I have found an array of quilts at thrift stores and charity shops. From small sample quilts to bed-sized quilts, handmade to mass-produced, quilts are often discarded. When I see them on my thrifting trips, it's hard for me to leave them behind, especially if they're handmade. I only buy quilts that are high-quality and made from 100% cotton. It breaks my heart a bit to know that someone put in great effort, money, and time to make the quilt, only to have it discarded. I feel I have to rescue them...and I often do! However, one can only have so many quilts. So, what can you do with them?
Well, you can always use them as intended by putting them on a bed or snuggling with them while watching television. But with a bit of imagination, they can be used for so much more!
I once covered an accent chair with quilted pillow shams I purchased at thrift stores. It may not be the most durable chair covering, but it looked fabulous, and it was a great project. Not only was it fun, but it was also a real challenge! I was at it for days!
I used to do the bulletin board displays at the local public library. I made a chicken coop display featuring stuffed toy chickens made from quilt scraps. I had so much fun watching the personalities of each chicken emerge that I tried making a few other animals. I now have a basket of quilted kittens in the guest room. Why? Because I can.
Having an itch to make something new, I started looking at other projects online. When I stumbled upon quilt coats, I knew instantly that they would be my next obsession!
Quilt coats are made from quilts.
There is quite a debate over whether this is respectful to the quilt and the quiltmaker. Some argue that quilts should be cherished and kept intact forever. Others argue that forgotten quilts, or quilts that are damaged, should be celebrated and given a new purpose. I think both sides of the argument may have merit and are true.
Though I couldn't even begin to consider cutting up one of my mother's handmade quilts, or one of my own, for that matter, I have no qualms about cutting up a mass-produced retail quilt. They don't hold the same value for me. Likewise, a vintage quilt that exemplifies the historic art of quilt-making holds significantly more value than one recently made with a basic pattern or subpar workmanship.
This lovely quilt was purchased for a mere $12. I value it because it is handmade and features all my favorite colors! The entire decorating scheme for my bedroom was inspired by this quilt. Though I know it would make a stunning jacket or coat, I have no intention of ever cutting it up!
But I only hesitated briefly when debating cutting up this gorgeous quilt.
I purchased this mass-produced quilt from JCPenney. It was a favorite of mine for over 20 years... and it showed.
Worn thin in places, it comforted us for years, but, quite frankly, I was ready for a change. So, yes, I cut it up. Was that wasteful or disrespectful? I think not.
I turned this lovely quilt into two unique garments that have significant value to me, precisely because what comforted me for years would comfort me for many years to come.
This duster coat was made from another mass-produced quilt I had.
I made the pattern from a duster I purchased years ago from a retail shop. I took the duster apart, copied the pieces, and put it back together. I was drawn to this coat pattern for its simplicity. I knew the quilt would be the focus of the garment.
After seeing my quilt coats, my sister asked me to make her a jacket. She sent me this brightly colored mass-produced retail quilt she purchased at a thrift store. I copied another existing jacket I had in my closet that fit her nicely. I was able to make two jackets from one quilt. She kept one and gave the second to a friend.
After making several dusters and finding this very simple mass-produced quilt, I decided to look for a more complicated jacket. Because the quilt was so simple, just two different coordinating fabrics, I knew I needed a more detailed coat design. I found this pattern on Etsy. Very easy to download and follow, I have used this pattern many times.
This coat was made from a handmade quilt I purchased at a thrift store. It was a pretty quilt, but I think it makes an amazing coat!
Likewise, this 4th of July coat!
When I found this very large mass-produced retail quilt, once again, at a thrift store, I decided to make the coat a bit longer.
I adjusted my pattern and carefully placed my pattern pieces to highlight the gorgeous embroidery and ensure symmetry.
This very regal quilt vest was made from a small lap quilt. I loved the vibrant colors and pattern movement in this quilt. The quilt wasn't large enough for a coat and didn't match any of my home's decor. But I thought it would make a dramatic garment. Wanting to preserve as much of its beauty as possible, I made only a few cuts to create this stunning long vest. I think it's a real statement piece!
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This chore coat is my go-to jacket. Made from a thrifted, handmade lap quilt with a basic design, the color palette is the star. The chore coat pattern was a downloadable pattern from an Etsy seller. It's perfect for early fall. A basic t-shirt-and-jeans outfit is elevated with this little jacket.
I've given some of my quilt jackets to family members and even donated a few back to the charity shops where I purchased the quilts they're made from! I certainly don't need any more quilts, but let's be honest: I'll likely keep buying those that catch my eye and inspire me to create!
All photos taken by Paulette Rodriguez.
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