Life Update
Hey Friends,
It’s been a short while. In case you are not on Instagram, I wanted to let you know what’s been happening with me, and why I might not be sewing and blogging quite as much for a brief period. 10 days ago, whilst I was at the gym, I had a brain haemorrhage. Sounds scary right? Well, at the time it was. All I can say is thank goodness for the amazing health care system we have in this country.
I was rushed to hospital for tests and, following various scans and angiograms, it was established as a venous, as opposed to arterial bleed. Apparently this was the best possible outcome. It means that I am no more likely to have another occurrence than anyone else. It also meant that I did not require any further surgical intervention, and it is just conservative management. I did not have any predisposing factors…this could have happened to anyone. It is relatively rare.
I was discharged from hospital after a week and have been at home since then slowly recovering. I am making improvements every day. I don’t have any neurological deficits. So I have much to be thankful for. I have not been in my sewing room since this happened….I am just taking it slow. But it’s a chance to get caught up on my blogging and think about future projects (and maybe buy some fabric :-)) I am sure it won’t be long before I am ready to do some sewing therapy!
Waterproof Cascade Duffle
So, anyway, before all this drama (!), I managed to make a second version of the Grainline Cascade Duffle coat, but this time using a waterproof outer fabric that I purchased from the now defunct Paron Fabrics in New York (2.5 years ago! Wow!) I should mention that this waterproof fabric appeared to be needle ready, with a knit interfacing already fused to the reverse side of the fabric, which did speed up the process of preparing to sew this coat quite considerably. Here’s a link to my first Grainline Cascade Duffle coat.
p.s. all these photos were taken before I went into hospital, in case anyone was wondering!
I have been wanting to make a new waterproof coat in forever! I have made other, lightweight waterproof coats, but I wanted to make one which was a little warmer. I had all the supplies to make this new version sitting in my sewing room, but for whatever reason, I just kept putting this project off. I am so pleased that I finally pushed myself in to making this project.
Pattern Modifications
Only very minor ones, essentially to get the look I wanted:
- I added 0.5 inches to the side seams front and back from the waist down
- I overlapped the lower body pieces front and back and cut the fronts and backs as single pieces
- I added a fur trim to the hood. That’s the only slight niggle with this coat: the hood feels rather large and the fur pulls the hood further forward. Don’t know if I might need to go back later on and modify it somehow…
- I drafted and added pocket flaps
- I drafted storm flaps for the front and back. I basically just traced off the front and back shoulder/ armscye pieces and extended the length to be approx. 1.5 inch below the yokes. The flaps extend into the armscyes and front bands
- I added sleeve heads made from poly fleece and shoulder pads
- I catch stitched the lower hem facing to the coat. This is something I had to go back and do retrospectively to my first wool version too. Otherwise the back hem facing wants to sag down
- Replaced toggles with snaps and added snaps to the pocket flaps and the back storm flap
Details
Conclusion
During the christmas sales I picked up a RTW down filled waterproof jacket which is very practical, and has been worn. However, I don’t love the colour (bright blue) or the fit (makes me feel dumpy!) Whilst I will always need a down filled jacket in my wardrobe for the very coldest of months, this coat feels more stylish and, I think, fits me better. And that is why I have all but stopped buying RTW garments.
So good to be back with you all! Have a great weekend.
sewmanju 
Your coats look fabulous. What a scary thing to happen and thank goodness you are OK. You must be relieved to learn that you aren’t likely to have future issues. Best wishes and I hope you are back in the sewing room before long.
Thanks Mary! It was scary but relieved to know I will be ok now.
So sad & sorry to hear you had this.
My husbands step mother had one about 20 years ago. She’s now in her 70s & still going strong.
Love the jackets.
Happy to hear that you’re ok and taking care of yourself. Hope you’re back to full strength soon.
Love the coat!
That’s encouraging. 🙂
Scary!! So glad you’re OK now. The coat is lovely on you – and beautifully made as usual.
Thank you Aileen
So happy you are ok. Love your jacket.
Thank you Kathy.
Goodness! I am so happy you are doing good! What a scare. I love the rain coat. I tried making one a couple years ago, and it was a wadder! Lol
Thanks Kay.
Good to see you back, and read you are on recovery. Beautiful coat, very ambitious and well made the bronze colour really suits you. Take it easy and wishing you and your family all the best.
