Amidst the devastation caused by the Eaton fire in Altadena, Shaadee Ighanian, a former children’s apparel designer, found a way to bring comfort and hope to those who had lost everything. While she was fortunate enough not to have lost her own home, the impact of the fire hit close to home when her friends, with a young baby, were left homeless. This personal connection sparked a beautiful initiative that would go on to touch the lives of many in the community.
Stitch by Stitch: Quilts for Altadena
As Ighanian embarked on creating a linen quilt for her friend’s 7-month-old baby Luna, she couldn’t help but think of all the families who had been displaced by the fire. The idea of making a quilt for everyone affected seemed impossible, but that didn’t stop her from taking action. With a humble Instagram post, she reached out to her small following of 1,000 followers, asking for quilt donations to benefit those impacted by the Eaton fire.
The response was overwhelming. What started as a simple gesture of compassion quickly snowballed into a grassroots campaign known as Stitch by Stitch: Quilts for Altadena. People from all over Los Angeles, Oregon, Ohio, Massachusetts, and even the United Kingdom came together to offer their support in the form of handmade quilts. The outpouring of generosity was a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for kindness and solidarity in times of crisis.
A Touch of Humanity in Every Stitch
With over 100 individuals responding to Ighanian’s call for help, more than 70 unique quilts were either donated or promised. Each quilt, with its distinct design, color palette, and fabric, carried a message of empathy and support for those in need. From heirloom quilts hidden away in closets to brand-new creations, the quilts symbolized a tangible embrace, a moment of peace amidst the chaos that had engulfed the community.
One heartwarming aspect of the initiative was the inclusion of “love notes” and backstories with each quilt donation. One woman shared the story of her first quilt made over 20 years ago, now finding its way to someone in need. These personal touches added a layer of humanity to the quilts, connecting the givers and recipients in a shared bond of compassion and resilience.
As the quilts made their way to the hands of those affected by the fire, stories of gratitude and hope began to emerge. Wendy Self, a longtime resident of Altadena who lost her home in the fire, found solace in the quilt she received from Ighanian. The simple act of kindness not only provided physical warmth but also served as a reminder of the community’s unwavering support during challenging times.
From Designer to Humanitarian
For Ighanian, the initiative marked a shift from her days as a designer for corporate giants like the Gap and Old Navy. The hands-on approach of creating quilts and sweatshirts from start to finish allowed her to channel her creativity in a more personal and meaningful way. The process of hand-quilting and appliqueing became a form of therapy, a way to navigate the complexities of life and find joy in the act of creation.
Through her Stitch by Stitch campaign, Ighanian inadvertently became a beacon of hope for the Altadena community. The quilts she distributed weren’t just pieces of fabric; they were symbols of resilience, compassion, and unity. In a time of darkness, she brought light and warmth to those who needed it most, showcasing the transformative power of art, community, and human connection.
As the campaign continues to grow, with more people reaching out to donate quilts and support the cause, Ighanian remains committed to spreading comfort and kindness to those affected by the Eaton fire. Her living room turned into a makeshift distribution center, overflowing with colorful quilts and heartfelt notes, is a testament to the impact of a single act of kindness in times of adversity.
In the midst of loss and tragedy, Shaadee Ighanian’s quilts have become more than just blankets; they are threads of hope, woven together stitch by stitch, to create a tapestry of compassion and resilience that binds a community in solidarity. If you would like to contribute to this heartwarming initiative, reach out to Ighanian on Instagram at shaadeemae and be a part of the healing journey for those rebuilding their lives after the Eaton fire.
