Soldier Boy

Last winter Edward got so much wear out of this little jacket that I picked up from my local op shop.And so I decided to make another, slightly more older-boy version.



My favourite part of this little coat is the Japanese soldier fabric.



When I started to make the coat I wasn't too sure what I would use to line the hood but my friend Bec was making a quilt from the fabric and suggested I use it. It is perfect as it has almost all the colours that he wears; red, brown, blue, khaki and black.


I also love the little star buttons. I bought these from the Button Lady, at the Camberwell Markets, when I was pregnant with Kate (and convinced I was having a boy).


I adapted from this pattern from the Winter6/2008 Ottobre magazine.


I found it easy to trace the pattern but a little trickier to assemble.You do have to have reasonable dressmaking skills as the instructions are a little vague. I added the cuff and shoulder trims as I wanted the jacket to look a little less baby-ish.



I lined the jacket with a polar fleece and as it wasn't a particularly thick wool I also used flannelet. I used it almost as an interfacing in the body to create another layer and provide more warmth.

I am so pleased with the result. Often when I sew, I cut corners. I really tried to do a good job on this coat and pay attention to detail. I do love the beautiful buttonholes that my Bernina sews.