Jon Coffelt’s Memory Clothing

Jon Coffelt’s Memory Clothing was included in the Creative Process section of our January/February 2009 issue. Coffelt uses cherished items of clothing to create miniature replica garments. Coffelt describes the miniatures as tiny symbols of people and events, folded in time. Below are additional images from Coffelt’s project.

All images are reclaimed and miniaturized personal garments and handsewn. Photos: Shawn Boley.

“Granny Mae had a lady make her clothes because she has a slight hump in her back. When she bought something from a store it never fit correctly. She gave me this dress in 1970, years after she had it made. I told her at the time if I ever made a dress for her I would put darts in the back at the shoulder area as to accommodate her hump.”
—Jon Coffelt

Shawn’s first shirt, 1993.

Coffelt’s pajamas from 1969.

Miniature made from the pajamas Coffelt’s grandfather was wearing when he passed away.

Granny Coffelt’s green dress.