My awesome fall jacket- Minoru Jacket Sewaholic pattern #4

Tasia, from Sewaholic Patterns, has released her fourth pattern. The Minoru jacket is a lightweight casual jacket that I think is perfect for the fall. I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester for this pattern and it was SO HARD to keep it a secret for a month because I love it! 

Since I am on the mailing list (you could be too!) I got an email about pattern testing and pounced on it. I consider this the highlight of my unemployment. Sitting all day on the computer doing job applications and wasting time on imgur meant I was checking my email constantly. Yay! So I got a copy for free and made it up to check for clear directions and pictures, etc. I finished it at the beginning of October and then I had to wait until it was officially released to show you.

 I made mine out of army green cotton twill with a brown plaid cotton lining. The jacket has a big collar that the hood zips into, so you can hide the hood and tuck it into the jacket. It also has a front zipper (yeah no sewing on buttons!) and elastic at the waist to give it a nice, fitted look. It is such a great jacket!

 Tasia says this is an intermediate pattern, but I think a diligent or advanced beginner could do it. All of the instructions and pictures are really clear and easy to follow.

 Above you can see the collar and hood, and below you can see where the hood can be zipped into the collar.

 Even when pattern testing, I can't resist making some changes although I followed the directions (for once!). I underlined it in flannel to make it warmer and more appropriate for a Chicago autumn and I lined the hood because I was really pleased with my fabric and lining and how cute they look together.

 Equally cute open or closed. There are pockets on the inside for keys or credit cards.

 As you can see the elastic starts on the sides and goes around the back, just enough to give it a nice shape. I like having a jacket that doesn't make me look like a tube. I bought brown metal zippers with gold teeth. I like how they look and I also have clear memories of having plastic teeth break off zippers as a kid. I suggest metal zippers. Jo-Ann had a terrible selection and I had to adapt the hood opening for a smaller zipper. Pah.

Anyways, this is a great pattern and I made a really study and well-sewn coat. I am proud of myself. This really might need to be remade in a fun color for a spring jacket, too. Oh the possibilities! I have been wearing it all the time for dog walking and going to work and it is warm and cute. It is on pre-sale now if you join the mailing list and when it is officially on sale you can go here to buy it. There really aren't any parts that I messed up on or did a bad job- so there!