As promised and back by popular demand, more work by the Tentmakers of Cairo. To begin, here’s an amateur video of a Tentmaker working: note the enviable speed of the hand movement. Shopping is not high on my list of pleasures or priorities, and admittedly, I don’t need more quilts, however, I went to the Tentmakers’ Street looking for just one beautiful piece to remember my Cairo visit. I wanted a worthy souvenir. The colors of this bed-sized medallion caught my eye, so I nudged my husband sharply in the ribs, gestured toward it as discreetly as possible while he tried to recover his breath, then left the shop so he could haggle for it. A similar piece as a wall-hanging (not in my possession, unfortunately). Another bed-sized appliqué of the same design, slightly different arrangement of colors (not in my possession, sigh). This intricate star is breath-taking (also not mine, alas). And THE best for last: A picture of the following wall-hanging, which I took on my first visit to the Tentmakers’ Street, made me gasp. Tucked in among so many other beautiful pieces, its full splendor was not immediately apparent to me. So on my second visit to the Tentmakers’ Street two days later, I hunted it down and broke my own rule of only one purchase. It is now the center of attention in my dining/living room. And for all those who have completed the month of Ramadan, I wish you "Aïdakoum Mabrouk" and a happy Aïd celebration.
