I introduced our new Condesa Quilted Vest sewing pattern the other day. Today I’m back to talk about some of the ways you can sew this style, and with which fabrics. A little inspiration!
There are so many different directions you can take this pattern. I’ve collected a lot of images, but I know that you’re all so creative you are going to come up with a lot of other ideas as well. And I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
As I mentioned the other day, this patterns is intentionally very simple to allow you to focus on the quilting and optional patchwork. And there are so many directions you can take it. I’ve made a couple of specific quilting suggestions in the instructions, but don’t let them limit you from exploring other ideas. For example, I love both of these images, below, for the quilting and the texture the quilting gives them.
The photo below, left, almost looks like a sweater because of the cableknit texture of the quilting, and the photo on the right has uneven vertical lines that give a very organic texture. I think this particular texture would work especially well with double gauze or an equally organize-feeling lightweight fabric.
Also, plaid pattern quilting! What a great idea. Or go really fancy and picturesque like on the right. Wow.
I recommend lightweight fabrics for this style since the batting and the quilting itself add volume and body. But you’re certainly not limited to quilting cotton, lawn, cotton shirtings, or linen. I used tropical wool for part of my patchwork version. If you want to be a little more fashion-forward with your fabric choices, consider viscose or even sand-washed silk, which will add that soft, silky texture like the photo below, left. And with regard to the quilting, maybe you want to take this project on the road or to the little league game, in which case you could consider hand quilting it like a kantha quilt, below right. I love this texture and the personality it has.
Here’s some inspiration that includes both solids and pattern in the patchwork, and I like how the quilting emphasizes the difference between the solid and the print. Or could those floral motifs be embroidery? I’m not entirely sure, but I like it either way. Also love the geometric quilting on the right. Isn’t it great how they paired the more winter-y quilted vest with a summery pintucked and eyelet-patterned blouse? Really good contrast.
Ok, getting more into patchwork now. You could take some inspiration from this 70s piecing and the quilting that mimics its shapes. I love this so much for its sophisticated vintage flair. But I also love the really minimalist patchwork on the right.
But don’t stop there! How cool would it be to add appliqué to your vest? Reverse appliqué like on the left, or traditional appliqué or raw-edge applique, like on the right.
Here’s vintage appliqué on the right, which somehow looks so updated in this context. Maybe it’s due to the generous white space or the large scale of the motifs that appeals to me. But let’s talk about the photo, below left: embroidery, yes, great idea. But also, how about using an old embroidered tablecloth? Or maybe incorporate some embroidered handkerchiefs or napkins in your patchwork? See what I mean? So many ways you can take this.
Ok, now let’s let our imaginations go crazy! I love this photo, below left, so much. It’s just giant cross stitch, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be so fun to do this? And the vest would be a manageable size, since you’re just working with the front and the back instead of sleeves, which would be twice as much work. Waste canvas is our friend, y’all. Also, how about an 70s-style patchwork with busy prints like on the right? The modern silhouette of the vest will keep it from looking too dated, so you can get away with it if you want. It’s easy to mix prints like this if you stick with a similar color palette for all of them, so don’t be afraid to play.
I really love bold, minimal color blocking, too. Both of these images are doing it really well. One single color for the body, a second color for the contrast, and a small touch of a third color for the accent. Think 70%, 20%, 10%.
Here’s an authentic 70s quilted vest in all its glory. Run with it if you like. Or take some inspiration from the high-intensity patchwork of its neighbor.
Here are two quilting images that I love, if you prefer to stay whole-cloth with your vest fabric. The darker pink stitching on the lighter pink fabric feels so vintage and yet very fresh, and check out the wood grain! Or what about topographical-inspired quilting? I feel like I need to get a free motion foot and try it, especially given my geographer father.
And although I don’t recommend denim for this style because it would be too heavy, you could absolutely use a lightweight chambray for a similar effect. The denim look is always so appealing.
See what I mean? Once you start looking you’ll find all sorts of inspiration. So I can’t wait to see what inspires you for this style, and how it turns out!
I’ve been gathering all these images and many more in my Condesa Quilted Vest Pinterest folder, because Pinterest is where I collect inspiration for all our sewing patterns. Take a peek at some of my other folders for our other patterns, if you like.
The Condesa Quilted Vest is available in printed paper version and in digital format. I’m waiting slightly impatiently to see what you do with this one because I know you’re going to get so creative with it! I hope you’ll tag us #lieslandco and #condesaquiltedvest so I can see (and hopefully share) what you make.