Precious skills

Jordanian specialises in traditional needlecraft

Tahani Helmy from Jordan somehow finds time between caring for her three sons and her journalistic work to do intricate needlework.

Encouraged by her mother as a small girl she sewed with her three sisters at home and at school and has continued to sew ever since.

Tahani learned the traditional cross stitch and many different patterns. Her mother taught the girls that each piece was very precious. Sometimes one piece could take months, even years to complete.

Tahani learned to make cushion covers, wall hangings and dresses. Many dresses are handed down from grandmother to granddaughter and can be 80-100 years old. The traditional colours for the dresses are red and black using silk threads.

These dresses were used for wedding ceremonies, parties and other festive occasions. Other dresses have a beige background with mostly red stitching. Now, silk and a combination of silk and cotton threads are used.