I knew I needed an all-weather jacket for an upcoming vacation when Goodbye Valentino sent out the invitation to the 2018 RTW Fast in November. My first thought was to rush over to North Face and buy a jacket before January 1st. I gave it some thought and decided that I was going to use the fast to challenge myself (See my previous post about making jeans). I chose the Minoru pattern because I had made it in the past and was pleased with the results. The problem was going to be finding the right fabric. This is where my friend Bernadette comes in. Bernadette is an accomplished sewist that I met through Pattern Review.com. Lucky for me she had a daughter in San Francisco that she and her husband were planning to visit. We caught up and spent the day exploring our area and wine tasting. We’ve been friends ever since.
Bernadette sent me a picture of a raincoat she made for her daughter. One look at the beige/navy waterproof fabric from Vogue Fabrics and I knew this was going to be my jacket fabric. The fabric is 100% cotton. The beige side is waterproof and the navy side is windproof. It would be perfect for an unlined jacket but I wanted a lining in mine. I found other ways to show off the navy side; inside of the hood and the cuffs I added.
The Minoru jacket has 2 inside breast pockets but no outside pockets. Sewists have added all kinds of pockets to this pattern. I chose to add two inseam pockets.
I lined the jacket with a printed polyester from JoAnn Fabrics “Simply Silky” collection. I quilted Thinsulate to the lining. I’ve done this in the past for coats and am very happy with the warmth it creates without adding weight or much bulk.
Some construction notes: The Minoru sleeves have an elastic cuff. I created cuffs to show off the navy side of the fabric. Below I have my hand in the inside pocket that is closed with Velcro. I added 1.25″ to the length of the jacket. The zipper is a #5 Antique Brass YKK zipper from WAWAK Sewing Supplies.
The hood fits easily inside the collar.
I’m very happy I decided to make my jacket. It was not a difficult project to sew and I like the results a lot. I have a unique jacket that fits well and is perfect for our vacation.
Below is a picture of the first Minoru jacket I made four years ago.
Sewaholic 1103
Beautiful work. It’s very hard to find waterproof fabric in France too.
Merci Marie Noelle! I was lucky to find this fabric.
Love this version of the jacket. I like the turned back cuffs instead of the elastic, I think you will get lots of wear with this as the neutral color will go with everything.
Thank you Linda. I agree that I should have the opportunity to wear this jacket quite often.
Fantastic looking Minoru and thank you for the tip out using the Thinsulate quilted to the lining, I need to try this for my next cold weather jacket.
Beautiful work!
Thank you Marguerite.
I have been following the no-purchase diet in the coward’s way, by simply not adding any clothes at all to my wardrobe 😉
But your jacket is very encouraging to me. It is beautiful! With a family wedding coming up soon I don’t have time just now, but perhaps soon I will tackle something like this.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you. I’m happy to inspire 🙂
Gosh, I like this. I have the Minorou in my stash. Thank you for showing how you did the Thinsulate. I have a project coming soon that will need this technique. You look sharp! I hope you had a great trip!
Thank you Renee. I quilted the lining with the Thinsulate prior to cutting out the pieces. I cut my lining pieces slightly bigger than the pattern pieces and basted the Thinsulate to the lining prior to sewing it on the machine. Once the lining was quilted I cut out the lining pieces. I was nervous that quilting the pre-cut lining pieces might “shrink” them. Good luck with your project.
That was my concern too! I wanted to do this for a jacket I made my husband back in December. But, I chickened out. I will take your advice for sure next time. Thank you!
Looks great! I love my Minoru but it is lacking windproofability and warmth for cold/windy days. I have to try using Thinsulate. Thanks for sharing your project!
Thank you Hachi.
I have been reading your blog for a while and look forward to see what you have made next. you certainly fill me with inspiration and I have purchased a few of the patterns you have used….I admire your style!!!!!! You have given many useful tips in this post and I have the pattern so what excuse do I have? Many thanks
Thank you for your kind words Margaret. I highly recommend this pattern. I plan on making another one soon.
Lucy, I love this. I have been looking for a jacket like this. Do you remember the name of the fabric, please? Love your lining and what a brilliant idea to use thinsulate with the lining. You look fab in it.
Thank you Anne. It was from Vogue Fabrics. I entered waterproof in the search box on their website and this fabric came up.It’s been a little while so they might not be in stock anymore.
Another fantastic version of one of my all-time favorite jacket patterns
Thank you Cissie.
The jacket looks great! I have been wanting to try that pattern. Thanks for the tip on wind and waterproof fabric. After seeing your pictures, I can’t wait to make this jacket!
Thank you Karen. I think you would enjoy making this pattern.
Perfect fit and combination of colours. You look great in your new jacket.
Thank you Tammy.
Lovely!! Makes me think maybe I could make myself a jacket. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation!
Thank you Lisa.
Thank you for the detailed information about your wonderful jacket. Great post!!!
Thank you Jackie.
Great jacket and commentary, Lucy! I appreciate your giving some info on using Thinsulate, which is a great insulator, used in one of my favorite jackets. This post really encourages me to sew a jacket in the future. And love the Minoru and your edits!
Thank you Joan.
Congratulations! What an outstanding creation! Well done!
Thank you Jennifer. I appreciate you listening the encouragement as I moved along this project.
Wow, it looks so well made. I’m surprised you said it wasn’t difficult to make because it looks like a lot of planning and detailing went into it.
Thank you Vivian. The pattern is very well drafted and the instructions well done.
I love this jacket! It looks so well made and the fabric is perfect!
Thank you Shirley.
Good job! It looks great on you!
Thank you Sydney.