SEWING VLOG | Making jackets from a thrifted quilt and curtains

Hi everyone! In today's video I'm making some jackets from a quilt and curtains that I found at the thrift store. I decided to make this a no talking video and added subtitles and music instead - let me know what you think! I always find these kinds of videos relaxing. I hope you enjoy :)
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[@EmilyLightly]

Check out my online sewing and knitting courses here! learn.emilylightly.com/

[@Unda_scoBobo]

Can I get you to make me one ?

[@ShantiTrish]

Thankyou a lovely video. I used to make all my own clothes when l was in my teens and twenties. My neighbour had three younge girls and she found clothing them expensive. I encouraged her to go to sewing evening classes. After a few weeks she asked me for help. I refused, but encouraged her to get some of her mother’s old clothes. To unpick them, iron them, then unpick one of her girls old dresses. Next to use it as a template, for a child’s dress. To add a inch around the sides, when cutting out the new dress. Or to use newspaper, make that into a paper pattern, using her child’s old dress. Next advised her to pull the bottom of the seam fabric and ease on the top seam fabric. Each time she approached me, l explained a short cut, but refused to do any of the sewing or cutting. After a few days, she had three lovely new dresses for her little girls. Her mother laughed when she saw her grandchildren, wearing her old dresses, made into small clothes. She laughed even louder, when l explained, l found it hard, not to do any of the sewing, but that my neighbour had to do it herself, as l wouldn’t always be advailable to help. My neighbour, became my close friend and after her first three new dresses, l encouraged her to buy new material in the sales. She did and everyone commented on how lovely her children were dressed. Her husband hugged me, as it saved them a lot of money ( he worked hard, his income was small ) so they were able to go on holidays. ( l advised camping & take a homemade hamper as a stand by, which they did ) So being a good neighbour, dosnt always mean, helping your friend physically, rather a character strengthens and building up self esteem, plus creativity. Much love,your creations are lovely.

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@user-ir2lr1sp6q]

У русских есть пословица: лучше дать нуждающемуся не рыбу, а удочку

[@hana.the.writer5074]

@@user-ir2lr1sp6q 👌🏻

[@ariel393939]

Excellent lesson ! 🎯❤️🎯❤️

[@sadafnigar666]

❤ nice

[@mishkalarsoncreations]

I had my mom’s singer from 1961 - that’s vintage - and I gave it away in 2008 to a high schooler interested in theater costume design. She’s still using it and making costume mock-ups for theaters in Chicago. My mom would be happy.

[@l.g.4451]

These two jackets would be so expensive if purchased in a boutique. So one-of-a-kind. Black and white one is beautifully elegant and the other one true boho, which is my style. Thanks for posting.

[@ank6675]

The first jacket is giving strong Hanbok vibes

[@katrinalevin4064]

Thank you for the asmr video format. I really love the oversized curtain coat as it is very spare and dramatic with so much white negative space in the pattern.

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you! 😊

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Now I think on it: I have several thin quilts in the closet. I usually drape them over chair backs, for color and fun. Think I'll trot those babies out and see if they spark any ideas like yours. I just finished re birthing an old, unusual one off color (violet blue) pair of denims, with a unique label. It became an cute tote bag. I used bark cloth from the 1960s as liner. Great result. I urge viewers - look around your local thrift shops, discard bins, and see what you've tucked away in boxes up in the closet and forgotten. You may be delighted what turns up!! Lovely video, and cheers from New Orleans.

[@EmilyLightly]

Ooh fun! I think I might make a bag with some of the leftover fabric from these!

[@victorialove9104]

@@EmilyLightly good idea

[@mscashwell]

oh, yes. I made a beautiful bath robe out of a white cloth shower curtain.

[@hana.the.writer5074]

@@mscashwell The idea is surprising but does it dry your skin?

[@hana.the.writer5074]

I demand an update! 😀 Tell us what you made and if it was a yay or nay!

