If you haven't heard of Jenny Bowker then you need to because she is one of our awesome speakers at our Friday Night Quilters' Gathering on 1 November in Canberra this year!
Sandy has helped out by writing this post and the wonderful Jenny has sent me some photos of her fabulous quilts to share.
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Jenny Bowker is well known to the
Australian Quilting community and also internationally. She is a prolific Quilt maker working in both
traditional and modern styles of patchwork. She is a generous and very capable teacher
loved by students nationally and internationally.
Her beautiful quilts tell stories and show her
love and respect for people from all cultures and walks of life.
She spent almost 2 decades living
in the Middle East with her diplomat husband.
During her time in the Middle East, Jenny formed friendships with many
local people involved in textiles,
like the Tentmakers of Cairo.
She brought them to Australia explaining how hard it was for the men and
their families, and how important it is to sell their quilts to help them out,
making known their names and talents throughout the world
Jenny is a storyteller and brings to life the places she’s lived, transporting her hearers to another world.
One of my favourite stories is of a group of
women she taught to do patchwork that they had never seen before. They used
very basic sewing machines with hand operated wheels and local fabrics from the
market… wearing burqas, sitting on the floor under tables in a cramped room
because that was the only space they had and making quilts with traditional
blocks.
Seeing Jenny’s quilts in the flesh is like visiting
a Lolly Shop! Travelling with her as she
tells the stories of each quilt is an absolute delight…not to be missed. Hearing her talk about the people and places
that have been part of her journey is an enriching experience that will stay
with you for a long time.
Hassan and the Glass
Ittayer and the Friday Market in the City of the Dead
Sandstorm over the White Desert (with Magdy Badrmany)
Hashim at Saqqara
Abu Ali and the Gilded Chairs
Margaret Rolfe - Quiltmaker
I cannot wait to see Jenny's quilts in person!
Till next time..... don't forget to buy your tickets for our Friday Night Quilters' Gathering.
Jan-Maree xx
Lovely.
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