"Altered" Jacket (quilted)

I took a class at a Quilt Expo in Reno in 2006. We were instructed to bring a big sweatshirt and fabric in primary colors to match the silky cat-print fabric they would supply. You can see how well I follow instructions! (I used to drive my teachers crazy.) I took fabrics in my favorite autumn colors bought years ago for some now-forgotten project.

Once in the class, we were told to cut our fabric in six-inch strips. You can see how well I follow instructions.

click for large detail

Basic instructions: cut the (wash first) sweatshirt up side seam of body and sleeve so you can lay it out flat to work on it. Do not cut down front until end of project. Cut off cuffs & bottom band. Apply piece of fabric by zig-zagging around it very close to edge. Have next piece overlap and repeat until covered. Add ribbon-type embelishments over entire piece, with edges where they will be caught in seams or binding. Cut large piece for bottom of sleeve to make a small band and line half of sleeve. (check for length first) Sew side & sleeve seam. Cut down front and bind. turn down neck ribbing and stitch by hand to have a nice edge. Directions and samples for this type of project are all over web. Search "sweatshirt quilt jacket.

This project can be done on little money and you can use unlimited creativity. I love wearing my one-of-a-kind jacket. When I had this photograph taken on a recent cruise, the photographer (who gave permissionto publish this photo) suggested I take off the jacket for half of the shots. I told him it was "all about the jacket."

In 2007, this jacket one First Place at the Nevada State Fair in the Art Clothes division.