I’m thrilled to introduce the FOURTH pattern from Sewaholic Patterns – the Minoru Jacket!
The Minoru Jacket is a zip-front weekend jacket with a secret hood hidden inside the wide collar! If you prefer, skip the hood and let the dramatic collar be the focus. Flattering raglan sleeves are comfortable and easy-to-sew, and the elastic waistline creates a slim, curve-hugging silhouette.
No need to choose between having a hood OR a cute collar. The hood is tucked away in the wide, roomy collar, ready for when you need it, but stays hidden when you don’t! The collar looks great done up or left open. And if you’re a cyclist like me, the front collar is great for keeping your lower face protected while commuting!
The jacket is fully lined, with interior patch pockets to stash your cards and keys safely and out of sight. I’m a fan of using colourful or printed lining, it’s a great way to add fun to an otherwise practical garment. If you’re hesitant to sew slippery lining fabrics, choose a cotton or mesh that’s easier to sew. This sample is lined with cotton batik-print and it was incredibly easy to work with compared to standard lining fabrics.
Where did the inspiration come from for this style? It all started when I started commuting to work by bike. I knew I’d get rained on. It’s just a fact of life here in Vancouver – rain happens. And I really wanted to be one of those cool, fearless, all-weather cyclists. So I started biking in the rain. And got wet. I started borrowing Mr Sewaholic’s rain jacket (looks somewhat like this) – it wasn’t sexy, but it did the trick in keeping me dry until he wanted it back.
Then I started shopping around for rain jackets. I wanted something that fit me like a girl, was reasonably cute, and not too steep in terms of price. I had such a hard time finding a jacket I actually wanted to fork out the money for! Prices were over $200 for the reasonably cute and properly waterproof ones. Which was fine, if I loved them. But I didn’t! I wanted one long enough to cover my butt, or at least come close to covering it. And I wanted to find one in a fun colour, not black or beige.
So – I designed my own pattern! And I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. When I made up the first sample, I realized right away that even though the original intention was for it to be a rain jacket, it would look fantastic in cotton canvas or twill for a casual jacket.
I’m pretty thrilled about this design. The best part? This jacket fits me like a girl. The elastic waist is comfortable to wear, flattering to our curves.
The pockets are safely hidden inside the jacket. Whatever you’re taking with you will stay dry and protected inside.
Don’t need a rain jacket? This pattern works equally well in cotton canvas or twill! I used a cotton canvas for this sample and it’s comfortable, casual and easy to sew. Make the Minoru Jacket in lightweight nylon fabrics, denim, tweeds – just about any light-to-medium-weight woven fabric!
Perfect for autumn walks in the park, rainy days – and if you love the outdoors, it’s great for cycling or running!
What does the name mean? The Minoru Jacket is named after Minoru Park in Richmond, BC where I grew up. When I was a kid it was an awesome place to go! Not only did it have a (tiny) waterfall and (equally tiny) hills to roll down, but there was also a swimming pool and an ice-skating rink. I’d go there for walks later on in my teen years, as it was right by the local movie theatre. This jacket is designed to be practical but pretty – something you’d wear with jeans for a walk in the park, or with a floral dress and pumps for date night. I hope you like it!
The Minoru Jacket pattern is out for printing right now, and is scheduled to ship by mid-November. Pre-sales are starting very soon! Sign up to the mailing list to be eligible for advance ordering and special offers.
Have an awesome Monday and stay tuned for more on this exciting new pattern!
Oh yes! Love it!
(And only the other day was I moaning about impractical fashion coats without hoods….)
@Lucy: thank you! I know, I felt the same way about outerwear options! Why are all the cute coats not practical, and all the practical coats *so* not cute? And hoods – it rains here all the time, it’s great to have the option!
Wow, what a great pattern. I’m so excited for this one, it will fill a great need in my wardrobe. Congrats on your fourth pattern and everything else going on for you right now!!
@Jennifer: Thanks! Awesome that you can already picture it as part of your wardrobe. I’m so glad you like the new pattern!
I love raglan sleeves – can’t wait to buy the pattern Tasia! :)
@Claire (aka Seemane): Thank you! I’m glad you like it!
