Dear readers, I need your advice. Please read to the bottom and weigh in! First, I preface:
Every evil mastermind has to have a feline sidekick. Dr. Evil has Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Claw has M.A.D. Cat, Gargamel has Azreal.
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And of course, The Selfish Seamstress has Sasa, who, through some sort of baffling chain of events actually ended up being dropped off at an animal shelter before coming home with me. Who would put this darling kitty in a shelter, when she was so clearly meant to be the perfect sidekick to an evil mastermind??
Now, even though the Selfish Seamstress’s “heart” is really just a small heart-shaped lump of ice that pumps cold water through her veins, what little love it is capable of is devoted entirely to Sasa, her beloved, soft and fuzzy animal companion. (Well, not entirely true because the Selfish Seamstress has a whole lot of love for herself too.)
I may not be the biggest animal rights activist or the most passionate of animal lovers, but I do draw some lines for myself. Dan and I keep to a vegetarian diet during the week in attempt to reduce our meat consumption, and on the weekends if we do eat meat, we try to make sure it’s been sustainably and humanely raised. And as a general rule, I do NOT wear fur. I do wear wool, silk, and leather, however. And, for the sake of full disclosure, in college I did have a scarf that I loved that was made of curly Mongolian lamb fur, which I rationalized was no worse than wearing leather since lamb fur and sheepskin, like leather, are also by-products of the meat industry (unlike mink or fox which are raised or hunted primarily for their pelts.) Anyway, I’m sure we’re all familiar with this debate and have heard all of the viewpoints on it a million times and blah blah blah, people get self-righteous or high and mighty, and I have no particular desire to revisit it.
Except…
It’s True Story Time!
Okay, this is a true story. I am not lying to cover up a shameful purchase or anything like that. This really happened. One day last spring I was walking down to my favorite fabric store in Chicago, Vogue Fabrics. Those of you familiar with Vogue Fabrics know that it is located on Roosevelt Road and that it is surrounded by numerous men’s clothing stores and tailoring shops that skew kind of… well… is “pimpy” too strong a word? Let’s just say that if you are a man who happens to be employed in the lady rental business, you might find that the shops along Roosevelt Road have the styles and selection you’re looking for at prices you’ll love!
So, I’m walking to Vogue, and as I cross the street, less than a block from the store, I happen upon a trash can with THIS draped over it:
That’s right. An ENTIRE fur coat, made of curly Mongolian lamb. I stand there for a minute in shock, sort of freaked out at this enormous pile of fur, but the selfish part of me and the seamstress part of me and the part of me that hates to see things go to waste all get together and say, “OPPORTUNITY.” So after a bit of hesitation and examination, I pick it up. It has some tears along the seams, some small stains, it’s definitely pimptastic, and it reeks of cologne. But it’s not obviously infested with anything and the fur and the satin lining are in good condition. Plus it’s enormous:
And, the fur is really pretty:
I tote it off to the dry cleaner to rid it of cologne stench, trash can residue, incriminating fingerprints, and whatever else its previous owner might have left behind, and retrieve it about a week later at the cost of about $50, which seems like quite a steal for a giant fur coat, at least to someone with no experience in fur-buying.
So now comes the difficult part. It’s quite easy for me to sit on a high horse and say, “I don’t wear fur” on some vague self-righteous principle. But I feel like the fur in this case has sort of come to me and is now dancing temptingly before me. And it’s lamb, which, you recall, I rationalize is no worse than leather because of that by-product thing. And it so happens that I have some coat-weight cream colored cashmere that has been sitting in my stash for nearly two years now, waiting to be turned into a coat. And now that it has seen the fur, it really wants to be turned into a coat with luxurious curly trim.
Dear readers, please weigh in. If I make (and wear) a lamb fur trimmed cashmere coat am I evil (though incredibly chic)? Or is it no worse than if I just have it lying around in my house? Would you throw red paint on me if you saw me, thus ruining hundreds of dollars worth of cashmere? Is the distinction I’m making between lamb fur and mink just a load of crap? Am I worrying about stupid stuff when there are people out there who have real problems? Why do I care so much about what other people think? Why on earth would I pick a coat out of a trash can when it had clearly last been worn by a pimp? Help! I need answers!
Oh, and there’s one more complicating factor I didn’t mention. I’m not the only one in the house who has her eyes set on that coat:
But surely she doesn’t need the whole XXL thing?
35 comments
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November 16, 2009 at 11:08 am
Whitney
That’s a pretty amazing story! I’m in agreement with the by-product of another industry being used for something “useful”. Why not? The animals would have died, regardless, so we may as well use all that they sacrificed. I personally wouldn’t throw red paint on you, but I know the whole back story. Most people who would do such a thing are not interested in the details, so I’d personally worry about what people though. But that’s my own issue.
