The Tentmakers of Cairo!

One of the best highlights of my trip to Egypt was of course spending the afternoon with the fabulous tentmakers of Cairo - a dream come true and a complete immersion in color, design and applique - Cairo style!

The word Khayamiya comes from the Arabic word for tent: khayma, as these appliquéd panels were originally used to decorate and line the walls of tents. Astonishingly intricate designs featuring geometric, arabesque and calligraphic motifs grace the walls of the Tentmakers’ shops, and as one of the shopkeepers says “This isn’t just sewing. It’s art.”  [source]

We felt an instant commeraderie as we were welcomed into this workspace - chairs were set up for us to sit and view as we were presented just how it's all done - Egyptian style!

First, the chosen design is drawn on paper, and then the paper is needle-punched along the line creating holes.

Then, the chosen design is pounced with powder through the holes and the paper carefully removed.

A white pencil is then used to connect the dots to make the pounced design a bit more stable.  The lines need to remain through hours of applique.

Lines drawn, loose powder brushed away and ready to begin!

See that little red piece?

This is the beginnings of a birds - we'll star there.

(Next to it is a finished piece - just gorgeous!)

More oohs and ahhs at the finished one-

I loved watching these men stitch so expertly!

Click to Play:

It was so great to be able to get up so close!

Things I learned - the thread matches the applique piece.

The piece is cut larger than it needs to be, and trimmed a bit ahead of the stitching.

Yes, they use a thimble!

Another piece ready to cover another feather.

And that makes two sewn down!

There is no batting, and therefore no quilting stitches - everything is sewn to the canvas ground.  But much of the appliques are accented with gorgeous embroidery for more detail.

Just so simply gorgeous! And not simple at all!

After our demonstration we are able to walk around and admire the beautiful pieces.  Of course, everyone wanted to shop shop shop!

We were in close quarters -

So my plan was to just cat detail and color and inspiration everywhere - yes, cameras were more than welcome!

Glorious detail!

My favorite pieces had geometrics as well as whimsical flora and fauna.

Oh yes, the quilters are shopping!

Pies of gorgeous pieces everywhere -

See how much the embroidery adds?

It takes it to a whole new level.

Appliqued and embroidered pillow covers were popular amongst my group - They easily fit inside a suitcase and could be hung on a wall or filled with a pillow form.

Just lovely!

This beautiful piece - My heart is still so full -

And this is perhaps why I hadn't written this post yet.

At the end of our visit, I was called on up and presented this lovely wall hanging as a thank you for bringing my group of 40 to Cairo to spend the afternoon with the Tentmakers to help spread word and knowledge about the importance and significance of their time honored traditional craft.

I cried. Big happy tears.  This piece means so much to me - these lovely people.  I wish them all the best and I hope I do get a chance to visit them again.

Photographed on my bed that evening - so excited to share the photo with folks at home.

My plan is to hang it at the inn for all to enjoy, but I need to find the right hanger for it - and the best place of honor.  From Cairo to Virginia with love!

It was more than an honor to meet you!

My thanks to the Tentmakers of Cairo for making us feel so very welcome - for your generous hospitality and friendship across the miles.

It still feels like a dream.

Back in today - Chris's Christmas in July group moved on in yesterday afternoon and started up their retreat by decking the halls and walls in holiday style with Christmas music playing.

It's a fun juxtaposition - and all the while my inner self is saying "I'M NOT READY YET!"

I did see Halloween AND Christmas decor being put up in stores already - sorry to say.  LOL!

I guess if we can't beat them - we join them!

It's a hit!  Thank you so much!

If you missed Monday's post with my Jacob's Chain PDF pattern release and Gift-Away, click to THAT POST to catch up, read the details and get your entry in!

Our drawing happens 7/31/23. 

*Introductory Special!* The pattern is marked 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop.

No coupon code needed! Sale good through 7/31/23. Buy now and save!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Learn the art of saying no. Don't fib. Don't make excuses. Don't over-explain yourself.

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If it doesn't fit your life, just simply decline.

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I had to remind myself of this recently by saying NO to MYSELF. Sometimes that’s the hardest person to say no to!

It's Thursday already!  Egad!