I had a great drive down yesterday with Norma of Orange Lingerie through rain, sleet and eventually snow, which, if I am honest, at this point is just plain funny. Its the end of March and its still snowing.....

and I really can't describe how lovely it is to be back with Susan Khalje and slip back into the same routine. This time its one of those wonderful weeks where I know almost everybody, and day one was incredibly comfortable and familiar.

I'll have lots of pictures and details next week , but I've a mountain of thread basting to do tonight and its already 10pm, so I will keep this short.

It took me ages to decide on a project this time, but eventually I thought I would mix it up and do something a little different.

I knew I wanted a jacket, and it had to be radically different from next months Marfy free jacket sew along to keep it interesting, so I choose the Style Arc Ziggi. Its going to include elements that are new to me, and couture techniques from Susan that will be relevant to other garments.

I'm really excited about this jacket as I've been hoarding a scant yard of a extraordinary Valentino cotton and a yard of its complimentary mate for about three years.

Originally, I thought I would make a dress with a peplum, but never found a pattern I loved...so it sat waiting and waiting for the right pattern to come along and the Ziggi is perfect...I swear!

I've enhanced it for detail, but in reality its a very light subtle cream colour.

and as I always at least try to make two garments I bought lots of fabric with me so I could also make a dress.... but I just can't decide what to use!

A exquisite Valentino blush lace from Mendel Goldberg, with matching crepe wool.

A heavily embroidered bright pink/red reversible silk, again from Mendel as well as one or two others that I will photograph in better light for next week..

Although based on past history, it will probably be all of them, cut and half finished :-)

but either way, it is going to be a great week!!!

I've also finally joined Instagram, I am beyond useless with Twitter and Facebook but I am going to try and post lots of pictures this week and after of whats going on, projects, fabrics bought etc...should be fun! (The link is at the top right)

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

Leisa