Fabric: Stretch Denim in Turquoise, flannel interlining, Anti Pill fleece in Charcoal Gray, cotton woven polka dots for pockets/collar lining
Notions: Velcro and a Parka Dual Separating Zipper
I find it a bit nerve wracking when sewing a pattern for the first time from a new-to-me designer. I worry whether it'll be worth the $$ and if the pattern will turn out the way I envisioned. Overall, I think the Minoru pattern is a good one. I was a little disappointed that the pattern is printed on tissue paper. I've become accustomed to Oliver + S and Clever Charlotte who have their patterns printed on a sturdier medium. I tried my best to be careful when unfolding the pattern sheet but I ended up ripping it a bit.:(
There were a few places I got stuck...mainly regarding the collar and hood. That's where the sewalong came in handy. I had a laptop set up behind my chair and would turn around every so often to double check that I was assembling the jacket correctly.
I don't have any pictures of my "issue" but what I didn't like was the raw edge inside the zippered hood pocket. I saw that a few other bloggers mentioned the same problem. I ended up ripping out my topstitching from steps #8 and 18, trimming the seam allowance even more, and then topstitching so that the raw seam was enclosed.
Changes made to pattern:
interlining
in seam pockets
lined the hood
took in the side seams below the elastic by 3/4"
For the interlining, I cut out the main pattern pieces (sleeves, front, back) from flannel in addition to the stretch denim. I then basted the flannel to the denim and treated it as one. I did trim the seam allowance on the flannel to reduce some of the bulk.
I added pockets using the tutorial from Sew Well. She provides a pocket pattern piece that is a great size. I put in my pockets 1 1/2" down from the bottom elastic line per her update. The pockets work fine but having them in the seam places them a little far back. Next time, I'll probably do angled welt pockets in the front or patch pockets.
I did end up taking in the bottom half as the curve was a little too pronounced on me. I definitely have a pear shape but not THAT much of a pear. *It might have been the stretch denim stretching out some.* The very last picture with the umbrella was before the alteration.
In conclusion, I'm mostly happy with the fit. It's a little roomy above the elastic waist but if I'm going to be layering clothes on underneath I don't want it too tight. I love the depth of the hood...it's perfect! The jacket is nice and warm and should see me through most of our winter weather.
I wore my jacket on Tuesday night for my son's Tournament football game. The temperature was in the low 40's with rain and wind. I stood out there for 2 hours and wasn't cold! I'll be wearing it again tonight for the final game....let's hope it's not raining.
