I’ve worked with leather and suede for small accessories. I have been apprehensive about larger projects because of the fragility of these fabrics. I finally got the courage to expand my skillset and started making full garments out of vegan leather and patent leather.
Recently, I made a peacoat and a trench coat for myself. I also made this rain jacket for my mom. This was one of her gifts for Mother’s Day. When she unwrapped it, she threw her head back and had a good laugh. She explained that she had a white, patent leather trench coat when she was younger. My Grandmother, who always tried to squelch my mom’s creative freedom, hated it. “You just want to be seen,” she would say. That didn’t stop my mom from expressing herself and voicing her opinion. If anything, my grandmother’s conformist views fueled her to be a free spirit even more. I’m glad my mom is who she is. I love and like her. I’m very fortunate to be able to say that.
