A few months back I treated myself to a gift.
A tinkly jingly spangled wedding blanket, vintage, from the Atlas Mountains.
Hand loomed wool~a heavy warmth that the Berber's created to keep warm on those cold desert nights.
Trillions Lots of hand sewn sequins, that tinkle and make magical noise whenever the blanket is moved. A beautiful sound.
These blankets have special talismanic powers woven into the threads, to protect the bride and groom. I thought that was appropriate.
This particular one that sung to me has found it's home on our guest room bed, as a bedscarf.
And look, quite a Nick Bantock effect when you throw vintage postcards on top-Best regards, George 1914
George was in Pompeii, in 1914. I love that stuff.
If you would love one of these scrumptious blankets for yourself, or a loved one to give as a Holiday gift...then please visit Maryam at My Marrakesh, or email [email protected] for more information. I promise you this, it is more than an investment, it is a treasure.
Oh.......you are the very sweetest, G. Your guestroom is looking fab!!! All ready for when I come visit:)
Posted by: Maryam in Marrakech | November 17, 2008 at 03:16 PM
It is a lovely looking blanket and just the thing to keep you warm on a cold Canadian night! Beautiful!
Posted by: Mary T. | November 17, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Oh my gosh! this blanket is gorgeous!
Posted by: Cynthia | November 17, 2008 at 10:18 PM
You know, when he comes home...I'm ordering one. From our favorite lady, Maryam.
Love and prayers for your Dad. xo
Posted by: Graciel @ Evenstar Art | November 18, 2008 at 07:59 AM
I own two of Maryam's blankets. Not only are these Moroccan wedding blankets stunning but they are indeed a treasure and an investment. Maryam is a delight to work with and an honest person. So people should feel comfortable ordering from her. Yours is beautifully displayed.
Gilly I heard you too were going to NYC! I am there on Dec 12 to see Equus.
Posted by: Yoli | November 18, 2008 at 12:10 PM
It's beautiful, Gill, magical! You and J deserve nothing less under which to snuggle on your wedding night, and beyond.
A good blanket, for my money, is civilization's primal comfort, to which all others must defer.
Posted by: somewhere joe | November 18, 2008 at 12:50 PM
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....i have a passion
for cuddly blankets ~ they make all the magic
and difference in the world ~
it's gorgeous ~ Maryam has a beautiful eye
for the unique and enchanted:)
love you girl:)
Posted by: maddie | November 18, 2008 at 02:39 PM
What a beautiful blanket, and replete with such deep meaning. I'll have to pop over and take a gander.
Posted by: Epiphany | November 18, 2008 at 05:19 PM
To me, this is one of the great joys of getting to read other people's blogs...I get to learn about wonderful things like this, about which i had not the slightest clue. What a neat thing! (I love the Eiffel Tower drawn onto the guest room wall in silhouette, too!.)
Posted by: Shay | November 18, 2008 at 07:59 PM
This is absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by: Kath | November 18, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Blue, It's all in the details. The wedding blanket is beautiful and sacred. Enjoy all that magical noise.
:-)
Posted by: gemma | November 18, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Beautiful! When my friend H got married, our other friend A brought her a blanket like this. When we covered the bed with it, A told us stories about seeing the rituals of wrapping up the bride in this kind of blanket, etc. It was such an interesting ritual to hear about! Miracles!!! k-
Posted by: Mother Henna aka Kara | November 19, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Oooohhh, these are beautiful! I really do, love your guest room. ; )
Posted by: Christina | November 19, 2008 at 10:02 AM
What a lovely blanket....and the story behind it is so special.....
A GUEST BEDROOM!!! So, this means I can come visit, right?! haha
Posted by: Wayfaring Wanderer | November 19, 2008 at 01:48 PM
What a gorgeous spread. All of Maryam's finds are sooo lovely! And the postcard is a perfect touch. I haven't read a Nick Bantock book in ages. They are so wonderful.
Posted by: tangobaby | November 19, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Ooh, you and me too! I have been adding to my collection of these gorgeous blankets. Am taking one to Jordana in Philadelphia. Your guest room looks terrific! xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | November 19, 2008 at 05:08 PM
It looks beautiful! You are beautiful, Maryam is beautiful, the blanket is beautiful, the room is beautiful. How do you do it?
Posted by: karen cole | November 19, 2008 at 08:19 PM
So beautiful....the blanket, the story and the room...oh and the woman, especially the woman. This started my day today. Feeling gloomy and sad and I feel much better now. Thank you for that.
Posted by: Lisa P | November 20, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Wow!!
Ok I think this calls for a list...
First of all, your photography rocks!! I can FEEL the blanket through the photograph... awesome...
Second of all... The room looks like something out of a magazine... How'd you do it?? You should be on Oprah.
Third of all...Your Descriptive powers so finely tuned...lyrical and immediate...Another reason you should be on Oprah.
Ok I'm off to drink egg nog and get fat,
Big love, M
Posted by: Maithri | November 21, 2008 at 02:41 AM
Oooooh la la! That's beautiful, Gillian. It looks so great in your guestroom. I've been taking note of your interior posts and you have quite an eye for decorating.
Posted by: susanna | November 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM
thanks so much Joe, you are right...primal comforts are worth the investment!
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | November 22, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Well M, if you do come visit, the room will be ready for you!
BTW, I just adore my blanket. It is the beginning of a new collection I hope!
xo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | November 23, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Yes, lately, with four weeks STILL until the official start of winter, I have double duty lip balm and extra warm socks on as we are Fuh-Reezing!!!!!!!!
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | November 23, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Graciel
I pray he comes home to you soon. When he does, I think blankets will rank a little lower on the list ;P
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | November 23, 2008 at 11:03 PM
The sound effect created here in the blanket and heard when it is moved is amazingly innovative idea.When there is boredom and drudgery in life a little something like this brightens up life.
Posted by: cold | December 27, 2009 at 01:38 PM