MY BIRDS ON A BRANCH JACKET : : SEWAHOLIC : : MINORU JACKET
The Minoru Jacket pattern should come with a warning….will crave dog…no, not the hot dog kind of dog, but the must be walked in all kinds of weather dog. I. can’t. help. it. The jacket goes on…and bingo…I’m instantly a wannabee dog guardian. It’s just so any kind of weather wearable. Now, many consider me a cat person, after all, I have two; but dogs are also very close to my heart. I grew up with two of the best dogs in the world, an English Cocker Spaniel and a miniature poodle, who by the way, made it his mission to debunk the myth that poodles look their best with ribbons in their hair. Did you know that poodles were originally bred to retrieve birds for game hunters? Birds! {Trust me to ramble right past the hunting part…so not my thing…and the ducks decoys in my last post….yep, totally the real deal.} Okay, reel me back in…I declare that the Minoru jacket is the perfect dog walking jacket. The high collar, the handy hood, the easy fit. I want seven of them…one for every day of the week…no, no, not asking for seven dogs….just suggesting that seven Minoru’s hanging all in a row in my closet would make me a little giddy.
Hey, remember my recent whinging for a fall/winter wardrobe that makes me as happy as my spring/summer togs? Well my Birds on a Branch Minoru Jacket takes me right where I want to go. Colourful birds, polka dot lining, crisp fabrication! All me! All good! I feel bright and ready for the buckets of rain coming our way. And, um…speaking of rain…today’s little irony? I totally, like seriously, planned for my photos to be snapped in the rain; after all, it has been raining for the past several weeks days. Yet, when we went out to take photos, the rain had stopped, and the heavy gray clouds had lifted just enough for a glimpse of sunlight. I wonder if perhaps my jacket and red rain boots have a wee bit of magic in them.
Okay, the deets on the Sewaholic Minoru pattern…I made it pretty darn close to the pattern specs. I added in-seam pockets…yawn, predictable me I know…and, let’s see…oh, let’s talk about the collar that houses the hoodie! There were a couple of photos rolling around the Internet that revealed unfinished seams inside that collar. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I wanted a more polished finish. I remedied things by inter-lining both collar pieces, {Tasia instructs to line just the outer collar.} AND, instead of pressing the seam that joins the collar to the jacket upward, I pressed it down onto the jacket. The other three seams I trimmed to less than a quarter inch so that when I top stitched the collar, the raw edges {which I actually serged to prevent raveling} were totally encased. Ta Da! It’s bee-you-tee-full inside now, I say! I added an elastic drawstring to the hood for those early morning walkies. Which by the way…so not gonna happen unless I get my Wheaton Terrier puppy to go with. And, am I the only one that has a problem with stitching in the ditch? {Non-sewing friends…this is sewing terminology for sewing precisely over top of a previously sewn seam.} I have a few patterns where I stitch in the ditch on the waistband, and I begrudgingly do it…but I find that the row of stitching never really lines up all that well on the inside. The Minoru instructions call for stitching in the ditch along the neckline, in order to keep the hood in the collar. Okay, now don’t freak out, but I hand stitched along that seam. I know. I know. I’m a little crazy, but I had to do it. And I’m happy I did. It truly is invisible, both sides. And, finally, in a bizarre twist of events, I took the easy route and omitted the elasticized cuffs on the sleeves. Yep, me who routinely adds elements of frustration to my sewing projects actually simplified something. It’s a personal thing…I prefer my sleeve cuffs with a more relaxed fit. The fabric? It’s 100% polyester…I know, not usually my thing, but…it’s home decor fabric and fabricated for outdoor use…so yah-uh…I’m optimistic that it has some water repellenc-y-ness. It hasn’t so much as sprinkled since I’ve finished my make, but I’ll let ya know how it all works out.
There are moments, just blinks really, that make it look like I have it all together here on this little blog. But, the real me? Exhibit A above…my lame dollar store banner, my single effort at Hallowe’en decorating….every. year. I so can not get into decorating for Halloween. I don’t even carve a pumpkin anymore. Now before you think I’m Halloween’s version of the Grinch, I promise, I am good with the kids coming…I handed out 160 bags of potato chips…but anything beyond that….meh, just not my thing.
