While this is wearable for casual wear, I’m not sure how it would actually do in the wild. I’m considering this more of a design prototype than anything as far as practical use goes. 

It’s been a long time since I’ve actually been skiing, but ski apparel was an early introduction to a younger me of style and design. I’ve long been obsessed with the more out there designs and choices. 

This project started just as a test for the hood. I have a few panels of this fabric, and a bunch of scraps from a previous jacket I did. I started with a basic three panel hood block, taking note from Green Peppers Anorak jacket in particular. I then did a draping-like method of pinching the seams while wearing the hood until it got to a point that I liked it. 

I liked it so much that I decided to just make the whole jacket. The basic idea was to convert a bomber jacket I had patterned to fit over a hoody, which in this case meant about 5” ease around the body, and widening the wrist (too wide, might I add, but not a dealbreaker.)

It’s insulated with a basic Walmart cotton batting. The fabric and lining are both part of a bunch of curtains I found off marketplace. No fiber content was provided, but a burn test suggests the shell is synthetic. I also blew my cheeks out trying to blow through it, so it handles wind pretty good. 

I’m hesitant to ask for help moving forward, because I haven’t really done much research on my own yet. But if you feel generous to provide any insight, I’d be grateful. Here are the things I’m considering going forward:

I like an insulated jacket. I know this sub tends to go the layered route. I’m not that active. I’m not a back country skier, I’m hardly good on the slopes as it is. I don’t camp, I find cabins with WiFi and pretend that counts as getting away. I don’t need layers for different situations. I like and want a jacket I can throw on before going downhill, and also wear walking downtown in the winter. 

Fabric. I’ll probably look into ripstop. I recently made a ripstop jacket for my brother, and it mostly turned out fine. It frayed more than I thought it would, and I did feel like the feed dogs were pulling the underside faster, but I don’t know if my machine can get a walking foot (White 571). So if there’s a better ripstop I should look into, or a completely different fabric, I’d appreciate the advice. Also tips on sewing ripstop in general. 

Insulation. I used thinsulate for an earlier project and really liked it, it’s just pricey. If there’s better more affordable options, I’m all ears. 

Hood cinching hardware. I have zero experience so I’m not even sure where to begin. 

Waist and wrist gaiters. Same as the hood hardware, I’ve never done these so there’s a bit I need to research. 

Like I said, I’m aware I’m terribly under prepared asking these questions, but any guidance on where to find my answers is appreciated. Thanks for the read, and thanks for the inspo. 

Ski-ish Jacket