This jacket is awesome! Your pattern line just keeps getting better and better.
@Claire: Aw, thank you! That’s such a nice compliment!
It’s adorable, much cuter than most jackets for that purpose! I suspected you might have something up your sleeves when you were pining for the perfect rain jacket for cycling. I’m really impressed by what you came up with, how exciting for you!
@Tasha: Thanks! I thought people might have suspected I’d design something for cycling, since I talk about it now and then! I’m glad you like how it turned out!
Super awesome coat! I’m so excited to try this one out. I live in Iqaluit (Canada’s Arctic) and you wouldn’t believe how many different types of coats you need up here. I want to make it with a warm liner and windproof material for summer hikes on the tundra. Thanks so much Tasia! And congratulations on your engagement!
@Rebecca: Iqaluit – cool! I was born in Yellowknife although we moved here when I was two, so I don’t remember much. It would be really nice lined in fleece, or something else warm! So glad you like the new pattern and thanks for the well wishes on my engagement too!
Oh yes, this really is a fabulous design, and something I really need. Thanks!
@Sigrid: Awesome! I’m glad you like it!
I love this jacket! Count me in !
@Ellie: Thank you!
Love it! It is a great mix of practical and cute. Well done.
@Seraphinalina: Yes! That’s exactly what I was aiming for – a balance between practical and cute. That’s awesome that it comes across like that – success!
I love it so much!!! It’s so cute and practical and the fit with the elastic waist looks so good. I’m trying to think how I might add some pockets to the outside front, since I see wearing this a lot while walking my dog and I need poop bags and treats at ready access without unzipping. Great pattern, I will definitely get it!
@Phoebe: Yay! A couple of people have asked about how to add outside pockets, so I’ll see what I can do to help you out there. Especially if we do a sew-along!
Oh Yes!! Outside pockets, I’m a big fan of those, especially when I take the kids to the bus stop or go running = phone and Kleenex!!
That coat is what I have been looking for. You are one talented gal!
@Cathy: Thanks! How awesome that it’s just what you were looking for!
AAAAH! I almost died when I saw this pattern… it is SO SO SO amazing! I see this as my new running jacket, minus (like you said) the hefty price tag. Cannot WAIT to order it. But I guess I’ll have to :) Great work, yet again!!
@Ashlee: yes! it would be great for running. I love it for cycling myself! Not only is it minus the hefty price tag (unless you choose very expensive fabric) but you get to make it fit you exactly the way you want. Thanks and I’m so glad you like it!
This jacket looks amazing. I just realized the other day that I don’t have a flattering fall coat and this would be perfect.
@Jillian: Thank you! So glad you like it!
I love it too! Phoebe, I second that idea about dog walking pockets. I’m a beginner, not sure I can figure that out on my own, so I would welcome suggestions about that, down the line, Tasia maybe you could advise…not that I don’t also love it as is!
@Ann: Good suggestion! It’s going to be pretty easy to add inseam pockets, or patch pockets, to the front of the coat. I will see what I can put together to help you along!
Awesome pattern! Question: If made out of nylon, is it waterproof? Won’t the seams leak because they have been poked with a needle?
@Andrea: You’re right! Seams need to be ‘sealed’ in order to be completely waterproof and to cover up those needle-holes. I have some ideas and future posts planned around this subject! There’s a difference between water resistant and waterproof – it all depends on your needs, the type of weather, and how advanced you want to get with the construction. For my nylon version, I’d be happy enough that it was made of nylon not cotton, and if a little rain got in the seams I’d be OK with it. I do plan to make a full-on, high-tech waterproof version in the future for heavy rainfall and on that one, I’d seal the seams (you can use a tube of goo or seam-sealing tape) and make it as watertight as possible.
Really good question!
This is amazing! Congrats!
@Far: Thank you!
I have recently started to cycle to work and am still perfecting my ‘cycling wardrobe’…or at least working out what is and is not suitable, especially for when it rains! A light but snug (and waterproof) jacket is something I’m missing. I love how it is practical and yet cute. I’m not sure it is possible for me to look sophisticated on a bicycle, but at least this jacket may be a step in the right direction!! My question is…will there be a sew-along??
