Wow. Happy New Year, everyone! My only resolution this year is to post more. I haven't taken pictures of my sewing in months and I have some projects from over a year ago that I haven't got around to posting. Might be good now though, to see which ones are actually comfortable and that I've worn since I've made them. I also haven't posted any of my vacation photos from last year. I'm going to try and catch up. I imagine it'll last as long as most resolutions!
Well, this project! This is one of the ones that was finished over a year ago, and I waited to try and get better quality photos. But there you have it. Never done. Might as well get it posted as is!
This fantastic pattern is Minoru from Sewaholic. I made the version with the hidden hood, it zips into the collar. Love it!
Also, since I waited so long to post this , I can now say that this has probably gotten more use than anything I've ever made. I love this jacket. It is a great weight (twill from Joann's), and I can wear it to work without fear of it being ruined (because it is a jacket and I take it off!). And it's RED. I've already gotten some nice black wool in from Mood to make another version of this in some heavier fabric. Some great flannel lining too. I always say I'll make patterns multiple times, but this may be the first time it's actually happened!
It is hugely popular in the sewing world. I found it fit me with very few alterations, which makes me love this pattern company even more; it is perfectly drafted for my body type.
~Nikki
Adjustments/Alterations
- Chin/zipper guard. I'll include this in my next version as well. Great idea I stole from someone on the internet. It is just a folded over piece of fabric behind the zipper and the top wraps over to the front.
- Removed the elastic cuffs. I don't think I made the sleeves longer either, they were a just a little long to begin with.
- I'll find a nicer way of finishing them for my next version. For this one I just made the lining of the sleeves shorter and that pulled up the outside fabric and I just stitched it down
- Pockets. Why she didn't include pockets in the pattern, I'll never understand. I haven't seen a single version were someone didn't add pockets. It makes for some creative pocket ideas (I just did a slanted patch pocket, love it and easy!) though, welts, patches, flaps, etc. For a jacket to be released without outside pockets is a huge miss though.
- Changed the hood to a 3 piece (contours to your head better) and lined it. The fabric is thin enough were it doesn't create a problem zipping the collar closed, but it might be too much for my wool version.
- Top stitched all the seams and reinforced the pockets with some fancy stitching. No one ever knows but me, but I'm happy to have a well made jacket! Made entirely on my grandmother's old machine since mine broke on the first seam.
