Creating one-of-a-kind garments from damaged quilts, textile designer and artist Christina Danaee builds on the artistry of others to highlight the craft of handmade fiber arts, while also encouraging more conversation around sustainable clothing choices.
“I’ve always been interested in fashion, textiles and sustainability, so when I came across my first damaged quilt in Tulsa it just felt like something I wanted to try, to see if I could do it,” Danaee says.
Sourcing her quilts from places like thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops, Danaee carefully preserves their history while giving them new life.
Growing up in the Seattle area, Danaee’s early lessons began with custom doll clothes before she eventually advanced to making clothes for herself.
“My mother and grandmother both had a hand in teaching me how to sew, knit and crochet starting at a very young age … My grandmother knit sweaters and blankets for everyone in our family and was also a proficient quilter,” she says.
Danaee went on to build a successful career in knitwear design, creating more than 75 original patterns since 2011. She is also the author of “Modern Heritage Knits,” a collection of 15 original patterns inspired by the American yarn industry and its cultural significance.
Danaee’s third collection debuts Sept. 18 at Chimera Cafe.
“I started to hear stories about folks breeding heritage animals (breeds of sheep, goat, alpaca or other fiber-producing animals that may be less popular because of their rarity, or the difficulty raising the animal incurs), revitalizing historic mills and dye houses, and doing their best to keep this legacy craft and knowledge alive,” she says.
After moving to Tulsa in 2023 and taking a break from knitwear design, Danaee found a new source of inspiration in upcycling damaged quilts into wearable pieces. One turned into two and friends began requesting more. “The best part was trying to find a quilt that matched their style and personality,” she says.
Sourcing her quilts from places like thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops, Danaee carefully preserves their history while giving them new life. Before repurposing a quilt, she thoughtfully assesses its condition, selecting only those that can no longer fulfill their original function. In doing so, she honors each quilt’s legacy while extending its story in a new form.
Upcycled goods created by Danaee
For Danaee, each quilt isn’t merely a functional object but rather a representation of the lives and communities that made them.
“I think the craft continues to be very under-appreciated,” she says. “Since quilting has mainly been a craft that women engage in, it can be undervalued and seen as less important than other art. But each quilt, its colors, pattern and materials tell a story from a specific time and place. No two are alike!”
Ultimately, Danaee hopes every piece she creates carries forward the love stitched into it.
Growing up in the Seattle area, Danaee’s early creations began with custom doll clothes.
“I always say wearing one of my coats is like getting a hug from me and everyone else who’s had a hand in its creation.”
Danaee’s third collection debuts Sept. 18 alongside collaborating artists
at Chimera Cafe in downtown Tulsa. Learn more via her Instagram or at shopchristinadanaee.com.
