Project ABC: A is for Arab

The first item done!  It took more than 3 hours though...

Here are a few pics of the project in progress:

As I mentioned earlier, the geometrical patterns used in traditional Arab decorations really appeal to me.  I tried to combine these designs with the traditional Arab dress, which I also really appeal to me.

I didn't plan it that way but the process of layering the fabrics, decorating it, and then slowly peeling away the layers to reveal the traditional fabric underneath, reminded me of the Arabian way of dress.  Putting on layers to protect the culture, but at the same time using the layers to reveal the culture.

As I hoped, the process of making this has started a thought process which will lead to other interesting things... 

From many moons ago

In August we spent a few days at my parents' house where my mom and I rummaged through a few boxes which haven't been unpacked for ages. (Do all households have boxes that never get unpacked?) 

We found this appliqued picture I made when I was a young girl.  I cannot remember how old I was or why I made it, but I do remember making it.  It must be about 35 years old. (O my!  I'm ancient..)

It is still in remarkably good condition.  Only a little bit of mold on the base fabric, and the wool I used for the hair has felted, otherwise no major damage.

I have no recollection at all of the story behind the picture.  Is it 2 children? or 2 red Indians?  With a bear? 

Look at that face with the blue eyes and black hair..

...and the little hand with the thumb sticking up.

The picture measures about 50 x 25 cm. 

So what do I do with it now? Put it back in a box, maybe?

Cut out quilt experiment 2

I tried something different this time. I went a little bit more curly-wurly and a little bit more pink and girly with this one.



Unfortunately the fabric made bubbles when I ironed it



I can't say I love it. I think I'm more of a geometric kind of person.

But there is something brewing in the back of my mind...

Cut out quilt experiment

I am playing around with the appliquéd-quilting idea...





let's see where this leads...

Spotted at the souks

While showing my family around Dubai a few weeks ago, we spotted these quilts in a textile shop at Souk Madinat.



The quilts were handmade in India



The last picture is completely out of focus but it does show how the plain fabric is appliquéd on top of the printed fabric.



I am now inspired to make something similar using some of my own stash...

Memory quilt

At last I can tell you about my secret project!
My friend Vera and myself made a memory quilt for our dear friend Truda who, after 7 years in Dubai, are moving back to South Africa with her family. I have talked about saying goodbye before - it is one of the few bad things about being an expat - friends never stay around long enough...

myself, Vera and Truda

After making and remaking lists of friends to include, we gave each person a square of white linen to decorate with messages and memories as they see fit. We were overwhelmed by everybody's creativity and love! We received everything from embroidery, painting, applique,printing, writing and beadwork to include in the quilt.

The finished quilt

We decided to use camel blankets to frame the blocks and bind everything together. Camel blankets are used to cover racing camels before and after racing and can be bought at the Camel Souk in Dubai. You will find a stack of camel blankets in every expat home in Dubai, being used for everything from tablecloths to picnic blankets to bed covers ... and we knew Truda loves them.

racing camels covered in camel blankets

Here are a few close-ups of some of the handmade blocks...

An embroidered portrait of Truda and her family

A beautifully appliqued heart with a scroll. The scroll contains photos and memories of a trip to Israel. A real treasure!

A beautifully embroidered heart and rose. The stitchwork on this block is exquisite!

A quilted Christmas star by a master quilter

A painting of a few Dubai memories

A handpainted vine branch

Another beautifully embroidered heart and flowers.

embroidered 'portrait' of the chorus

It was a real honor to make a lasting memory for a wonderful friend. I pray that their new life in South Africa will also be filled with great experiences, good friends and many blessings.

My secret project...

Just a quick "Hallo", to let you know I am still around.


I am frantically working on my secret project.


Only one week to go than I can reveal it - first to my friend and then to you.


In the meantime here are some teasers to tide you over.

s

South African Handicrafts 3

Here are some more inspiration from the SA Handmade Collection at Decorex 2009. Another theme which came across very strong was the use of wire and beads in sculpture:



These wire and bead sculptures was part of the Cape Craft & Design Institute exhibit. They represent different artists and help them with the marketing of their products. The do some wonderful work promoting craft as an economic sector. Please click on their name to go to their website. It is well worth a visit if you like this kind of thing.
They are actively assisting designer-makers to produce a range of original and new designs for the 2010 FIFA World Cup being held in SA.




These lovely brooches are made by Mignon Hattingh from Mignonette's. She makes beautiful textile and beaded jewellery including felt earrings and necklaces. I am sorry I didn't take more pictures because her work is really lovely!



This applique, below, was one of my absolute favourites! Just look at the detail... that pumpkin on the roof, the chickens running around everywhere, the small houses built close together, and the children playing in the street... I absolutely love it!


This is just one of the artworks made by Vezokuhle Creative Textile Mosaics CC in Upington in the Northern Cape. Vezokuhle is a Xhosa word meaning "showing the beauty", and that is exactly what these industrious ladies are doing. As with so many other success stories this one started with one women wanting to make a difference to the lives of unemployed and under educated people. Again, click on the name to go to their website and let them show you the beauty...


My other favourite was without a doubt these embroideries from the Mogalakwena Craft Art Development Foundation (MCADF) Mogalakwena is a beautiful part of our country in the Limpopo Province in the north of South Africa, close to the Botswana border.

Look at the detail...


...and the way one picture can tell a whole story.

a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcrBZpr5rEkBW7pZI231xXDeDahIHe6OvGlPP85QGWm9O2ewKMQ0mGCmiTbtPefABrpL3Eg-3dZXE0-6dyagPm8iEnS80ESpix_ZIroJIHAOlS9UXCjOga-JcVtZytTJUqdeh1AjgSVCs/s1600-h/borduur+2.jpg">

These wire and bead fruit bowls are made by Bishop Tarambawamwe. He also make animal figures, other household items and even beaded paintings. Of all the wire and bead artist at the exhibition, he was my favourite - and a really nice guy too.

I looked at this orange fruit basket more than once, and I didn't buy it. I still regret it. I think it is one of the best beadwork baskets I have seen.

Well, this concludes my South African Handmade series. If you are inspired by these stories please visit all the websites I have mentioned. These people really do wonderful work and need all the support they can get. Supporting job creating incentives like these is the best way to combat the incredibly high crime rate that is crippling our country. People who work with their hands, who feel appreciated and loved and who are getting an education do not resort to crime.

Dubai Quilt Show

The Dubai Quilters Guild held their annual Quilt Show yesterday at the Sheik Zayed University in Dubai. Here are some eye candy from the show. Enjoy!!