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 • Brand New  • Threads of Amman Brings Fiber Arts to Life in Jordan
Threads of Amman

Threads of Amman Brings Fiber Arts to Life in Jordan

With technological advancements dominating the fashion fiber scene, there exists a growing movement to preserve the essence of traditional crafts. Shereen Quttainah and Marielle Zatar, two visionary fiber artists based in Amman, Jordan, have taken up this cause with their initiative, Threads of Amman. This organization celebrates the fiber arts through workshops, festivals, and community projects, striving to keep Jordan’s rich fiber heritage alive. With the launch of their inaugural Fiber Fest, Shereen and Marielle are creating a vibrant platform for artisans, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike to explore, appreciate, and engage with the intricate beauty of fiber arts. Through Threads of Amman, they are not only preserving age-old traditions but also fostering a culture of creativity, sustainability, and community spirit. Join us as we dive into their journey, vision, and the incredible tapestry of Jordan’s fiber arts scene.

What inspired the creation of Threads of Amman?

The idea for Threads of Amman came from a shared passion for fiber arts. During one of our conversations, we realized the absence of fiber-related events and platforms highlighting these crafts. Fiber arts include all arts that use fibers, such as thread, yarn, or rope. We felt that fiber arts are often taken for granted, without recognition of the role they play in our culture and history. That’s how Threads of Amman was born—a platform dedicated to developing fiber art-focused activities. Our first event is Fiber Fest, a celebration of this vibrant art form in Jordan.

Can you tell us about the goals and vision behind Amman’s first fiber art festival?

Threads of Amman

Our goal for Amman’s first fiber festival is to create a vibrant space where artisans, enthusiasts, and crafters can come together to celebrate and uplift fiber traditions. We aim to foster creativity, innovation, and education while preserving traditional crafts like weaving and tatreez to honor cultural heritage. We also want to introduce these fiber activities to different age groups through hands-on experiences and workshops led by artisans. By showcasing diverse talents, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for fiber arts and nurture a culture of artistry and sustainability.

How has the fiber arts scene in Jordan evolved in recent years?

In recent years, passionate artisans in Jordan have been developing their skills and preserving various fiber crafts. Our small community is dedicated to keeping these traditions alive, and they are eager to share their knowledge. The Fiber Fest platform allows them to do just that.

What can visitors expect to experience at the festival?

The festival will be a vibrant celebration with multiple activities for visitors to explore 11 different fiber crafts. They can watch artisans at work or try out new techniques like weaving, knotting, tufting, macramé, and embroidery. Our artisans will be showcasing their creations and offering supplies and products for sale. There’s also the chance to sign up for specific fiber art workshops. A loom for children will be displayed so young artists can try their hand at weaving. Visitors can also join in and leave their mark on the community art project, which was started by the artisans and will be auctioned later for charity. This project symbolizes the collaborative spirit of fiber arts.

Are there any workshops that you’re especially excited about?

Threads of Amman

We are very excited about all the workshops being offered, especially because we have such a wide variety of choices all in one place. Each one is unique and offers participants the chance to enjoy and learn a new skill.

Could you share some of the unique fiber art traditions or techniques that will be showcased?

We’re showcasing 11 fiber arts at the festival, each with its own unique characteristics. In addition to traditional fiber crafts like knitting, crochet, and embroidery, visitors can learn more about string art and felting. Tufting and macramé, which have recently gained popularity, will be featured as well. We’re also excited to highlight weaving, Jordanian and Palestinian embroidery, and wool processing.

How did you go about selecting the artisans and artists participating in the festival?

Threads of Amman

Our goal was to identify a diverse group that works with different types of fiber arts. We were looking for artisans with a clear style and identity reflected in their work, as well as those dedicated to sharing their skills and art with others to build a community. The response to Fiber Fest has been overwhelming—we’ve met even more artisans that we hope will be part of our future events.

How does the festival aim to celebrate and preserve Jordanian cultural heritage?

Historically, Jordan has a rich fiber craft heritage that is sadly disappearing. Mass-produced items have become the norm, and our older generation is passing down fewer skills and techniques to the young. Threads of Amman specifically aims to preserve local cultural heritage by giving Jordanian fiber crafts visibility. We hope that through workshops and displays, techniques such as ruqmeh and Ma’an stitches, or local sheep wool processing, will become popular again.

In what ways do you hope the festival will impact the local arts community?

We hope this event will proudly showcase the incredible talent in Jordan while empowering a community to come together for the common goal of advancing fiber arts. To keep these traditions alive and thriving, we should prioritize acquiring artisanal items instead of mass-produced goods, allowing local artisans to turn their crafts into full-time jobs. More people are recognizing the importance of supporting local artisans and understanding the value of the time and skill invested in handmade pieces.

How important is it to blend traditional techniques with modern fiber arts in today’s art scene?

Threads of Amman

We believe it’s essential to preserve traditional crafts while also embracing the potential for new techniques and the fusion of different styles. Thread is a versatile medium for artistic creation with endless possibilities, and it’s inspiring to see Jordanian artisans push the boundaries of traditional forms, innovating new ways to express themselves through their work.

Are there any initiatives at the festival focused on sustainability in fiber arts?

Fiber art is inherently a sustainable activity. Artisans use eco-friendly materials like wool and cotton, and fibers such as yarn can be reused for new projects. Some artisans even use reclaimed materials, emphasizing the importance of upcycling. By showcasing these practices, we hope to inspire attendees to adopt sustainable approaches in their own crafting and appreciate the importance of preserving our environment while enjoying fiber arts.

How do you hope the festival will engage and inspire local youth or aspiring fiber artists?

Threads of Amman

The festival is a vibrant platform to engage and inspire local youth and aspiring fiber artists by providing a welcoming space to explore their interest and creativity. Through hands-on workshops and demonstrations led by experienced artisans, young participants can learn various techniques, discovering the beauty of fiber arts by engaging with experienced professionals. By connecting them with local artisans, we hope to foster mentorship opportunities that nurture their skills and passion for fiber arts, ultimately empowering them to pursue their artistic journeys.

What message would you like visitors to take away from the Threads of Amman experience?

We hope our visitors leave the Threads of Amman experience with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and significance of fiber arts. Our message emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional crafts while embracing innovation and supporting local artisans. We want attendees to recognize the value of handmade pieces and the dedication that goes into creating them. Ultimately, we aim to inspire a sense of community and foster a culture that celebrates creativity and sustainability. If we inspire visitors to pick up a fiber craft, we will be over the moon!