Thank you Pat B
Wishing you all the best for a drama free return to the (new) normal. Your positive attitude is inspiring. I rarely comment but I love your blog–your sewing projects are always great, and your smile is radiant. I assume you are familiar with the knitwear designer Kate Davies; if not you might find her book on recovering from a stroke interesting. Sending love and best wishes from afar.
Thank you Ellen. I am not familiar with Kate Davies: I will check her out. I am feeling much better.
I am so sorry for your health issues, and I wish you a speedy recovery. After a serious health scare, I didn’t feel like doing any of my favorite things, so the fact that you are looking forward to sewing projects sounds like a good sign. (I was later told this was quite normal.)
I’m excited to see what you plan…I always love your posts and look forward to them. You and I are about the same size, so it’s like having a model to try on clothes for me. LOL
Best wishes for good health in the future!
Thank you Charlie O. I am feeling much better and hope the same with you.
Glad you’re okay! That coat gets a serious “Wow!” from me. It’s gorgeous, and your skill set is admirable. I want to get to your level of expertise.
Thanks Cate.
Glad that you are okay. It must have been so frightening for you and your loved ones. Love all your makes, you are so inspirational.
Thanks Jeannie.
I had seen your IG post, and was very concerned! I’m so glad that you are home and blogging again. Your coat is stunning, and I will look forward to seeing some new posts soon as you recover and get back to your sewing room. Take care and get well soon!
Thanks Laurie!
your jacket looks so warm and cozy – love the fur trim. So glad you are home and feeling well. and you can spend your time resting and planning your spring sewing 🙂
Thanks Beth. Much appreciated.
So glad you are recovering well, Manju! Your new coat is perfect for your needs. I like the color and it looks great on you.
Hope you will be all right soon.
Love, Sasa
Thank you Sasa. I am feeling much better.
Wow! What a frightening experience. I’m happy to hear that you are recuperating well.
The jacket is beautiful and fits you perfectly. Your attention to detail is impressive. Keep up the sewing and the enjoyable blog. I learn something new with every article of clothing you post.
Thank you so much Patricia.
I am new to your blog and you are amazing!
Thank you and welcome to my blog Meg An
Happy to see you back on the blog Manju.
Your coats are both stellar makes. The faux fur on the hood is top notch!
Thanks Sue!
Dear One, looove your coat, but even more that you are recovering well and back blogging a bit. 😘💐😘
Thanks Del!
This is absolutely beautiful! I’m glad you’re recovering, that sounds so scary.
Thank you Sathyai
I’m so glad to hear that you are recovering and doing well now. The coat looks great and I am looking forward to seeing your Spring projects. Take care!
Thank you Jenny.
That coat fits you perfectly. Absolutely beautiful. .. And I’m glad you’re resting. You have so many loyal fans! I’m blessed to be one of them.
Thanks so much Marilyn.
You’ve absolutely nailed this. Love the fur on the hood. Take care, sounds incredibly scary. Hope you are being looked after well. Xx
Thanks Lucie. Don’t worry, being married to a doctor has it’s advantages 🙂 I am being very well looked after.
It’s a coat to be very proud of Manju. Impeccable work! I especially love the furry trim and neatly applied pockets.
I’m so glad to hear that you’re slowly on the mend. Take care xx
Thanks so much Diane. x
I love your coat! It looks so cozy and the fit is perfect! I am glad that you are recovering; please take care of yourself. Happy sewing!
Thank you so much Natasha.
Loving your coat, the quilted lining is amazing. And I’m so glad you’re doing well, onwards and upwards!!!
Thanks Lynne. Onwards and upwards indeed!
I’m so sorry to hear that you were unwell, but happy to hear you are on the mend! I like your coat and I’m impressed by how professional your garments look.
Thanks Angelle.
Sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery. i so enjoy reading your dewing blogs. hope you will be back in sewing mode soon. xx
Thanks Rosa.
So very happy you are better
Thank you so much Faye.
Holding you in the light for quick healing!
Thanks Nalani
Your coats are beautiful, as all your projects are. I’m so happy to hear that you are fine and wish you only the best.
Thank you Leanna
So sorry to hear this. How traumatic for you and your family! I hope sewing is a therapeutic tool on the road to recovery. I don’t ever post but I follow your blog and love your makes.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment Gayle. I am feeling much better.
This looks gorgeous. I love the colour, and the fit is spot on. I love your first version, too, in plaid with the bias contrast. A lot of work, and worth all the effort.
I saw your posts on IG about your recent experience with the health system. I am so glad you are on the mend and that, although serious, it was something random. Here’s to being well enough to sew a little bit soon…
Thanks so much Tia