Pattern Description:
From Folkwear's description: "Versatile and comfortable garments include the hippari (jacket) for men and women, monpei (pants) and padded jacket for women. Beautiful in traditional ethnic prints or coordinating new-age fabrics. Instructions included for traditional folded and stitched ties."
I made the Hippari jacket.
Pattern Sizing:
Women's S-L, also Men's 34-44. I made a Women's M.
Fabric Used:
Indigo wax katagami cotton fabric from equilter. I used a different print for the collar and ties. Suggested fabrics include "For Hippari and Field Pants, choose medium-weight tightly woven materials such as cotton, lightweight denim, or silk. Traditional Japanese fabrics are usually indigo-dyed ikat weave or striped cotton in blue, black, gray, or brown."
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Most Folkwear patterns are based on the construction techniques of the original historic/ethnic garments. This garment is mostly made of rectangles and is very sparing of fabric. I did not make any changes to the pattern, but I chose to use different seam finishes. For the sleeve and side seams, i used french seams, and folded and topstitched the armscye seam allowance. For the center back seam, I cut the center back on the fold as for the Men's size, and then stitched the seam so that the center back self-finishes on the fold.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, this pattern is pretty easy to sew. The only odd thing is that you cut the fabric at the same size for all Women's sizes, and then use a different seam allowance for the S-M-L sizes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This is a simple pattern that can be used to showcase different and interesting fabrics. Because it consists mostly of rectangles, you will not get a slim fit, but by using the jacket ties, it is not as boxy as rectangular garments often are.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I have a version in linen cut out and partially sewn that I intend to take to my dye study group for decorative screen printing. I would recommend this to someone looking to make a traditional Japanese garment, or maybe something like a beach/pool cover-up jacket. |
Thanks for a useful and interesting review. Your version looks like a comfortable casual garment.
2/17/13 5:15 PM
What a great jacket from this interesting pattern. The fabrics are a nice combination. I've liked this style but thought it too boxy, so thanks for your insights on that account.
2/17/13 8:20 PM
I really like the look - great job - and great review. I am always interested in the Folkwear Patterns.
2/18/13 8:02 AM
Nice work. You're right, what an odd approach to sizing. It's all in the seam allowance..... Love your fabric!
2/18/13 8:53 AM
Just lovely! I especially like your use of 2 fabrics. I am sitting here in my hippari from this remembering how much I like this pattern. So simple yet so pretty.
2/18/13 8:53 AM
A versatile and useful garment. I made one years ago (maybe 20 years). I wore it to work, everywhere in fact, and am still wearing it, although only on weekends (I don't throw anything out). I folded the bottom of the full-length sleeve to form a pleat and added buttonholes for my handmade cufflinks, making the top less casual.
2/18/13 6:03 PM