Feb 27, 2012

My Minoru (I wanna Make Another Two)



You know what I love most about Tasia of Sewaholic's Minoru Jacket pattern? That I didn't have to make a single change to it, and it fit me perfectly. On a hunch and a prayer, I cut and sewed my bright orange version of her all new pattern without testing it first with a muslin. I'm cheap and hate when things don't work (ie, I cry a lot) so I often test a pattern in something disposable before I make it for real, for real.

But Tasia (who is from my neck of the woods: Vancouver, B.C.!) writes proudly about being a pear-shaped gal, so I figured the cut of this coat would actually work with my figure. And it did, beautifully. (In a Size 8, incidentally):



Inspired by Julia Bobbins super cute version (it's one of my faves), I lined my hood with this great print I found at Metro Textile Corp (the pattern doesn't direct you to line the hood, but I think it's much nicer that way, and is easy enough to do). I was hoping to find a geometric print that would contrast the bright orange denim (purchased at AK Fabric Inc. on 39th Street for $9/yard). Kashi told me this blue-on-gray printed cotton was from a designer....though he couldn't remember which one, so he may have been blowing smoke up my booty. (If anyone can identify it, comment below!) I still have a yard and a half left, so I may make a matching spring dress. The zippers were from SIL Thread on 38th Street. They will custom cut them for you there, which is essential when you are using a separating zipper. I chose a navy and nickel zip for the contrast.
Do not adjust your monitors: this coat IS actually that bright

What are those? Spears?

There are just a couple changes I would make when I make this again (and I do think I will make it again; this coat nets me three or four compliments every time I wear it out. My husband is always like, "Did you pay those people to come compliment you?").

1. I will add pockets to the outside of the jacket because every time I wear it, I find myself absentmindedly trying to put my Metrocard, Blackberry or keys into an invisible pocket, like some odd hip-brushing tic. Or I should just carry a purse when I run to pick my kid up at preschool? Nah. Pockets. Like these ones by Miss Jackson. Seriously, look at her version. It rocks. I love the placket with buttons.

2. I will use a longer zipper. The pattern calls for a 27-inch separating zipper, but it falls a few inches short of the bottom hem. I actually find it kind of hard to zip in a way that is too hard to try to explain, but just trust me. A 29-inch zip would work better, I think.

I prefer wearing this jacket zipped to chest level. The collar becomes very stove-pipeish when you zip it all the way. But with the hood on, you're really protected from the rain and wind. Tasia should know about that. Vancouver is mad rainy. See me peep out:


Not my fave way to wear this coat, but still my best photo

Aren't my husband's photos good this time? He actually had to learn how to use a DSLR for school (FYI to the one reader I have who also enjoys his blog:  his continued absence from online writing is due to the fact he started advertising school and each day is about five hours too short now). Anyway, he knows his camera settings now, and we barely even fought for this five-minute photo shoot in front of our building before he ran off to school today.

In closing: Minoru = great first jacket pattern. Especially for the proudly pear-shaped gal. Make it!

19 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness I love your Minoru! This has to one of my favourites I've seen! The photos are fantastic also.

    P.s. I am TOTES your 100th follower! BAM!
    Welcome to the 100's lovely lady :)

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  2. Yeaaa! Love it. My own Minoru is probably my most-worn handmade item so far (makes sense; it's a jacket, thus socially acceptable to wear daily) and I want a million more in various colors and prints. I love this pattern because it looks more complicated than it really is, so people are always so impressed that it's handmade.

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    1. You're totally right. I thought it would be way harder to sew but it's not!

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  3. wow, your jacket is fabulous! i love the zipped hood and your fabrics. i need to make my own.

    ok, i discovered your husband's blog over the weekend and i have been dying laughing ever since. you two are a funny, funny couple.

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    1. I'll tell him! Maybe that will encourage him to get back to writing in it!

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  4. This looks great! I love that lining fabric! I'm jealous of your access to great fabric stores in NY.

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    1. I know....whenever I am hating NYC, I remind myself how said I will be to leave the Garment District behind.

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  5. Such a cute colour! Nice work :) and thanks for the shout out! I wear mine daily too, it's so good to keep you warm while on a bike.

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  6. Absolutely gorgeous! (and the coat, too- absolutely fantastic). You look great, Sue! So talented, and so on the right path! This makes me so happy to see! Missed your posts, happy to see you back xo

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    1. Thanks HP! I'm glad you're still reading! And a big congrats to you and your honey!

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  7. Awesome! I want one. Love the color, the lining and the way it fits. The stitching looks great!

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  8. Hi there. I just happened upon your blog from www.noile.net/. I love your version of the Minoru. It's so bright and fun and well made. Your other creations are adorable, too!

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  9. Your Minoru turned out lovely - one of my favorites! The color looks great on you!

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  10. I love your Minoru - it's one of my favorites! The color looks great on you!

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  11. Your Minoru is awesome! I had been checking out that exact fabric on Gorgeous Fabrics but never made the purchase; It doesn't specify a designer, but nonetheless, it is a great print. Good work!

    http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=10109

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