Owl Revival

One of my friends at work brought me an old coat that she had no use for. It was black with a fun design and had a beautiful fur collar.

It was a vintage coat. Very heavy. Very lovely.

She gave it to me saying that maybe I could cut it up and use if for something or maybe I'd even like to wear it myself.

When I got it home, I immediately tried it on. For as great of a coat that it was, I had to admit that it looked horrible on me. I turned away from the mirror and looked again - hoping that maybe now it looked better. No luck.

Now I had a tough decision to make. Find someone else who could use it or cut it up.

It actually was the toughest first cut I've made yet on a garment - but I decided to move forward and use the incredible fabrics it had to offer. After all...I already had a plan in mind.

I recently had seen an incredibly cool owl that artist Mimi Kirchner created. I knew right away that I wanted to try making one.  So I set off to make up my own pattern based on her photo. (Stealing an idea - I know - but if I "copy" an idea like that - I won't use that pattern for items that I sell - only for my personal enjoyment and use - I hope that's fair enough - it's what I would ask of others if they like something of mine.)

So, here's what I came up with.

I felt like my gal was a little too stern looking so I decided that I should soften her up with a flower. After all, don't all owls love a little blossom action?

I knew that I would be giving the owl to my friend after I completed it. When I brought it to her, she first she said she couldn't accept it - but I convinced her that it was meant for her. She was very surprised to see the coat in it's new state and I do think she really liked the outcome.