Tapestry of Spirit: The Torah Stitch by Stitch

Exhibit Installation, Textile Crafts

In the spring of 2019, I was invited to assist in the Torah Stitch by Stitch project. Conceptualized by textile artist Temma Gentles, this eight-year-long project saw over 1400 stitchers in 28 countries cross stitch over 2000 text panels of the Torah, Gospels and Qur’an as well as hundreds of illuminations. In preparation for the “Tapestry of Spirit” exhibition at the Textile Museum of Canada, each panel had to be carefully hand-stitched to a lining fabric and border.

I was invited to assist in this work due to my sewing and textile expertise. The work was demanding, I had to balance care with efficiency, and I made my way through more needles than I thought possible. However, the pricked fingers were easy to ignore while taking in the beauty of the panels. One stuck with me in particular, an incredible illumination of the birth of the universe, as told in the Qur’an.

Taking in the exhibition, with hundreds of panels all lovingly handstitched, was a moving experience that has left a lasting impression on me. While I could not read Hebrew, Arabic and Greek texts, I deeply connected with the stories held in each stitch.