Finally... new kimono & haori / ついに、小紋と羽織、初めてのお仕立て

My husband graciously decided to buy a new kimono for my birthday present.  To be in time for my birthday in February, we placed the order today at Kasoyo.  I also ordered a new haori jacket, too. 
I was born in a year of dragon, which also turns around in year 2012, I want to keep up momentum in enjoying kimono. 
主人が2月の誕生日にと、花想容さんで小紋を誂えてくれることになった。夫殿、感謝でございます。
自前で羽織も注文。来年は年女、着物も勢いを増したい。

Remaking kimono into haori jacket / 小紋を羽織へ

My favorite red plum-pattern kimono has long been sleeping in the closet, without being worn for years.  The reason was because the color was too bright for my current age, although I do love the color and pattern.  It is generally understood that bright red kimonos are usually for ladies in twenties or even younger.  It is sad that I can no longer wear my farorite red color, but there is always a dress code to follow when wearing kimono. 
This problem has long been botheing me, but I was advised by my kimono-sewing teacher that I should ask kimono shop to dye it into different color.  So I finally decided to consult with Kasoyo-san, my favorite shop. 
However, Kasoyo-san suggested me to re-make this kimono into haori jacket, rather than changing the color.  I was surprised to know that the pattern of the kimono is so well-done and the textile itself is of a very good quality (although I bought it very cheap at a second-hand shop many years ago), because of which it is a better idea to change its shape into a jacket, rather than changing the color and spoiling the current beautiful contrast of bright red and many plum branches.  Also, jackets can be of a fancier color for ladies above 30 years old, as the shop owner advised.  As a result, it was decided that my fancy color kimono transform into a nice red haori jacket.  It will be delivered in mid-February.  I'm really looking forward to it.