So today I can finally share with you my Minoru jacket muslin! I am shamefully behind the sewalong, which is completely my own fault, but I do plan to catch up....eventually!! This post fits in well with the Sew Grateful week, as it encompasses several things that I am grateful for. Firstly, i won this pattern in a giveaway hosted by Vicki over at vickikatemakes. Thanks Vicki :) Secondly, a sewalong is being run by Tasia of Sewaholic patterns, who i have already mentioned is so generous with her time. Thanks Tasia! A third thing I am grateful for is my wonderful boyfriend who is very supportive of my sewing and has become the official KraftyKat photographer...he is (mostly) willing to take pictures of me at random times of day, usually early morning when there is at least a tiny bit of light! He took all the photos below...and yes that is snow you can spy! I made him stand outside in the snow early this morning and photograph me prancing around in what is effectively a slightly pimped-up bedsheet. Bless him :)
So, onto the muslin. As always, this pattern was a dream to sew up. I was pleased at how quickly it came together and started to look like a jacket!! Overall I am really pleased with how it looks....in particular I love the shape, and the fact that the sleeves are the perfect length for me.
The one issue I did have was with sizing. I usually cut a 12 in Sewaholic patterns, and generally have to make minimal adjustments. Therefore I was rather surprised to find the muslin quite a bit on the large side, even over a thick jumper. Has anyone else found this with this pattern? In these pictures you may be able to see that I have tried to counter this by pinning back about 1" at the edge of both plankets...I figure this is the easiest place to make the adjustment. I am cautious of over-fitting, especially since the actual jacket will be lined. There is also a lot of excess fabric at the back...however this may be due to the fact that I have not added the elastic correctly due to the lack of lining in the muslin. I think there may be room to modify this in the final garment....any thoughts/advice here? Finally, it is currently unhemmed and I quite like the length of the jacket as it is at the moment, therefore I may add an extra inch or two when cutting out my fashion fabric. Oh and one more thing, i am debating adding pockets...probably in the side seams. I do love a good pocket, I think I would miss them if there were none on this jacket.
I am glad to have finally finished my muslin, and am hoping to be able to squeeze in time to make a good start with the real thing over the weekend. Woop! Has anyone else making the Minoru? How are you getting on? I'm very much looking forward to seeing everyone's finished jackets!
K xx
That's looking great Kat and I do agree with your comments on the length! I also think adding pockets is a genius idea, go for it! Sorry I can't offer any fitting advice, but I do think the back could be fixed by pinching out an inch or so and obviously the elastic will help too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie! I think I have decided on in-seam pockets rather than patch-pockets. Tasia has flagged up some great tutorials so i'm going to give it a go!
Deletehi Kat, I'm dying to try this pattern.. so i cannot answer your question yet
ReplyDeleteI'm making a Minoru - just caught up with the sew-along. I fell in between a 4 and a 6 according to the envelope, and ended up cutting the 4 in the end and was pleased. Maybe you want to try dropping down a size? The elastic will definitely help with the back though - I don't think you want to take out too much excess fabric there, because otherwise you'll lose the gathers.
ReplyDeleteHi Mika, you make a good point about the gathers, I am very wary of over-fitting! I think i may just go with it and hope for the best...
DeleteLooking Good! The back does look silly baggy and the only way I could check the fit was to safety pin baste the elastic in place, stretching it to fit - I hope that helps a little bit! Other thing to think of is the thickness of the fabric you're using... My muslin was quite baggy but I knew I was going to use a heavy cotton canvas so some of that fluidity would go, and as such some of the ease of movement! Don't forget you've got a lining to put in there too?
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying it though and it does look pretty good so far!
Hi Vicki, You make a good point about the canvas and lining, they will make a difference. Hmm I think I might just take the plunge and see how it goes!
Delete