Quilted clothing

Quilted Clothing is as contemporary as the latest fashion and as timeless as the ethnic garments of half a dozen cultures. It is as elegant as a vest of lace and satin and as cozy as boots to wear by the fireside. It is as traditional as grandmother’s antique quilt and as dramatic and individual as you want it to be.

In her latest book, JFean Ray Laury–designer, teacher, and author–explains how to make over 100 quilted clothes. Every aspect of constructing the garments is thoroughly discussed and illustrated in the 160 pages and 63 color photographs, from choosing and adapting commercial patterns to finishing the seams of your reversible garment. How-to instructions, innumerable diagrams, and patterns are used to explain the techniquest of quilting–piecing, patchwork, strip quilting, applique’, Seminole patchwork, trapunto. You become the designer as you learn from the instructions and the many examples.

Design chapters filled with patterns and inspiration begin with Vests, the simplest and most versatile of quilted garments. A variety of techniques and patterns also fills a chapter on Jackets, Kimonos & Such, the traditional and exotic Japanese wraps, are demonstrated, and several examples illustrate the variety of effects that can be achieved from the simple, virtually straight article of clothing. Coats provide the grand surface and breadth for quilting, while the very techniques of padding and quilting make the coats so warm and practical. Dresses, Skirts, & Tops provide the opportunity for using quilting motifs and methods to individualize your wardrobe. Children’s Clothes are particularly pleasurable to make because children revel in the softness of the quilting and respond so joyously to the special things you do for their bright and cheerful clothing. And finally, a chapter on Accents & Accessories provides special projects: comfortable boots, elegant eyeglass cases, warm mittens, purses and totes, even jewelry.

Quilting has long been one of the most popular of all crafts. With Quilted Clothing the quilter will be able to bring economy and practicality to her joyous hobby.