matrilineal - adjective

Definition: relating to, based on, or tracing descent through the maternal line

A cautionary family tale of money mismanaged and lives upended led my mother to decide, when she was ten years old, that she didn’t want anyone controlling her money except herself.
 
My mother was the one who taught me about money, and how it can be used as a tool.
 
Money gives you choices. Not having enough makes the choices harder or impossible.
 
Matrilineal, an experimental quilting project, comprises colorful quilted artworks embroidered in thread and paint with written messages of financial empowerment and principles of personal finance stemming from my mother’s lessons about money.  Because quilts are inherently comfort objects and money can literally supply physical and financial security, you could say these works play on the idea of a security blanket.  Personal financial literacy can define options and offer choices on the path to financial security but talking about money can feel intrusive or trigger difficult emotions. I am hopeful that the comforting familiarity of quilts will be a gentler way into the conversation and in turn help plant seeds of action.