@Kat: Good for you! It’s true, you do end up having a ‘cycling wardrobe’ and sometimes it isn’t so sophisticated-looking but it works! Over the summer I’d just get wet, a lot of the time, because it was still fairly warm even when it rained. This jacket is long enough to cover the butt (if you’re much taller, it’s easy to add length) which is great for wearing cycling shorts, skinny jeans and other slim-fitting bottoms that work for cycling.
Will there be a sew-along? You bet! I’m putting together a Q&A post for tomorrow and we’ll talk about a Minoru Sew-Along then too.
Very excited by this! Can’t wait to give it a whirl. I may even chance my arm with waterproof fabric.
@karen: Awesome! It’s great for cycling, as I know you’re a cyclist too! I’m planning to do one in semi-waterproof fabric and then a super high-tech one with seam-sealing and the works, so there will be plenty of useful info to follow!
Very cute and just what i needed! I’m going to start cycling to work in january and living in the Netherlands means a rainy winter. I had started to look for something like this, but the pricetag or the unsexyness has backed me of so far.
You write about waterproof, how can you make something at home that is waterproof? The stitches will make it not waterproof, or are there trics for that? What type of fabric do you recommend against the rain?
@Anne: My thoughts exactly. The unsexyness and pricetag put me off buying a jacket too! Yes, you can make jackets at home that are waterproof. There are plenty of tricks and special techniques that will help make your jacket resist rain and water. We’ll talk about fabrics and sewing for the rain on the blog very soon!
This jacket is amazing! I can’t believe you were able to engineer all those details into a seemingly sleek and simple design. That’s the true hallmark of good design. Well done!
@Elizabeth: Thank you so much! That’s such a great compliment for the jacket – it looks simple, but it’s got all kinds of useful details built in. Thanks again!
Bravo, that’s such a great design! I don’t own any rain jacket and my trench is very nice but not so warm. This jacket looks like it’s doing the trick, protecting you from the rain, from the cold, while making you feel pretty and feminine. Can’t wait to see more pictures. Are you going to make a sew-along for this one? Because it looks quite diffcult for my novice skills…
@Pauline: Yes, I’d love to do another sew-along for this pattern! I’m putting together a post for tomorrow that will mention the sewalong and answer a few other questions. It’s easier that it looks, I’d call it Intermediate but an adventurous beginner would likely be fine, too. I’m glad you like it!
I love your sense of style and thought process in terms of design and practicality. The world needs to support more smart cookies like you, Tasia! I love the elastic waistline to give it that feminine shape, and I’ve been looking for a raincoat pattern with a hood. It would be great in spring as well! And, yay, a jacket with a zipper – don’t see that too often with a pattern :)
Minoru Park sounds like a nice place to be!
@Amanda D.: Aw, thank you! I always think, if I feel this way about the state of practical jackets, there are probably many others that do, too! Smart cookie, love it. I’m so glad you like the pattern – it was so important that it looked feminine and not too mountain-y.
Minoru Park is awesome! Skating rinks and the track and the pool and a waterfall – it’s every little girl’s dream! I looked at photos of it now and the waterfall is about the height of a person – but it looked huge and impressive when I was little!
“The little waterfall effect” reminds me of when I went back to elementary school. The halls and everything felt so tiny compared to when I was 10!
Just pre-ordered! And you are awesome for commenting so thoughtfully to everyone here, which is why I wanted to respond back and let you know it’s appreciated!
What a great pattern! I don’t think there’s a thing I don’t like about this jacket. I’m not sure that I’m experienced enough to sew this, but I’m definitely giving it a try & with a bright, happy color, too.
@Samina: It’s easier than it looks! It’s intermediate, but if you’re feeling adventurous and go slowly it’s not as hard as it seems. I totally agree with the bright, happy colour! I have a bright tomato-red nylon up next and I’m looking for a bright turquoise Gore-tex for my super-waterproof version. Fun!
This is the best kind of pattern–style evolving out of a real, practical need. (Oh, if only we could borrow some of that rain in Texas!) I love the waistline and hidey hood.
@Amy: You can have it! I’ll trade Vancouver rain for some Texas sunshine. I agree, it’s easy to design something when it’s for a real purpose, not just to be pretty. (Bonus if it can be both – pretty and useful!)
