Stylish stitches: International Quilt Show returns to Dubai


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

It's impossible to have a conversation with husband-and-wife duo Shanker and Mala Rama­krishnan without picking up a thing or two about quilting, simply defined as the process of sewing two or more layers of fabric to make quilts as a craft or leisure activity. The couple lovingly showcase various tapestries in their Dubai shop, Classic Quilts, pointing out what makes them unique: the use of needlework that appears different on the front and back, for instance, or the way patches of fabric are stitched to create a new pattern altogether. Some of these exquisite-­looking designs have been years in the making, they explain fondly.

Most people would call quilting a hobby – and a niche one at that – but for the Ramakrishnans and several others in the UAE, it's a passion. "Quilting came to me as a retirement plan of sorts," says Mala. "I started getting interested in it in my late 40s, and Shankar then gave me a quilting machine. It was a starting point. When the machine no longer sufficed, we got into a more commercial set-up and that led to the quilt store."

The duo launched Classic Quilts, which sells everything from fabrics and threads to books and kits, in Jumeirah Plaza in 2006, back when "quilting was still largely unheard of in this part of the world".

Hobby shop Classic Quilts in Jumeirah Plaza. Antonie Robertson / The National
Hobby shop Classic Quilts in Jumeirah Plaza. Antonie Robertson / The National

Still, some local quilting guilds existed and as the couple got intertwined with them, they saw an opportunity to put the Emirates on the map with the launch of a one-of-a-kind event.

“The biggest hub for quilting is in Houston, Texas, which has a market and festival every October. We visited it when we opened the shop and that’s when it dawned on us that we could create a similar show in Dubai. I came back and discussed it with the quilting guilds here, but it wasn’t easy. We had weekly meetings for roughly 10 months before we were able to organise the first International Quilt Show Dubai [in 2008],” says Shanker, who doubles as the event’s director.

The first IQSD focused on three aspects: a quilt competition that invited people from around the world to send in their best designs; workshops to educate people about the different aspects of the art form; and a charity quilt because "this art form is all about giving". As part of the last show category, members of the quilters' guilds in the UAE prepare an intricate sheet for a raffle draw, with all proceeds going to charity.

The Ramakrishnans recollect calling up people and convincing them to send over quilts to be a part of the competition that first year, finally accruing about 40 to 50 pieces. It's a far cry from the event today that has people – and quilts – pouring in from all parts of the world, from Oman and Saudi Arabia to Australia and the US, with hardly any advertisement. Held once every two years, the next International Quilt Show Dubai takes place later this week, from Thursday to Saturday, February 27 to 29.

Proceeds from this charity quilt being raffled at the International Quilt Show 2020 will go to Dubai Cares
Proceeds from this charity quilt being raffled at the International Quilt Show 2020 will go to Dubai Cares

"This year, we want to take the event to a new level," says Shanker. Accordingly, a number of features have been introduced. For a start, some of the quilts on display will also be on sale, thus connecting makers to potential buyers. Vendors will also take up exhibition stands to promote their crafts. Another highlight is the demonstration of tent hangings, a craft that can be traced back to the 13th century, by Egypt's Tentmakers of Cairo.

While the event initially had four competition categories, these have now grown to eight: traditional, contemporary, art (generic), art (portrait), beginners, young quilters, miniature quilts and the IQSD challenge, this year based on the theme United We Stand.

Stitching the UAE community together

Much like their creations, the UAE’s budding quilting community is a vibrant one. Bronwyn Pontes, president of Quilters Circle, says its 50-plus members span all ages and walks of life.

Mala Ramakrishnan, left, and Bronwyn Pontes at Classic Quilt in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
Mala Ramakrishnan, left, and Bronwyn Pontes at Classic Quilt in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

“It’s a community that’s all about sharing knowledge, learning from each other and fostering a creative environment. The best part is that quilters in the UAE come from across the world. Each country has its own quilting tradition, and members are able to bring that to the team – so you see techniques and fabrics from all over. The more ideas you get, the more that helps you develop your own personality,” she says. “It’s just such a lovely environment.”

