Suzani? What the %@*! is a Suzani?!

I get asked this rather a lot, so let me Wikipedia explain: Suzani is a type of embroidered and decorative tribal textile made in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. Suzani is from the Persian "Suzan" which means needle. The art of making such textiles in Iran is called "Suzankāri" (needlework). Suzanis usually have a cottonsilk) fabric base, which is embroidered in silk or cotton thread (chain, satin, and buttonhole stitches are the primary stitches used). There is also extensive use of couching, in which decorative thread laid on the fabric as a raised line is stitched in place with a second thread. Suzanis are often made in two or more pieces, that are then stitched together Popular design motifs include sun and moon disks, flowers (especially tulips, carnations, and irises), leaves and vines, fruits (especially pomegranates), and occasional fish and birds.

And I spent the better part of yesterday photographing some gorgeous Suzani bedspreads/throws which will be up on the Table Tonic online store in the next couple of days (ooooh!). But remember, every Suzani is a unique, genuinely vintage piece, so there will only ever be one of each available! Think of them as an instant bed(room) updater. And just in time for Spring!

(above) Yes, I was a little bit excited after photographing 15-odd suzanis! It's a wrap! PS Watch this space.