PS. Just saw your Lonsdale dress, it’s stunning! The coffee colour is sooo elegant and chic. At first I didn’t even realize the first photo was the Lonsdale, I just thought ‘what a great photo.’ Love it!
This is such an amazing pattern! I absolutely love it and I love the colour you made it in !!!
@Debi: Thanks! You know, I just realized after seeing the Sew Weekly theme that I posted an orange jacket on Halloween. Completely unintentional!
This jacket looks fantastic. I was wondering if it’s possible to look at the “back of the pattern” specifications just to get an idea of yardage and such. Thanks!
@Emilie: Yes! I’ll post it soon so you can see fabric requirements, notions, and all that good stuff. Glad you like it!
Beautiful, beautiful pattern! Well done – it looks like such a great jacket and I will definitely be ordering it!!
@Gemma: Awesome! Thank you!
I’m so excited about this pattern – congratulations, and well done!
@indigorchid: Yay! Thank you!
I love this, Tasia. I’m a bit on jacket/coat burnout (2 jackets in a row!) but I’m going to snap this up soon to attack once I’ve some distance. I’ve been trying to be more mindful about both my wardrobe and sewing and filling in the gaps — this definitely fits the bill for a raincoat.
@Ali: Oh wow! Two jackets in a row! I can see why you’d want to sew something different afterwards. I’m thrilled to hear that you like the pattern even after jacket overload! :)
Hi Tasia,
Having a bit of trouble with the pre-order. When I click the “add to cart option”, it takes me to Paypal, however there’s no cart, no order, just the main Paypal log-in. Am I doing something wrong??
@Ashlee: Oh no! Ok. Let me look into it and see where the problem is! Sorry about that!
@Ashlee: Hey Ashlee! I think I’ve fixed the bad Paypal link. I was getting the same error and now it’ll show up in the shopping cart for me. Let me know if it still doesn’t work for you!
I simply love the jacket. I do a great deal of hiking as well as bike riding and it looks perfect for all kinds of reasons, and the sleeves are extra long, which is a definite plus. I also like the use of the wider elastic in the back waist. I think it gives a much cleaner/prettier look than the narrow drawstring type that are used in so many jackets I see in the stores. I’ve been looking for a jacket like this since July after hiking 78 miles in the Rocky Mountain National Park forest in May and June. Look no more… it’s right here….
Also, congratulations on your engagement. How exciting… you are both very lucky people!!!
@Nona: Yes! they’re a bit long, so the cuffs come down over the hand. They do on me anyways and I think my arms are pretty average! Agreed, the wider elastic looks cooler than a thin string. No matter whether you’re hiking for miles or walking the dog, we all want to look good doing it!
Thanks for the kind thoughts on the engagement – we are certainly lucky to have each other and I’m thrilled to have someone who encourages my creative side!
I’m having the same Paypal problem, unfortunately!
@Ann: Sorry about that! Will take a look at the paypal buttons again and fix it. It’s working for multiple patterns, just not the single one! Sorry!
@Ann: Try now! I think I’ve fixed the bad Paypal link. I was getting the same error and now it’ll show up in the shopping cart for me. Let me know if it still doesn’t work for you!
That is SO Vancouver! Stylish but not fussy. Love it. Would love to see tips on choosing and sewing with waterproof fabrics – but I really like the idea of a canvas or twill version too. Are you going to have a sewalong so we can see it in different fabrics??
@woolcat: Ha! It is very Vancouver. Kind of Mountain Equipment Co-Op, but hopefully a bit cooler and more feminine! It’s Sewaholic does Vancouver rain gear. :)
Yes! we’ll definitely do a sew-along. More on that tomorrow! And I plan to make at least three more of these jackets so you’ll get to see a few different fabrics!
I love it! Having just moved to to coast (Halifax), I was beginning to despair that I would find a great rain coat and frankly even the pattern selection was thin. Two questions. One, do you think it will be easy to lengthen a little for those of us who are tall? Second, what kind of fabric would you use to make it water proof? What about finishing the seems?
Thanks! I’m so excited. :)
@Ainslie: Yay Halifax! I visited last summer (two summers ago maybe?) and loved it. What a great city!
