by Sally-Ann Flak
What are some of the hottest fashion trends that we as sewists can readily join in? One fashion staple that has been gaining popularity for the last few years has been quilted garments, in particular, quilted coats and jackets. Many of the most popular Indie designers and even the big 5 pattern companies have been showcasing patterns that are available and appropriate for the creation of quilted coats. This trend is one that I have been dying to try. I began my journey by spending many hours poring over the internet looking at quilted garments other sewists had created and dreaming of the items I would like to make. Coats, jackets, vests, and skirts were some of the popular variations that intrigued me.
In creating the samples for this class, I have worked out many of the issues that stop us from jumping into a project that seems daunting. I have broken down the process into manageable bites that are easy to accomplish and to be successful no matter your skill level. If you find yourself interested in taking this 2-day class here is an overview of what to expect.
Pattern Choice
When choosing your pattern keep in mind that simple lines and minimal garment details will work best. I have chosen to work with these 2 patterns but if you have a different pattern you wish to use feel free too. I have completed 2 samples with another one in process.
Jacket #1. I used the Tamarack Quilted Jacket pattern by Grainline Studio with their expansion pack. The sample was created using Paintbrush Studio’s Moon Rabbit fabric in a pre-quilted cotton with 2 additional yards of coordinating fabrics from the same line. I added the hood and patch pocket using the Tamarack expansion pack.
The Tamarack pattern is available through me in two size ranges 0-18 and 14-30. I will be selling this pattern at a discount with tax included. The pattern and expansion pack are also available through the Grainline Studio website.
Jacket #2. I created this quilted coat using the Hovea Coat Pattern from Megan Nielson view D. The pattern is multi sized 0-20 and 14-34 and is available through her website at https://www.megannielson.com/.
I purchased her digital pattern and had it printed through Tape-Free Patterns at https://www.tapefreepatterns.com/. I created this garment using a digital fabric panel by Tracey Sims of Zundt Embroidery Designs for the back of the coat. The lining fabric is silk Doupioni from my fabric collection. I also purchased additional coordinating fabrics from Fabric Fanatic Quilt store for the pieced fronts, pockets, and sleeves.
What to expect from this class
- Bring your chosen pattern.
- Muslin to make a test fit or have this completed before class. I will also be available to help with fitting issues at my home studio in McKinney by appointment before the start of the scheduled class in February.
- Fabric, everyone’s favorite topic! Bring your chosen materials
a. Fabric yardage, pre-washed and pressed.
b. Pre quilted fabric, pre-washed and pressed.
c. Kantha cloth
d. Vintage quilt top, clean
e. Finished quilt
f. Batting, keep in mind that the batting needs to be supple, we are making a garment not a bed quilt. Think silk or bamboo batting.
g. Lining material - How do you want your jacket to close?
a. Buttons
b. Snaps, I will be bringing my professional snap setter and snaps.
c. Ties - Sewing machine, and cutting supplies
Goals
Day #1
- Morning Lecture and Q&A
- Muslin fit refinement and pattern alterations
- Overall design and layout
- Binding techniques and cutting bias
Day #2
- Discuss construction of quilt blocks
- Begin construction of garment panels
- Quilt garment panels
- Begin jacket construction.
- Binding of the raw edges
As a garment sewing enthusiast and a quilter by necessity, the quilted coat trend is an area of fashion that I am really excited about. I love the coats that I have produced, and I am busily working on my third garment with many more in the planning stages. I hope you are also excited about learning new techniques and that you will make time in your busy sewing journey to attend this coat creation class. Save the date for the class, February 23rd and 24th. Registration will be announced later this month.
Class Date: February 23-24
Class Price: $170
Class Location: Fabric Fanatics, 910 W Parker Rd Suite 325, Plano, TX 75075.
Thank you and Happy Stitching,
Sally-Ann Flak
Purveyor of All Things Sewing
sally-ann@stitchmestudio.com
www.etsy.com/shop/stitchmestudio
650-504-9676
When is the class?