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8. TATREEZ TABOOS

IN TODAY'S EPISODE, WE'RE UNTANGLING THE THREADS OF "TATREEZ TABOOS," THOSE CONTENTIOUS TOPICS THAT SPARK HEATED DEBATES WITHIN THE PALESTINIAN EMBROIDERY COMMUNITY. 

From the battle between embroidery floss and Pearl Cotton 8 to the eternal struggle of what to define as a “clean back,” join us as we stitch together the diverse perspectives that make this art form so vibrant. 

BUT BEFORE YOU LISTEN, a reminder that the diversity of opinions within the Palestinian embroidery community is what makes this art form so rich and dynamic. Whether you're a staunch advocate for hoops or a free-spirited stitcher who never knots your ends, we invite you to continue the conversation and celebrate the multiplicity of perspectives that make Palestinian embroidery a living tradition.

You’ll hear about:

>> 00:50: Lina’s first tatreez project

>> 03:30: Amanne’s first tatreez project

>> 05:26: First Tatreez Taboo: Embroidery Floss vs. Pearl Cotton

>> 12:50: Amanne’s obsession when thread lays flat (it’s called cross-stitch railroading) and “loop starts”

>> 17:00: Second Tatreez Taboo: To hoop or not to hoop?

>> 23:22: Third Tatreez Taboo: When to change your needle?

>> 27:30: Fourth Tatreez Taboo: Knotting

>> 32:30: Final & most sinful Tatreez Taboo…a “Clean Back”

>> 39:50: A reminder that it’s not that serious ;-)

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“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

>> Cross-stitch railroading 

>> Amanne’s loop start technique for pearl cotton

>> Amanne’s loop start technique for embroidery floss

>> 6 Reasons to Use a Hoop by Lina’s Thobe

>> Q-snaps and where you can buy one!

>>Mary from @tatreezwithmary shoutout!!

>> Yousr from @tatreezing shoutout :)

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Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe

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7. REAL (TATREEZ) TALK WITH SAMIA ZITAWI

SAMIA ZITAWI IS A TATREEZ ARTIST BASED OUT OF NORTH CAROLINA AND IS BRINGING US ALL OF THE TATREEZ STORIES FROM TETAS TO BABIES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN (@edbtatreezi).

You are guaranteed to laugh with us -or at least chuckle- during this episode. It is full of jokes and together, we learn about Samia’s tatreez journey and one of her favorite aspects of tatreez: the theme of community and its ability to bring people together.

Go ahead and thread your needle, enjoy the conversation, and if you’re in North Carolina, make sure you reach out to learn from and practice with Samia. You can find her on Instagram @edbtatreezi.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:11: Meet Samia

>> 4:02: Samia meets tatreez -- it didn’t stick

>> 7:06: Samia finally picks up tatreez based on the best advice from her husband

>> 11:55: Samia grows her practice

>> 15:38: Samia’s advice on diving into history of tatreez

>> 17:28: Samia’s first project

>> 20:57: Building tatreez community in North Carolina

>> 25:04: Started with workshops and now focused on tatreez circles hosted at local Arab businesses

>> 26:53: Transitioning from practicing to teaching

>> 29:07: Samia’s biggest lessons from tatreez

>> 30:30: Reds & flowers

>> 32:00: Experimenting with tatreez

>> 35:00: Tatreez meets...babies!

>> 38:57: Samia’s advice for all of our listeners

>> 39:45: The story behind Samia’s Insta handle (TikTok explainer below)

Rate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

>> Yousr from @tatreezing

>> 12 Books Every Tatreez Artist Should Have in Their Library

>> TikTok explainer on “edbt-atreez-i”

>> The Lahmeh song

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6. BUILDING YOUR TATREEZ COMMUNITY WITH THE TATREEZ COLLECTIVE

THE TATREEZ COLLECTIVE, COMPRISED OF DINA AND YOMN, IS AN ORGANIZATION HOSTING WORKSHOPS BASED OUT OF LONDON (@thetatreezcollective).

Not only do we dive deep into our remarkable Mamas - both Palestinian and non-Palestinian who are basically Palestinian - but this episode is full of good vibes, laughter, and beauty rooted in tatreez.

For all of us in the diaspora, community is the link that offers us a connection to our identity, Palestine, and the preservation of an artform that must be practiced to remain alive. Hear from The Tatreez Collective on how they’re nurturing a community while staying true to the origin and tradition of tatreez.

If you’re in London, make sure you reach out to participate with The Tatreez Collective. If you’re not in London but within Europe, reach out to The Tatreez Collective to find a way to work together. And if you’re outside of Europe, reach out to us and we’ll help you find or start your very own magical tatreez community.

Check out The Tatreez Collective on Instagram or their website to learn more about upcoming workshops and / or to request a tatreez commission!

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:15: Meet Yomn

>> 2:23: Meet Dina

>> 11:30: Yomn’s tatreez journey

>> 12:40: Yomn recruits Dina and The Tatreez Collective is born

>> 16:40: Dina’s tatreez journey

>> 19:40: Impact of tatreez on identity

>> 21:30: The journey of The Tatreez Collective

>> 26:04: The Tatreez Collective expands into Spain

>> 33:30: Building community through The Tatreez Collective

>> 40:57: Workshops and what’s next with The Tatreez Collective 

>> 49:00: Dina & Yomn’s tatreez life lessons 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

>> Roba’s YouTube Channel

>> Casa Arabe Project - Sneak Peak

>> Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

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Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe

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5. TATREEZ IN CHILE WITH OMAR SALAME

OMAR SALAME, A LAWYER AND DEBKA DANCER FROM CHILE WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH THE ART OF TATREEZ (@salame.omar). He now teaches tatreez in Santiago, Chile and is setting the foundation for what he hopes will become ongoing tatreez gatherings revolving around practicing in community.