I think it’s cool that you are reusing something that would otherwise end up in a landfill somewhere. And if Sasa is anything like my cats, she’ll find your new amazing coat with the trim in the closet and love (read: cover with fur) it while it’s hanging!
November 16, 2009 at 12:23 pm
mollymolly
One of my mom’s favorite sayings comes to mind with this, “Use all parts of the Buffalo” meaning the less you waste, the better it is for the environment (and the animals…?). It’s not like you’re buying brand new fur, and I agree about the lamb rational (that it is different than mink), so you might as well use it. As for offending someone, I don’t think you should care as long as you look good! (“If you don’t like it, don’t do it!” another of my mom’s theories on life)
November 16, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Rachel
I think you should make the coat and wear it. Think of it this way– That animal gave its life for that fur, only to be thrown in the trash can. By you making something beautiful out of it is, in my opinion, keeping it from dying two deaths. Now, I am not against wearing fur or leather, but I do respect the opinions of those who are, as long as they don’t resort to tactics like throwing red paint. Your kitty is beautiful, and as much as I love my darling cat, I come before him so I would make that coat.
Also, thank you so much for visiting my blog and for the advice on grading down that coat pattern. I am relieved know it should work out okay. Do you think I should do an SBA because of the grading down, or is that something that will have to be decided after making my muslin –GRRR I hate making muslins :)
November 16, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Meredith P
That poor animal (or animals) had died long before you found that coat in the garbage, so I think what ever use you find for it is fair. As I come up to you on the street with the paint, just tell the story, and I won’t throw it. :-)
So if I feel that way, why can’t I bear to use the fox stole of my grandmother’s for something? Bless it’s beady little eyes and dangling feet. She was in her 70’s and died in 1966-yes 43 years ago, and I still have it in a box. It would make lovely detachable cuffs/collar. Can’t even look at the thing.
Really, it should not go to waste, although you may have a tough time getting it away from Sasa, your evil sidekick.
Truth be told, I prefer my fur warm and purring (well, occasionally snarling on the way to the vet), but that garbage find is definitely fair game.
November 16, 2009 at 12:58 pm
meli88a
Make the coat. For what it’s worth, I’m also vegetarian and try to limit my use of animal products and I would reuse that coat. If you’d left it on top of that trash can, that would have been tragic. That lamb would surely have lost its skin in vain!
November 16, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Bec
I agree with everyone else, you didn’t go out of your way to purchase the fur, so it’s not like you chose that particular lamb and with a wicked gleam in your eye said “that one will make the perfect coat! Kill it now!” So I see no ethical issues with making something from the coat. Will there be some people out there offended by it? Of course. But, you’re the selfish seamstress, you shouldn’t care one bit. :-P And whatever you have left you should make into a bed for your pretty kitty, I’m sure she’s appreciate it….or, you could send it my way, and I’ll make something with it for (her royal highness) Sheba–my very own “evil” sidekick. ;-)
November 16, 2009 at 2:10 pm
amber
I’d say go for it. As others have mentioned, since this is a by-product of the food industry, if it just goes to waste, I think it’s worse than if it’s being used. And I’m guessing it will look gorgeous on a cashmere coat.
November 16, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Catherine
I think that most sensible people can see the difference between the lamb and the case of your unique find, vs the situation with minks etc.
Personally, I do own a rabbit skin stole. In my own country rabbits are a pest and have overrun and destroyed much of the natural habitat of native animals and the livelihoods of many a hard working farmer. They are culled in a careful and humane manner, and both the meat and fur are utilized. I did not have a problem wearing the stole there, and when people asked I would tell them it was rabbit fur. No one batted an eyelid. Here, I have to tell people it is fake.
November 16, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Joe T.
It’s going to be pretty hard to stitch around that sidekick. She seems quite ensconced.
November 16, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Eileensews
Enjoy the fur. You found it used, it wasn’t a new purchase.
And you have a great story to tell about how you acquired it.
November 16, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Digs
You recycled this coat, after all – and most would agree recycling is good.
November 16, 2009 at 9:50 pm
erinrx2
I say go for it, just don’t wear it to any PETA rallies. :)
November 16, 2009 at 10:03 pm
kellyssewing
Too much thinking going on here. The fur was a gift. Enjoy it.
November 17, 2009 at 12:51 am
clf
You have my blessing to use the fur, Selfish Seamstress. (But really, with a name like that, do you really need to ask for my approval?)
Personally, I think wearing fur is fine as long as it’s not excessive–like you own 10 pimp coats or something AND you live in a climate that’s really cold.