Jacket : : Me-Made, Sewaholic Minoru Jacket
Jeggings : : Laura Petites, thrifted
Rain Boots : : Ardene’s
Stripey Tee : : Joe Fresh, current
Related Post:
Meeting Tasia from Sewaholic, Silvia from Sewing Princess, Cambie Dress
94 Comments
I'm LOVING you in your new jacket. You are too fab! Congrats on the fabric too:)
Fantastic, Sue! The style, colour and pattern are YOU! Yes…you definitely need to sew at least 6 more to fight the GLOOM that is winter in BC!
I had to lie down after I caught sight of your lovely birdie jacket. Totally awesome! It made me smile on the gloomiest of afternoons. Love the pairing with the wellies too (I have a banana yellow pair but when I wear them I look like I've been in a nuclear incident!).
Gasp! Double gasp! Breathless. Speechless. Can you just come to California and be my little knitting elf and I'll pay you in cookies and good cheer? LOL. Seriously, though, this jacket is perfection! And congrats on winning the contest. I can't wait to see what you'll make out of your booty!
What an incredible make, Sue! The perfect coat for country walks and UK summer Festivals. I love it. The print is awesome and you look so cute modelling it.
Well done on your win! xxxx
This jacket is a marvel!! You've done such an amazing job on it, Sue, and you look beautiful and adorable in it! xxx
I think you're right. This definitely looks like a fabulous dog-walking coat! I really, really like that you've sewn your in a fun print. I think it is going to have many people asking your where you got it.
cousin, i LOVE your minoru! where did you find that fabulous fabric?
i concur with your stitch-in-the-ditch issue! knowing that even an uber-seamstress like yourself has a hard time getting the inside matched up perfectly makes me feel a bit better. is it even possible?! 🙂
That is an awesome jacket, it just makes you happy looking at it. We live in a rural area and get no trick or treaters, I went into my grandson's house to see him and then stayed there while they trick or treated.
Sue you always choose the cheeriest fabrics and you always look perfect. Perfect!! I just ordered my first Sewaholic pattern. You inspired me!
This jacket look amazing on you! I love the bird print and the bright blue zipper. I think you need a dog to go with it too!
That is beautiful! I love the hide-away hood and the extra details you put in to it. This turned out so well, you've outdone yourself Sue!
I did know that about poodles, a lot of people don't realize that the haircut that looks so ugly is not for looks but to keep the joints warm in the field and water. And stitching in the ditch–oh gosh, I can remember my mom teaching me how to do that when I was about 10 or 11 and having a bad fit of the giggles at the name for it. I was actually pretty good at it, not so sure I would be now with my ailing eyesight.
Congrats on the prize!
Thanks Amy! I'm betting that you have yet to really experience cold weather? My Texas friend mentioned that her neck of the woods is still like summer…
Thanks Cathy! That is one thing about Calgary…it may be freezing, but you get those brilliant sunny skies. Here, we have to make our own sunshine. Thanks also for the twitter shout out!
Tee Hee! Swooning is good…swooning is good! Different countries, opposite sides of the 'pond', but I bet we share similar gloomy days! Laughed out loud at your nuclear incident comment.
Um…cookies? Maricel, you can do better than that…maybe some of that bottomless Olive Garden salad?
Thanks Vix! Yup…would definitely work out well in the UK! Note to self….get one's butt over to the UK!
Thanks Natalia…my kindred PNW colour maven!
Ohh.. what a beautiful Minoru! You look perfect in those prints, Sue. Hand sewn is not a really fun thing to do but your hard work has paid off, I did that many times too 🙂
Perfect photos as well and I am loving your red boot.
Congratulations on the prize! It looks like a very beautiful fabric.
Thanks Michelle! I had actually bought the fabric before knowing what I was going to make…I liked it so much!
SQUEEEE!!!! Hey You! So nice to see you! Oh my gosh, your time is not your own, I know, I know, but it is nice to see you here! xo
Can you believe that fabric is from Fabricland? Yep…I had my eye on it for quite some time before I bought it. And even then, I didn't have a clue what I was going to make. And then I bought the Minoru pattern and they were just meant to be. I had JUST enough fabric to make it! And yes…is it even possible????
