Quilted Coat - Milly

Milly’s coat is special. The fabric was special; beautifully printed Japanese linen with gold circles. Each black shape was quilted around, making it invisible from the outside. The shapes can just be seen on the lining, black stitching on black cotton. 

I worked on it with my mum, a gift from both of us. We speed stitched, working by lamplight. 

Recently I reworked the jacket, making it fit better across the shoulders, to be slightly slimmer under the arms. I rebound the edges and stitched it all back together. Since returning it, Milly has send almost daily photos of her wearing it. 

Making quilted coats is a real privilege. They are probably my favourite thing to make people. They are a dialogue between maker and wearer. People want to wear special fabrics, to keep memories of loved ones close, or choose a fabric that speaks to them. Quilted coats are time consuming, layers of work piled together into a wearable duvet. 

Quilted clothing has been a hot topic recently. A quilt researcher fired off an emotional argument to encourage people to stop cutting up vintage quilts for clothing. It upset lots of makers, who were criticised for their work and their aesthetics. Lots of makers have responded, both thoughtfully and angrily. 

Quilts are emotional. They hold stories of families and of the makers. They communicate, for people who don’t have other ways to do so. They are a physical object of love, to wrap around your loved ones. They repurpose fabrics, they are a labour of love, they hold memories and feelings. Quilted clothes are no different, whether made from repurposed quilts or custom pieces. They are time consuming and emotive. I feel lucky to make quilted clothes.