Highlights from 2025 part 4

I participated in the  EQA Challenge Contrasts.

The European Quilt Association is the collaboration between 19 national European Patchwork Guilds and issues annual challenges and selected exhibitions for the members of all guilds that then travel throughout the continent.

This year the European Quilters Association (EQA) called for small size quilts with the topic Contrasts for the annual member challenge 2025. Multiple interpretations and types of contrasts appear in this exhibition: techniques, traditions, various cultural approaches, fabrics, topics, color (straight use of only black and white was not permitted)– and overall, we see that European unity prevails!

The quilts of all European Countries were shown in September at the European Patchwork Meeting in Alsace, France.

Part of the Dutch entries.

The Apple Tree

The Apple Tree, detail

Also shown at EPM was the GULDUSI collection The Afghan Amulet.
This new exhibition project also aimed to bring together Afghan and European cultures. Unlike the previous EU competition, the inspiring embroideries this time come not from Laghmani, but from Shahrak near Herat—specifically, from the Neswan Women’s Center. These women’s embroideries are crafted with great delicacy using silk thread.

Amulets are also used in Afghanistan as protective objects. There, every child wears an amulet: a Surah from the Quran is wrapped in a small piece of cloth and either pinned directly to a garment or worn on a cord around the neck, close to the body. A striking feature of Afghan amulets is their triangular shape. While not mandatory, this form is rooted in a long tradition; triangular motifs can frequently be found even on ancient artifacts.

The main requirement for participating in the "The Afghan Amulet" exhibition project is to incorporate at least one triangular embroidery piece from Shahrak into your own textile work. You are free to choose the orientation of the triangle within your piece (point facing up or down, right or left, rotated, or at an angle).

Your textile art piece based on the theme "The Afghan Amulet" should draw upon the amulet's protective function. This theme offers a vast array of possibilities. An amulet is meant to protect—whether it is the individual, the family (especially children), or men heading off to war. An amulet can offer protection against evil spirits and forces. Lands, rivers, and seas can be safeguarded by an amulet so that they continue to provide us with sustenance. And what about that small mascot dangling from a car's rearview mirror? Is that not also a contemporary amulet intended to protect us while we drive? Furthermore, why shouldn't an amulet be designed to protect our planet from adverse political and social developments or environmental catastrophes? There is no country in the world where one cannot find traditions—whether ancient or modern—surrounding the use of amulets. Let your imagination explore every possible direction.

The Precious Gift

The Precious Gift, detail

 You can see the entire collection here The Afghan Amulet