Oh Lori…I would be right there with you, trucking into the suburbs to get my fix of little Elsa snow queens and supermen! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!!
Oh Connie, that's AWESOME! By the way, you have the most inspirational Pinterest pins! I love them! I may have to create a Connie board where I can just pin the eye candy.
Thanks Heather! You, me…bird prints….all good, yes?!
Aw, thanks Flo! I so enjoy reading your comments.
And so cool reading about poodles and the logic behind their haircuts. It's funny, but just don't recall ever learning about stitch in the ditch until recently!
Hey Hana! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! It doesn't surprise me that you pay attention to the details and do the hand sewing if it's warranted! I am happier now to sew fewer garments, but to take a little more time with the ones that I do sew!
Thanks for the shout-out Sue! Im sure inspiration will come, I find eventually the fabric lets you knows. It may need to wait for summer.
Love your bird fabric and jacket. Looks like no bird was decapitated, which is always a good thing. It looks lovely, as do the boots and that beach looks beautiful, so wild and remote.
Sue, this coat definitely turns autumn into spring, the way it should be. Gorgeous! I wouldn't care if all the seams inside were fraying to their final millimeter, I'd still love it. And you look ready to puddle hop in those wonderful red boots. You'll have to remove the strike-through from the “week” soon I'm afraid…
I love everything about this jacket!
Adorable jacket and soooo you!! Love it. Great tip on using outdoor fabric for a jacket cause there are obviously some cool prints in that stuff!
Thank YOU Barbara! Yes, given the fabrication, it could be a more spring/summer piece, and I do start sewing for the season as early as February! The colour would also look ravishing at Christmas, so we'll see…
Just our local beach, so not really so remote…but more the angle of the lens.
….sigh…yes it was rather a dismal drive home from work yesterday…darkness and rain…but I do have my birds to cheer me up!
See! You are a dog walker, and you get it!!! It is great, I agree!
Thanks Margo! Yes, do check out the outdoor fabrics…they feel a little stiff before the first wash, but after the pre-wash, I knew it was going to work out great!
I love your Minoru Sue, so lovely and colourful – guaranteed to brighten up even the gloomiest of autumn days!
i've been lurking! i enjoy every single post, i'm just rarely able to steal a moment to comment.
isn't it great when a fabric and a project align in that magical way!? you seem to make it happen a lot 🙂
In picture #2 you look like you're in the middle of shaking your groove thing 😉
Your post make me smile and they inspire me to wear more color. I've been giving the more color idea the old college try. So far so good…but oh how I love my non-colors and neutrals.
I love this playful look.
That is a wonderful make, Sue – I adore the print, it's a wonderfully bright and cheerful jacket! As always, your photos are so full of joy, they make me smile. xxx
Such a bright, cheery fabric , the perfect jacket for a dull day, or any sort of day in fact. Perhaps you will have to borrow a dog just to make full use of this stunner.You are every bit as cheery as your jacket.
I didn't think anything could be as bright as your smile, but this jacket does it! I'm cheering for you finding your cheer in eternally grey and rainy weather (reminds me a little of a more extreme Daly City!)
Amazing jacket … you know what they say .. “put a bird on it!” And so you did. Grand job, and you look so happy in your beautiful creation.
So are you getting a puppy, really? Our miniture poodle, Fabu FauxPas, is an apricot haired yard thug! All boy, all dog. He's my dance partner lots of afternoons, too!
Chips! What a great treat for the Halloweeners!
You rock, in all ways, and I'm so happy to see this lovely new piece and your pretty face!
Thanks Glenda! You know you look in the neutrals, and if they resonate best for you, then they are for you. Having said that, I love when you pull out the colourful prints like in your most recent post!
Thanks Curtise! I only have to be happy twice a month with my reduced posting, LOL!
Thanks so much Jill! Oh my goodness, borrowing a dog could be just the right amount of dog responsibility, LOL.