Yes, you can easily lengthen the pattern if you’re taller than me! I included ‘lengthen or shorten here’ lines to make it easy to do (and remember to do on all pieces!)
More on waterproofing and seam-finishing to follow! (I have something good planned that will give us all some guidance and direction!)
oh, I absolutely love it! I am so impressed and inspired by your patterns and the thought that goes into them! And what a fun surprise to see a jacket pattern, something I didn’t expect. It’s just the kind of jacket that’s perfect for fall and spring here in Norway (as far as I can understand, our climate is somewhat the same as in your part of Canada). Just like shoes, I find that the choice of outerwear can make or break an outfit, so one can never have enough jackets and coats:) Congratulations on a lovely pattern that may become a staple in many a wardrobe!
@Marit: Kind of cool to think that Norway and Canada have similar climates! Where I live, we get tons of rain and a little snow – but there are areas that get way more snow than me!
I agree – outerwear or shoes can make or break an outfit! I love jackets and coats too. And cosy winter accessories.
I’m so glad you like the new pattern – thanks for the comment!
That jacket is great!!!! I’m sure you will sell a lot of this.
@Lizzy: Thank you!
Tasia, I really love your new pattern! There really is a gap in the market for a pretty and practical rain jacket. My current one is so hideous and I would gladly swap it for this one! I’m interested to find out more about fabrics as I have never sewn anything like this before and have no idea about potential fabrics I could use, so I am looking forward to learning more.
Well done on another great pattern! :-)
@Kerry: Thanks! I think so too. It was so hard to find a jacket out there that was reasonably cute and fit me like a woman! I’ll be writing more about fabrics soon. There are so many great fabric possibilities for this pattern!
This looks like it’s a FANTASTIC pattern! What’s the sewing level on this project?
@Jennifer: Intermediate – but an adventurous, confident beginner could work through it too. The hardest part is sewing the cuffs and making the zipper opening in the hood, if you ask me! We’ll do a sewalong too with plenty of helpful photos of the steps so that will make it even easier to follow.
Tasia
I live in Alaska and can’t find that cute coat that’s not too heavy but still warm and doesn’t look like it’s from Cablelas. (before I bring out my winter parka) This will be great. In 10 days I’m off to NYC and will be shopping for material there. Should 3 yards be enough?
Are you going to do a sew-along?
Can’t wait!!!!!
@connie: Hi! 3 yards is enough if the fabric is 60″ wide. That’s for both views, with or without the hood. If your fabric is 45″ wide you’ll need a little bit more (up to 3 1/2 for the view without the hood, up to 4 1/4 for the view with the hood.)
I’ll post proper envelope back information soon! I’m so glad you like the pattern style. And yes, we’ll do a sew-along soon!
@Tasia: Gotta have the hood. Thanks for getting back with the yardage so fast.
@connie: No problem! I know, I looove the hood. The only time I’d skip it would be if the fabric was way too thick to have a hood rolled up in the collar – like a thicker wool coating!
Tasia – It worked and now I’m giddy at the prospect of getting an early Christmas (for me) in the mailbox in a couple of weeks. Thanks for looking into the glitch :)
@Ashlee: Awesome! Sorry about the glitch. You weren’t the only one who had troubles – and thanks for your order!
Inside pockets! My dream come true. I like seam pockets to keep my hand warm, but for carrying my wallet and such, I much prefer the safety of inside pockets.
@Nethwen: Yes! Me too. I carry a door beeper (remote, fob, whatever you want to call it!) to get into my apartment, and if they get wet they get ruined. So it’s nice to have them tucked safely away!
You are amazing! I really need a waterproof and have been working up to shelling out the ‚Ǩ150 upwards necessary to get a decent one, but I still have the problem of not being able to find one that’s just right. This pattern is fantastic. I’m excited about the waterproofing and seam finishing tutorials. Great work!!
@Clare: Thank you! Thrilled that you like the pattern! You and I had the exact same feeling – when we’re spending that much on a jacket, it needs to be just right. That’s why it’s so rewarding to make it yourself!
