January 2022
The ultimate honour was to have our story published in the SAQA Journal this month ! The journal is the Art Quilter Bible and to be featured in this issue along with many of our quilting idols and mentors is an incredible honour !
It is such a pleasure to see our students achieving recognition and success worldwide .It has been a long journey and an incredible experience for me and my friend and colleague Maryam Tabatabaie. Working in Iran as women is not easy and following protocol is imperative but it can be done and done well! We have set an example to the younger generation coming up that not only that work with a needle and thread is not an old fashioned occupation to keep housewives hands and minds busy ! ….but a creative outlet for their innovation , success in their own business endeavors and a positive road to self sustainability.
Some of our students have been coming to our workshops for over 18 years now and have traveled long distances nationwide . Each and every individual journey I recall with a sense of personal fulfillment .
The space at Patchiran has been a place of growth for many .It has also been a warm nurturing sanctuary where women have shared happy times, family stories , grief and heartache . The stitches made , techniques learned and innovation shared over the last 20 years have really exceeded our expectations and we hope to be able to continue and encompass the young vibrant artists developing in Iran today .
Passive pastimes and hobbies are ‘out’ but our laptops are now being used as powerful creative design tools and with profitable business and management platforms such as Etsy and Instagram artists are connecting with their clients directly and making money .
We have yet again turned towards more practical ways of sustaining a more ‘rounded’ life by reconnecting with our spiritual , psychological and economical needs. People are returning to stitch ,weave ,repairing and mending as part of a “slower ” more meaningful and introspective lifestyle. This is creating a revival and appreciation of arts and crafts lost to consumerism and it is an exciting development to witness here in Iran too…
What we can achieve under the auspices of the humble needle and thread is unbelievable!
Dzignpatch 
Michelle, it is so wonderful to see your passion and commitment and extraordinary talent being acknowledged in this article. Your own words in the blog are so well written. I have watched the monumental work you have put into Patch Iran and Dzign patch down the years and know the dedication, patience, perseverance a d resilience it has required. This recognition so well deserved did not come easily but I am so so so happy to see all you have done being acknowledged at this international level. Mary
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Thank you Mary ! Especially from someone who has witnessed it all!
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