Thank you Aya! It's funny…being born and raised here, I don't notice the gray and rain as much as friends and family that have moved her from sunnier climes. That's not to say that I don't get the doldrums that can come with the gloom, things like sewing, and wearing bright clothing can only help, I say! 🙂
Hee Hee! Thanks Jan…and no, not really getting a puppy…although you'd think we would; we adore dogs as much cats, and the Wheaton Terrier has stolen our heart. But then, of course, the poodle will always be a top choice too…non shedding,…and geesh, listen to me talk as though I'm going to the adoption center on the weekend, LOL. The thing is, and you well know this, animals require time and commitment…both of which I have oodles of, but I'm just trying to think down the road. xo
Oh, that is wonderful to hear you've been quietly reading. You know and I know how much time it really takes to leave a thoughtful comment, so lurking is all good my dear! You've got another creative little being to nurture and that takes first place!
YOU LOOK LIKE THE HAPPIEST BIRD EVER! no, i'm sorry. with that beautiful smile, i'm just going to keep on believing you bippity boppity boo your halloween, your halls, your home, to perfection.
your jacket is the definition of happy!
I adore your jacket and the outfit that you created to accompany the “birds.” Every time that I visit your space it lifts my spirits. Color, fun, talent and exquisite writing.
Thank you so much for sharing your hooded jacket with Hat Attack!
That is the cutest jacket ever!!!! I love your blog!
I don't know what a minoru jacket is, but I gather that it is a shirt raincoat? (Language problem here.) in any case it is gorgeous. Do you sew in (for?) commission? We have a dog you see… and I crave for a bright and cheerful jacket in winter just like you. Nice, fitted in the waist. And that hood is so well done. I could do with this jacket (perhaps with a warm lining in it) can you here me beg?? That is how much I like it.
Greetje
hahaha…you do have a dog…a most adorable dog too! I love him!
Forgive me, I should have explained to my non-sewing friends the meaning of Minoru. Sewaholic Patterns are designed and produced here in Vancouver…it's a small, independent pattern company and Tasia, the owner, names her patterns with Vancouver streets or neighbourhoods instead of using numbers like the big pattern companies do. Hope that helps.
Aw, thank you so much Judi! I really appreciate that you took the time to say hello!!!
Thank you Judith, and thank you for hosting Hat Attack! Although I don't participate every month, I always check in with what everyone is wearing!
Well…you and me…we's got the biggest imaginations I'm sure, so I'm betting that my Halloween, hall and home is looking particularly spooky in imagination land, so 'tis all good, I say!
Since I'm in an 80's kind of mood, let me just say your jacket is RAD!!! Seriously, it is incredible. And you model it with such vivacity! Yes, perfect for walking a dog. Have you ever consider dog walking as a sideline?
I will never, ever sew like the master you are. There are master gardeners, master chefs, even master composters… there should be master seamstresses so that all you talented souls can come together. Oh, and help the stunted such as I.
Hugs, Dana
Oh how I love your coat! It is so adorable on you. I have 2 dogs, maybe I need 2 of these. 🙂
haha…rad is good! Big hair and giant shoulder pads, not so good! I've not given serious thought to dog walking; I'd be the one completely tangled up in leashes! And, ahem, you are seriously talented yourself Dana!
Thanks bunches! And I say sure…any excuse for multiple Minorus!
Your posts and your sewing creations are like a breath of fresh air for me, dear friend. This coat is really great … you can make seven and they all wonderful !!
Ah, thanks so much Rosy! Thanks for stopping by…I know you are a busy sewer, fast though. You always have so much inspiration to share with us.
Oh my gosh Sue, I love birds almost as much as I love chairs! lol! That fabric is absolutely darling! Not sure if I would want to walk dogs or go bird watching. hee-hee! And how cute are you with that perfect smile and red hair?
hugs,
Jann
This is so cheery and fun, I love it. You'd not find anything like this RTW, yey for sewing! Thanks for the inspiration. Fabulous
Aha… get it now.
Sue, I can´t believe you made it already. It turned out beautiful! I am so behind with mine. I wanted to make a dress and then tackle Minoru. And you are making me think i should also omit the elastic on the sleeves…and of course brighten up the lining since I will be using gray on the outside!
Thanks Ruth! I had originally replied commenting on Wales, and OOPS….you are in England. My apologies for the error. Being in the southwest would put you close to Wales, but sorry that I mistakenly moved you over the border! Anyways, hoping your weather is bright in your corner of the world!
hahaha….Wouldn't this fabric be great as chair upholstery?!