While it’s still a niche hobby, Pontes adds that quilting is not going out of style any time soon. In fact, shops such as Classic Quilts and events such as the International Quilt Show Dubai, have bolstered the local community in what she calls a symbiotic relationship. “There’s a lot of training, tools, fabrics and equipment that go into quilting and, in the UAE, it can be difficult to find all those items to improve your craft,” she says. “Sometimes you do find what you need, but it’s imported and that makes it more expensive. But when you head to Classic Quilts or IQSD, you’re not only able to get supplies at more reasonable rates, but you also learn everything you need to know. You actually leave having improved your skill set.”

Finding fresh talent

One of the biggest stereotypes quilters have to deal with is that it is an activity relegated to an older age group. It’s the reason this year’s IQSD has made it a point to reach out to the younger generation, even including a young quilters competition category.

In an increasingly automated world, what could be more therapeutic than needle and thread?

“Gems Metropole School has got an incredible arts department, which includes textile arts,” says Pontes. “They were creating beautiful work, but it was just going into folders. I went in and gave them demonstrations on what quilting can do, and the reaction was fantastic. They were so excited, asking if they can do assignments together and how they can create certain patterns. It’s so nice to see that age group interested in something other than their phones and PlayStations.”

Though Pontes is working with students from grade nine, she reiterates that "even younger people can take part. Instead of using a needle and thread, they can glue the layers of fabric together. It's all about stimulating their creative side."

One of the workshop leaders conducting a session at IQSD this year is Jane Howarth, an award-winning quilt artist from California. She says there has been a growing interest in quilting among young people worldwide. “I’ve seen more youngsters attending my classes of late, and I’ve noticed that sewing, knitting and crochet are also becoming popular. I think this has something to do with the ease with which images are shared through social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.”

Howarth specialises in custom-memory quilts and practises a technique of fabric collage in her quilting, which involves cutting fabrics – from T-shirts, neckties and other types of clothing – then layering and gluing them together. She is inspired by nature, as well as famed for creating portraits, such as a rendition of Afghan Girl, based on the photograph by Steve McCurry.

'Afghan Girl' recreated as a quilt by artist Jane Howarth
'Afghan Girl' recreated as a quilt by artist Jane Howarth

When IQSD announced that Howarth would lead a workshop, it sold out within the week – further proof of the hobby’s growing fan base. “It seems to me that textile arts are becoming more popular. After all, what quilt artists do with fabric is no different from what artists do with paint,” she adds.

When thread meets technology

As more people paint (or perhaps embroider in this case) a picture of quilting as an art form, it would appear that it is one that is constantly evolving. Amanda Murphy, another teacher conducting a workshop at this year's IQSD and author of bestselling books such as Free-Motion Quilting Idea Book, says in the past few years, modern and traditional styles, technology and art have converged. "People are feeling free to put their own spin on various techniques and traditions to create something that is uniquely their own. Technology is spurring the art form, and it in turn is advancing technology – it really is a great time to be a quilter."

Quilt artist, author and teacher Amanda Murphy will conduct a workshop at this year’s IQSD
Quilt artist, author and teacher Amanda Murphy will conduct a workshop at this year’s IQSD

Whether it's recreating a famous photograph in quilt form, or using social media to promote the art, there are numerous ways in which technology is encouraging people to go back to basics. And, Murphy says this is all the more important in our fast-paced lives. "We live in a world that really prizes left-brained analytical thinking, but I think it is beneficial for everyone to use the other side of their brain as well – which governs visual thinking, abstract problem solving and spatial relations. Quilting does that. Plus, in an increasingly automated world, what could be more therapeutic than needle and thread?"

The International Quilt Show Dubai takes place from Thursday to Saturday at Roda Al Murooj, Downtown Dubai. More information is at www.quiltsdubai.com

The Penguin

Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz

Creator: Lauren LeFranc

Rating: 4/5

WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
ASHES FIXTURES

1st Test: Brisbane, Nov 23-27 
2nd Test: Adelaide, Dec 2-6
3rd Test: Perth, Dec 14-18
4th Test: Melbourne, Dec 26-30
5th Test: Sydney, Jan 4-8

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E77kWh%202%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E178bhp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E410Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E402km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh%2C150%2C000%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETBC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Uefa Nations League: How it works

The Uefa Nations League, introduced last year, has reached its final stage, to be played over five days in northern Portugal. The format of its closing tournament is compact, spread over two semi-finals, with the first, Portugal versus Switzerland in Porto on Wednesday evening, and the second, England against the Netherlands, in Guimaraes, on Thursday.

