I introduced the Condesa Quilted Vest the other day. And then I talked about fabric and styling inspiration.
Here’s the thing: when I think of quilted vests, I think of the 1960s and 1970s. That was a time of lots of textile exploration: macramé, weaving, patchwork and quilting. But that time period also had a very specific look. It was its own aesthetic, and while retro and vintage have their own place, I would much rather revisit a trend like the quilted vest with a more updated, fashion-oriented silhouette. As fashion rather than craft, in other words.
And that’s how I approached this style. I love to re-explore many of the crafting techniques from the 1970s, but updated in a way that makes them feel more current. So the Condesa Quilted Vest, instead of a 1970s vest shape, has an oversized silhouette, a little more boxy and cropped. It’s more current, and way more fun to wear (in my opinion).
My suggestion, if you choose to do patchwork, is that you make each section of patchwork large enough for one pattern piece. That keeps the project manageable. When I made mine I would make the patchwork, cut the piece, and then use the trimmings for the next patchwork. But if you prefer you can also make one large patchwork piece to cut them from, too! Whatever you feel comfortable doing.
I enjoyed the process of improvising my patchwork a little at a time, which just felt so playful and spontaneous. It was really refreshing to spend a day or two just trying different techniques, cutting and piecing as I went. It’s not something I allow myself the time to do much these days. Fabric therapy, they call it.
The quilting is also really fun and playful. For the white vest, View B, I used cotton poplin, for the inside and the outside, no patchwork, and I focused my time on the quilting itself. You also don’t need a special machine or a special foot for it, but if you have a free motion foot you can get more swirly and picturesque with your quilting. A walking foot is also always a benefit, but not necessary at all. I don’t have one anymore (remind me to tell you the sad story of the death of my beloved Janome sometime) and didn’t use one for any of my sewing.
I hope you’re going to have so much fun with this project! What are you planning so far?
The Condesa Quilted Vest is available in printed paper version and in digital format. If you tag us #lieslandco and #condesaquiltedvest I’ll get to see what you make with it, too!