LOS ANGELES -- The Eaton fire has left its mark on the Altadena community, displacing numerous families and claiming cherished belongings. Among those who felt the deep void left by the tragedy is Shaadee Ighanian, a former children's apparel designer who was moved to act after witnessing the impact of the fire on her friends, one of whom lost their home.
Driven by compassion, Ighanian began crafting quilts for those affected, starting with one for her friend’s 7-month-old baby, Luna. Just one week after the fire ignited, Ighanian reached out through her Instagram account, appealing for quilt donations to support families displaced by the Eaton fire. "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 it happen," she wrote, capturing the essence of her mission.
What began as a personal endeavor quickly blossomed. Her grassroots campaign, titled Stitch by Stitch: Quilts for Altadena, garnered significant traction and support, much to Ighanian’s surprise. "There was an outpouring from people who wanted to help. It got its rhythm, and more and more people started reposting it and it blew up. It resounded with people," she said, reflecting on the wave of kindness her plea inspired.
With the community's heartfelt response, more than 100 individuals offered help, resulting in 70 quilts being promised or donated. The quilts have come from as far away as the United Kingdom and other states like Oregon, Ohio, and Massachusetts. Each quilt, unique with its own design, color, fabric, and size, is carefully crafted to offer comfort to those living temporarily after their lives were uprooted.
Operating from her Glendale bungalow, where she lives with her husband and 7-year-old daughter, Ighanian quips lightheartedly about possibly starting a nonprofit. "It’s just me, my notebook and stack of quilts in my living room," she says, laughing as she points at the vibrant blankets lined up, many adorned with encouraging handwritten notes attached.
Ighanian is seeing the human side of her campaign firsthand as well. People are reaching out to her, often contacting her on behalf of friends who are overwhelmed by their loss. She carefully curates selections for individuals based on their needs, ensuring each quilt goes to someone who truly requires its comfort. "Quilts are like a hug. You can feel all the time spent making them when you wrap yourself in the layers of fabric," she explained.
On top of the physical blankets, Ighanian encourages donors to attach 'love notes,' sharing the backstory of the quilts. One donor presented one of her earliest quilts she had sewn over 20 years prior, now gifted to someone in need. "The quilt looks perfect and brand-new," Ighanian remarked, noting the quilt’s remarkable condition and the emotional value it carries.
Wendy Self, one of the recipients who lost her home, shared her experience picking up her quilt from Ighanian. "Shaadee's daughter was lying on the couch under a quilt her mother had made. She said to me, 'I'm so sorry you lost your house,' unprompted. I told her, 'I’m sorry too, but a lot of nice people are helping us,'" Self recounted, describing how the small gesture of kindness deeply touched her heart.
"The quilt is so comforting -- I sent my 20-year-old daughter back to UCSB with it -- but witnessing this young girl's exposure to acts of service and generosity really stuck with me," she continued, emphasizing both the personal connection and the broader sense of community support. Even after such devastating losses, Self found hope, saying, "Art has the power to uplift people when you feel like you can't do anything. A quilt is just what I need right now."
Meanwhile, limited space for storage has prompted Ighanian to actively distribute the quilts as they come. She hand-delivered some to the Altadena Kindred free store, where they vanished within just 15 minutes. On one occasion, she even met with someone in the parking lot of JoAnn’s for the same purpose. "That’s the best part," she remarked about the distribution process, highlighting the joy she finds in giving these quilts to those who need them.
Adding to the community’s efforts, Lake Avenue Church is planning to host the “Songs of Renewal: A Fire Relief Benefit Concert” on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 4 p.m. The concert will be free of admission, and all donations raised will go directly toward the renewal and rebuilding process for those impacted by the Eaton fire.
The Lake Chamber Symphony, known for their engaging performances spanning classical and Broadway to sacred music, will headline the event alongside guest artist Yue Yin, aiming to provide comfort to the grieving community through the power of music. "All donations from the event will be used for the renewal and rebuilding of our community," said Sally Christopher, the event coordinator, speaking to the collective effort to support those who have lost not only homes but also the instruments and resources of joy they cherished.
Historically, Pasadena and Altadena have united during tough times, showcasing resilience and solidarity. This upcoming concert reflects the community’s unwavering spirit amid adversity.
Through these initiatives, both Ighanian’s heartfelt quilt campaign and the concert at Lake Avenue Church stand together to remind those affected by the Eaton fire of the enduring support and kindness found in their community, as they rebuild their lives, one stitch and one note at a time.