Minoru, Minoru, Minoru

 

Can I tell you how many times I've wanted this finished already, either to wear, or to work on something else?  This is when the crazy happens, and I tend to take short cuts in order to be done that I don't end up appreciating in the long run.  Luckily, it was a busy month, and life itself kept me in check.  And, I got sick. Twice.

I actually started wearing this work on Wednesday, but couldn't get semi-decent pictures until today, as it is dark when I go to work, and dark again on my drive home.  These were taken at about 3:30, and you can see how long my shadow is already...plus, it was 17 degrees outside ( -8 C, if that's your thing) and we decided not to linger over these.

The fabric is something inherited from Grandma's stash. It may be some sort of wool/acrylic/poly-something blend?  I don't know.  I machine washed it, and it came out fine, if not slightly static-y.  The underside is coated with something that makes water bead up, and the top is slightly fuzzy like mohair. I used a double layer of silk organza as a press cloth, and my, but it does press nicely. 60" wide, and I had exactly what the pattern called for, and a little left over.  I can only assume she had planned to use this for a coat as well.  At this point, I realize I could attempt to do a burn test, but my excuse is that I currently have a child with a fear of house fires, and just don't want to send him into therapy. Yet.

mid-construction and hanging threads

Hanging loop and tag

The lining is flannel-backed Kasha satin from Vogue fabrics.  I ordered Ivory, as my fabric is ivory, but wasn't expecting to end up with two completely different shades of ivory.  I ordered ivory zippers as well, and they were the exact right shade.  Hmm.  Personally, I would call this more of a 'blush' color, but it works.  I additionally thought about adding Thinsulate, but decided it would be too bulky.

The zippers were a small problem.  I had to order them, and for the life of me couldn't find a matching pair in both a closed end and a separating zipper.  So I ordered two separating, and tacked the shorter one closed at the end.  Also, the pattern calls for an 18" zipper for the hood, but I'd read a couple people note that their opening was too big for the zipper, so I purchased a 20" zipper, and it worked just fine.

I totally used the sew-along pages when working on this. I even researched pockets for the front, and went back and forth on them.  I downloaded Karen's pockets, played with them, stitched the pleat flat, and gave up.  I actually like the way the plain front looks.  (Although it is tough to break a pocket habit)

On a completely unrelated note: Every time I pressed a seam, I wished I had already made a new ironing board cover.  I also wanted new pajama pants to sew in, but I stayed faithful and didn't commit project adultery.

Pattern: Sewaholic Minoru
Fabric: inherited wool/acrylic/poly? blend; Kasha lining (from Vogue Fabrics)
Notions: 20" and 28" separating zippers--I paid the dollar to have the 28" one shortened to the correct length, and tacked the shorter one shut; 2" wide elastic in cuffs and waist
Time to complete: longer than I'd have liked; I had a birthday in the middle of making this, but I don't think I overly aged in the process
Pattern changes: I lined the hood. And that's it.

This picture cracks me up, mostly because of the ninja window cling I'd forgotten 

was stuck on the edge of the mirror.