
Finally I can post about this jacket! This is my favorite jacket at the moment, I’ve been wearing it everyday and loving every moment of it. The pattern is the newly-released Minoru jacket by the talented Tasia from Sewaholic. I was fortunate to be one of the pattern testers who can have a try-out weeks before its release.
When I saw the pattern for the first time, I was very excited! It is definitely created with a woman’s figure in mind. The jacket has gathered neckline and raglan sleeves, front zipper, and an optional secret hood hidden inside the wide collar. The waist is elasticized, making the overall look slim and comfortable. There are also a couple of patch pockets on the lining side with velcro closure for small tidbits.

Other than my usual shortening the bodice and sleeves about 3-4 cm, I didn’t make any alterations. The instructions are very clear with helpful diagrams, so it came up pretty quickly.Actually I spent longer time on fabrics and notions than the the actual sewing. The outer fabric is navy blue cotton canvas found in local store and the lining is Indonesian batik from my stash. I thought they would be perfect teamed with gold rust-colored zipper and topstitching. The problem was I couldn’t find the zippers in that color! I spent a week procrastinating because I had to find gold rust-colored zippers for my jacket.
Tired of my whining about gold rust-colored zipper, my husband offered to drop by Okadaya to hunt for the zippers after office. It is a huge craft store in Shinjuku. ‘I want zippers with metal teeth in this exact color, one is 70 cm separating zipper and the other is 50 cm non-separating zipper’ (as if he knew what’s the difference between separating and non-separating zipper). With this instruction, he went to the zipper section in Okadaya and got overwhelmed by the choices. But after several back and forth phone consultations, he emerged from the store with the perfect zippers! I love him (♥_♥)
Although the pattern is rated for intermediate, I think it is suitable for anyone who want to try sewing their first jacket. The step by step instructions are very clear. The most challenging part might be sewing the zipper on the collar for the hidden hood, but it can easily be omitted if preferable.
It is too bad that one can not have too many jackets in the same pattern, because I really love this jacket. But I would like to make it again in water resistant fabric for rainy season next year. Tasia is planning a sew-along in January that will also cover sewing with water-resistant fabric, so I’m going to join in. I would add side seam pockets to my next jacket though, because I love walking around with hands buried in pockets!
Pattern is Minoru jacket by Sewaholic, size 2.
43 Comments
I love your top stitching! Did you use top stitching thread in the bobbin? How did you do that?
I use top stitching thread in the upper spool and regular thread in the bobbin :)
You are an inspiration! Seeing this made me want to make one! I just bought the pattern! I hope it turns out as cute as yours! I love your blog! You make the cutest things!
perfect, Mbak Novita. Your batik lining is so adorable. love it so much ^^
This is my favorite Minoru. It’s fantastic.
wow, very nice, i like it very much :o)
Have a nice day!
Wow what a great jacket. So professionally made. Love the contrasting zips and topstitching. Well done for holding out for them. It pays to be choosy! :-)
The jacket is awesome – you are so inspiring!
Also, (kind of random), where did you get your shoes? :)
Thank you!
Those shoes are fab, don’t you think? I got it on sale from Free People here :)
Gorgeous!! I love the top stitching details and the zippers are pefect.
I can’t believe you made that! It looks amazing!
Gorgeous! I wish I had more sewing time than I do. Lately I’ve been resorting to making projects that only take a few hours. This jacket is fantastic!
Natasha ~ Required2BeInspired
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I’m so impressed by your work! I’m from Malaysia, but I’ve been living abroad for a few years now. I’ve never had any crafty talents, but your blog inspired me to take a sewing class! Finally, I sewed my first dress from Colette Patterns. Thanks for the inspiration, and I love reading your blog.
Beautiful job! Very inspiring…..and extra points to your hubby :-). I’m really excited about making mine—since I live in rainy Belgium, it will definitely be of the waterproof variety. Thanks for sharing~~
Wow, I love your version! Very stylish and perfect finishings :)