Even Steven

So, I lost my cherished new shadbelly to moths and I've been trying to work out how I could replace it.  Then I found a used Borso D' Este (the Italian version of Pikeur) on ebay for the whopping sum of $89.00 with Buy it Now last week.  So, without hesitation I pounced.  The shad is black, which is not my first choice, but since these coats go for $700-800 new, I'm willing to put up with a ho hum color.  This is one of those times when I not only replaced my damaged garment for a song, I was able to substitute it with one of the premier shads in the world with the same tune.  The coat arrived, laden with grey hairs and some dried horse slobber on one sleeve, so it's headed to the dry cleaners tomorrow.

At least it will be easier to match the black at a fabric store than trying to match other colors, so I'll pick up a few yards of suitable wool and make myself yet another black apron...hopefully it will be easier to sew than leather! 

And speaking of that leather apron, it is technically finished but I found some beautiful crocodile embossed black lambskin that I plan to make a couple of appliques out of to put on the left corner.  It will add detailing but not too much contrast.  I hope that I find an obvious stopping point with this garment, since like doing an oil painting or sculpture, it's important to know when to stop lest you "overwork" it.

But the most important thing...Owen is coming home this Saturday!  Happy Dance!  My life has been so empty without his cheerful visage, and tho' I can't ride for another month I can at least long line him and work him in hand.  The question burning in my mind is whether riding aside or astride will be more painful...and I fully expect to be very sore come March.

But a certain amount of daily Owen exposure is necessary for my health.