Oh, always so happy to inspire Louise! Hope all is well and good with you and your family!
Hi Sylvia and thank you so much! One thing I've learnt with sewing is that the project picks you. I have several pieces of fabric waiting to be cut and sewn, but the Minoru Jacket demanded to be made NOW, LOL! I love the sleeves as I did them…one of the things I find with elastic sleeves is that I unintentionally take of bracelets when I'm removing the coat…and DO, DO add a little brightness with the lining!!! xo
I absolutely love love this fabric! Where did you buy it 🙂 and I now must get this pattern 🙂 your jacket looks awesome.
I bought it at Fabricland, a Canadian chain fabric store. Yes! I encourage you to get this pattern!
*gorgeous
Oh gosh, this is the best jacket of the season – I love the print! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xox.
The coat is SOOOO cute. I long for a cute, practical raincoat- I had some patterned ones over time but they always look shabby and insufficient- not like this!!! Beautiful!x
How sweet!! Birds print can be so much fun around cold weather! I personally like it. Have you thought about flamingos? I want to do flamingos this fall or winter lol.
xo
Carelia
mysmallwardrobe.com
Thanks Patti! I'm rather biased with my love for this jacket! 🙂 Thanks for hosting!
Thanks Kezzie! I could totally see you in this jacket too!
Oh Yes! Let's do flamingos Carelia! Years ago I painted a watercolour of flamingos, but I haven't yet seen them in any of my local fabric stores! It would not surprise me if they are going to be trending soon!
This is so weird…I could have sworn I commented on this post…ah well…getting up there ; P
I couldn't think of a more perfect “Sue fabric” than what you chose for this jacket. Another love is that bright blue zipper. You know you're a skilled seamstress when you can sew something like this. That would be equivalent to me learning to speak Japanese. So, uh, yeah…I'm impressed : )
bisous
Suzanne
Domo arigato! hahaha…but seriously Suzanne, you're fluent in French, which is totally more useful than being able to sew. And remember, you's always younger than me. xo
Those are some big colorful birds on your groovy rain jacket, Sue. They'll be no scaredy cats messing with your dog walking. Everything you make always looks so perfect, as does this one. And happy.
Love how fun this jacket is and how happy you look in it!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
P.S. Hope you stop by Thursday and join TBT Fashion linkup.
Bad Sue, bad blogger. Now I want to make a cool jacket. As if I don't already have 2 dozen sewing projects lined up for the cold weather season. Love the fabric on the jacket as well as the glimpse of the maxi sundress. Wherever did you get that great butterfly fabric?
hahaha….snow is about to fly, if it hasn't already in your neck of the woods; the perfect time of year for indoor creative pursuits! The butterfly fabric is from Fabricland, this summer season.
Thanks Alice! And thank you so much for the invite to your fashion link up!
Thanks Pao! I do feel pretty groovy in this jacket!!!
This is the best jacket ever, it is so colourful and fun. I just love unique prints and this sure is one of them!
Thanks Imogen! A real compliment coming from a gal whose closet has gorgeous coats!
Dear Sue,
this jacket is so completely you – stiched, stylish, colorful and it brings a smile to everybody looking at you. You look so fabulous!
Sabine xxx
A colorful jacket for winter? Nice one! I really like it. it is so joyful!
Sue you look so vibrant! What a great remedy to a cold and grey November Monday!
Absolutely gorgeous colours and patterns at work here. I don't tend to mix patterns a great deal (I find doing so can easily overwhelm my small stature), but when I do florals and strips or small checks/plaids are a favourite.
Big hugs from chilly Penticton,
♥ Jessica
*PS* Ooohh, that is immensely ironic about you being in Penticton while we were on the Island (Murphy's Law, eh?!). I hope you had a splendid visit and that we can meet up the next time you're here or I'm down your way.
Hi Sue! I'm new to sewing and that jacket is fantastic! I love bright and beautiful colours and patterns it flatters you so well, your blog is really informative, I'd love you to check mine out at http://rosesandpetticoats.blogspot.co.uk I'm always in need of some feedback haha! 🙂 x
That jacket is very colorful and its pretty suits you.
Colorful birds.
Thanks for sharing all the pictures.
http://www.reynafabrics.com/