[@trystanfritz3786]

I think the quilted jacket is so unique and special. If I saw you wearing that in a restaurant to brunch, I would say how beautiful it looks and the jacket made out of curtains. Who would even know? It looks so sharp, as my grandma would say, lol

[@gerrybford]

Oh I couldn’t have cut into that beautiful quilt, you’re very brave....

[@spunkysagittarius87]

But for $12 I would feel better about cutting it! It was a nice quilt though. Looks great as a jacket maybe in a longer length. I see the pattern has options on length too. Well done!

[@komalb5020]

So totally yes

[@angelapalenchuk8456]

A beautiful quilt turned into a beautiful jacket!!

[@halesmoore]

I admire all your attention to detail, especially unpicking all that binding

[@leilakoishibayeva1589]

Lazy me...I would have cut it

[@monty-365]

I wouldn’t have had the courage to cut that quilt up...but I love what you did with it☺️

[@kiranjitkaur5578]

Its very costly quilts

[@mirjanamilosavljevic4261]

@@kiranjitkaur5578the coat she made is more expensive than the quilt

[@reesekolcow6136]

@@kiranjitkaur5578 it looks like a commercial quilt -

[@jojobtrcook1808]

It looks like a printed “quilt look” piece of fabric. But it does have some threads going through it to give it some texture. Just not a pieced quilt.

[@grittykitty50]

@@reesekolcow6136 It IS commercial, but still very pretty. I've thrifted things intending to upcycle them and decided to use them for their original purpose because they were so nice.

[@ShantiTrish]

Well done, lining can be tricky. The secret is to keep ironing the seams as you complete the various stages of sewing. Much love to you and your viewers. Love the thrift buying, more money for other things. ☺️🌈👌

[@matthewfuller4744]

I absolutely lovedddddd this. That quilted jacket is to die for. So jealous of that find

[@amytitus833]

Clothes from old quilts are all the rage now! I love them both but I think the curtain coat is my favorite!

[@Queenread82]

They have very different purposes, it is hard to choose a favorite. You did an outstanding job on both!

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you!

[@DelfiaC]

Thank you for this video and your creativity. A big thank you for the pleasant music and the gentle pace you take while creating.

[@debraclark5066]

I completely agree and I second these emotions!

[@spike.justspike.5418]

I think a little bucket hat would look cute with the quilted fabric. Or a detached hood.

[@vincentxiong16]

Ahh yes, the rice farmer look that my mom loves. Lol

[@lpm67]

I love both those Jackets, you've done a lovely job and there's no hint of their previous lives!

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you!!

[@710LENNY]

OMG, watching you at the start I realized I've used the stitch ripper the wrong way for the last 55 years.

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

You are not alone, a lot of people use them incorrectly. The little ball is to stop you cutting your fabric by mistake.

[@nancychestnut8928]

After reading the comments, I realize you've started something really remarkable. Lots of beginner sewers took the plunge and succeeded. That's superb!

[@anitamcgrath906]

I love the way you aren’t afraid to say when you make a mistake . I used to make all my own clothing, I took flat pattern drafting and went to university to come a food and nutrition and consumer studies teacher, the old Home Ec teacher. Really enjoyed watching you reuse material from the thrift shops.

[@ashsaraswat3471]

I agree... the honesty only adds to the charm of this video doesn't it? :)

[@tinak6281]

Finally someone who doesn't speed as if their life depended on it!! Thank you for this very relaxing and awesome video tutorial!! 💕❤💕

[@VeronicaPalahniuc]

I really admire you! Love this style :) soft music and subtitles; it's the way I make my videos!

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you, I enjoy watching it too! Might stick to this format for a while and see how it goes :)

[@annarodriguez9868]

@@EmilyLightly It's delightful to watching you work and even showing us your mistakes as you go. Spilled milk is what it is. We learn from our mistakes. Fix it and move on. Both jackets are beautiful! I especially like the quilt jacket because it's reversible. I'm subscribing so I can see what other projects you make. Love subtitles because I'm slightly hard of hearing.

