There are dozens of gorgeous historical items to be inspired by for the HSF ‘Eastern Influence’ challenge, it’s cold, and I’m feeling slow,and the only things that are inspiring me are warm and wooly. So…. How about an early 20th century wool suit/frock with chinoiserie influences? I’ve got this gorgeous delft blue wool – beautifully warm, gorgeous drape, and combined with black and white it would look very striking: Problem:  there is only 2.5 metres.  Not a lot for an early 20th century ensemble.  Hmmmm….what if I picked a design that incorporated lots of applique and open space, and used that to stretch my wool? I went looking for inspiration: I like the shape of this, and the teeny-bolero would be helpful, but the colour is insipid, and the fabric too light: Oooh…closer!  Still a bit too spring-y though, for all that it is wool.  Also, do I have 5 years to do that open cutwork?  Sadly, no: And this is too heavy, and suit-y, and winter-y, and would take too much fabric: Ditto this, …