Santa gets new threads
Santa’s got a new suit to wear, made by his very own Burke County seamstress.
Patty Lackey, owner of Patterns on Sterling Street, has made three suits for Santa in the past 12 years.
“He just tells me what he wants, and I create it,” she said.
When she made his first suit, she told her son Santa had sent her a letter, asking for a new outfit to wear for his Christmas in Morganton.
All of his suits are made of wool to keep him warm on chilly nights. She said, “Santa does not wear polyester. These are outfits, and they need to all be different.”
Santa said he wanted to combine his image with that of St. Nicholas and Father Christmas. That’s why he wears a long coat, and why his white coat is beautifully embroidered. He’ll wear that coat Saturday night.
“Why can’t Santa change clothes?” he said.
Lackey said she loves making suits for Santa.
“That coat is so magical, and there’s something magical about Christmas anyway,” she said.
His new coat is more simple, she said, with white fur trim and an embroidered monogram.
“It’s fun to see it come alive,” Lackey said. Each time she makes him an outfit, she tries to make it different from the last.
At some point it will disappear from her shop, and that’s when she’ll know Santa was pleased with her work.
He’ll show up in his new coat at the Old Courthouse Square to meet all the good boys and girls.
(And, he said, don’t worry about the reindeer. They’re in hiding because it is still deer season, but you might catch a glimpse of them on the rooftops).
Santa will take time out on Christmas Eve to make his walk from Burger King to the Old Courthouse Square and back to show off his new frock.
When she’s not making a new outfit for Santa, Lackey makes everything from wedding dresses to draperies. She also teaches sewing to kids and adults.
“I enjoy sharing what I have,” Lackey said. She especially likes giving kids a hobby and hopes it will keep them out of trouble.
Patterns is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday by appointment.
By Heather Sanders
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