Stash Buster of Epic Proportions! Planning

I have been blessed with an OPPORTUNITY!

Years ago I worked for a great organization called Downtown Kingston! (exclamation mark included) working as the bookkeeper and secretary to several boards as a part of a great team of people.  When I left to manage my ex husband's business, and work as a controller at a Harley dealership, I kept going back to assist Downtown Kingston! with their events and festivals.

Over the years (10 years!?), one of my favorite recurring gigs has been the Nighttime Santa Parade.  I Guided Sparks, Brownies, Guides in the parade, I marshaled, I drove dignitaries, I waved to kids, I loved it.  I like people a lot, and this event is no ego for me, just a chance to see the faces of thousands of people having a great time.  It worked well as a single Mom, too: DS the Elder often came along for the ride, and got to meet some pretty awesome dignitaries!

So last year, I was assigned to chauffeur Mrs Claus to the event, and to drive one of the dignitary vehicles (the dignitaries usually walk, so I end up just driving an SUV at the start of the parade).  Mrs Claus had something go wrong, and couldn't make the parade - but my gig continued.

Then, in the Spring, I stopped in to drop off something to the office, and mentioned that I would be willing to stand-in for Mrs Claus if it ever happened again.  TA-DAH!  I got an email last month - they needed an understudy!  and this week? I am not just a bridesmaid this time!  Hello, Santa!

So up an'at'er!  I have a few weeks to make a costume (and of course I am not just whipping up a furry smock).

I have two donations to my stash that started the project:

1. my SIL gave me some home dec fabric last winter - a red upholstery with dahlias in chenille
2. my BFF's mom handed me some boxes when she was downsizing - and included was several meters of red satin backed crepe.

On the right above you can see the PUL I bought (a disappointing colour match, but such an investment, so I am using it).

So first, the Skirt.  I pulled out my A line block and added 1.5" to all seam allowances, and lengthened by 10", and lengthened the curved waistband by 6" on either end (my fudge factor) - I wasn't sure what I would need and Mainely Dad said it once and it stuck with me: cut your waistbands long - you can always shorten.
The upholstery was not an easy sew (and I am only half-way through hand stitching the canvas backed waistband), but I added the zippers, darts and shaping I think it needed:

That WAISTBAND!

So what's next?
Jacket:  M7254 View C in white "Reptile Fur" (what?   it was on the hallowe'en clearance table)
ValGal's version on Pattern Review was a lock for this pattern:

Cape: Sewaholic Cypres Cape in red PUL from SimplifiFabric

I will also need a muff for my hands and I hope to make this Die Nähanleitung zum Knöpfchen-Loop Autumn: (Katrin's is so beautiful)

So those are my essentials - All fur-trimmed, of course.

Surprise! You're about to be an over 40 new mom!

The first time through I was 30 when my son was born, and THEN I was one of the older moms in my rural playgroups circles.  I was alone in a new town (my mother had passed away a few years before), with an absentee ex-husband, and only The Baby Whisperer to guide me, unless I attended the Better Beginnings meetings and playgroups.

I have done great - a working, single mom for most of my parenting life so-far - my son has made it to 10 and 3/4 without any major scars.  R has a manageable education barrier (his hand writing is terrible - identified as a learning disability), but he is super-bright about all things Greek history, and has exactly the right amount of fear.

So now I am 41.  6 months ago we realized that after all the years of failed pregnancies, I had a pregnancy that was going to stick!








A new bundle is due in the coming weeks, a new boy, and this time with a engaged, wonderful (first-time) father-to-be.