Handmade Sherpa Jacket

This jacket has straight away been put onto my 'all time favourite makes' list. It's a list which changes fairly frequently as new makes come along, but I think that this is on it to stay. It also earns a 'doesn't look handmade' badge and an 'I just LOVE it!' trophy. Basically, I think it's pretty awesome!

A sherpa jacket has been on my mind for such a long time. I kept on seeing more and more in shops and really liking them, but I was determined to make one instead of buy one. Part of the delay in making one was the hunt for the right fabric. It was definitely worth the wait because this sherpa fabric from Visage Textiles is just perfect! I've seen a lot of different colour variations of sherpa, the most common one being shades of white and I really love the cream colour of this one. I'm not so much a fan of the more browny/beigey colours, and while grey or pink sherpa fabric looks really cool I wanted a white jacket for it to go with lots of items of clothing.

The best thing about this jacket is the fact that it is fully lined! It adds more work but it is definitely worth it, there's something so much nicer about a lining. I usually wear jackets unzipped and what sometimes annoys me is that the lining shows. The way to solve this was to add a facing along the inside edge which worked so well. It has the added effect of looking so much more professional too, especially with an added row of topstitching along the seam joining the sherpa to the lining. 

I also added an orange hanging loop. I love secret details like this, it's a reminder that actually you can't buy a jacket quite like this one!

A reccuring detail that I've noticed on ready to wear jackets at moment is a circle zip pull. It was something that I really wanted to add on my jacket and was so pleased to be able to find one online. The zip pull took a bit of plier manipulation to get it on, but we (it was a group effort!) managed to attatch it. I spent a long time choosing the zip and went for a silver YKK zip which is really good quality brand. I was slightly worried about choosing the white colourway as it doesn't quite match the cream colour of the sherpa, but it was actually completely fine because you can only see the teeth.

Another brilliant feature is the pockets! I copied the style of these from the high street and they are really perfect for this jacket. They are so simple, just 7" squares sewn onto the jacket but I think that the shape is actually perfect for the style of the jacket. I always find myself putting my hands into my coat pockets so I'm really pleased to have these. Interestingly, I've seen quite a few ready to wear ones where the opening is at the top, but I left the opening in the sides which seemed much more comfortable and practical for actually using the pockets.

Both the sleeves and hem are finished with elastic. It's a look that I really like, even though sewing an elastic channel in thicker fabrics is a bit of a nightmare! Luckily, the sherpa is very forgiving so any odd-looking stitches are hidden by the fabric.  

One of the main  features of the jacket is the collar. There are so many variations of sherpa jackets but my favourites are always those with a collar, so that was the feature that I wanted to add to mine. It also has the added benefit of keeping your neck really warm!

Overall, I just love this jacket. Features like the circle zip pull make it feel so professional, but I love that the addition of the hanging loop makes it one of a kind. I'm so pleased to have spent time planning this project and finding the perfect fabric for it as I think it's something that I'm going to wear for years to come.