I absolutely love it! It’d be perfect in a deep velvet for a more fashion-ey/winter look – especially lined with kasha or something, or really awesome in a sleek waterproof fabric in camel or mushroom with contrast zippers. I can’t tell you how much I love that it flatters a small waist, I’m sick of baggy, sad-sacky looking jackets that make me feel manly. I can’t wait to get a hold of this one and make it!
@Sofia: Yes! Velvet sounds lovely. Or wool tweed – something cosy and fall-like! Glad you like it! ;)
Although we are about to have a hot summer here (thats what the weather people are saying) I live in Auckland, NZ and we have long, wet winters. This jacket will be perfect!
@Jane: We have long wet winters here too! Glad you like the new pattern!
By the way, I want this red version! If for any reason you decide you don’t like it…… MEEEE! GIVE IT TO MEEE!
@Sofia: It’s orange! Bright orange, but still orange :)
I love this jacket and the name (I’m from Richmond) :) Is it difficult to sew with nylon fabric? I’m seeing this in a nylon with a flannel lining, but slippery fabrics intimidate me.
@Natasha: Hello, neighbour! I grew up in Richmond, went to high school there, and lived there for the first part of my twenties!
How hard is nylon fabric to sew? It depends on the slipperiness and the weight of your fabric. If it’s super-lightweight, similar to a lining fabric, it’ll be more challenging to sew. I have a nylon that’s a bit more substantial, and I’m hoping it will be easier to sew since it’s closer to medium weight than lightweight.
Using a sharp, new needle will reduce the chance of snags or pulls too – you know how lining can pull straight across the fabric when the needle pierces it!
I’ll put together some tips on sewing with nylon when I work on mine and share what works for me! Hope this helps!
Congratulations Tasia on another great pattern. This is unbelievably cute. I wouldn’t normally buy a raincoat but you’ve expanded my horizons. I’ve bought mine already!
@Sewingdina: That’s fantastic! It’s the raincoat for non-raincoat people, perhaps? :) Thanks so much for your pre-order!
I absolutely LOVE this patterns. I didn’t realize it was a rain coat at first (I skim when I read a little too much) and was just picturing it as a nice fall coat. I’ve never made a coat before actually…..but I do want to make this one ;)
@Margie: Thanks Margie! It can be a raincoat, or it can be a casual weekend-style jacket. It all depends on the fabric you choose! I’m glad you like the new pattern, thanks for the comment!
Oh my! I think I need this. I live in Seattle, so I am quite familiar with the rain! But I hate both my rain jackets – they’re usually reserved for hiking because they’re so dirty and shapeless by now! I’m already having visions of a cute and colorful jacket for spring… as well as a more practical one for walking around the city in the rain!
@Susan: Ah, another West Coast resident! Yup, rain, rain and more rain – that’s what we get as soon as summer ends! (And sometimes all through summer.) Of course the day I post this, it’s lovely and sunny here. :) I’m glad you like the pattern and can already picture making a couple different versions!
Tasia, you out did yourself girl! I would love to make this coat, but do not know if I have the skills. Do I hear sew along?
@Linda: Hi Linda! It’s an intermediate level pattern because of the lining, zippers and cuffs – but nothing you can’t handle if you’re feeling up to the challenge! (Choose an easy lining fabric to make life easier for yourself.) And yes, we’ll do another sew-along so you won’t be alone!
@Linda: Just as a thought – the fabric you choose will make a big difference in how easy/hard this pattern is to sew. Cotton, like cotton canvas, twill or denim, and a cotton lawn or lightweight cotton print lining would be really easy to work with. Slippery nylon, velvet, or high-tech waterproof fabrics are awesome, but make it harder to sew. Hope this helps! :)
I don’t run or cycle – but I looove this pattern! I took the plunge and pre-ordered. Can’t wait for the pattern and sew-along
@Jo: Awesome – Thanks so much for your pre-order! You don’t need to cycle or run to wear this jacket and feel good in it, wear it whenever!
I grew up in Richmond and got married at Minoru chapel! I now live halfway around the world, but I may have to sew this jacket, it rains a lot here in Auckland, so I think it would be perfect, And when I get compliments on it (which is bound to happen with such a beautiful pattern) I can explain that it’s named after the place I got married :)
@Jennifer: That is so cool! I love the chapel, it’s like something out of a storybook. How awesome that you got married there! I agree, it would be so cool to be able to tell people your jacket is named after the place you got married. That’s why I like naming the patterns after Vancouver-area locations. If you live here, it might mean something to you, like you’re in on the secret! (And if not, the names are still pretty cool and unique.)
