Old Glory, Made New: A Collaborative Dialogue with Sean Leffers X Lorna Harkins
Sean: We know E Pluribus Unum, a traditional motto of the United States, appearing on the Great Seal, inspired the name of the collection you launched in Paris this year, Out Of Many, One. What sparked the idea of “re-imagining” the American flag through the lens of your new collection?
SL: One thing I've learned in working with historic textiles is that traditions are rarely as singular as they appear. Many of the fabrics we associate most strongly with a particular place are actually the result of many influences woven together over generations.
People often describe America as a melting pot, but I think of it more as a quilt. The individual pieces remain visible, yet together they create something larger than themselves.
You called upon your trusted collaborator and friend, Lorna Harkins, to help you make the flag quilt reality. Tell us about your working relationship with her – and was there a particular reason why you chose quilting?
SL: Lorna is a close friend and one of the most talented makers I know. What I admire most about her is not only her skill, but her generosity, curiosity, and sense of joy. Making things with her is always an adventure, and we have a tremendous amount of fun together.
I think there is something especially beautiful about quilting. It transforms humble scraps of cloth into something useful, comforting, beautiful, and enduring. It's meticulous work that asks for patience, care, and attention, and every quilt carries evidence of the love that went into making it.
For a project celebrating our country, it felt just right.
Lorna: We understand you are originally from the UK and relocated to the US about 11 years ago. Tell us about what you do, and how your journey led you to the West coast where you eventually met Sean?
LH: I am a Brit with Jamaican parents. One of my earliest memories was watching my Grandma at the sewing machine, weaving her magic, making clothes, and helping create designs for the local school, homes, church, and brides. It planted the seed in me to develop those same skills and bring my own creations to life. I admired her passion, energy and creativity, and loved seeing people’s reactions to her beautiful work.
I studied at college in London and earned a City & Guilds degree in Textiles and Soft Furnishings. I then set up a small business offering bespoke drapes and soft furnishings. The decision to relocate to San Diego was based partly on a desire to be close to family here and partly for health reasons. The climate in Southern California is much kinder to my health issues than the cold damp English winters.
I set up a business here 11 years ago and one of my first clients was Sean. We clicked immediately both on a professional and a personal level. He talked with such passion and anticipation about the Lithuanian linen fabric he ordered, and what he could use it for. I knew immediately we shared a similar purpose and drive with our love for quality fabrics.
It’s clear you two have forged an inseparable bond – a magnificent testament to what makes our industry so special. You’ve worked on many projects with Sean – what makes this one extra special to you?
LH: Sean and I work really well together. His love of traditional fabrics and designs led him to describe himself as a young guy with the mind of an old lady. But don't let that fool you, he has great energy and drive and will travel the globe sourcing the right fabrics or searching for inspiration. Both of us are fiercely committed to quality and will not compromise on it. When Sean shared his vision for this project, I shared his enthusiasm for how powerful and inspirational it could be. I also realized that for it to work effectively it would require a keen eye for detail, accuracy and compassion. The result is an original piece showcasing Sean Leffers and delivering the message that a love of America, peace, and love are beautifully interwoven.
Sean: This year mark’s our nation’s 250th birthday – a significant number, but still in our infancy considering the arc of history. What is one birthday wish you have for our country moving forward?
SL: My hope is that we continue widening our understanding of who belongs, and that we never lose sight of how much we need one another.
The things we build together are always stronger than anything we could make alone — a quilt is much harder to tear than a single piece of cloth.