The winners of each semi will then meet at Porto’s Dragao stadium on Sunday, with the losing semi-finalists contesting a third-place play-off in Guimaraes earlier that day.

Qualifying for the final stage was via League A of the inaugural Nations League, in which the top 12 European countries according to Uefa's co-efficient seeding system were divided into four groups, the teams playing each other twice between September and November. Portugal, who finished above Italy and Poland, successfully bid to host the finals.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Set-jetting on the Emerald Isle

Other shows filmed in Ireland include: Vikings (County Wicklow), The Fall (Belfast), Line of Duty (Belfast), Penny Dreadful (Dublin), Ripper Street (Dublin), Krypton (Belfast)

Sarfira

Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal 

Rating: 2/5

The biog

Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.

It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.

They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.

Getting there

The flights

Emirates and Etihad fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town daily. Flights cost from about Dh3,325, with a flying time of 8hours and 15 minutes. From there, fly South African Airlines or Air Namibia to Namibia’s Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, for about Dh850. Flying time is 2 hours.

The stay

Wilderness Little Kulala offers stays from £460 (Dh2,135) per person, per night. It is one of seven Wilderness Safari lodges in Namibia; www.wilderness-safaris.com.

Skeleton Coast Safaris’ four-day adventure involves joining a very small group in a private plane, flying to some of the remotest areas in the world, with each night spent at a different camp. It costs from US$8,335.30 (Dh30,611); www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Key developments

All times UTC 4

What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.
The bio

Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions

School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira

Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk

Dream City: San Francisco

Hometown: Dubai

City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala

RESULTS

Men – semi-finals

57kg – Tak Chuen Suen (MAC) beat Phuong Xuan Nguyen (VIE) 29-28; Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) by points 30-27.

67kg – Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Huong The Nguyen (VIE) by points 30-27; Narin Wonglakhon (THA) v Mojtaba Taravati Aram (IRI) by points 29-28.

60kg – Yerkanat Ospan (KAZ) beat Amir Hosein Kaviani (IRI) 30-27; Long Doan Nguyen (VIE) beat Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) 29-28

63.5kg – Abil Galiyev (KAZ) beat Truong Cao Phat (VIE) 30-27; Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Norapat Khundam (THA) RSC round 3.

71kg​​​​​​​ – Shaker Al Tekreeti (IRQ) beat Fawzi Baltagi (LBN) 30-27; Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Man Kongsib (THA) 29-28

81kg – Ilyass Hbibali (UAE) beat Alexandr Tsarikov (KAZ) 29-28; Khaled Tarraf (LBN) beat Mustafa Al Tekreeti (IRQ) 30-27

86kg​​​​​​​ – Ali Takaloo (IRI) beat Mohammed Al Qahtani (KSA) RSC round 1; Emil Umayev (KAZ) beat Ahmad Bahman (UAE) TKO round

RESULTS
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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

Crazy Rich Asians

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeon, Gemma Chan

Four stars

The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands

50-man Royal Rumble

Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe

SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos

Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho

John Cena v Triple H

Matches to be announced

WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship, United States Championship and the Cruiserweight Championship are all due to be defended

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Gurm, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Al Nafece, Al Muatasm Al Balushi, Mohammed Ramadan

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adrie de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel

6.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Ottoman, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7pm: Liwa Oasis – Group 2 (PA) 300,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeemat Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ganbaru, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

The five stages of early child’s play

From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:

1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.

2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.

3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.

4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.

5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.

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How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Aahid Al Khalediah II, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Whistle, Harry Bentley, Abdallah Al Hammadi

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup - Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Alsaied, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6.30pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mumayaza, Antonio Fresu, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7.30pm: President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle

8pm: President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Medahim, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

Torbal Rayeh Wa Jayeh
Starring: Ali El Ghoureir, Khalil El Roumeithy, Mostafa Abo Seria
Stars: 3