Last week I was at the AQS Grand Rapids Quilt Show as an
instructor, I taught four classes including a couple surface design
techniques such as Thermofax Printing and my popular Font and Fabric class.
During some of my down time I had the privilege to visit
the Stitch Like an Egyptian Exhibit sponsored by AQS. There were over 90
hangings created by the Tentmakers of Cairo, a group of craftsmen who have created these elegant and highly decorated tents, a skill practised for over 2000 years.
These hangings are so colourfully exquisite, richly
detailed with traditional motifs that the exhibit fairly hummed with excitement
and energy! Many already had sold stickers on them and the prices were very
reasonable, I wish I could have bought a couple.....
Two of the Tentmakers were at the show, sitting and
stitching quietly to illustrate how the applique
is done. They were so patient and seemed to quite enjoy all the attention that
dozens of middle aged women heaped upon them!
The show will continue in the AQS Des Moines Show and
once that show is finished, the hangings will be sent their new owners.
For more information, check out these links, inlcuding a couple of videos:
http://www.jennybowker.com/postcards/2011/12/27/stitch-like-an-egyptian.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db-LwOd2KcY
http://americanhomestead.blogspot.ca/2012/08/stitch-like-egyptian.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrjQmrMt4Uk
