Textile Sabiha: Reflections of Light

Category: Interior

Sabiha: Reflections of Light Sabiha: Reflections of Light is a contemporary embroidered textile artwork created in memory of my late mother, Sabiha, an interior decorator whose creativity, eye for beauty, and love of handcrafted spaces inspired my own artistic journey. Through her, I learned that interiors are not just designed they are felt, remembered, and lived in. Drawing on the rich tradition of Pakistani shisha (mirror) embroidery, the piece is handcrafted using natural linen, cotton, hemp, silk threads, and glass mirrors. Each mirror symbolizes a cherished memory and reflects the light, warmth, and enduring influence my mother brought into the lives of those around her. Designed as a lasting heirloom rather than a disposable object, the textile celebrates sustainable craftsmanship, repairability, and cultural heritage. It honors both my mother’s legacy and the timeless value of creating meaningful objects that can be treasured and passed from one generation to the next. Sustainability highlights * 🌿 100% natural fibres: linen, cotton, silk, hemp, and bamboo. * ♻️ Repairable by design: damaged mirrors or stitches can be individually replaced without discarding the entire piece. * 🪡 Handcrafted construction: no synthetic laminates or permanent adhesives required. * 🌍 Biodegradable components: all textile elements are biodegradable; the glass mirrors can be removed and reused or recycled. * 🧵 Designed for longevity: intended as an heirloom-quality textile that can be repaired, repurposed, and passed down through generations. Approximate dimensions (from your concept board) * Overall size: 120 cm (W) × 180 cm (H) * Hanging rod: Bamboo or oak, extending slightly beyond the textile width * Fringe length: Approximately 15–20 cm Materials used: Component Material Purpose Base fabric Handwoven undyed linen Primary textile foundation Embroidery thread Organic cotton thread Main embroidery and mirror attachment Accent thread Natural silk thread Fine detailing and highlights Decorative fibre Hemp cord Structural embroidery and hanging loops Fringe Hand-knotted cotton cord Bottom decorative finish Mirrors Hand-cut glass shisha mirrors (various sizes) Reflective embellishment and symbolic focal points Hanging rod Bamboo or FSC-certified oak dowel Supports the textile as wall art Hanging cord Braided hemp rope Suspension from the wall Natural dyes Indigo, madder root, walnut husk, pomegranate rind, onion skin Earth-derived color palette Reinforcement Linen interfacing or an additional linen backing Adds durability while remaining natural Edge finish Hand-stitched linen binding Prevents fraying and