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.
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| mid-construction and hanging threads |
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| 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.
