I got my motorcycle back today. It was a bit cold out but perfectly clear, and it was nice to ride around a little after work. The rear brake lever is adjusted a little strangely but the brake works fine. The new tire looks exactly as it should, and the new clutch works smoothly. Now that I have the machine back in hand – four weeks later! – I can finally replace the munched headlight with the eBay replacement that has been sitting on my shelf collecting dust.

I spent a couple more hours on the ski pants tonight. This project has definitely taken longer than I expected, but these pants are also the most complex garment I’ve ever constructed, and I’m pushing the finish level as hard as I know how. I want this garment to last for at least five seasons, and I want to feel comfortable and look stylish the whole time, so I’m taking my time getting it right. Tonight I inserted some darts into the waistband, stitched the inner seam down, and got about halfway through the belt loops (ballistic nylon trapezoids, lined with supplex – no raw edges exposed anywhere!). One more evening should be enough to finish the belt loops and cuffs.