Vested interest part 2

The vest

This is a quick update on the travel vest situation. I asked a friend if she would be interested in taking on the project for me. She is excellent with fabric arts and had just finished a large commission. She agreed to make the vest in exchange for a set of wooden kitchen tools. I sent her the pattern along with some photos of colour combinations I like to wear. I thought it would work better if she picked the fabric.  I don’t really know what I’m doing or what will work and what won’t.

It's reversible!

            After about a week, that’s right one week, I got an email saying she had finished the vest and it was on its way. She took pictures but didn’t send them as she wanted me to wait until I could see the real thing. Wednesday March 18 it arrived. I’m over the moon about this vest and I don’t often get that way about a piece of clothing! Her taste in fabrics is perfect; the vest fits well with lots of room to put stuff in the pockets. I know it’s going to be something that will make me smile each time I put it on.  Now I have to get busy making and assembling the best set of wooden kitchen utensils I can put together. I particularly enjoy making things for specific people. I keep them in mind as I work and send them care and attention through the pieces I make. I hope she will enjoy using the kitchen tools as much as I will enjoy and treasure my vest.

            In this time of economic uncertainly I’m thinking about the possibilities of barter. I feel good because someone appreciates my work; the other person gets something they want or need; and no money changes hands. I remember my mum’s stories about doctors being paid for services in chickens during the depression of the 1930’s. It’s one more way that the current situation encourages me to see things a bit differently. Oh, and by the way, we saw our first robin yesterday.