[@RenaeFlowers]

The quilted one with the right outfit and a photoshoot could look high fashion! Love it!

[@sheryllipschitz2772]

Love them both but the nova coat is my favorite. Hard to believe they were curtains!

[@hana.the.writer5074]

Would’ve loved it best if was a sleeveless dress. 😌 Imagine it.

[@teresahamiltonkerr4817]

This is SO inspiring, Emily! Really appreciate that you share your mistakes as well as your successes, too! I have the 2nd pattern, & have been apprehensive about giving it a go, but seeing how you overcame its challenges is encouraging! Many thanks for sharing!!!!

[@jeaniestoutloomis9137]

So proud of you!! The blanket coat is killer but the lined jacket/coat is totally professional. I’ve been sewing for 50 years and I’ve made those mistakes you made. It happens but you pulled it off beautifully.!!!

[@acuison1]

Love the first coat, and how simple it is. For a beginner like myself, I'm always looking for something quick and easy. Now I have a whole new use for my quilted blankets. Thank you.

[@Zamella1]

WOW!!! BOTH TURNED OUT BEAUTIFUL, NICE PROJECTS. THANK YOU!!!

[@loriannrichardson7644]

I like both, but my favorite is the quilted jacket. What a plus that it is reversible.

[@ZHasham]

Ive never seen anyone unpick like that!!! Think you’ve changed my sewing game for me. Also reassuring I’m not the only one who sews stuff upside down and lots of other mistakes. This came out beautiful 🥰

[@oliviajohnson7305]

I adored this - great work with both!

[@suly6024]

Amazing as always. Very soothing and rewarding to watch, and so creative on your part. I love how you touch/feel the fabric, like it is something extremely precious and beautiful, which to you, I know it is. Loved this video

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you so much!

[@janvas7690]

The quilted jacket is stunning!

[@natashaapril8693]

WOW! What a beautiful job you've done with both of these jackets! 😍👌 But I LOVE the curtain jacket the most. Simply STUNNING! 👏❤

[@InaTrendyTown]

I love both makes, they are so cool and unique. I liked a lot watching rhe process. Thanks!!

[@elcinklc]

Omg! I’m in love with the jacket one. The idea is so good. I’ll try the same. Thanks gor this wonderful video.

[@hollyhinckley8294]

They are both my favorite!

[@MakingCassie]

Such a relaxing video -- love this style :)

[@EmilyLightly]

Yay, thank you!

[@bbrosser694]

This is such a beautiful process to watch - the re-creation of someone's treasure for another life of beauty and service.

[@ShirleyJarrett]

Just in time for a new/old coat for spring. A refreshing change with no talking so easy to follow the construction. Thanks so much!

[@muttnjeff9030]

Love the quilted one! People in Japan wear these kind of jackets all the time!

[@mochyncochyn9113]

I had a couple of these that I wore back in the 80s and I loved them. Can't wait to try these ideas out - what a great tutorial!

[@sobreira-martyndesign3317]

Your sewing is impeccable. Love your attention to detail. I subscribed!

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you so much!

[@rosalindtaylor3479]

I like how it turned out as well! Brilliant!

[@angelapalenchuk8456]

I really love both of these jackets! You did an amazing job!!

[@coachcasey9823]

Wow, they both look fabulous!! The black and white fabric is so chic. I could totally see the extra as an Iford jacket from Friday Pattern Co.

[@laylapabericio3121]

✨ Anthropology vibes ✨ so inspiring!! Thank you!

[@pamelarau753]

my goodness, I'm totally delighted with this wonderful and precious little jacket. You did that very well, and what wonderful material. Pamela from Germany.

[@jenthulhu]

So inspiring! Makes me want to dash over to the thrift stores! Great job!

