Well, ladies (and gents), we've lived long enough to see the resurgence of wearable quilts or patchwork clothing!! Yes, what was once old is new again and flourishing in Europe. It is seeing light again in the US, and we can jump right on the bandwagon.
I mentioned to this trend in my "A Sneak Peek into 2022 Trends" blog post, and now it is in full bloom. This is awesome news for us because, as we strive to find new items to create, the garment industry opens many new doors that we can enter.
The United Kingdom's Gathered is an online resource for what is trending in the craft industry, including sewing and quilting. Its lead trend is "Passion for Patchwork Fashion." The above patchwork dress sold by Anthropologie, which is already sold out, may be a testament to how well this trend is progressing.
This gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana (Italy) skirt is available from FarFetch, an online retailer out of the UK, that is commanding a purchase price over $1,000!
The U.S. has jumped onboard too. This adorable child's dress, among numerous other patchwork garments, is available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
And let's not forget the men... This ensemble for men is available at Macy's.
In our attempt to clear out our stashes, let's not forget that we can use them in a variety of garments. From coats and jackets, to skirts and dresses, to shirts and pants, to children's garments, we can use our colorful swatches of fabric in new and interesting ways.
We have several garment patterns at Owl's Nest Quilters that would be perfect for patchworking. Don't be surprised if we schedule a class this spring to make a quilt that you can wear.
If you are interested in such a class, please write a comment below. Remember, our classes are also available via Zoom.
P.S.: As fate would have it, my FreeSpirit rep came to visit today and told me about the FreeSpirit Coat Story contest. Make a patchwork coat, enter, and you could be the winner of a shopping spree at your local participating quilt shop. For more information, click on the hot link above.
You must use FreeSpirit fabric in the construction of the Tamarack Jacket. So check your selvages or shop our great collection of FreeSpirit fabrics.
Purchase the pattern for the Tamarack Jacket from Grainline Studio at https://grainlinestudio.com/collections/tamarack. It is an instant download pattern. This is the pattern from which all submissions must be made.
Quiltsmart has printed interfacings that you can purchase to help you make your patchwork coat. This is optional, but if you have ever used these interfacings before, you know how wonderful they can be and how accurate your piecing can be with them. If you haven't tried them before, now might be a great time to try something new! Order online directly from Quiltsmart.
There is still time to enter. The deadline isn't until May 27, 2022.
I've purchased my pattern and interfacing and am perusing the shop to find the perfect FreeSpirit fabric to use for my jacket.
You must post your completed jacket on your personal Facebook and/or Instagram account using the hashtag: #FreeSpiritCoatStory and tag @yourlocalquiltshop. Tanya can help you with this step.
Good luck! I hope you join me in this fun exploration into patchwork fashion!!