In physics, aether theories propose the existence of a medium that transmits gravitational or electromagnetic forces. My cousin Alain believed that art is made from inspiration from a force outside oneself. He encouraged finding that inspiration and used “aether suggested” in his artwork. He would read my blog and enjoyed seeing my artistic pursuits. He would send messages complimenting my pieces and he looked forward to what I would make next. Our family lost Alain in early April. In his honor, I hope to revive my creating. Or maybe I can say that the aether, and Alain, suggested I get back to it………….

The making of this jacket spans continents, oceans, and time zones. I really had to get crafty and call in international help! (Obsession much?!?) I saw a shop owner who made FiberMood’s Dunya jacket in this fleecey fuzzy mixed houndstooth fabric that I NEEDED!!!! I stalked their IG until the fabric was listed and then realized they only shipped to certain European countries. Not to be defeated, I reached out to my cousin Christine in Germany and asked if I could have the fabric delivered to her address. She graciously agreed and I put in my order. Or so I thought. I had to reach back out to the shop to fix an error and finally, thru language barriers and Google Translate, got the order put thru. It was by the grace of all things holy that the package was delivered the day before my cousin was due to leave Germany for home (Canada) for a month, where I would see her at her brother’s wedding a few weeks later. There was more drama but I’ll spare you before I lose you! Christine carefully packed and brought it over for me and I’m SO SO grateful. This family wedding is also the last time I saw my cousin Alain so there is a lot of sentiment to this jacket.

I used a black suiting fabric from Joann to line the jacket and it’s actually the perfect transition jacket for these chilly Spring mornings where I need less than a full coat but more than just a blazer or spring jacket. Certain parts of the jacket got a bit tricky to maneuver with this thicker fabric but I love the outcome! And I look forward to making this pattern again!