Mitxi |

Liberty Worth Art enlisted me in a fresh studio project; de/re-constructing seven coordinated memory-quilt tops co-designed by a family missing their Mitxi {mother and grandmother}, Helene.

Before seeking out Liberty, Helene’s daughter commissioned another memory quilt company for the project… and here’s what they received:

Yikes.

They were so sad.

Aesthetics aside, these aren’t quilts. They’re two pieces of fabric clapped together {with raw edges} stitched around the outside.

Helene was an embroiderer, and the family gave her pieces to be incorporated in each quilt— but her embroidery was nearly destroyed, with pieces fractured and fraying by being carelessly chopped up into pieces.

As a textile artist, it broke my heart.

Liberty and Helene’s granddaughter came up with a new design {repurposing the blankets and +/- ten pieces of additional clothing} then handed them over to me:

Liberty’s sketch for the new design w/ my chicken scratch scribbles on top

Intentions |

Helene’s clothes reminded me of my grandma’s clothes, and I felt endeared to the project quickly.

While the family assumed her embroidery unsalvageable if removed from the (yucky, scratchy) black backing, without question, I knew I’d put my best efforts into removing/repairing/restoring her pieces as if they were my own.

Aesthetics |

When creating quilts with clothing, you can lean into or away from visible “tells” that they were sewn from clothing remnants. Keep the buttons… ditch the zippers… showcase a pocket, etc.

For Mitxi’s quilts, I wanted them to visibly scream Mom! and Grandma! as soon as the family saw them. So the vibes were 100%: her clothes!

Process |

∙ Deconstruct blankets and remaining clothing

∙ Detach and repair embroidery into patch style pieces, reinforcing all backs and edges {before adhering and sewing to fabric}

∙ Sew (center) quad designs and scrappy fabric strips

∙ Assemble the tops, using seven unique blue → purple-y background fabrics, with each in its own shade

A Special Touch |

Even though we had nothing to do with the first round of blankets, I felt so awful that I wanted to give the family a gift.

I had Liberty ask for writing samples of Helene’s, and her family had just the perfect thing!

Look how happy they are!

They’ve been handed off for assembly and long-arming, and I can’t wait to see photos when they’re finished.

I love working on projects like this; gifting people with repurposed tokens of loved ones, now tangible art they can see and hold. It feels wonderful to turn well-loved, everyday items into functional heirlooms (that might otherwise find themselves in a landfill for lack of use).

Everyone leaves behind a legacy. I get the sense that Mitxi’s was love.

I’m currently accepting quilt commissions of my own, as well as sewing for Liberty, if you’re interested in either/both of our work.

✌🏻 Tifanie

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