The fabric of this garment has lived a past life – a good, full life of over 40 years – as curtains.
These curtains belonged to a well-loved lady named Elsie. She left this earth at the generous age of 104 years, independently living the last four decades of her life in her Laurel Point condominium here in Victoria, BC. It has stunning views of the inner harbour and The Empress.
Though I never knew Elsie, I knew her curtains. When my friend Shirley purchased the condo and began renovating, she asked me if I could use them. The front room curtains were, in my estimation, custom made (circa early 1990’s) and of excellent quality, but they are limited in their style and fabric for repurposing. Using the flower pattern, I made a small throw pillow as a memento for Shirley. It fits in nicely on her new bed in her renovated bedroom. The backing has been turned into place mats and is ideal as stiffener for handbags and the remainder awaits further inspiration.
However, when I got to the second bedroom, I spied what appeared to be drapes from the mid 1970’s. My mind was transported back to the free-spirit era of the early 70’s. I envisioned a long-haired woman with bell bottom jeans, floppy hat and a flowing vest over her peasant blouse. Luckily for me, Elsie had not updated the bedroom drapes.
Once the fabric was reclaimed, cleaned and inspected, I went back to my first vision – that long flowing vest. Thusly, the Petra Coat was born.
In the picture you can see my model Kristin (pronounced Kristine) truly wearing it. Many dots were connected that day, as we were photographing her in my designs. I relayed the story of the textile, and Kristin’s eyes lit up when I told her Elsie’s name.
“Of course,” she laughed as if she knew a secret. You see, that’s a name that resonates deeply with Kristin. It is her middle name and she grew up being called ‘Li’l Elsie.’ It wasn’t until later on in the day that there was one more coincidence. My initials. L.C. Li’l Elsie. Elsie.
This is just one of the many touching stories and synchronicities encountered when creating new life for old things.
Textiles with Past Lives
Kristin Fraser rocking the Petra Coat.
The fabric of this garment has lived a past life – a good, full life of over 40 years – as curtains.
These curtains belonged to a well-loved lady named Elsie. She left this earth at the generous age of 104 years, independently living the last four decades of her life in her Laurel Point condominium here in Victoria, BC. It has stunning views of the inner harbour and The Empress.
Though I never knew Elsie, I knew her curtains. When my friend Shirley purchased the condo and began renovating, she asked me if I could use them. The front room curtains were, in my estimation, custom made (circa early 1990’s) and of excellent quality, but they are limited in their style and fabric for repurposing. Using the flower pattern, I made a small throw pillow as a memento for Shirley. It fits in nicely on her new bed in her renovated bedroom. The backing has been turned into place mats and is ideal as stiffener for handbags and the remainder awaits further inspiration.
However, when I got to the second bedroom, I spied what appeared to be drapes from the mid 1970’s. My mind was transported back to the free-spirit era of the early 70’s. I envisioned a long-haired woman with bell bottom jeans, floppy hat and a flowing vest over her peasant blouse. Luckily for me, Elsie had not updated the bedroom drapes.
Once the fabric was reclaimed, cleaned and inspected, I went back to my first vision – that long flowing vest. Thusly, the Petra Coat was born.
In the picture you can see my model Kristin (pronounced Kristine) truly wearing it. Many dots were connected that day, as we were photographing her in my designs. I relayed the story of the textile, and Kristin’s eyes lit up when I told her Elsie’s name.
“Of course,” she laughed as if she knew a secret. You see, that’s a name that resonates deeply with Kristin. It is her middle name and she grew up being called ‘Li’l Elsie.’ It wasn’t until later on in the day that there was one more coincidence. My initials. L.C. Li’l Elsie. Elsie.
This is just one of the many touching stories and synchronicities encountered when creating new life for old things.