As quilting remains a perennially popular hobby for people of all ages, the 2020 edition of the International Quilt Show Dubai (IQSD) is set to break records as the biggest event the region has ever seen, attracting crowds of up to 1,000 people each day.

Event director Shanker Ramakrishnan runs Dubai-based hobby shop Classic Quilts, together with his wife and quilting expert Mala. They began the event back in 2008, with a vision of putting the UAE on the international quilting map.

“My wife Mala is a keen quilter, starting the first quilting store in the Middle East. We have both seen the hobby and the event go from strength to strength. This year’s event features an incredible line-up of educational activities, a bigger competition and exhibition than ever before, and the chance to test out first-hand some of the world’s best equipment, including Bernina, Brother and Handi Quilter Longarm quilting and sewing machines,” said Ramakrishnan.

Holding the event every two years, IQSD has grown to a point where it now attracts people from all over the region, and even further afield, rivalling similar events in the US, UK and Japan.

True to the hobbyist nature of quilting, the event is open to all, free to attend and run not for profit.

Every event features a hotly contested competition for best quilt. The focal point of the show is always the quilts on display – representing a chance for the region’s best quilters to show off their skills. Some are even on sale to visitors.

This year the event features eight entrance categories: traditional, contemporary, art (generic), art (portrait), beginners, IQSD Challenge: United We Stand, Young Quilters and Miniature Quilts.

Each category will have three prize winners, with the prize winners announced on February 27 and the prize distribution at the gala dinner on February 28 at 7pm. The Best of Show prize is Bernina 770 QE Tula Pink. 
There’s also a series of workshops hosted by some of the world’s leading experts in quilting, stitching and sewing arts and crafts running over the three days – many of which are already fully booked.

The workshop teachers include Nancy Prince, an award-winning quilt artist from Florida, US, who specialises in thread painting. Californian Jan Krentz is a recognised quilt instructor, author and designer, and winner of the 1998 Teacher of the Year award. Jane Howarth is an award-winning professional quilter specialising in making nature inspired raw edge collage applique quilts. Amanda Murphy has been designing, drawing, and sewing since she was a child. She has authored several books including the best-selling Modern Holiday and The Free-Motion Quilting Idea Book.
 
Vendors from across the region and international arena will be in attendance, offering the chance to see the latest trends in quilting and other arts and crafts. Those interested in promoting their own craft skills or wares are also invited to take an exhibition stand.

A highlight of the 2020 event will be a special demonstration by the world-famous tentmakers of Cairo. Egypt’s legendary patchwork quilters and stitchers will be demonstrating their unique, beautiful tent hangings, proudly exposing their mastery which can be traced back to the 13thcentury in the north African country.

Another highlight is the event’s charity quilt – a unique pattern chosen for each event, based on a vote casted by the members of the Quilter’s Circle in Dubai. Members then create the quilt with help from Classic Quilts and offer raffle tickets to win the quilt during the event. The pattern of this event’s charity quilt is called Beads, a design created by Donna Jordan of Jordan Fabrics.

Proceeds raised by this charity drive will be donated to Dubai Cares. - TradeArabia News Service