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
Val Sparkle says
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.
Patti @ NotDeadYet Style says
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!
Sabine says
The variety of shades of green and blue are fascinating me. You look fabulous!
Shirl says
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
Melanie says
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!
Jan Graham-McMillen says
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!
silvergirl says
love the mix of colors with the fabulous jacket and the gloves
brett
Jordan Randolph says
Such pretty colors! I love that lime green jacket!
Jordan
http://jordansvintagekitchen.blogspot.com
angie says
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.
Lisa says
You made that jacket?!! I'm sooo impressed. Wonderful colors.
Anonymous says
It has worn well and still looks as good a when it was new. Yes you can sew and design
Rebecca says
What a cute story! “Suzy Homemaker”! Love your jacket looks beautiful on you!
Rebecca
http://www.winnipegstyle.ca
Joni says
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. 😉
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Just made a batch after I faux painted the driveway, kidding. thanks for stopping by and commenting Val.
Emalina says
that's such a lovely jacket, I love the colour and it suits your skin tone perfectly. Great photos.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Patti.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I love greens and blues together. Makes me think of mermaids.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Yup, I did indeed. Thanks for the kind words.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Yes, fifty shades of gray come to mind…
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
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.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Brett.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Jordan. I appreciate that you've stopped by and commented!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hugs back Angie!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Lisa!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Well, it's less than a year old I think…
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Rebecca.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Lyrical title, I know. We all want to hear more about the parking lot, LOL.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Emalina.
Alexandra says
That coat is a wonderful hue! Not everyone could pull it off but you do it wonderfully!
Alexandra xo
tovogueorbust.com
Sacramento Amate says
I hope Google Follow never disapears. I am your new follewer.
I do hope we become great blogger friends.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Megan says
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 🙂
Kathleen Lisson says
Love your blue gloves.
Sacramento Amate says
Thank you for following back. You are an angel
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jean at www.drossintogold.com says
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
Debbi@SheAccessorizesWell says
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!
Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping] says
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
Tamera Beardsley says
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!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I felt lucky to find the fabric at Dress Sew.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I am certain we will become great blogger friends Sacramento!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Megan. It's always a joy to see your cute little flower face!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Ah yes…I am pleased but not surprised that you noticed the little details.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
xo back to you.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
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.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
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.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you for hosting a fun link up Lakota. Yup, my intention was to bring some spring colour to our gray days.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
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.
Cheryl says
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.)
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
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…
Judith says
Your jacket is gorgeous – from the colour right down to the pattern! Well done – off to have a peek around your blog…J
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much Judith! I look forward to checking out your blog as well!
myedit says
haha… that is a really funny story. hey, at least you owned the moment!
And congrats on sewing that trench, jackets are tricky beasts!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hi Jentine, My Andy Warhol {less than} 15 minutes of fame…Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.