Our Story

Vacilando is a design and Production studio dedicated to making beautiful, useful Objects while modernizing the tradition of American craftsmanship.

Founder + Chief Creative Officer

Laura Preston

Raised in Texas and London by architect parents, Laura spent several years in New York City studying art history and painting before embarking on a year-long road trip adventure around the U.S. in 2013. Six years of traveling and two Airstreams later, she now calls the Texas Hill Country home.

Completely self taught (with the help of the internet), Laura discovered the medium of textiles on the road and fell in love with the utility and potential of the craft. With a couple years of quilting under her belt and a dream of designing and making quilts all day, she launched Vacilando in February of 2015.

Endlessly eager to explore new places, wander through markets, and discover interesting colors and textures in nature, Laura draws inspiration from her travels and translates them into the modern minimalist designs that Vacilando is known for.

modernizing the cottage industry model

We employ talented quilters and seamstresses who work from their home studios all across the United States. Born out of necessity when Vacilando was a mobile quilting studio, we’ve remained location independent—and we like it that way.

the Team

 
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Mary Hill

Production Quilter

Minneapolis, MN

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Emily Preston

Studio Manager

San Marcos, TX

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HANNAH MILEY

Production Quilter + Seamstress

Berwick, ME

Our Values

 

Exploration is essential

Whether it’s exploring a new country, our own backyard, or a new idea, exploration is essential to what we do. We explore the world to find inspiration and come up with new ideas. We explore techniques, materials, and concepts to push Vacilando forward and make it better. 

Craftsmanship over perfection

We make things by hand and are proud to give them the mark of the maker. Handmade quilts have imperfections, which is what makes them so special and gives them character. It shows the love, craft, and care that goes into each piece. Perfect is overrated, craftsmanship is interesting.

Open and honest

We communicate authentically in every interaction throughout all facets of our business. We glady share the materials we use, how we make our quilts, and who is making them. We share openly about how the business is run, the decisions we make, and the purpose and passion behind Vacilando.

Follow our journey

@vacilandostudios

 
“The marbler must accept the mystery of the process and remain open to change and surprise. The art of marbling imparts lessons in patience and acceptance, with the marbler becoming both the master and the student of chance.” — @mer
We had enough marbled fabric scraps leftover from the whole cloth pillows and vests we initially made for the Marble Dye Capsule Collection to make a handful of Vacilando pillows and wall quilt designs (thanks to @azcoquilting’s suggestion!) an
The Marbled Cairns Wall Quilt — a total stunner with @mercedezrexdesigns marble dyed fabric 🤩 This is just one of three wall quilts in the limited edition Marble Dye Capsule Collection launching this Friday 5/19 at 12pm CT ⏳
I became enamored with marbling after spotting the most amazing marbled robe at Round Top last fall — it feels organic, fresh, playful, and just a little psychedelic🔮 The two colorways of custom marble dyed fabric that @mercedezrexdesigns cre
We put as much thought and care into our packaging as we do our handmade quilts 🥰 Every order gets neatly folded and wrapped with cotton ribbon + thick paper, a handwritten thank you card, a hang tag with care instructions, and orders over $300 get
Next Friday is not only the launch of our Marble Dye Capsule Collection, but also the debut of QUILTED VESTS! Y’all have been asking for a vest and after months of collaborative development with our team, we came up with a vest that we are obs