This extinct-animal quilt was inspired by the ongoing sixth mass extinction taking place during the present Holocene epoch as a result of human activity. Some scientists estimate that each year 8,700 species of animals go extinct.

The quilt, which seeks to memorialize just a few of the wonderful animals that once roamed this world, measures 66 x 51 inches and is made from recycled material.

Surrounded by creatures that lived over the past hundreds of millions of years, at the center of the quilt stands the magnificent Mauritius Blue Pigeon. The bird’s story is sadly familiar. It became extinct in the 1830s due to deforestation and the introduction of predators by humans. Due to “island tameness”—it wasn’t used to humans and other large predators—it was an easy target.

Once native to an island in the Indian Ocean, this very large pigeon was known by the erectile plumage around its head. I can very much identify with this bird, not only because its call was “barf-barf.” I also have the same hairdo.

Much of the denim was gifted to me by friends and neighbors, but the pigeon was inspired by a bag of fabric I found on the street (my lucky day). I spent all weekend sorting, washing, drying and ironing fabrics and blow-drying fur.

Please email me for a price at sabineheinlein@gmail.com