It began innocently enough. Maryam didn't mentioned anything when we met in Paris. It was more than a year later when she began to entice me with exotic imaginings of romance and weddings and dreams. She tantalized me with pictures of vintage wool wedding blankets, handloomed of sheep's wool and cotton in tiny Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains. She talked of tradition and skill passed from generation to generation, as prospective brides and their relatives patiently sewed each sequin by hand. Before I knew it, I was handing the sly temptress fistfuls of cash for blankets of my own!
This beauty with a grid pattern of sequins was the third blanket I was unable to resist from the Marrakech cache.
It is heavy and warm, and the sequins flash and glitter in the sun and twinkle like stars at night.
Detail of a blanket purchased for my daughter.
This lightweight blanket with delicate hand-woven fringe is destined for Jordana's loft in Philadelphia. I expect she'll drape it over her sofa.
This was the first vintage Moroccan wedding blanket that caught my fancy. It's draped over the back of a Napoleon III chair.
And the piece de resistance - sequins galore! Imagine the amount of time that went into sewing these thousands of sequins on this very heavy blanket! The moment I saw it, I was intoxicated.
You, too, can own a beautiful vintage Moroccan wedding blanket - or three or four - or more! Maryam of My Marrakesh has just updated her inventory, featuring recently-acquired beauties to tempt you. Each blanket is unique and special, in various sizes and weights to suit your needs. She even has a couple of rare black wedding blankets, which sell for a small fortune in London. See for yourself!
2008 Weblog Awards
Speaking of Maryam, for the second year in a row, her fabulous blog My Marrakesh is a finalist in the Weblog Awards. If you're as much of a fan as I am, you can go here and cast your vote. Unusually, in this competition, you can vote every day until January 13th. So vote early and often!
I'm totally in love with these blankets or rugs ! they look divine. You daughter is lucky
Posted by: Mélanie Aussandon | 14 January 2009 at 10:40
So it was you! that last one was supposed to make the trek all the way here. When I wrote to her she said to me I didn't need another blanket - I already have 3 - and that at any rate it was sold. I was crushed. That one was from her personal collection and it is indeed a work of art. Of course I am delighted it landed at your feet, or wherever you keep it.
So enjoy it for both of us!
Posted by: Allegra | 09 January 2009 at 23:11
oh la la...absolutely tempting !! I remember Yoli showing her beautiful blanket acquired from Maryam too.
You're lucky Tara!
and yes of course, i vote for Maryam. Well, like others already said, there should be several categories.
Bon week end!
Posted by: my castle in Spain | 09 January 2009 at 18:25
Beuatiful blanket. Love it. And I love Maryam too!!
Posted by: My Melange | 09 January 2009 at 13:36
Thanks, Yoli. You have a Moroccan wedding blanket too, right?
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 09 January 2009 at 12:34
Yes, Karen, no winners in a conflict. Hoping the ceasefire is implemented and peace talks begin.
And you're right about Maryam and her blog, no matter the competition outcome.
Love to you! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 09 January 2009 at 12:33
Yes, I think everyone who sees the blankets in person is pleased. And you're right about Maryam's blog should be in a different category. But we continue to vote and hope for the best! Love you too! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 09 January 2009 at 12:31
M - I wouldn't dispute the magical powers theory. :) As for the blog awards, it seems to me there should be two separate categories for North Africa and the Middle East - it's curious that your competition are are news and politics blogs.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 09 January 2009 at 12:29
Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Yoli | 08 January 2009 at 23:46
I can ONLY imagine how wonderful these wedding blankets are in person, to hold the shimmering heft in my hands!
Fantastic!
Posted by: stephanie | 08 January 2009 at 23:19
Such a terribly generous post, Tara. Thank you!!!! Believe me, your collection is not my fault - I tell you that these blankets have magical powers! Berbers believe that they protect you from the evil eye. It's how I find myself buying one after another. eeek! Circumstances beyond my control!!!!
And thank you so much for your vote and support. Losing badly to the neocon policy wonks. Sigh.
Posted by: Maryam | 08 January 2009 at 23:04
I can see why you fell into those wonderful rugs. How lush and how unique. Very beautiful and they look to die for!
Posted by: jeanie | 08 January 2009 at 22:12
I have voted every day. Africa and the Middle East have to be one tough blog competition. I am constantly in awe of her photos and stories, so she is a winner with her readers no matter what.
I may have to borrow Jordana's blanket :-).....or get one of my own. I have been coveting these beautiful things for quite some time.
CNN and the rest of the news coverage of the conflict in Gaza, have nothing on you. There are no winners here. I don't know if I told you, but i lived in Israel for a year or so in the early 1970's. The solution to the area is ............I only wish I knew.
May we all have a happy and peaceful New Year Tara.
Love,
Karen
Posted by: Karen Cole | 08 January 2009 at 22:01
LOL! Chris will have MyMarrakesh bookmarked right next to ParisParfait next!!! xo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 08 January 2009 at 19:53
Tara,
I had to laugh when we were in *NYC*!!!! and having dinner-I think I mentioned loving my blanket and I nearly choked when you told me of your "collection".
They are all so unique and beautiful, painstakingly constructed and HEAVY. I love that they have that gorgeous weight to them. Snuggly and perfect. Not to mention they are total works of art.
I am still voting for Maryam. It looks as though she belongs in a different category. I think her blog is more focused on the travel/design/lifestyle content than on the political. She really deserves to win though. She already is a winner however.
Like you!!! Love you!
oxxo
Love, Gillian
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 08 January 2009 at 19:52
Textural Bliss!
Posted by: judith | 08 January 2009 at 19:33
Thank you, Di. But you haven't seen all of them! :)
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 08 January 2009 at 18:57
I can vouch for the fact that your wedding blanket is gorgeous :)
Posted by: Di Overton | 08 January 2009 at 18:42
Marilyn, thank you. And yes, Maryam's blog is special. Let's hope lots of her fans help get out the vote!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 January 2009 at 18:33
Aha, so you're the rare person who doesn't already know about Maryam's blog! :) Aren't the blankets great?
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 January 2009 at 18:32
Thank you, Christina. I think J will be happy. I'm just worried about her dog and the damage he might do! :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 January 2009 at 18:31
You are right, the blankets are beautiful. Maryam's blog is special too. Thanks for letting us know.
Posted by: Marilyn | 08 January 2009 at 18:04
I have never heard of this, and thanks so much for sharing her blog! I'm going over there and check it out. I can almost feel how soft this blanket is. Love the texture and 'bling'.
Posted by: Chris | 08 January 2009 at 17:10
These are absolutely gorgeous! : ) Jordana is going to love this.
Posted by: Christina | 08 January 2009 at 16:12