Over a year ago I set about making a handmade 'something' for a friend. I decided upon a simple prayer mat made with linen (excuse the creases) and embelished in true Islamic geometric splendour by nicking some very Japanese motifs to be hand sewn in Sashiko style (with Sashiko thread).
I didn't bother buying a template (because that would be too easy. And who wants an easy life, right?), but instead drew a grid directly onto the fabric using a soluable fabric marker and my trusty quilting ruler and constructed the motifs based on pure maths. Hm. And given that I'm no mathmetician I don't think I did too badly, and once the running stitch started to make up the pattern I was quite pleased with the overall effect.
It isn't perfect, (what is?) but I hope that this gift finds it's mark and the recipient appreciates the love and effort gone into the construction rather than the angular poise and geometric accuracy. And if I know her, I'm sure she will.
Over a year in the making. Finally, this gift is finished....
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