I am a Muslim  -- born in India -- and my work is inspired by my heritage, and the natural beauty and architecture of my land. My mother encouraged me to sew from the time I was six years old so I say, “if something can be sewn, I can sew it.” The International Quilt Contest has inspired me to create with different materials: batik, polysuede, trim, metallic, and polyester threads. I have appliqued and embellished with various machine embroidery stitches. I also enjoyed the free-motion embroidery and hand-stitching the beads and sequins to give a sparkle.

 

The peacock is the national bird of India and with its grace and vivid coloration, it is the epitome of the diverse culture of India unified in one creature. I have always loved the peacock and therefore decided to make it the focal point of my quilt. The paisley is another ubiquitous design in India and it is a symbol for the many indigenous varieties of mangoes. I have always had an infatuation with paisleys so my quilt could not be complete without it. The Islamic arch represents the ancient architecture sprinkled throughout India, and it is the window through which I see the world -- one filled with color and diversity, coexisting in harmony.