Merchant & Mills Unisex Landgate Jacket

I liked the look of this jacket and I had bought a bundle of random waxed cotton from Arkdefo, most pieces were 2m plus so there was plenty of the perfect fabric for this. I used a different fabric for the zipguard to add a bit of interest. I had the right size zip in my stash from the charity shop along with poppers from the car boot sale. I opted to include both the patch pockets and inseam pockets as I guessed they would have different uses - for storage and keeping my hands warm. I omitted the drawstring channel around the waste and have no regrets. I also haven't got round to adding a cord to the hood channel and haven't felt a great need for it. Made in a size M which has enough room to wear a sweatshirt underneath for cooler days.

I made the Landgate Jacket this autumn using the dry oil cloth also available from Merchant and Mills. I made a size small which was true to my measurements but if I was making this jacket again I would size up a half or a full size to create a bit more ease for a think jumper underneath and also to make it easier to get on and off which is currently a bit of a wriggle! All in all i found the instructions fairly easy to follow but oil cloth is definitely a bit of a challenging fabric to work with. I used double sided tape to hold some elements in place instead of pins (which mark oil cloth) and this worked well. I am really pleased with the final result and have enjoyed wearing my new jacket on rainy days!

I so enjoyed making the Landgate, used a thick bonded water proof cotton that has a rubber core. I added about 4 inches at the back and curved it, to make it good in a storm - as I made this as a dog walking jacket. I love the eyelets as a detail and used a thick khaki elastic instead of cotton tape or cord. The only ussues I had was in pressing the seams as the fabric is so thick and didn't like pressing.
conclusion: a brilliant straight forward make.

I bought merchant and mills dry oilskin for this project. My basic Singer could cope with 2 layers but needed a bit of encouragement for 3 or more. I have a 38” upper bust and made the size medium which fit with plenty of space for a woolly jumper. I left the arms long so when it’s raining I can hide my hands, ordinarily i’d have shortened them. I loved the pattern, notches were good for the seam allowance but I didn’t think the hand drawn diagrams were all that clear. They are in keeping with merchant and mills style but newer independent sewing designers make a lot more thorough instruction booklets. Very pleased with the finished make.
Edited 19/5/18 : wore this to Iceland and all the weather it could throw at it! Worked fab in harsh conditions.