Well, you surprised me (in a good way). This is not what I was expecting when I heard the next pattern was a jacket. I like all the details (it shows that you designed it for yourself rather than just in the abstract) and a big thumbs-up for the hood. Like others, I’d like further instructions for adding external pockets too, to put my hands in and also things like train tickets and tissues.
If you happen to be able to recommend good online sources for raincoat fabric that would be great.
@KathleenS: Good idea! I will definitely see what I can put together for online fabric sources. I’m fortunate to live in Vancouver where it rains a lot, so we have some pretty good local options! Not everyone does, though. So I’ll do some investigating and of course, see what the readers have to say as well!
I’m glad you like the style – it’s different, but it’s practical, and it fills a need in my lifestyle so I knew that I couldn’t be the only one feeling the void of a style like this!
Ok, I normally don’t comment but this time I just couldn’t keep the excitement all to myself :). LOVE this pattern! You definitely have a talent for combining practical with feminine. I can’t wait for the sew-along! :) I’d love to make this in yellow if I can find the right fabric:).
@Ramune: Thank you!! I am thrilled to hear you love the pattern, so much that it made you comment when you normally don’t! Yay! It would be awesome in yellow – so happy! And super visible too, if you run or cycle or even go for a walk.
Practical and feminine, that’s the goal!
I’d love to see a longer version of this jacket. Love the hidden hood feature–that’s what sells it for me.
@Meg: I wanted to do a longer version too, but thought it would be impossible to find a centre front zipper that was long enough! It would look awesome in a knee-length version, if you could either find a zipper that long, or didn’t mind it ending quite a bit shorter than the jacket.
I love the hidden hood too! Even when it’s rolled up inside, it adds a nice, cosy bit of padding to the collar.
I agree about the wide waistband. I have a chep cotton dress that has a wide elastic waistband and I just wear it all the time because it is so very flattering.
@Sara: Thanks! I love the look of wide bands too, less bunchy than narrow drawstrings and very flattering.
Just preordered!!! I LOVE this jacket! I want one now!
@Emily: Thanks so much!
Oh! I am so going to make this!
@Zete: Excellent!
I just wanted to say you are so sweet to answer everyone’s questions so fast, and that I can’t wait to see what your next pattern is, and the one after that, and the one after that, and so on!
@Ann: Thank you Ann! Of course, I’m always super excited to post about the next pattern and read everyone’s feedback.. so I spend a good portion of the day glued to the computer watching the comments come in! I can’t wait to show you all what’s next, and next, and next!
Congratulations! It looks great! I love your sample in red!
@Alessa: Thank you! It’s meant to be orange, ha! Red is good too. I’m glad you like it!
A hood!! Thank you so much for creating a flattering, trendy design that is also practical. Do you know how long I’ve been looking for a coat pattern that fit this criteria?
@Sophia: Awesome! Now you only have to wait a few more weeks for the pattern to be finalized. I’m so glad it fits your criteria for trendy and practical, yay!
Ah, leave it to you to find a perfect balance between practical and cute for the PNW weather (hope you don’t mind that I just lumped Vancouver with Oregon and Washington, though it certainly isn’t NW according to Canadian geography). Although I am wondering how difficult it would be to convert the collar to just a collar as I prefer a rain hat to a hood (covers my glasses better and better peripheral vision)?
@Michelle: Hi Michelle! Yes, you can easily do just the collar and leave off the hood. View A has the enclosed hood, View B is just the collar, no zipper opening and no hood. So just follow the directions for View B and you’ll be fine!
I’m glad you like it! We have similar weather, and a similar outdoorsy spirit so it’s OK with me to lump Vancouver in with Washington and Oregon!
