As I said in my 2012 Goals post, I’m joining in the Minoru Jacket Sew-along. Today is Day Three. I am really enjoying the pace of this so far. Usually, I squeeze in as much progress as possible in my limited sewing time, but Tasia is breaking the project down into smaller chunks that fit much better into my rather busy existence.
Before the official beginning of the sew-along, I wanted to make sure that I didn’t have to do any major alterations to the pattern. So I made a super a “muslin” out an old sheet. I was very impressed with the length of the sleeves and I was very happy to not have to change them. I did “grade out” the pattern between the bust (size 14) and the waist/hips (size 16), and raise the elastic waistband two inches to match my high waist. (see image below)
After 3 or 4 trips to the fabric store, I found some yummy purple corduroy for the exterior and a funky purple striped lining. The 16-wale corduroy is a bit outside of the fabric recommendations, but I think it is light-weight enough to make it work. We shall see.
Day #1 of the Sew-along, cutting and marking all pieces, was by far the longest. It took HOURS. Why is that preparing to sew takes almost as much time as sewing? Do any of you actually enjoy this part? blech. The one thing I like about this step is that it switches me from Stress Over Fabric Indecision mode into full-out Make It Work mode. This is a much happier place for my ESFJ self.
Day #2 was sewing on the sleeves and top-stitching. There are some excellent tips for topstiching included in Tasia’s post, including using a triple-stitch as substitute for proper topstitching thread. I tried it out and I love the look.
Today, all I had to do was put in the basting stitches for gathering the neckline. It took me 10 minutes. Ten minutes of sewing to make me feel totally accomplished for the day? I’ll take it. 🙂
I plan on doing day 2 and 3 tonight during my sewing class. I really like Tasia’s pace also. Gorgeous fabric choice for your Minoru.
Thank you! 🙂
I love the fabric you chose. I am using corduroy also, but it is uncut (no wales). I like the triple stitch idea and tried it, but it did not work well with my fabric. Yours looks great. See you at Sewaholic…
ooohhh What color are you making?
The uncut cord seemed really stiff to me. Are you using a heavy enough needle? It might help with the stitches?
Your fabric choice is beautiful! I’m inspired to maybe try a second one in corduroy in the future.
Thanks. (BTW I love your blog name! I used to own jodilicious.com when I was in college. 🙂 )
That jacket is going to look amazing! And what a lovely pace – I didn’t know people did daily sew-a-longs like that.