[@joanneeverett3349]

Now I have to start looking for quilted blankets and of course I had one in my hand today and thought this is nice what can I do with it and here you are. Cant wait to go back to the store!

[@barbhayes5613]

That Curtain Coat is magnificent! I love the mid-century modern feel of the fabric, and you chose the perfect pattern for it. Kudos to you! That looked like a very difficult pattern; you did a fantastic job. Cheers!

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you so much!

[@lilbabyjewel]

The craftsmanship < 3 I’m smiling watching this! So good!!

[@talktathemoney]

Really good! I love refashioned clothes and reusing fabrics and giving them new life and purpose!

[@lillychevalierfox]

nice quilt to start this project with. I love the tranquil mood of your videos. I am sewing too and recycle a lot. very inspiring

[@hana.the.writer5074]

Wish she makes a site where we can share our works and discuss them. Wouldn’t it be nice? ☺️

[@praeliora]

They are both lovely, I just love the curtain jacket, so elegant and timeless, cutting into that quilt, thinking of its history would hurt my heart..but it will definitely be warm and cosy

[@WritersRetreats7777]

This is just perfect: the music is delightful and such a dramatic contrast to the overly wordy style of so many sewing videos. Judos to the content creator!

[@enbyfairyyy]

This is SO COOL! I really love the quilt coat. I shall have to do this sometime.... thanks for sharing your work!

[@rocketfaith1494]

Greetings from Baltimore, Maryland 😃. I just smiled when you were modeling the jackets. BRAVO 👍. I am glad you did not give up. Love them both👋👋👋🤗

[@EmilyLightly]

Thanks so much!

[@imsebastian2000]

Damn!!! Just perfect... 🥺🥺💓

[@barbaraa6098]

Very nice , love the black and white one very much. Both are great. Thanks for sharing.

[@masirehd]

Love both! Totally inspired to give it a shot! I just wanted to commend you for showing us your mistakes and how you were able to move on and learn from it! I’m new at sewing and honestly it was refreshing to see that mistakes is all part of the process ❤️

[@jeanathey767]

Suggest always washing or dry cleaning any used fabric before sewing with it. Lovely projects!

[@mySydan]

Agree. I think there will be a problem with the black & white one.

[@zyzxzsgedr]

the jackets are lovely :) I like that you kept your mistakes in the video, it's so relatable and it's true! Mistakes happen, we have to move forward and learn from them :)

[@magpie06]

The curtain coat looks so avant garde and cool. Great shape, even over-sized. I love it! You did a fantastic job.

[@Rubbaduckie1975]

Both great coats! Well done, loved this video, very relaxing to watch after a lateshift at work.

[@m.fernandez6603]

Just found you. Exactly the thing I need right now, calming music and great content. Thank you. Where is your music from?

[@reginacampbell4618]

Reves d’enfantes by Angel Lover

[@reginacampbell4618]

Try Shazam to learn most unknown music you listen to. It relaxes me also!

[@palomasharp]

May I add, for those who play or study classical piano and wish to learn this piece that it is actually Gymnopédie No. 1 by the French composer Erik Satie. It is not technically difficult but must have a discerning interpretation. Enjoy! - the music teacher.

[@koritsi56]

Gymnopedie No 1 by Erik Satie

[@stevietv321]

I had a quilted jacket that was reversible when I was in high school similar to yours. I bought it at a boutique and all my friends wanted to borrow it to wear. One friend borrowed it and never gave it back🙁

[@grabbagcrafting6004]

She wasn't a friend🙁

[@h.o.y.o]

This is the sort of thing that would haunt me! Argh I hate ppl like that!!!

[@abigailpip112]

I like the quilted one best. The lining on the black and white one is very good. I like that you showed the proccess with mistakes, Im always telling myself I need to take more care! Thanks

[@janetharrison9858]

Each one is absolutely stunning! You've inspired me to try something similar!

