Beginning to assemble the Lotus Flower Coat
Having finished the embroidery I’d planned, and concluded that I can only decide on any extra twiddles once the jacket is made, I’d best get the jacket made. I want to be wearing it this Autumn, after all!
After a bit of a summer hiatus, I fished out the pattern pieces and the pattern instructions, and made a start, only to be immediately wrong footed. The shawl collar was a bit tricky to wrangle, and then I realised that the entire process suggested in the pattern was contrary to what I’d been assuming.
Picture one bemused sewer in a mental four-wheel skid!
Control resumed, darts inserted in the collar, sighs of relief that I jettisoned the idea of pockets. I did wonder about pockets in the lining, and I think, probably not. I’m not sure what I could put in them without ruining the line of the garment, and besides, as I think I’ve said before, I like a bag for carrying things!
Sit down, spectacles perched on nose, solemnly reading the pattern, hoping I’ll understand it this time… (I wouldn’t last five minutes on The Great British Sewing Bee. I’m not quick, I’m easily derailed, and I never see all the problems ahead in enough time to dodge.)
There are two great advantages to using my mother’s Bernina, rather than my hand-cranked Jones. One is that I get two hands to control the fabric. The other is that if I am truly bemused, I can ask for help!
We had a very productive day, me sewing and my mother doing a painting. Neither is yet finished, but we are certainly closer than we were!
