Meet my friend Pat, the woman behind the Patricia cardigan.
How we met
Let me back up a bit to when I first met Patricia, Pat to her friends, over 20 years ago now. We both worked at an IT Training Company. I was in Accounting and Finance and she worked in Human Resources. Right from our first meeting, I knew I was going to love this bubbly personality.
Who she is
Pat has a true “joie de vivre” and a very warm heart. Naturally, this keeps her extremely busy on the social scene with family and friends. So, fortunately for everyone, Pat is fully retired now giving her more time to squeeze us all in. Even after retiring from her full-time job as an HR Manager, Pat continued to work part-time in a retirement home where she was a favourite among the seniors. No surprise there! Pat was always touched by their stories and undoubtedly a good listener.
What she likes
Pat is a voracious reader especially when she travels. Although her travel plans are on hold for now, Pat and her husband Don of 44 years are often cruising around Ontario visiting friends and family. That is, when they’re not spending time down in St. Augustine, Florida or flying across the ocean to Ireland.
Despite having had a knee replacement, Pat is a keen golfer and loves to swim. When my daughter was young, Pat would invite us over to swim in her pool. My daughter always remembers Pat’s claim to fame, “I’m the best floater!”
How she inspired the Patricia cardigan
About a year and a half ago, Pat and I were catching up over lunch. She said to me I can’t wait until you have plus sizes. Plus sizes had been on my mind for a while but Pat gave me the extra nudge I needed to just do it. She was surprised when a few months later, I asked her if she would accompany me on a trip to Toronto to be a fit model. I’m happy to report she readily agreed.
I decided to do the Joan trouser and the Claire jacket in Size 4 and 5 which is similar to a 1x and 2x. We also designed a new cardigan called the Patricia in Pat’s honour since she’s the one who inspired me to branch out into curvy sizes.
Pat in the Silky Blue Patricia Cardigan
After the first fitting, Pat admitted to me that she’d been very skeptical about the pants. She had never felt comfortable wearing knit pants. But after trying them on, she couldn’t believe how comfortable they were and how great they looked on her.
Why she likes COKANNA
Recently, I received this review from Pat, “I have to tell you I don’t know what I would do without my COKANNA bamboo Joan trousers. If you recall, I said I didn’t think it would be something I would wear. Well, not only do I wear them, I absolutely love them. I wear them all the time. They wash so well and I can’t believe how comfortable they are. I’m also enjoying the Patricia cardigans, both the Fuchsia and Silky Blue.”
Lucky for me, Pat is an avid shopper. She says there will never be enough room in her closet! Thank you, Pat for being a good friend, a positive role model, a fantastic fit model, and a loyal customer.
As we transition into fall, now’s the time to order your own pair of Joan trousers and the coordinating Patricia cardigan:
Until next week,
~ Colleen
I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. I’m also the creator of COKANNA Canadian made bamboo clothing for women that’s all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support Rethink Breast Cancer‘s metastatic breast cancer education, support, and advocacy work.
