I find myself with a bit of a problem. Whilst my brain knows that making a muslin is not a waste of fabric I seem to be physically incapable of disposing of one once it’s made.
Which goes a little way to explaining this odd sweater/dress hybrid.
I want to make an all-weather version of Sewaholic’s latest pretty and practical pattern – the Minoru Jacket. Tasia’s sew-a-long begins in earnest in January but I thought I’d get a head start on the muslin being that it usually causes much feet dragging. I had some double-knit which would work and really I just wanted to check that the full-bust adjustment would work okay on the dartless bodice.
Here’s how it went:
(click to enlarge)
ETA: On regular version add the length created at Line 3 to the front placket and zip, too.
It worked just fine and I now know when it comes to making the real version I’ll need a 34in separating zipper not a 32in due to the additional length from the FBA.
Still I didn’t want to waste a zipper I can’t really afford on a muslin so I thought to myself… what would happen if I cut the front on a fold (adding in the width of the button placket)? Answer is… a Sweater-Dress. It’s very comfortable despite being unlined and the fact I messed the collar up royally. I didn’t notice the front placket went up to the top of the collar so I forgot to add the additional length and then I went and sewed it on backwards. Oh well, good thing it’s just a knock-around for home.
The pattern itself is so lovely to sew, and now I have my alterations all done I can’t wait for January.
Lazy Stitching 
That’s a really cute, and very comfy looking, top. Doing an FBA is one of those things that I really must learn to do and your tutorial looks great.
Julie
I really like the look of the extra gathers at the top – I’m planning on ordering the pattern this week and have been wondering how to go about the FBA, but yours looks great, and the elastic really makes a difference to the waist definition.
What material are you planning on making the real version out of? I’ve been tossing up between a double knit or maybe a bright blue linen I have stashed.
Something water-resistant hopefully! It’ll come down to price I think 🙂 I’m a bit of a double-knit addict because it’s just so nice to sew so I’m biased but linen would be nice and light-weight which could be handy in the Australian heat
This is adorable!!
Wow! That’s an awesome way to do a muslin! Thanks for the FBA tutorial, too.
Wow, it looks amazing as a sweater dress! I’d never have thought to try the pattern like that and get something comfy to relax in as well, nice work 🙂
You did a great job altering the pattern and maintaining the integrity of the design. Nice! I love wearable muslins, sometimes they end up as favorite garments.
I think its great that your brain thinks economically and environmentally, there is no need to waste money or materials,and the proof is in this post! Yay, it is a great jacket, and now a dress you will no doubt get plenty of wear from too!
Too effin’ awesome! I love how you were able to transform a jacket pattern into a lush sweater. I wish my brain could think that way.
Great job! It looks so warm!
Ooh, converting the dart to extra gathers is a brilliant idea! Something that didn’t even occur to me, food for thought. Your top looks snugly, I love the funnel type collar even if it didn’t quite go to plan!
Great job! Glad the muslin turned out so well it’s possible to wear! I’ve made one muslin and really hated throwing it!
I bought this pattern when it was first released but have been totally stressing about doing a FBA on it (especially since I have never done an FBA) but your tute makes it so clear and easy to follow and understand – I can’t wait to get started!!!
THANKS! 🙂
thanks so much for the FBA tutorial – I am looking forward to sewing along with this jacket!