A Trade - Quilt for Tattoos

After we lost Persephone, Simon and I went to get memorial tattoos. I got a pomegranate and he got a little drawing of hers.

My pomegranate tattoo - the pomegranate is often a symbol for Persephone because of its role in the myth

Simon got one of P’s frequently drawn characters

I decided to keep going and cover some old sparse cherry blossoms on my arm that I’d never loved, something I’d wanted to do for years but couldn’t let myself spend the time or money. Suddenly in my grief it became a priority. So, since March I’ve been sitting for the talented Alyssa Carbonara about once a month while she helps me with this massive project, stabs me and makes beautiful art on my skin.

Alyssa’s quilt

One of these visits she mentioned she’d always wanted a quilt but never had one. We quickly and enthusiastically decided to do a trade. She brought me lots of clothes, sweatshirts, concert tees, even pajamas. And I worked them into this patchwork. Alyssa said she loves cozy tactile materials so I decided to try a minky backing for the first time. It was heavy and slippery to sew with but turned out really snuggly and nice (I skipped batting so it wouldn’t be too heavy). Just for fun I saved the pockets from two hoodies she gave me and sewed them on the back. Pockets for tv time with a pal.

block detail - image from a t-shirt of musician Sierra Ferrell

block detail - contains some pajamas and a Johnny Cash t-shirt

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Handwritten label

Back of quilt with hoodie pockets attached

hoodie pocket just for fun

I quilted with simple straight lines and ties. I hope Alyssa and her kitties are loving their new quilt. Measures 70x87. Quilt photos by Mitch Hopper.