Merchant & Mills TN31 Parka

This is by far the most complicated thing I’ve made yet so I wanted to try it out first on some cheap fabric. Hence the idea to make a packable lightweight raincoat. The pattern instructions were clear and although an involved make it was relatively straightforward. However, the front pattern piece was extremely confusing as it had about a million notches marked on it, quite a lot of which were not labelled. As a result of the confusion caused I’ve ended up with one of the welt hand warmer pockets lower down than the other! I’m very pleased with the resulting raincoat. It weighs only 450g and packs down very small.

First up I have got to say I love how this turned out, it's been a slow steady process putting it all together but I am thrilled with the finished result.  I have knocked a star off because although the instructions are mostly easy enough to follow the placket did not make any sense to me whatsoever. I am self taught and this was an advanced sew so maybe it was just due to my lack of understanding having not dealt with a concealed placket before. That said, this for me is the perfect coat, I love all the details from the lining to the pockets and drawstring and will get so much wear out of it for years to come. Well worth the effort. More details and photos can be found over on my blog: https://wordpress.com/post/jennylovestosew.wordpress.com/2070

First up I have got to say I love how this turned out, it's been a slow steady process putting it all together but I am thrilled with the finished result.  I have knocked a star off because although the instructions are mostly easy enough to follow the placket did not make any sense to me whatsoever. I am self taught and this was an advanced sew so maybe it was just due to my lack of understanding having not dealt with a concealed placket before. That said, this for me is the perfect coat, I love all the details from the lining to the pockets and drawstring and will get so much wear out of it for years to come. Well worth the effort. More details and photos can be found over on my blog: https://wordpress.com/post/jennylovestosew.wordpress.com/2070

In love with my winter parka and can't recommend this pattern enough.
I made mine with original oilskin in gold, mammoth plaid and thinsulate, to serve me during the three or four winter months.
The pattern came together really well - great drafting and instructions. Some stages I had to think carefully about at first, but it all makes sense. The hood is a pdf add on to the original pattern and the instructions meld in perfectly.
I'm a 38"/39" bust and I made a size 10 - if it wasn't padded I could maybe have downsized to an 8. I shortened by 2", and by cutting out in a single layer I got it out of 2.2m and leaving a spare piece 1m x 60cm from which I can make a bag. When sewing oilskin you cannot use pins without leaving marks, and can't use an iron - the pattern constantly reminds you of this.
I have already made a short version in jacquard quilted cotton. I would now love an unpadded version for spring and autumn showers but not sure the budget will stretch to that.

I made a lined version of this parka for my sister. I used a Merchant & Mills own dry oilskin, a flannel for the lining body and a thicker smooth fabric for the arms.
The instructions are very clear. Make sure your neckband has enough stretch, I had to unpick mine and cut a new/altered neckband. I would say installing the neckband is the trickiest bit. I love how the lining is added to the outer shell.

I am already planning on making a version for myself!