A closer look at the rose border

..And the traditional geometrical abstract patterns of Islamic tradition.

Geometry and roses

A blend of the mathematical and lyrical on a length of fabric in Zain, a shop specialising in (among other things) textiles for the Sudanese community.

Folds of rope

I had been to Venice before (as a student) but that was such a long time ago... This time, am taken by surprise at every turn. The boatmen on the water buses work miracles with rope. This elaborate knot lashed in a matter of seconds to secure the boat.

Tressed hair and fabric folds

On a water bus in Venice - a nun is sitting in front of me next to someone who has carefully clipped her hair into place with two tiny plastic clips of a kind I've never seen before.

The lines of the tressed hair follow the folds of the fabric worn by the nun.

Beaded robes on Gesuati Madonna

Richly beaded robes on the Madonna and Child in the Gesuati (Sta Maria del Rosario) church in Venice, on the Zattere...