inspiration: patchwork and quilting in fall fashion

What a pleasant surprise to open the September issue of Vogue magazine and see so much patchwork and quilting inside! Much of this trend can be attributed to the arrival of Raf Simons at Calvin Klein, who has embraced Americana as part of his vision for the brand. But several other designers have included patchwork and quilting inspiration in their fall collections as well, so it was fun to see it all presented together in one big glossy package. (I confess: I love the September issue.)

You could have all sorts of fun with the patchwork trend, and here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Below, left: use color blocking (refer to page 90 of the Building Block Dress book) to create patchwork on any sewing pattern.

Below, right: The School Days Coat pattern includes a removable vest lining that would be perfect for a similar style! Just lay the pattern pieces on top of a quilted patchwork and cut them out. (You could also re-use an old quilt for this.)

patchwork and quilting in fall fashion

Below, left: If you add a lining you can probably avoid finishing the seams of a patchwork fabric.

Below, right: Try a tiered Popover maxi dress for a similar look, using scraps of printed cottons for the different tiers.

patchwork and quilting in fall fashion

Which of these photos inspires you, and what would you do with it?

patchwork and quilting in fall fashion

patchwork and quilting in fall fashion

patchwork and quilting in fall fashion

 

Those adorable needlepoint sneakers remind me a bit of Anna Maria’s gorgeous needlepoint tote bags on Creativebug, too. It’s sort of fun when craft influences fashion, isn’t it?



 

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7 Comments

  1. Mary V.

    My next project in the queue is a robe/ house coat. Patchwork will be a great way to use up some scraps and lining will make a slightly more substantial coat- perfect for brisk fall mornings. This post definitely struck me with inspiration! Can’t wait to get home and rummage through my scraps!

    1. I’d love to see it, Mary!

  2. It’s really funny!! Yesterday I thaught about a jacket with different peaces of wool-fabric, because every fabric I have is too small to sew a jacket, but I have many small peaces. So the photos inspired me! Yeah! Let’s patch together! Thank you very much für inspiration …Regards, Sem

    1. Oh, fun! I hope you’ll show us what you do with it!

  3. Deepa Thomas

    The suggestion about the popover tiered dress hit a chord with me ! I did something similar with the Swingset top pattern a few years ago – https://www.flickr.com/photos/deepathomas/25807476341/in/album-72157629479745106

    1. That’s adorable, Deepa! Thanks for showing!

  4. Kimberly Morris

    Please don’t cut up an antique quilt before you have it appraised. Love the look just don’t want to lose the history. An old quilt that has worn areas can still be valuable

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