by Max Donos The new school year always kicks off with a flurry—not just of textbook and stationery shopping, but also the inevitable closet audit. While scrolling through social media for outfit trends, a lightbulb moment hit me: as the weather cools, everyone needs a cozy, lined jacket. And if that jacket happens to be crafted from plush corduroy and lined with curly sherpa, well, that’s just a win!
My inspiration came from a classic, practical place deep in the internet archives. The goal wasn’t high-fashion; it was to create a versatile, everyday trucker-style jacket—the perfect layer to throw over jeans and sneakers. It had to be durable, warm, and utterly wearable.
A quick trip to my local Fabricville in Gatineau solidified the vision. They had a fantastic selection of 100% cotton plush corduroy and a variety of lining options—from quilted to luxurious faux furs, soft flannels, and even stretchy boucles.
I settled on a rich Meridian navy 9-wale cotton corduroy for the exterior and a super cozy, white sherpa fur for the body lining. To ensure the sleeves were easy to slip on and off, I chose a quilted lining for them. The final touch? Warm caramel coat buttons to complement the navy and cream.
I started with a Burda Style Magazine pattern from December 2017 as my base. However, Burda 6932, Burda 7142, ME2036 are excellent options as well. But, of course, a true DIY jacket calls for customization! I made a few key modifications:
The assembly was mostly smooth sailing, sticking closely to the pattern instructions. The one spot that demanded a bit of sewing ingenuity was the collar. The two layers—corduroy and sherpa—refused to cooperate, bunching and curling with every movement. My fix? I stitched a subtle, decorative line close to the fold, forcing the layers to stay put. It did the trick!
Blue corduroy jacket under collar and collar stitched to folding line
The detail I’m most proud of, however, is the hand-stitched buttonholes. They required patience and precision, but the uniformity and shape I achieved truly elevate the jacket. For any sewing enthusiast, it’s one of those small, thoughtful details that make a homemade piece stand out.
By the time I took my son for a photoshoot, the jacket had already been worn a couple of times. He relayed compliments about the look, which is incredibly humbling—it’s always rewarding when people notice your work! But the best compliment? My family consistently prefers my home-made creations to store-bought items.
The verdict on this navy corduroy jacket with a fur collar and lining? Utter success! It’s cozy, warm, and practical, adding a touch of laid-back sophistication to any everyday outfit.
The fabrics from Fabricville—sturdy, warm, silky to the touch, and vibrant in the light—were an absolute joy to work with. If you’ve been hesitant to tackle a more ambitious project, I strongly encourage you to overcome that fear and go for it. The payoff of creating a piece you truly love is so much greater!
Happy sewing! What’s the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever tackled?
