The Real Deal

Cancelled! My heart sunk when I found out the draping course, through Vancouver Continuing Ed, I was signed up for was not going to happen due to lack of participation. This course was supposed to be my one-night-a-week liberation from mommy hood. What disappointed me the most was the lost opportunity to receive instruction from Blossom of Blossom Coutouriere. Blossom teaches true couture methods of pattern drafting and sewing techniques. She is a gem in a world of poorly made, quick-sew garments.

In my pre-baby life I probably would have thought, "oh well" and moved on. However, being a mom has taught me some grit and determination is needed to make things happen. I decided to give Blossom a call and find out about private lessons. Thank God I had her number from a course I had taken with her before. I tell you, what a lovely lady! She remembered me (It probably helped that I was the one with the huge stomach!) and invited Levi and I over to her house to see her studio and watch her students at work. It was flippin' awesome! It's not every day you get to see work done at the top of the trade you love! I was fascinated by the hand-sewing techniques used by her students and the quality and care put into their work. I found out that one of Blossom's students had recently gone to design school in Paris. At her interview the school looked at the work she had done with Blossom and fast-tracked her into third year.

Blossom fed us a delicious lunch and made Levi and I feel quite at home. Best way to entertain a baby: Spool of thread.

I was so thankful that Blossom understood my limitations as a mom. She offered me lessons for a full day, every four weeks, with as much homework as I can handle. The price was extremely reasonable (very important as we adjust to living off one income).

One lost opportunity has led to an even better one. I'm more stoked then I was before and I cannot wait to show pictures of what I create.

*Photo-Spring 2010 Armani Privè, taken by Marcio Madeira, courtesy of Style.com