La Catrina: Collage Quilt

Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is celebrated each year on November 1st and 2nd. The tradition honors those who have passed, whose souls are thought to come back to be with their loved ones. 

One of the strongest and most recognizable symbols of The Day of the Dead is the female skeleton wearing a fancy hat with feathers: La Catrina.

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La Catrina by Alice Catallini

This creative collage quilt was based on a pattern by Laura Heine, titled "Dee-ceased".  The bones and hat are composed of moth-ridden and stained family linens (circa 1930), including handkerchiefs, tea towels, lace dress, napkins, embroidered linen and doilies.  What a great idea!  We enjoyed the many creative details, including the caterpillar eyebrows (!)  Feminine touches include dangle earrings and a necklace.

A banner urging "Happy Gatherings" was appliqued is in the lower right corner of the quilt (see photo below). Some of the vintage linens can also be seen on the 'bones'. A few more creepy details can be seen crawling up La Catrina's arm.

 

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2023 Quilt Fiesta (Tucson, Arizona.)