Merchant & Mills Ottoline Jacket

I have made this twice now, once in linen and once in a wool mix. The instructions are very good although it took me ages to find the fabric layout because it was at the end, which seemed counterintuitive to me.  But I would like to know why M&M pictures are so bad? The garments are made in dark fabrics and shot against dark backgrounds.  It's really frustrating to have to keep looking until you find a visible picture.

My first version of this jacket won't be my last.  I used a thick Melton wool, which isn't one of the recommended fabrics so I sized up 3 sizes above my usual size to make it oversized.  Further changes were shortening and leaving out the vents (further details on IG @judithrosalind).

Instructions and drafting were great. Came together really well, as usual with M&M patterns.

This is a great pattern for a practical, stylish jacket that is very comfortable to wear. I made it in size 10, added the splits on the side but not the sleeves as I wanted to judge their length once the jacket was finished. The splits are tricky to sew, like the top stitching they require precision to get a good result. The M&M instructions are very clear, including how to simplify the design by excluding the splits. I used a herringbone organic cotton, didn’t alter the pattern (apart from sleeve length), and used a top stitching thread. I’m very pleased with the result, this will get a lot of wear and I’m sure I will use the pattern again.

I made this jacket after a loss of sew-jo and it was the perfect thing to make as it was so straightforward. I opted for the version with side seam splits and vents on the sleeve but played it safe with matching topstitching. The instructions are lovely and clear, I made a size 16 with no alterations and am happy with the fit, the shoulders are a bit long but I don't' think its the end of the world. My plan is to wear this jacket over the spring and let's face it probably the English summer, love the style so I know it's going to get lots of wear.