It’s getting cold, and the dummy jacket I cut up this summer is still here, all pinned and patched up and ready for a second draft. Because my brief spurt of interest in drawing is failing to get momentum, I’ve decided to force myself to build the jacket here on the blog. Partly because it will mean I can’t get away from it – and partly because the impending winter will add urgency.

Thanks everyone or all the encouragement and nice comments and emails. The blog helps me stay focused and in touch.

Here’s my new design sketch:

It’s made of the same kind of wool I made Ray’s jacket with – a gorgeous charcoal felted wool with a soft, supple hand. It has a definite nap – which I’m going to place in reverse on some panels to highlight the seamlines.

The features:

• Ultra High Armholes
• Deep pockets at perfect height for stuffing hands. Key-ring attached inside.
• Zippered chest pocket inside.
• Worn with collar up or down
• Long enough to cover bum
• Washable, removeable lined sweater lining with hand-knit cuffs and collar
• Leather accents maybe?
• Detachable hood zips on under collar?

I will be so happy when I have this coat. This is the coat I was always meant to wear. Finally, hard-edged, versatile and slick armour against the blasted Toronto winter, fit to the extreme.

Today I returned my library books and reluctantly retire my beloved student card that expired yesterday. I will really miss that library! Already my old profs and friends at the school are getting ready for another year, new students… it’s all going on there without me now.

That initial unsteady just-graduated feeling is going away. My life has filled up with projects and contacts and obligations. I have been drawing so much this week I must admit I’m too drawn out to pretty up the blog much with new doodles.

It’s coming up to that time of year again in the world of fashion – Spring, that is. Watching fashion week in blogland promises to be a whole new experience now that Julie is an insider – do stay tuned to coutorture for up to the minute pictures and dishy blog coverage of New York fashion week. I’m looking forward to seeing Julie’s take on blogging the tents the second time around – so much has changed for all of us since last season.

It’s also trade show season – Verbal Croquis gives us the Vegas report. I myself will be working my first local trade show. It will be a learning experience for sure. I’m excited and a little apprehensive.

Going up to the country for the long weekend before I get back at it. The weather is promising to be rotton but it’s time to eat some good food and unwind one last time this summer. I’m getting all jumpy, it means it’s time to get out of the city.