Patchwork clothes

I re-found a bag of clothes which my mother gave me about a year ago.
Special clothes from my childhood that she had carefully saved. There was a bag for each of her four children.


This jacket was made by my mother's friend, Helena Lapas (Portuguese textile artist). I remember the thrill of it being reversible. Turning it inside-out too many times, over the course of a day. My sister was also given one but hers was tones of blue and pink. I knew that no one else in the world had one. I knew that it had been made specially for me. It spoke of friendships in other countries, in warmer places, where restaurants have paper tablecloths that you can draw on. I liked the red stripy side better. I remember tracing my fingers over the appliqué flowers. I wore it to birthday parties with my two plaits folded and pinned over the top of my head.

My jacket reminds me of this one that Rosa made for her daughter. Also reversible, also made by a Portuguese textile artist, also beautiful. I hope it gives her daughter as many happy memories.

Extra :A rainbow patchwork dress.