Pattern ordered! Fabric samples arrived! I have two waterproof fabrics from a supplier in the UK – Croft Mill. One I think would work well as the fashion fabric and the other would make a great lining – a double whammy of waterproof (water resistant?) loveliness. And they’re so reasonably priced! I now really want to know how and why the outward bound companies justify their hefty price tags. ¬£200+? That’s a tidy profit someone is making…
I really love this pattern, I’ve just pre-ordered it; in fact, it’s the first non-burda-magazine patter I’ve ever purchased:) I can’t wait to make the jacket (although it will be probably the most elaborate garment I’ve sewn so far). Thanks for the inspiring work and a bit late – congratulations!
Is it too late to pre-order Tasia ?
Nope! You have till November 10th to preorder!
I am trying to preorder this pattern,but I just cannot find where to preorder? I look in the pattern section, and I see that others have preordered it. Is it too late already?
Thanks,
Jess
Hey Tasia,
I was wondering where you buy your rainproof fabric from? I live near Vancouver, so am also in need of a waterproof coat. Is it somewhere in the city? Or do you order online?
Thanks very much,
Caramia
Hey Tasia,
I was wondering where you buy your rainproof fabric from? I live near Vancouver, so am also in need of a waterproof coat. Is it somewhere in the city? Or do you order online?
Thanks so much,
Caramia
I am so excited about this pattern! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for in a rain jacket for the last couple years. Your post is especially funny because I’ve been borrowing my partner’s rain jacket when she’s not wearing it, and it is exactly the one you linked to, even down to that green color!
Oh my goodness. I love this jacket very, very much. It’s so cute and practical! I love how you’re featuring all your test sewer’s finished products. I haven’t ordered from you yet, but I’ll get this pattern for sure.
What an awesome design! I’ve been wanting a jacket just like this for ages. Thank you for making this pattern :) Can’t wait for mine to arrive!
Hi Tasia! I just found your blog last week and am so happy I did! I love all the content, all the cute patterns… Congratulations on the new pattern! I’m trying to be brave and commit to seeing it (though it would by far be the most ambitious project I have ever tackled…) Could I ask you how you made it waterproof? What kind of fabrics did you use? Thank you!!
Hi Ledys! This jacket in the photos isn’t waterproof, it’s just a cotton canvas. Using a nylon fabric would help to make it more water-resistant. And if you wanted to go all-out, Caroline wrote a fantastic guest post on sewing truly waterproof outerwear here:
http://sewaholic.net/guest-post-caroline-on-sewing-waterproof-outerwear/
I’ll be talking more about fabric selection in the coming months, too.
Hope this helps!
I just bought my Minoru jacket pattern!
I¬¥m so excited!!! Can¬¥t wait to get started…..
Love your blog! :)
Please disregard my previous comment! I got your email, and got the pattern, I can’t wait to make this coat, I just hope I don’t ruin it!
i love it! just ordered my pattern this evening (along with the lonsdale dress) – i’m really excited to try them both! i love your work and am thrilled that you are making patterns that are suited for us “pears” :-) best wishes for continued success!!
Stumbled upon your blog this evening and am so happy I did! Love the look of the Minoru jacket. Do you think it would be suitable for making with a Thinsulate lining for winter? Thanks.
Hi Kathy! Yes, I think you could easily add a thinsulate lining to this jacket. I’d consider going up a size, or adding extra ease into the jacket to account for the extra bulk. Also I’ve never worked with Thinsulate myself, so I’m not sure of the actual thickness, but you may want to try gathering it in your hand to see how it looks when gathered, and see if you like the look. Hope this helps!
This jacket is so cute. I can’t wait to make it. With all the cycling you do, have you considered an entire line of cycling-friendly patterns?
That’s a great idea! I think a lot of my future designs will be cycling-friendly, just by accident! I love the idea of designing more styles that work on a bike without looking too sporty or too spandex-y. I’m glad you like the jacket!
I love the jacket and especially the wide elastic waistband. Can you tell me what type of fabric you used in making your jacket? I would love to make out out of the similar fabric.
Thanks much.
Hi Rosalie! It’s a cotton canvas, just slightly lighter weight than denim. The lining is a cotton batik print – all cotton, light weight. Cotton twill, denim, cotton canvas, any of these fabrics will give you a similar result!
Hope this helps!
Hi there,
How can I order this pattern? I love this jacket!
Nothy Lane