Shaadee Ighanian, a former children’s apparel designer turned independent maker, found herself deeply moved by the impact of the Eaton fire on her close friends, who lost their home along with their 7-month-old baby, Luna. In an act of compassion, Ighanian decided to create a quilt for Luna, hoping to offer some comfort during such a difficult time. As she worked on the quilt, she couldn’t help but think of all the others who had been displaced by the fire. Though she knew she couldn’t make a quilt for everyone, she felt compelled to do something more. This feeling of helplessness soon transformed into a grassroots initiative when she posted on her Instagram account, calling on fellow quilters and crafters to donate quilts for those affected by the fire. With only about 1,000 followers at the time, she asked others to spread the word, hoping to rally a community effort. Her caption read, “For those who have lost everything, a quilt is more than just fabric — it’s a tangible embrace, a moment of peace in the chaos. So, I’m reaching out to my fellow quilters to help make that happen.”
The response was overwhelming. What started as a small, personal gesture quickly grew into a larger movement. Ighanian’s post resonated deeply with people, and soon, quilters from all over Los Angeles, as well as from places like Oregon, Ohio, Massachusetts, and even the United Kingdom, began reaching out to contribute. Some donated heirloom quilts that had been stored away for years, while others offered to make brand-new ones. One 90-year-old woman even gifted her entire collection of quilts. Ighanian was touched by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the donations, many of which included handwritten notes of encouragement and love. At the time of writing, over 100 people had responded to her call, with 70 quilts either promised or already donated. Each quilt was unique, with its own design, colors, and fabrics, making every piece a special and personal gift.
Ighanian’s living room, which doubles as her sewing studio, became the hub of this heartfelt campaign, which she dubbed “Stitch by Stitch: Quilts for Altadena.” She jokes that she might have accidentally started a nonprofit, as she now spends her days coordinating donations, matching quilts to recipients, and delivering them to those in need. “It’s just me, my notebook, and a stack of quilts in my living room,” she said, laughing. She takes care to ensure that each quilt finds the right home, often sending pictures of available quilts to those who have reached out and letting them choose the one that resonates with them the most. For Ighanian, quilts are more than just pieces of fabric; they are a way to offer comfort and connection. “Quilts are like a hug,” she said. “You can feel all the time that was spent making them when you wrap yourself in the layers of fabric.”
The recipients of these quilts have been deeply moved by the kindness and thoughtfulness behind each one. Many have shared stories of how the quilts have brought them comfort and hope during a time of great loss. For example, Wendy Self, a 55-year-old occupational therapist who lost her home in the fire, was overwhelmed with emotion when she picked up her quilt from Ighanian’s home. She shared a touching moment with Ighanian’s 7-year-old daughter, who expressed her own sympathy for their loss. Self later said that witnessing the young girl’s exposure to acts of service and generosity had a profound impact on her. The quilt itself, which Self’s 20-year-old daughter now uses at college, has become a symbol of the community’s support and love. “Art has the power to uplift people when you feel like you can’t do anything,” Self said. “A quilt is just what I need right now.”
Ighanian’s journey into quilting and handmade crafts began after the birth of her daughter, Paloma. She found herself drawn to the creative process and the satisfaction of making something with her own hands. She started with small projects, like a quilt for her daughter’s doll, and eventually moved on to making sweatshirts with hand-appliqued designs. Her love for natural dyes and unique, personalized touches has made her work stand out, and she sells some of her creations on Etsy. For Ighanian, creating is not just about making a product; it’s about pouring her heart into every stitch. “It is so satisfying to make everything with my hands,” she said. “I had such a strong urge to create after the birth of my daughter. I would try to get to the dye bath while she napped.” This passion for handmade craftsmanship is evident in every quilt she makes and every donation she coordinates.
The impact of Ighanian’s initiative extends far beyond the quilts themselves. It has brought a sense of hope and unity to a community that has lost so much. For Heather Praun, a co-owner of a local garden center who also lost her home in the fire, the quilt she received from Ighanian was a reminder that she was not alone. “I was overjoyed when Shaadee brought me a quilt,” Praun said. “It was such a happy feeling. Her generosity and kindness overwhelmed me. It is such a beautiful quilt. I love looking at it every day and using it.” The quilt has become a symbol of the resilience and compassion of the Altadena community, reminding Praun and others that even in the midst of loss, there is still so much to be grateful for. “It has been so depressing,” Praun acknowledged, “but we need to keep helping each other so that we can move forward.”
For those who would like to contribute to Ighanian’s efforts, she can be reached on Instagram at @shaadeemae. Every quilt, whether it’s a brand-new creation or a cherished heirloom, has the power to bring comfort and warmth to those who need it most. As Ighanian continues to stitch her way through this grassroots campaign, she reminds us all of the power of kindness, creativity, and community. In a world that often feels overwhelming, it’s the small, thoughtful acts like these that can make the biggest difference.
