Don't Quit Your Day Job!

A few weeks ago my friend, Natalie, and I went to this HUGE fabric market in Tianjin. It has everything you could possibly want...and more. Originally I was just along for the ride to help Natalie pick out some wool and liners for two coats she was making. But then, I found some wool that I just loved and it was fairly cheap so I decided to get it and I started the designs for my own coat! I picked out the wool, liner and the buttons then went with a Chinese friend to a tailor to have it made. With Natalie and Zhang Zhe's help, we designed the coat and a few weeks later, it was finished. Just like that! The whole coat including materials and labor cost me just about $40 U.S. Can you imagine paying that for a custom-designed winter coat in the U.S!?!?

So, without further ado...my coat!

Deborah, you were close when you guessed bright red! It's different shades of red and, I almost hate to say it...pink! Too bold??

As you can see, I originally put a small "pinch" or "tightener" (help me out, sewing experts!) on the back but I don't really like it now that it's finished so I think I'll take it back to the tailor and exchange it for a belt. What do you think?

The collar can either stand up, like in the picture above, or fold down, like in the picture below.

So, what do you think?? Do I have a new calling in the world of design or should I stick to my day job? Hahaha...don't answer that! I am pretty confident that my future is not in design but it was fun to try it out - thank goodness for Natalie, Zhang Zhe and their expert advice! :)