The #FreeSpiritCoatStory Pushes the Limits of Sewing and Creativity
Did we not all fall in love with Brettie 5G (Scott’s younger son) being all GQ in his quilted coat? If that did not stimulate your creative genes, we are certain the winners of the #FreeSpiritCoatStory Challenge will inspire you to jump on the quilted fashion bandwagon which is still prevalent in many major fashion houses today.
As you may recall, FreeSpirit launched the #FreeSpiritCoat Story Challenge in October 2021, culminating May 27, 2022. The challenge asked makers to use FreeSpirit Fabrics, Quiltsmart printed interfacing and the Tamarack Jacket pattern from Grainline Studios, in an effort to encourage the exploration of all avenues of fabric, needle and thread while also creating something unique to call their own.
Some shops, like Bits and Pieces in Hannibal, MO, really took this challenge to heart and posted videos of their maker’s stories. Purple Katz from Alberta, Canada, built lasting bonds with the #purplekatzquiltingcoatgang. Either way, the nearly 90 entrants bravely tossed aside the what-ifs and dazzled us with their sense of color, style and ability to just sew. Here is what they are saying.
“It was so empowering to make my own clothing item that I can wear again and again,” Annarose White, Beehive Quilt Shop.
“What a fabulous journey. I almost hated to complete the jacket and have the adventure come to an end,” Diana Wilson Davies.
“My inspiration was learning to scuba dive at age 77. I took a class and the instructor made it easy and fun,” Sundra Sykes Suni Jordan, Beehive Quilt Shop, Wellington, KS.
Picking the winners was not an easy task as every entrant’s story, fabric and quilt design choice and final creation made them all worthy. Now, without further ado, here are the winners of the #FreeSpiritCoatStory 2022:
Honorable Mention, Virginia Kampe Hughes
Fabric: Kaffe Fassett Collective, Tula Pink
Quiltsmart: Zig Zapps double pointed leaves
Retailer: Quilteroos, Ruston, LA
Honorable Mention, Joan Bryan
Fabric: Designer Essential Solids by Tula Pink, Dragon’s Breath
Quiltsmart: Little Lone Star Coat Pack
Retailer: Sarah’s Thimble Quilt Shoppe, Virginia Beach, VA
Honorable Mention, Hillary Riggin
Fabric: Kaffe Fassett Collective, Anna Maria Horner, Tim Holtz
Quiltsmart: Flying Geese, Little Lone Star, Pix Smart Grid
Retailer: Bearly Square Quilting, Havre, MT
Third Place, Zsofia Molgaard
Fabric: Tula Pink
Quiltsmart: Flying Geese, Pix Smart Grid
“I wanted to create something colorful and happy. I just love this coat.”
Second Place, Terry Rowland, T Row Studios
Fabric: Kaffe Fassett Collective
Quiltsmart: Pix Smart Grid, Flying Geese
“One-of-a kind garments are fun to wear and see the reaction when asked, ‘Where did you get it?’ and I tell them I made it myself.”
First Place, Dianna Wellen Taylor
Fabric: Sue Penn
Quiltsmart: Pix Smart Grid
Retailer: Five Little Monkeys, Weaverville, NC
“I call my coat Drops of Jupiter because that was the Train song playing when I walked into the quilt shop the day I finalized my design.”
Wow. First, second and third place quilt coat winners will enjoy a shopping spree, courtesy of Jaftex, at their favorite quilt shop. They will also get a bevy of pressing products from Oliso, an assortment of Quiltsmart products and a collection of the finest quality threads from Aurifil. That’s a total of three prize packages valued at $2,500 to nearly $400 retail, depending upon placement.
Congratulations to all who put their hearts and work on the line. We are amazed and impressed. And, of course, congratulations to the winners of the first ever #FreeSpiritCoatChallenge. We hope you will all join us the next time we challenge your love of fabric and quilting.