[@evasaker2476]

Hello, I’m a new subscriber and I really enjoy your content. It’s different from the mainstream with your simple, clean styles in natural fabrics. You are very good at showing how you make the garments and what problems you come across and how you solv them. I also really appreciate when you upcycle textiles like in this video, that is a big interest of mine. The two jackets turned out beautiful and I loved the quilted one best. From the leftovers you can make a zippered pouch or a bag, maybe also slippers. The black and white fabric would look good as cushion covers. Looking forward to following you and thanks for sharing! Love from Eva in Sweden

[@EmilyLightly]

Thanks for the tips! A bag is a great idea :) ooh and yes, cushion covers for the curtains!

[@caroljuniper5100]

Both jackets are beautiful, but I think I prefer the curtain one the best - it’s got a really elegant fifties look about it. That method of doing the lining is called ‘ bagging out ‘ here in England . Have never done it just know what it’s called from watching The Great British Sewing Bee on the BBC. Loved the video - many thanks.

[@Rceledonio]

LOVE that curtain coat! it came out so well and the fabric matches perfectly with the pattern you chose!

[@melaniemuller-schroder4555]

How inspiring! You have done so well. ❤ Thank you for sharing!

[@ingridklebinder4032]

I like the curtain jacket more, the quilt one, a bit longer would also be a favorite though! Kind regards from Austria, Ingrid

[@kathryndamron3238]

Brilliant job! Love them both, but those black velvet circles are enchanting and I'm so impressed with that lining. Someday, when I grow up (I'm 73, have been sewing for 2 years), I'll perform wizardry too!!

[@helenosullivan1191]

Wow both coats are gorgeous, you have inspired me to start making a coat for winter... Thankyou 🌸🧚🏿‍♂️🥀❤️

[@jlhmyers75]

I love how these turned out! The black and white pattern was my favorite, though. Absolutely stunning, and original.

[@k2lar]

Jackets have always really intimidated me -- but this video shows me that I actually could make something in a style I would wear! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@EmilyLightly]

Definitely! You can do it :)

[@melanie_meanders]

First of all, that machine is quite the workhorse, going through two layers of quilted fabric and bias! The way they usually do bias for a quilt isn’t actually bias at all, it’s usually cut straight grain because quilt binding is mostly straight edges. The length looks like they cut it from their whole yardage of backing! Great work!! 💕

[@FaerieFenergles]

They both look super! Good job! I actually like the quilt one best ... it looks great on!

[@blufaerie]

I love both of these. The pocket design on the second jacket plus the pattern of the print are just perfect!

[@lizaosullivan265]

I would have a hard time cutting up that quilt!! Nice results!

[@Sharon-pb7so]

It wasn't a pieced quilt, it was a panel that looks like it's pieced. I wouldn't have any problems cutting that up. I think it made a cute jacket but I would have made the jacket a bit longer.

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you! The quilt wasn't handmade or anything otherwise I would have had a hard time too. I have another blanket I thrifted to make a jacket and can't bring myself to cut that one haha.

[@jessicawery3939]

I’ve been a quilter for over 30 years, and have made a few quilts specifically to be cut into jackets. I’m my opinion, wearing a quilt is till honoring the work and possibly sharing it beyond what is practical with a wall or bed quilt. Better a jacket than in the cupboard. 😊

[@lindanelson360]

I’m glad this was addressed. An old quilt would be hard to use as fabric. The comforter or spread you used was perfect. You are a good seamstress and designer.

[@rhondacross850]

The Jacket is so lovely but personally, I could never cut up a quilt. Being a quilter myself, so much work goes into making a quilt,that I would feel as though I was undoing someone else's hard work.

[@marikalathem813]

As a quilter I completely understand your point of view. However, I don’t think this is a pieced quilt... I could be wrong but it looks like printed fabric that has the appearance of being pieced...?

