Wrapping themselves in a quilt is one way people are coping with the effects of the Eaton Fire.

By Mary O’KEEFE

It has been two months since the devastating Palos Verdes and Eaton fires. The Eaton Fire killed 17 people, damaged 1,074 structures and destroyed 9,414 structures, according to CAL FIRE. 

Although the fires have been contained their effects are still very much active. People who have had their homes damaged or destroyed are trying to manage their way through the mountain of paperwork from insurance companies and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). There are also very personal issues they have to face, like the loss of all personal possessions and what it will take to move forward. 

Often after a devastation like the Eaton Fire, coping with the magnitude of what was lost becomes a moment-to-moment situation; for example, discovering something missing when it is sought. 

“It melted,” said a survivor of the Eaton Fire about her sewing machine. 

She is an Altadena resident and quilting was her way of escaping the world.

CVW met her at Quilt ’n’ Things Fiber Arts on March 9 when storeowner Lana Norton invited those affected by the fire to come to her store and choose a quilt for themselves.  

“We were happy to distribute the 100-plus quilts that we’ve been collecting since mid-January,” Norton said. “Cotton Gin Fabric in Redlands also collected fabrics, which we distributed to the community on [March 9].”

Norton got the word out about the giveaway via the company’s newsletter and social media.
“And wonderful people like Shannon La Baw, who helped spread the word,” she said. La Baw is a fellow quilter. 

Longtime residents will remember Quilt ’n’ Things when it was in Montrose; Norton purchased the business about seven years ago. At the time it was still located in the 2400 block of Honolulu Avenue. The store had been open since 1984. But as rent was constantly increasing, Norton decided to move the business to Foothill Boulevard. It is now located at 3704 Foothill Blvd. 

“In addition to selling fabric and sewing supplies, Quilt’n’ Things offers longarm services [an oversized sewing machine specifically used in quilting] and a variety of classes, including beginning sewing, quilt making, garment sewing, bag making, sashiko and other forms of hand stitching. We have a membership for those interested in free classes, discounted merchandise, and a friendly/inclusive sewing community,” according to the company’s website. 

Many of those affected by the Eaton Fire took classes at Quilt ’n’ Things Fiber Arts Studio. 

“After the fire, I began getting calls canceling classes,” Norton said. 

People didn’t want to take classes if they didn’t have sewing machines, even though Norton has sewing machines that can be used during classes. The loss of a sewing machine, for many CVW spoke with, was just part of their feeling of loss. Like the traditional quilting bees of the past, quilters have a unique feeling of family … one loss affects them all. 

Quilting, and quilts, have a comforting affect and Norton wanted to share that warmth with those who were in need at this time.

As people walked into her store they saw a colorful layout of beautifully made quilts. One woman shared the story of her young daughter who had lost everything in  her bedroom due to the fire including the quilt she loved. Another spoke of a quilt she had made for her granddaughter. Each year on her granddaughter’s birthday, they would take a photo of her with the quilt. 

“It’s the only quilt I ever made,” she said. 

She picked out a quilt but also grabbed some free bags of quilting pieces that Norton had made available. She was going to make her granddaughter another quilt. 

There were a few tears shed on March 9 as people unfolded the quilts to reveal their beauty. Each person took a quilt that spoke to them.

For those who have never quilted, the opportunity to have something that was handmade and donated specifically to help them meant more than words could express. For those who were quilters, the fact that the family of quilters was supporting them was equally meaningful. And many of those quilters vowed to get new machines and continue to quilt. 

“Quilting was my escape,” one said. 

Norton’s Quilt ’n’ Things is a unicorn in a world where fabric stores are closing.  She is constantly looking for new ideas and new ways to get more people involved in quilting. This summer she will be launching a new sewing school from June 9 to July 26. Due to the reaction on March 9 by so many people who came and picked out a favorite quilt, she has begun collecting quilts to share again. 

To find out more about Quilt ’n’ Things Fiber Art or to be put on the mailing list, visit quiltnthings.com.