Since your little lamb is an XXL, it looks like you have more than enough fluffy goodness to trim more than one garment. So how about dyeing some of it with Kool-Aid and doing something preppy-punk, like, say a little tailored plaid jacket with shocking purple fur trim? (Kool-Aid works on animal fibers only.)
Question: When your cat passes on to Kitty Heaven, would you consider… oh never mind!
November 17, 2009 at 6:44 am
CalZone
Look to Sasha for your answer. Does she endlessly ponder whether ’tis nobler to forego incredibly soft, delicious luxury, or does she sink down into the fluffy stuff without a whisker’s lick toward conventional mores? Do not question the bounty of the god’s, but do as Sasha does…enjoy it!!!
November 17, 2009 at 8:38 am
The Slapdash Sewist
I am like Meredith (and also a longtime vegetarian), who wrote “So if I feel that way, why can’t I bear to use the fox stole of my grandmother’s for something? Bless it’s beady little eyes and dangling feet. She was in her 70’s and died in 1966-yes 43 years ago, and I still have it in a box. It would make lovely detachable cuffs/collar. Can’t even look at the thing.”
When second-hand fur just comes to you it does not increase the overall demand for fur nor cause any additional animals to be killed and skinned. I inherited a lovely coat with a fur collar from my grandmother, but I have never been able to wear it. I wish I could. Maybe someday I will. But for now, I just can’t, even though I had nothing to do with its purchase.
Of course, I am totally a hypocrite because I do wear leather shoes and boots, as I have not found good quality non-leather shoes (i.e. Dansko) that last as long and are healthy for my feet.
If you can do it then go for it. Everyone will think it’s fake anyway!
November 17, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Monica Smith
Perfect to make that jacket to go with LBD although it will shed everywhere.
In fact you can make several cool things including a vest etc. You will have years of use from it. Try to dye part of it a really wild color as your wardrobe looks very proper from a color crazies view!
Gave up saving the planet a long time ago and of saving people in general and just do my own selfish thing.
November 17, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Mimi
I’d go for it!!! I utilize mohair from goats in the making of wigs for reproduction antique porcelain dolls and I see absolutely nothing wrong with utilizing something that was discarded and is in essence a by-product of the meat industry. Personally…I don’t go with the whole “anti-fur” crowd…animal skins and fur have been around since man decided to walk upright and cloth themselves in order to keep warm. Make yourself that nice fur trimmed, cashmere coat and don’t worry about it.
November 18, 2009 at 11:48 am
Liz
I have a couple of fur coats that I love (one a hand-me-down, one a gift and a third capelet that belonged to my great-grandmother). I cherish them – each and every time I put one of them on, I am grateful to the animal – much like the “Use the entire buffalo” comment. Like you, I love animals (my mom used to call me Ellie-May). I’d rather be the one wearing the fur with a grateful heart than the one wearing it who has no love and respect for the animal.
Great story – looking forward to seeing your creation!
November 18, 2009 at 3:31 pm
David
Actually…if that really is an XXL I would like to buy it. My shearling coat that I loved and thought I would have for the rest of my life was stolen this week. I guess someone needed it more than I did. If you could find it acceptable, please let me know…Michigan’s winter winds are on their way. Thank you and have a nice day.
November 19, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Do you want Selfish Seamstress Haiku stuff? « The Selfish Seamstress
[…] her favorite animal shelters, P.A.W.S. Chicago and the Atlanta Humane Society (where she met her beloved kitty Sasa). 100% of the proceeds would be donated to the shelters. Above are some samples I made (virtually). […]
November 19, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Chantelle
I’m with your other commenters in saying that it’s ok to use the fur. It was left for you, even if (as Sasa thinks) it was only left for you to bring home for Sasa.
So use it well. And make sure Sasa gets to keep her soft, cushy, warm, wonderful, bed.
November 21, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Carla
Actually the lamb may not have died to make the coat it could have just been sheared which is common.
And their fur grows back. Lambs and sheep who are used for the wool only almost never died.
It is when they are killed for consumption.
February 12, 2016 at 6:26 pm
kate
Mongolian lambswool is always on a skin backing.
it’s not shorn wool.
November 22, 2009 at 6:51 am
Hana Marmota
My jaw dropped at this post. Not because of the fur coat (which is quite an incredible story in itself, and believe me, I have exactly the same rationale about not wearing fur and I would do exactly the same thing if I spotted a fur coat like that at a trash bin. Just to make things clear.)
No, my jaw dropped because Sasa looks INCREDIBLY like my own cat Bisha. She ha sprobably a bit more white on her chin, but otherwise… just as if Bisha was staring at me from your blog! And her ability to claim the softest thing to lie on in the whole house also seems familiar… :P
November 24, 2009 at 12:04 am
Pamela D
Oh….I love the picture of your kitty! It emphasizes the point that the most important thing about fur is the cozy warmth factor, not the “I’m rich” factor. It has always had a real use and is truly protective and warm. Your Sasa knows a good thing when she sees it .