[@TheSabinewalkden]

I too am a quilter but this would have been made commercially i.e. in India or China. I totally understand your concerns.

[@maybee...]

I love the repurposing of the quilt fabric, it turned out beautiful, very oriental, worn with a pair of black Flats and black oriental style pants, very cute. I also love the brown sweater you wore while making the jacket, was it a repurpose as well?

[@carolynmorgan8536]

Both are fantastic! I choose the quilt jacket mainly because I like the fit better (for me). Being an experienced sewist, it was easy to follow along with your vlog. Great ideas for upcycling!!!

[@nancychestnut8928]

Bravo! I'm A lifelong sewer and I still make similar mistakes, like the upside down pins. No harm. Lovely use of A quilt. Wish I had a serger. Keep up the good work.

[@sadiejosiemom]

They both are great! I have a couple of observations, though it's probably too late to matter. I would've taken the pockets off the quilted jacket and turned them sideways so they open at the sides, if that makes sense. And I think you probably should've done some type of finish on the raw seams on the circle jacket (either serging, zigzag stitch or binding each side of the open seam) because I'm afraid the seams will ravel whether you dry clean or machine wash. And I would take it to the cleaners for a proper pressing. But they are both really, really nice!

[@CharlotteFurnessWriter]

I'm only a couple of minutes in but loving the music already - where do you find such beautiful music for your videos?

[@jacquelinecousineau4754]

It’s Sati

[@harbourcolour]

I was drawn to your video because I'm a quilter and want to try making a quilt jacket. But wow, that second jacket is fabulous!! Great job on both... very fun and relaxing to watch your tutorial. Thanks!

[@user-fq7gb5qb2k]

Благодарю, вас, за видео! Восторг, что рукодельницы всего мира могут, здесь, вдохновлять друг друга! Интернет и ютуб стирают границы!!! Всём творческих успехов!!!! ❤❤❤❤🎉

[@hana.the.writer5074]

And you! 👋🏻🌸🍃

[@mslettucebfrank]

I think with the second half of the quilt you could probably make another coat and keep it in your car if you find someone (homeless?) who needs extra warmth in those colder months.

[@RM-ee9zk]

Thank you for teaching us! And thank you for playing beautiful relaxing music (and not annoying music) 🥰

[@maryphibbs8404]

I made the Ilford jacket out of a pair of thrifted linen blend drapes. My intention was to get thrifted material to make a muslin before making the actual jacket from more expensive material but I ended up liking it so much I decided to keep it as my actual jacket. Love your projects, both are lovely.

[@sirenamber]

Beautiful! Also.. have I been using a stitch ripper upside down all this time?! I always use the bead side up. 🤷‍♀️

[@Elinkettu]

me too!! my mind was blown! haha and it seems so logical this way!

[@anothernewobsessions5961]

I read that's the way its meant to be used! My mind was blown too haha

[@EmilyLightly]

Haha yeah I recently learned it's bead side down! I think it stops the pointy end from sticking into the fabric as you go.

[@tatianavesna5656]

Супер! Спасибо за видео!

[@riekodi5508]

Love, love, love ‘em both. Super cute. Can hardly wait to be skilled enough to make the jackets you just made! Live all the patterns and fabrics you use too! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@EmilyLightly]

Thank you so much!

[@cynthiacarr2093]

Gorgeous 👏🏾👏🏾😁💯❤ tyfs! The lining looks professional because it is💯👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😁 you are very talented and patient!

[@CactusLadyCreation]

So relaxing to watch. Thank you for sharing this lovely project!

[@hannahperlotto139]

Wow!!!! Love the jackets!! Both very special ❤️ Well done with the lined one that's never easy.

[@elinorjv6919]

I absolutely love the quilted one! Wish I could find fabric like that in my thrift shops 😍😍🥲😭

[@minettegrocott4018]

Both of the coats turned out really well, absolutely love the quilt fabric