W2C. Tying up the Clouds, Hooking the Sun: Ikat Fabric and Embroidered Suzanis from Uzbekistan
Other | Registration opens 1/1/2026 9:00 AM
Bright, bold patterns distinguish Uzbek ikat (or resist-dyed) fabric. Equally brilliant designs typify traditional hand-embroidered suzanis or stitched panels. The inside story of these textile masterpieces will emerge through images from the ikat workshops and suzani collections of Uzbekistan. During her dozen trips to the region (most recently in November 2025), Cynthia LeCount Samaké has gained insight into the extremely complex ikat process, which involves the use of an astonishing 250-meter-long warp. We’ll look at both traditional and modern suzani varieties, as well as the fascinating ikat weaving with both hand and machine looms.
- Photo courtesy of the Presenter
Cynthia LeCount Samaké
Presenter
Cynthia LeCount Samaké, MA, is a specialist in indigenous textiles and festival costumes. Through her textile tour company Behind the Scenes Adventures, she has led small groups of textile fanatics and friends all over the world for 25 years. With expert local guides, these trips explore the textile techniques and cultures of countries where textiles are particularly masterful or unusual. Field research in Peru and Bolivia resulted in her award-winning book Andean Folk Knitting: Traditions and Techniques from Peru and Bolivia.