Sometimes fabrics take a while to find their true calling.  Over 10 years ago I bought 2 metres of fantastic boiled wool fabric.  It was going to be a skirt for myself, possibly with some fancy embellishment on the hem and some sculptural cut outs.  If you had suggested that it would be great for my daughter's school coat, I would have laughed.  

Little E is loving this coat, complete with it's non-regulation floral brushed cotton lining and shiny buttons*.  We are still three weeks out from school, so the little badges are staying on the coat too, if only for a few weeks more.

*In a fit of tidying up, I can't find the pattern right now.  The pattern was a dream to sew so I will get the details soon.  I promise.