Lace Biker Jacket - Mona by Wear Lemonade

Believe it or not, I made a biker jacket using lace! It's so girly and good for the hydrangea season.

Memade outfit: Mona jacket by Wear Lemonade, Mimosa Culottes by Named Clothing and Blanc Tee by Blank Slate Patterns.

I used this biker jacket pattern; Mona from the French brand Wear Lemonade. This was my first time making a their pattern (and French pattern too!). The patterns are simple and lovely. If you haven't made a biker jacket, I recommend Mona. I think that a beginner would have no trouble at all. It was easier and quicker than I expected. The instructions haven't been translated into English yet. Unfortunately, I can't speak French, but don't worry! The pictures in the instructions were clear, and the tutorial video by Wear Lemonade was great. If you are planning on making a biker jacket, I highly recommend watching the video sew along.

This fabric is sheer polyester lace, and embroidered with black and white flowers. I made a chest pocket and collar using the edges of the lace fabric. Very cute! However, I NEVER use the pocket, Haha.

Mona is a short jacket pattern and doesn't have any linings. I think it's good for spring and fall. I didn't want to show the rough edges of the lace fabric, so I was going to bind the seam allowances with bias tape. I cut a long long piece of bias tape...BUT I don't like it. Seen from the right side, the bias tapes stand out through the lace! No!😣 I used the edge of the lace instead of the bias tape. I sewed it to the seam allowances, so it made the jacket look better. When I use lace fabric, I usually avoid cutting the edges. It was good to keep them.

The jacket is closed, it can be worn as a blouse. I love this way to wear it too. I shortened the sleeve length and raised the waistline by 1inch. It fits me perfectly. I usually shorten the length of the bodice, but I didn't change it. If you are 5'4 and over, I recommend checking the bodice length.

By the way, I made a pair of culottes and T-shirt too! (Mimosa Culottes by Named Clothing and Blanc Tee by Blank Slate Patterns). Both patterns are PDFs. I didn't have any culottes, but they are so comfortable and lovely. I have a pear shaped body, so I avoid wearing high waist pants. However, the big pleats in the culottes cover my bottom. I thought the ankle length culottes were too long for me, so I shortened the length by 4 inches. If I wear ankle length culottes, I' ll make them with plaids wool fabric for winter. Anyway, I loved sewing them and can't wait to make another one. I'm happy I tried these patterns!

Fabric: Mona Jacket 45" 2yd, Mimosa Culottes 60" 2yd
Total Time Spent: Mona Jacket 10 hours, Mimosa Culottes 9 hours

～Anothr story～

I am frequently asked where I buy second-hand kimonos. I usually purchase them online, sometimes actual shops and antique market. I want to share just a little bit with you about an antique market in Japan.

The kimono was sewn by me, and the jacket by mother in-law. A few days ago, My husband and I visited Takahata Fudo (temple) in Tokyo, in order to go a hydrangea festival and an antique market.

The temple held the antique market on the third Saturday, and around one hundred small antique shops were selling interesting antiques, jewellery, accessories, ornaments...etc.

I looked for a second-hand yukata (a kind of kimono for summer), obi belt (kimono belt), vintage fabric and decorative hair pin for the kimono style. Most of the antiques are sold in the antique market at fair prices. I think these items are cheaper than those which are sold from shops in tourist spots.

I saw a lovely pair of culottes with Japanese Aizome fabric, which is dyed from the leaves of the Japanese indigo plant. I didn't buy it, instead I bought a navy yukata with a wrinkled texture for 700 Japanese yen (it's about $7 in U.S. dollars).
Many antique markets are held in Japan. If you would like to go to an antique market with your boyfriend or husband, I would recommend THIS market! This is because I think most men don't like shopping with women, but the temple is a beautiful and interesting place for men as well. Also, there are many restrooms and benches, so it's easy to take a rest. My husband enjoyed shopping with me there, but he sat on a bench and played on his phone for a little bit...😁 How about your partner? Thank you for reading! Happy sewing😺