The East LA Stitchers will surprise more than 100 students with a warm keepsake
Diane Velarde Hernandez is a longtime member of TELAS de la Vida, also called The East LA Stitchers, known for their quilt-making. Using a variety of techniques – they fit and stitch fabric pieces together that appear like a puzzle or patchwork to create their useful works of art that provide both warmth and comfort.
Hernandez, who grew up in Pacoima, first learned how to sew when she was in middle school “I did it out of necessity,” she recalled. “I learned to sew because I wanted new dresses, and my mom couldn’t afford to buy them, so I decided to learn how to make my own clothes.”
Years later, Hernandez joined TELAS at the invitation of a friend.
“When I thought of traditional quilting, I would picture the Midwest, the Amish and beautiful work, but with very pastel and soft colors,” she explained. When she saw the quilts made by The East LA Stitchers, she was struck by their vibrant hues and themes. “They have a bold Latino, Chicano and Mexicano aesthetic – very colorful and eye-catching,” she asserted. “They’re absolutely lovely.”
The late LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina, who was a great supporter of the arts and a quilter herself, was one of the founders of Telas. The group of predominantly Latinas, who are mostly retired, meet and share patterns, tips and friendship. Their work has added a Latina-centric expression to quiltmaking and is promoting the art of quilting in the Latino community.
Just a few years ago, Sylvia Barajas began quilting as a hobby. Since last July, however, the 60-year-old from Signal Hill, with impressive skill, has made her own quilts and assisted in the production of dozens of other quilts to help meet the group’s most recent goal.
On Dec. 12, Hernandez and Barajas, with other quilters in the TELAS sewing group, will visit California State University, Northridge, to deliver a collection of more than 100 quilts to students in time for Christmas and the cold weather. It was just four months ago that TELAS took on this ambitious project.
An Unanticipated Holiday Present
“It’s a surprise for some resilient students,” said 74-year-old Hernandez. It’s a project dear to her. Hernandez taught and held various positions at San Fernando High School for 33 years. “I’m a graduate and was an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) student at CSUN,” added the retired educator.
It was after Hernandez watched the Netflix documentary, “The Quilters,” that the seed was planted. The film tells the story of men in a maximum security prison in Minnesota who make birthday quilts for local foster children.
Hernandez’ daughter, who currently works at CSUN, then asked if TELAS could donate quilts to a group of their students.
When Hernandez presented the idea to the other Telas members, there was no hesitation and they quickly got to work. “Everyone has been so generous. The cost of fabric is very expensive these days and with stores like JoAnne’s now closed, fabric can be $10.00 per yard.”
The Art of Quilting
For Hernandez and the other talented TELAS members, quilts provide warmth and embody imagination and self-expression. A photo gallery on their social media page features members holding up their quilts of every size, design and theme.
It’s a labor of love and skill.
She explained that the multi-layered textile consists of the quilt top, batting, backing and binding, along with quilting stitches. The quilt top is the decorative upper layer, while the batting, the middle layer, offers warmth. The backing serves as the quilt’s bottom layer. The binding is a fabric strip that edges the quilt, and quilting stitches keep the three layers securely together.
The construction isn’t an easy task, as very precise measurement, cutting and sewing of just the right fabric is needed to ensure all the pieces fit together. It requires patience. The more intricate the design, the more challenging it is.
Madeline Sherman, a 79-year-old resident of Westminster in Orange County, another member of TELAS, has been quilting for about 35 years and has completed 15 quilts for the CSUN project. She said her quilts are inspired by the renowned American-born, London-based quilter and fabric designer Kaffe Fassett. Fassett is celebrated worldwide for his quilting designs and unique fabrics, which draw inspiration from Italy, Morocco and Ireland, according to Sherman. “I incorporate his fabrics, which feature vibrant colors and floral patterns,” Sherman shared.
Barajas aimed to create quilts that are both gender-inclusive and modern. “I don’t know how many male and female students are in the CSUN group, so I designed my quilts to appeal to both genders,” she explained. “My pieces have a modern look that resonates with students and young people.”
She personally crafted five quilts and helped stitch approximately 62 more for other members of TELAS who didn’t have access to long-arm sewing machines capable of handling large fabric pieces.
As a retired college administrator, Barajas was pleased to create quilts for students pursuing their degrees. Previously, she served as the vice president of business at West LA College and worked at Moorpark College in Ventura County. She has also taught as a guest lecturer for a graduate program at CSUN.
“It’s a pleasure to help students in higher education improve their lives with these gifts,” said Barrajas.
Handmade quilts are treasured and oftentimes passed down from generation to generation as heirlooms.
“It is our hope,” said Hernandez, “when they wrap themselves in the warmth of their quilts, they feel the love, support and pride in continuing their education and they know they are part of our connected community.”
Editor Diana Martinez contributed to this article