Issue 19 of Fibre Mood was released on April 20th and I received a preview copy of the Madou Jacket to sew and share on release day.  You can see my Instagram post here.

A denim jacket was an missing garment from my wardrobe, so I choose a 70% cotton and 30% wool twill from The Cloth Shop (work) for this project.  The fabric sewed and press beautifully.  This blue colourway is sold out, but it’s also available in coal and earth.

The pattern was designed and as overshirt, so to make it more jacket like, I shortened the pattern by  4″ (10cm).

The buttons did cause me some overthinking.  I purchased a Kylie and The Machine Denim Jacket Kit in copper for this project, but when it came time to do the buttonholes I dithered.  You see, traditionally a denim/jeans jacket has horizontal buttonholes with a rounded end to accommodate the shaft of the jeans button.

As this pattern was designed as an overshirt, the placket wasn’t wide enough for horizontal buttonholes.  I then tested several buttonholes on my Bernina and settled on the classic rectangle shape.  When buttoned up the placket bulges where the button shafts are, which annoys me, so I’ll mostly wear it open.

I had great success with using a new technique for the colour points.  Here is the video by James Kemp that explains how sew the perfect collar points.  I didn’t have any embroidery thread on hand, so I just used overlocking thread doubled.  I was amazed my the results and will definitely use this technique again.

The pattern was drafted with a forward shoulder, so I didn’t need to do my usual alterations and it sits beautifully.

Little 14 week old ‘Stitch’ wanted to be part of the blog photo action.

What a fabulous name for a dog and a good reminder for me to tell you there is loads of top stitching in this project.  My edgestitching foot sure got a good workout!

I did have one sewing hiccup with this project that was totally my fault.  Pay particular attention to the notches on the neckline for both the placket and where the collar is attached.  I made wrong assumptions, that I was thankfully able to reverse.

Sharon and I took these photos at sunset on the beach in front of our Airbnb in Warrnambool in July.  We had a lovely time with out girls on our 6th annual winter school holiday trip.  Making memories for both us and our children!

My final word… I love the fabric, the pattern and my finished jacket!

Pattern:  Fibre Mood’s Madou Jacket
Size:  S
Fabric:  Cotton/Wool Twill from The Cloth Shop
Alterations:  Shortened the jacket by 4″ (10cm)
Outfit:  Denim Pants from Caro Melbourne (a few years ago, but similar back in store now), Sophie Digard Scarf, Flying Dog Studio brooch & Zomp shoes (from many years ago!)
Location:  Warrnambool