I didn’t use any elastic; instead, I interfaced the cuffs and cut them to fit the sleeve ends after doing a test to make sure my hand would fit through. For the waist, I did a drawstring. I put it in a bit too low and had to grade the hips down because it caused too much of a flared shape. I also lined the hood, which you can see in the bottom two pictures.
Design drawing: testing out some pocket and drawstring options, with true-to-life hairstyling
As I’ve mentioned before, this project sat unfinished in my closet for, oh, 6 months. I’d installed the collar and hood and realized that the hood zipper was slightly smaller than my hood. Because of the effort I’d put into sewing the zipper and making a lined hood, it kind of stopped my in my tracks. And one I’d stopped, new projects always sounded more enticing.
“It’s raining” face
I’m not sure what makes sewing easier to persevere in; maybe it’s because I don’t do it professionally, nor do I plan to. Nothing except for a wearable finished garment (probably for myself) hangs in the balance if I fail. There are times when I’m more confident in my abilities, times when I’m less confident, but I keep sewing. A hearty online community of sewists doesn’t hurt, either. Sharing projects, tips and travails really helps. I love seeing what everybody’s making and how you’re making it!
I’d make another Minoru, but I’m not rushing into it just yet. My hands need to recover, and it’s nice to give my triple-stitch setting a rest. If/when I do make another, I think I’d go down a size and try a cropped version. Thanks for stopping by and helping me celebrate my long-awaited jacket!
That is GORGEOUS. And very professional looking. Consider me impressed.
The lining fabric you chose is a really cute detail! Worth persevering for!
It's fantastic! That's one jacket you'll get tons of wear out of.
This looks GREAT! I love the zipper– it really pops and looks amazing! I'm right there with you on not being a strong finisher. I love to start things, but I tend to wilt in the face of obstacles (after crying or throwing a hissy fit, of course). It's funny, I actually stuck with sewing not just because I like being able to make clothes, but for the express purpose of developing perseverance and being able to be OK with making mistakes. I thought this would be a good way for me to work on better habits in an arena where I don't feel as much pressure to be perfect (unlike, say, my writing– I'm really self-critical and it's so hard for me to work through things I don't like to make them better instead of just abandoning the project because I think I'm awful). It seems to be working a little, although I have a few UFO's piled up…
I am in the process of making to minoru jackets, the first a wearable muslin for me and the second a version for my manfriend. on mine, I had the exact same problem with the hood zipper! I'm not sure if the edges of the hood needs to be turned under more or what, but for the second version I just bought a longer zipper. your version looks great!
Morgan, well done on your grit! The coat looks fab and I can see why you are wearing it so much.
That´s a GREAT looking jacket! I basically love everything about it, and it reminds me of my own copy of Minorou just waiting to be used. Well done of you to finish this – and I can imagine how useful this jacket might be. Love it!
Thanks, Emuzaberg!
I should have known you were a writer in addition to being an awesome seamster! I myself have pursued visual arts at various points in time, and have found that sewing is a good testing lab for other creative endeavors that feel higher-stakes. Although it does seem to have taken on a life of its own!
Ooh I didn't realize the second one was for someone else! Awesome! I think the zipper issue might be how they're measured; is it the teeth or the tape? (I don't know!) Anybody else have thoughts?
Thanks, Sølvi! I'm excited to see what you come up with.
Thanks, Kirsty! Hoo-ray for grit!
Totally! I couldn't let that lining fabric down!
Thanks, girl! It feels good that the time I put into it was worthwhile.
The length they use on zipper packages is measured by the zipper teeth (from pull to stop). I don't remember having issues with my own Minoru zipper, but I also cut down the height of my collar so maybe that helped!Cute jacket. I really love it without the elastic. I can't see your drawstring in the photos, though!
Oh it's AMAZING!!!!! So glad you persevered, it's the nicest Minoru I've seen I think. Well done you for over-coming your instinct to walk away from something tricky, you now have the nicest jacket in town! xx
Thanks for the clarification on zipper sizing. Maybe I had a bad vendor on Amazon, there was definitely a discrepancy! (Guilty as charged on the drawstring photos. I will post some as soon as I can capture a good photo!)
Aw, schucks! Thanks so much for the encouragement and compliments!