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Monday, September 1, 2014

Sewaholic Minoru Jacket

Today marks the beginning of September in California and what a perfect time to make a winter coat - 100 degrees outside and not a cloud in the sky.  I won't be modeling this one due to the weather, but luckily, my trusty Mannequin decided to volunteer to do the modeling instead.

This fabric is a quilted poly (I think) that I purchased during a vacation in Vancouver, Canada a number of years ago.  I remember wrestling with the fabric, trying to make it conform to my carry on bag and hoping the bag wouldn't burst at the seams in transport.  It's stitched with a variegated thread in a swirly, floral/paisley motif.
I questioned using this fabric for this coat because it was so bulky, but I thought I'd give it a go and I'm glad I did - I absolutely love the way it turned out.

I opted not to sew in the optional hood because of the fabric's bulk - there was no way it would fit into the collar without looking like I had a pillow around the back of my neck.

I special ordered a zipper to get the perfect purple color.  Originally, I ordered a plastic molded zipper because I was afraid that a brass one would snag the stitching, but coincidentally, was sent a brass zipper instead.  After e-mailing the company and having them send me the correct plastic molded zipper, I ended up using the brass one they had originally sent.  The brass pulls out the orange color on the thread so nicely I think. 

The coat pattern doesn't come with pockets so I decided to draft my own.  Rather than do a square pocket, I rounded the corners on the bottom to better match the swirly pattern of the stitching and added a lining to them as well.

Here's a look at the back.  The jacket has raglan sleeves with elastic filled cuffs on the sleeve ends and elastic 3/4 of the way around the waistline.

I stitched thru the middle of the elastic to help keep it in place.

But here's the best part of the jacket - the lining!  I just love it!  This fabric too was in my stash and the colors match perfectly.   

I even fussy cut the inside pockets to match.

And added some bias tape to the bottom of the hem to help tie in the light blue color.

Here's another view of the inside front all zipped up.

And the back view.

The loop on the back is some grosgrain ribbon.  I tried to make a loop from the quilted fabric, but it was just too thick and I figured it would feel like I had a knot on the back of my neck when wearing it so I changed it to a ribbon loop instead.

This puts me at sewing 24.625 yards of fabric during the 2014 Stashbust.  I have another 5.375 yards to go to hit my own personal goal of 30 yards.  With that said, I better get busy!

Until next time - Happy Sewing!



17 comments:

  1. Stunningly gorgeous!

    Brenda

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    1. Thanks Brenda! I am very pleased with how it turned out.

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  2. Oooh, that is gorgeous! I agree, the brass zipper and the fun lining are the perfect touches! I have a fabric and I keep dithering on whether I should use it on a MInoru (or similar) or on a Simplicity vest. Dither dither dither. But this is a strong vote for the Minoru!

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  3. That's great - well done for taking on the challenge of the fabric and having the imagination to pair it with the pattern. I like your front pockets - they really suit the jacket.

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  4. Oh my heavens. This is the best version of the Minoru I've seen yet. What a fabulous idea marrying such different fabrics.

    denversews.com

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    1. Thanks so much Jane. I was really concerned with using the quilted fabric but I think it turned out great.

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  5. I love your jacket. The fabric is so unique and pretty, The zipper matches great. The pocket design is perfect. And a lining in a fun fabric. Enjoy wearing it when the weather get cooler.

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  6. This is a great jacket! The main fabric is so amazing, and the lining is fun! I had that same fabric awhile back, but never knew what to do with it - a lining is a perfect idea! :)

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    1. Thanks Sally. I have enough of both fabrics left over that I might make a vest too because I like the way the jacket turned out so much.

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  7. Honey, your rendition of the Minoru is almost better than sex. I am absolutely loving the quilted fabric. I ordered Robson last night; the Minoru has got to be next. I too want to do some type of funky, crazy (in a good way) lining that adds pop and surprise to the plain (hopefully red) outside shell.

    I've noticed some sewists speak to the length of the sleeves. Wonder if I'll need to subtract length since I'm a large gal.

    The outside pocket you added with the rounded corners . . . mwuaahhh, splendid! Simply a delight to see. Looks like I might have to be following yet another blog (I keep telling myself no more; but how can a sewist girl resist?)

    Good job, Ms. Stars; good job!

    Cheers,

    Lyric
    http://www.sewlyricallyvintage.wordpress.com

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    1. Thanks Lyric for the entertaining reply! 😄. On the sleeve length, you can always make them shorter but it's hard to make them longer after its cut. You could make the cuffs longer I suppose.

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  8. Ooooh, what a jacket! I'm awfully impressed with EVERY detail!

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