Creative Design: Professional

Upcycled Quilt Top Ensemble Inspired by 1930s Beach Pajamas

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Abstract

The purpose of the design was to create an upcycled quilt top ensemble inspired by 1930s beach pajamas and the work of Madeleine Vionnet for a contemporary audience while emphasizing sustainability. Apparel designers employ upcycling as a method of using unwanted textiles to create new designs to increase the sustainability of their work. Impending tariffs on apparel/textiles are encouraging more designers to upcycle locally available resources. Furthermore, jackets made from upcycled quilts have been trending lately. The design also incorporated the skirt/pants pattern from a Madeleine Vionnet gown pattern. Flat patterning and draping were used to create the design. The present design contributes to the body of knowledge around how to use historic patterns in contemporary garments. Future design research should further investigate how to size up historic patterns to fit contemporary bodies. This design also capitalized on the upcycled quilt trend to create a fashionable, sustainable ensemble. 

Keywords: upcycling, quilt, patternmaking, Vionnet

How to Cite:

Stannard, C. R., (2025) “Upcycled Quilt Top Ensemble Inspired by 1930s Beach Pajamas”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21771