A few months ago I made a Minoru jacket for a vacation we had planned. We were going to be visiting Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn, St-Petersburg and Helsinki while on a cruise sailing from Copenhagen. I made my original jacket based on what the weather had been historically. As our vacation approached I noticed that Scandinavia was having unseasonably warm weather. Another jacket would be needed. Like all good sewists, I went through my stash and decided to make a jacket 10 days before we were scheduled to leave. My husband was not surprised and has come to expect nothing less than last minute sewing for an event. (Picture above taken in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen).
I purchased this medium weight printed cotton and the polyester charmeuse lining from Britex Fabrics in San Francisco last fall. My intention was to make a Minoru jacket at some point with these fabrics. I “rush” ordered a zipper from Wawak Sewing Supplies and was good to go.
I added 1.25″ to the length of the jacket. I also created a cuff by adding a facing to the bottom of the sleeve rather than the elastic cuff called for by the pattern. In addition, I added inseam pockets. I omitted the hood but added interfacing to the collar pieces. (Picture above taken in the King’s Garden, Copenhagen)
I always try to find a fabric store when I travel. I didn’t have to look far because Stof & Stil was right across the street from our hotel. They have a beautiful selection of fabric and the people working there are very nice. I purchased a printed cotton sateen as well as a tiny gingham check seersucker. We had early morning events both days we were in Copenhagen so we were gone before they opened. I was able to make it to the store on the second day 15 minutes before they closed. That limited my shopping considerably 😉 Fabric bought while on vacation is the BEST!
My husband and I love jazz so the chance to take a Dave Koz jazz cruise AND visit some places we had never been to was a wonderful opportunity.
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Wonderful looking jacket Lucy, and I enjoyed reading about your last minute sewing adventure and seeing a few pics from your trip. I will have to try the Minoru myself one of these days. If you have made three so far, this must be an excellent pattern!
Thank you Kathy. It is an excellent pattern. I highly recommend it.
This has to be one of my all-time favorite jackets and yours are always inspiring! I’ll definitely incorporate your changes in my next one.
I’ve made 3 Minorus so far and will definitely make more.
J’adore le choix des tissus et très beau modèle pour ton jacket.
Merci Lise!
Love seeing the pics of your vacation and the wonderful jacket you whipped up days before your trip. The fabric you purchased looks beautiful. Can’t wait to see what you make.
Thank you Karen.
This is such a beautiful jacket! I love the fabric and your changes. I have yet to make my Minoru, but this seems like the perfect version. I hope you enjoyed your trip, and I am sorry to hear you didn’t get to fabric shop longer!
Thank you Becky.
Sounds like a wonderful trip. Perfect jacket!
Thank you Vicki. The trip was wonderful.
Great Minoru Lucy! The lining looks so fun.
I’m sure any cruise would be great, but to take one with a jazz musician….awesome!
Thank you Sue. The cruise was awesome.
Another fabulous garment. And fabric makes the best souvenir!
Thank you!
Good thinking to monitor the weather before your trip! Love the lining in your new jacket, too.
We are en route to Europe for a river cruise from Basel to Vienna, so it was fun to learn a bit about your ocean cruise, Luci. Hope you and your husband really enjoyed it! I will definitely be looking for fabric throughout our river trip! ;-}
Thank you Joan. We had a great time. Bon voyage and happy fabric shopping!
I love your jacket – and your revisions seem perfect. That pattern is on my must have list. Vacation fabric is the best!! So fun to make and wear something that brings back the memories of travel.
Thank you Linda. Couldn’t agree with you more about vacation fabric.