I ended up with a small lamb rug, which has been given to my 95 yr old dad by his 93 yr old brother. For old guys there is nothing more comfortable than putting your bony and tired old body on a warm and comfortable surface; but, my dad, being the Spartan that he is, did not want the rug, so he gave it to me.
My little doggy, Koosh, loved the lamb fur. Being a Bichon, she blended in with the white fur, so sometimes we couldn’t find her. I am so grateful that in the last months of her life she had so much comfort and warmth. She looked like a little angel sleeping on her lamb fur on top of her favourite chair. These are the images I want to remember. Unfortunately, the camera couldn’t capture it in all its’ blinding whiteness. So please save a bit of fur for your kitty.
By the same token, you deserve a bit of warmth and coziness. You live in a cold city. It’s not like you’re one of those ladies I used to see in Texas who trotted out their fur coats on a 60 degree day. Of course, in all fairness, to them it was cold.
Isn’t it more ecological to use all of the animal? We, as Americans, don’t even eat as many animal parts as the rest of the world does. The British members of my family are big on lamb kidneys. As long as we are wearing leather shoes and carrying leather bags, it’s better to use all of the animal. Who wants foot fungi and polluting petroleum bi-products from vinyl? Waste is a far more ethically charged issue to me.
I enjoy your blog.
November 29, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Dawn
Her Selfishness pondered:
>If I make (and wear) a lamb fur trimmed cashmere coat am I evil (though incredibly chic)? <
Dahling, only evil women *are* truly chic. How many Disney heroines can you name who can go toe to toe with the wicked witches on style points?
Besides, Sasa needs a suitably elegant villainess to accessorize her natural tuxedo.
Ta, dahlings.
Edna Mode
December 2, 2009 at 1:28 am
Heading South. « The Selfish Seamstress
[…] readers will recall that Sasa is a native Atlantan, and yes, I did live there for several years while I was a student and that is […]
March 20, 2010 at 8:22 am
Carlotta
do you know what I would do if I had both such a spectacular cat and a large amount of white fur? I’d manage to trim a black coat with the fur, or just make an independant fur collar, in a desperate attempt to look as elegant as my cat.
Anyway, what I would call scandalous is rather to buy a fur coat and throwing it in a trash can when you no longer like it. Recycling is always ok.
April 9, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Anonymous
I’ll be the lone dissenter and suggest that you just let your kitty use it. If you make something beautiful with it that you wear out of the house, inevitably others would covet it, thereby increasing demand for fur and other animals could die.
April 9, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Patterns, magazines, the Smurfs, and the Selfish Seamstress « The Selfish Seamstress
[…] one of the world’s leading authorities on the Smurfs, Gargamel, Azrael, and Dr. Claw. I guess one little post in which they’re pictured and mentioned in passing is enough to send you to the top of the rankings in the world of rabid Gargamel […]
December 27, 2013 at 8:26 am
stefania
an old post, but I hope in the end you decided to give it a decent burial
January 23, 2014 at 4:45 pm
linda
I also found a wonderful Curly lamb coat at and estate sale. The fur is just beautiful and it it so warm. I was going to make a vest out of it, but might not now. I do need to get it cleaned. I purchased a Mink coat from ebay and had it made into a vest with a hood. It is great. Unlike you I had to get someone to do it for me. Enjoy.
October 29, 2015 at 12:50 pm
Celia
I consider this recycling or up cycling when it is vintage. I once worked at a union GM car parts plant & bought a vintage BMW car. (Also how I met my future husband, but that’s another story)! When I started driving it to work, I heard through the grapevine my car & a foremans were going to be egged. I didn’t put anyone out of work because it was 10 years old when I purchased it. I was also a union steward & utilimately was left alone, as well as my much loved BMW 2002! So I would use your coat however you choose & not look back! I guess it depends on your personality, taste, style, neighborhood & the event you wear it at also! With you being a seamstress & the size, I’m sure you could make something very creative out of the pieces & it would be a conversation piece as well as a stand alone! I wear my vintage furs with pride. Although I am a little conscientious because I live in a smaller area & yes you will draw attention! Enjoy it with whatever you make out of it! And since this is an old post, an update would be nice!
March 14, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Change Seamer
I would like you to consider covering a foot stool, or coffee table level table with the fur. This way, you and your cat can BOTH enjoy it! Plus it will add a touch of Boho chic to whatever room it lives it. But then, obviously, you could easily move it from room to room & it could lead a somewhat nomadic lifestyle!