i made a coat
So, I made a coat. I am very proud of myself. I believe there will be pictures to come, if they are not up already. This coat was made in my delightful Tibetan tailoring ISP. Its funny, coming here I didn't think tailoring would particularly interest me, and sort of took it because Tracy mentioned it. And when she did I was just like sure, OK, without really thinking about it. But I LOVE it. Two hours every night in a family's home. I walk in each night and they assault me with chai and pastries (the husband is a baker which is an added bonus), and make sure I eat and drink copious amounts before starting. And then we sew, or cut. The machine is manual, which was disconcerting at first, and you have to pump a pedal with your foot while making sure you sew perfectly straight (otherwise, my guru smiles kindly and then proceeds to tear it out). So far we have made 2 little bags, 2 "mobile phone cases," the aforementioned coat, and the beginning of a Tibetan shirt. The coat we made from a pattern but everything else she just knows, and makes me take notes on the pattern, which make me happy. But the most exciting part is that even in this short amount of time, I am already feeling more independent with sewing. She measured me for the shirt last night and took me step by step through the pattern, and I really think I could replicate it and transpose what I have learned onto other things I want to make, in the future. (Margot I think I owe you an item of clothing and now it can actually be good).
Also, the husband was one of our speakers (the speaker series thus far has been phenomenal, A+ Tracy Justin and Peter) and spoke to us about how he was a monk in Tibet, and when his monastery refused to surrender to the Chinese and take down pictures of the Dalai Lama, he was put in political prison. He eventually escaped, made his way to Dharamsala and Gu Chu Sum. Gu Chu Sum is the Tibetan political prisoner's association, and he and his wife live in housing provided by them. They taught him how to bake, and taught my guru to sew, as well as some Hindi, and English. They met at the school Gu Chu Sum sent them to, fell in love (he had disrobed, obviously) and now have two freaking adorable children. Hearing his story made me visits to their house so poignant - the place is plastered with thankas, pictures of deities, and many pictures of the Dalai Lama. When I went over after his speech, I was just struck by his pictures of the Dalai Lama. It is not a mere symbol or duty or thoughtless gesture to display them, it is a right he was really ready to sacrifice his life to preserve.
Comments
I see Tim is awestruck.
Posted by: Doug B | November 12, 2008 9:47 PM
Hi,
I Love this post (as I love all of them). You look awesome in your amazing coat.
What a great ISP -- chai, bakery, a monk-turned-baker, stories of political prison. Oh yes, and sewing too.
Discoveries on many fronts. Thanks for sharing your story, and picture. It's delightful.
ps- in case Sandy hasn't told everyone, I REALLY WANT TO GO TO DHARAMSALA.
- Sue
Posted by: sue | November 13, 2008 6:14 PM