. Thanks for the kind words.
Yes, fifty shades of gray come to mind…
And these boots fit! Angels singing in background. They were a little snug last year, but they've stretched enough for my skinnies to fit it now.
Thank you Brett.
Thank you Jordan. I appreciate that you've stopped by and commented!
Hugs back Angie!
Thank you Lisa!
Well, it's less than a year old I think…
Thank you Rebecca.
Lyrical title, I know. We all want to hear more about the parking lot, LOL.
Thank you Emalina.
That coat is a wonderful hue! Not everyone could pull it off but you do it wonderfully!
Alexandra xo
tovogueorbust.com
I hope Google Follow never disapears. I am your new follewer.
I do hope we become great blogger friends.
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Love that you decided to sew your own! It looks fantastic and I love the color you chose. And that Suzy Homemaker story is adorable 🙂
Love your blue gloves.
Thank you for following back. You are an angel
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Once again, I'm in awe of your skills!!! That jacket is GORGEOUS!! I love the colors of your outfit. One of these days I'm going to visit Vancouver. I hear it's beautiful and I love what I've seen of the Pacific North West.
Have a glorious day. XXOO
Wow, that is a fantastic jacket. I love the color, it is so delicate and lovely.
I was a total failure in Home Ec. The dress I made was too tight in the bust, too big in the hips and a big mess. I envy you your skills and your award!
Lovely to have you join up with Ta-dah! Tueday. Your outfit has brought a bit of Spring to a grey day. I can't believe you made a proper jacket like that – that's some serious sewing skills. Love the lining and also your gorgeous gloves.
x
i love this post my dear! You have added so much depth to the jacket, with your high school story! The jacket it's self is such an achievement and color perfection on you! I grew up sewing as well. When I was in high school my parents owned a fabric store… so I was able to sew and create to my hearts content … and that's why I know what an accomplishment your beautiful jacket really is!! Thanks for sharing your inspirations!
I felt lucky to find the fabric at Dress Sew.
I am certain we will become great blogger friends Sacramento!
Thank you Megan. It's always a joy to see your cute little flower face!
Ah yes…I am pleased but not surprised that you noticed the little details.
xo back to you.
Thank you Jean. You my dear have the knack of seeing potential in garments and repurposing them in such a magical way. I'm in awe of that.
Thank you Debbi. I too have had a few epic failures when it came to sewing garments. I think even the most seasoned of us sewers have sewn a sleeve on backwards.
Thank you for hosting a fun link up Lakota. Yup, my intention was to bring some spring colour to our gray days.
Oh Tamera, the phrase a kid in a candy store comes to mind. What fun that must have been. I did work in a fabric store for a while, and I'm sure I spent most of my paycheque there.
You sew your own clothes, your paintings are amazing, you make your own jewellery, AND you're gorgeous! I think I'm starting to go off you… 🙂
Signed,
Underachiever (Insert heavy sigh here.)
Well, I've sewn one article of clothing this year…You on the other hand have masterminded and executed several pairs of felted slippers, so I think we're even. And you're gorgeous too! And you write with wit and humour…okay wit is humour…
Your jacket is gorgeous – from the colour right down to the pattern! Well done – off to have a peek around your blog…J
Thank you so much Judith! I look forward to checking out your blog as well!
haha… that is a really funny story. hey, at least you owned the moment!
And congrats on sewing that trench, jackets are tricky beasts!
Hi Jentine, My Andy Warhol {less than} 15 minutes of fame…Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.