Quilt Jackets: Handmade Vintage

“A love of quilts began when I would go with my grandmother to the community house to quilt. The ladies would lower the quilt frame from the ceiling and scoot their chairs up to the quilt to sew and visit. Through my grandmother, I learned the importance of preserving quilts and the stories they tell, which I strive to do in my own work creating quilt jackets.”

Jennifer Coleman Jeff’sJen Designs

Thrifting with the Gals

It’s the third Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time for Thrifting with the Gals. The time when the gals and I all get together to share our favorite monthly thrifted finds with you, along with a few tips and tricks in vintage home decorating.

We are excited to welcome our guest host, Wendy of WM Design House, back with us this month. Today, Wendy is sharing all about Thrifted Garden Treasures, which I know you are going to love!

Thrifting with the Gals’ Blog Posts

What are Quilt Jackets?

Quilt Jackets are women’s latest trend in vintage fashion, blending timeless charm with contemporary style.

These unique garments are handmade from thrifted, vintage, and antique quilts, giving each piece a distinctive character and history.

The intricate patterns and textures of the original quilts are preserved, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the past. As a result, quilt coats are not only fashion statements but also wearable pieces of history, each telling its own story through the fabric and design.

Whether paired with jeans for a casual look or layered over a dress for added warmth and flair, patchwork jackets embody the essence of vintage fashion with a modern-day twist.

Quilt Jackets by Jeff’sJen Designs

I was overjoyed when Jennifer of Jeff’sJen Designs offered to make me one of her trademark Cocoon Quilt Jackets.

Heirloom Quilts

I have often thought of having a quilted jacket made from one of my mother’s old quilts.

It would be something I could wear throughout the seasons, a wearable item originally handmade by my mother and reinvented into a keepsake fashion piece.

After consulting with Jennifer, I was quickly advised that she would never recommend dismantling an heirloom quilt to create one of her coats. Legacy quilts are much too special no matter what condition they are in. I tend to agree and believe that is why I had never moved on ordering a quilt jacket.

Not to mention the perceived expense of a handmade quilt jacket…

Until now…

One-of-a-kind Vintage Quilt Jackets

Jennifer’s quilt jackets are all handmade from vintage quilts she finds at estate sales, yard sales, or thrift stores, so each design is unique.

Jennifer creates three to four new pieces each month. Her website offers a few that are already in inventory, which you can shop for or preview to see what you fancy.

Next, Jennifer will send you photos of the quilts she has on hand so you can pick out your perfect quilt. And it’s quite the collection. Here are several samplings of what I had to choose from, and there was more:

Starlight Quilt

I chose this blue Starlight quilt pattern tied with orange yarn. Unlike quilted quilts, these tied quilts were made when there wasn’t a community to help in the process (as Jennifer mentions in this post’s introductory quote), so the individual would join the front to the back to secure the batting.

Sizing and Design

Once you choose your thrifted vintage quilt, Jennifer will assist you with the style and sizing. For instance, I am a hard fit at just 5’1″ tall, so I needed petite sizing.

She suggested her Cocoon quilt jacket, one of her most popular styles in the shorter length. I agreed.

How Long does it take to get a handmade quilt jacket?

I received my vintage quilt jacket in about two weeks, and I love it so much that I can’t stop wearing it.

“I taught myself to sew on YouTube about 3 years ago because I fell in love with a quilt coat but it was $1800!! I thought “I can make that!” So I did.
I work full time in pharmaceutical sales and I needed a creative outlet- I fell in love with creating these designs.
My grandmother quilted, cooked like a trained chef, sewed my prom dress, had a huge garden… she was amazing!! But I thought ALL grandmas were like her so I didn’t really appreciate how talented and great she was until I became a mom and by that time, she was gone.
I want to honor her and all the others that made those beautiful works of art by recreating pieces that live and are loved just little bit longer.”

Jennifer Coleman Jeff’sJen Designs

Cocoon Quilt Jackets

Jeff’sJen Designs Packaging is a Presentation

Jennifer will give your quilt jacket a name. My coat is called Ann…

You may also enjoy these Women’s Day Gift Ideas | 75+ Blue and White Vintage Ideas.

I love this quilt jacket so much that I came out from behind the camera, where I am very comfortable. Ella and I had fun taking these photos with lots of treats, of course; you can even see the camera clicker in my hand

A fashion blogger, I am not!

I am almost 5.1′, 59 years old, and need my hair done tomorrow, LOL. But this quilt jacket—yes, please!

Quilt Jackets Make Thoughtful Gifts

Quilt jackets would make thoughtful gifts, too. Imagine opening up a gift like this for your graduation, birthday, shower, or anniversary. What a wonderful, unique surprise it would be and something one will treasure for a lifetime.

Jennifer’s handmade, vintage quilt jackets are affordable, too, a token to years of love and coziness.

I wear mine thrifting, on evenings at the beach, camping, and curling up on the couch when I sit down to write to you all.

Looking for more stylish trends? Check out this Cottage Farmhouse Decor Trending Finds post.

Sustainable Fashion

Using old quilts to create jackets is an excellent example of upcycling, where discarded materials are transformed into new, high-value products.

This practice reduces waste and promotes sustainable fashion, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

For more thrifting trends visit the post, .Thrifting Trends: Hottest Sorted Collections.

Current Quilt Jackets Trends

You may also find inspiration in this Ride out the Rain with These Fabulous Umbrellas post.

Vintage quilt jackets are more than just a fashion trend; they represent a fusion of history, art, sustainability, and personal expression. Their popularity is driven by a growing appreciation for unique, handcrafted, and environmentally friendly fashion choices.

And well, we just think they are all around cool, too!