In addition to a fascinating discussion around the largest Palestinian diaspora outside the Arab world in Chile, we were excited to hear Omar’s experience with tatreez as our first male guest!

For all of us in the diaspora, Omar’s story is all too familiar and we just continue to be blown away by what can be nothing but the magical role of tatreez in our connection to our culture, each other, and Palestine.

Make sure you listen to the end to hear the biggest lesson Omar has learned from tatreez and if you’re in Chile, make sure to get in touch through Instagram to join the beautiful tatreez community that Omar is bringing to life ASAP!

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:08: Omar’s connection to Palestine

>> 3:54: The story behind Omar’s family immigration to Chile

>> 5:55: The Palestinian institutions and community in Chile

>> 7:43: Omar’s first visit to Palestine

>> 12:50: Omar discovers tatreez in 2017

>> 17:47: The women and Omar learn and practice tatreez

>> 21:27: Omar’s tatreez practice since 2017

>> 26:01: Omar brings tatreez back to Palestinians in Chile

>> 35:31: Spreading Palestinian art to broader Chile, beginning with a “debkathon”

>> 37:55: Perception of Palestinians in Chile

>> 46:23: Omar’s biggest lesson from tatreez

Rate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

>> Club Deportivo Palestino - Palestinian Chile fútbol (soccer) team (Instagram)

>> Club Palestino - Palestinian social club in Chile (Instagram)

>> Debka Club Palestino - Chilean Debka club

>> Colegio Árabe - Arabic school in Santiago 

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4. PRESERVING PALESTINIAN HISTORY WITH WAFA FROM TATREEZ AND TEA

WAFA GHNAIM IS A RESEARCHER, ARCHIVIST, AND THE FACE BEHIND TATREEZ AND TEA (@tatreezandtea). The author of two books, Wafa has been a pioneer in teaching and preserving the art of tatreez and can now be found conducting research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

From Wafa’s own tatreez origin story to rescuing Palestinian dresses to an honest conversation about the backs of our embroidery, we dive deep into so many extraordinary topics. These are lessons that our beloved ancestral art form has taught Wafa and – by extension – us through her workshops, lectures, books, and now, research within museums.

As Wafa says, “you’ve either got mastery of the art form or you’re working towards mastery (i.e. seeing with your hands)” and it is so vital that we continue to learn and think critically in our journey towards mastering tatreez.

In segment 00:49:00–00:50:04 it was mistakenly implied that the thobe pattern sold in the Tatreez & Tea shop, embroidered during the Second Intifada, was solely created by Wafa. She would like to issue a correction and apology, as this specific pattern was produced for the Tatreez Institute by a member of the Tatreez and Tea community. Wafa would like to sincerely apologize and uplift all contributors of patterns to Tatreez & Tea, some of which have requested their names to remain anonymous, who have generously invested their time and effort in creating these patterns and supporting Palestinian dress reclamation in the United States.

If you have any questions about tatreez history, Tatreez and Tea, or the Tatreez Institute – send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll bring Wafa back to answer any and all of your questions.

In the meantime, you can find Wafa on Instagram and Tiktok using her handle @tatreezandtea and learn directly from her through her blog, shop, books, digitized museum dress patterns, virtual courses and more via her website.

You’ll hear about:

>> 2:20: Wafa’s tatreez origin story

>> 4:46: Transitioning to teaching

>> 8:45: Evolution of Tatreez and Tea to work at museums

>> 14:48: Including oral storytelling for more accurate classification of dresses within museums

>> 19:40: Mission rescue our dresses

>> 25:57: How to rescue a Palestinian dress

>> 27:32: Relationships with non-Palestinians through tatreez

>> 31:25: Behind Wafa’s more recent publication, Thobna

>> 34:20: Wafa’s favorite motif / designs tied to the revolution

>> 36:18: Being honest about the back of our tatreez

>> 44:42: Advice for students working towards mastery of tatreez

Rate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, i

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3. THE ETHICS OF ENGAGING WITH TATREEZ WITH BAYAN OF BADAN COLLECTIVE

BAYAN FARES IS THE FOUNDER OF BADAN COLLECTIVE (@badancollective), a creative design house and educational space for Palestinian embroidery. She’s also a Palestinian writer, poet, Licensed Social Worker, and Tatreez Instructor.

This episode is full of gems around how we think and engage with tatreez, and you won’t want to miss a single second! Here’s a sneak peak from our conversation with Bayan: When Bayan teaches, she’s going with her heart i.e. she’s sharing her heart with her students. Instead of asking how should we bring ourselves to tatreez, Bayan encourages us to ask, how do we receive the hearts and souls that are embedded in tatreez?

Check out all the kits, beautiful tatreez minders, and find out if one of her workshops is coming near you: www.badancollective.com

And like Bayan said at the end of our interview, we hope you’ll join us in this (Tatreez) movement!! 

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:38: Bayan’s introduction to tatreez

>> 4:39: Origin of Badan

>> 9:40: Bayan’s design inspiration

>> 12:55: Meaning behind “Badan”

>> 15:18: Teaching tatreez & community

>> 19:28: Tips for creating your own tatreez community

>> 22:52: Practicing tatreez as a non-Palestinian

>> 24:11: How should [Palestinians & allies in the diaspora] engage with tatreez as a broader community?

>> 30:00: Using tatreez to prepare for a liberated Palestine

>> 33:00: Recommendations on resources to learn more about tatreez

Links mentioned in this episode:

>> “As I non-Palestinian, can I practice and wear tatreez?” Instagram post on @badancollective 

>> Palestine Museum US (CT)

>> Museum of the Palestinian People (DC)

>> Tiraz Centre (Amman)

>> 12 Books Every Tatreez Artist Should Have in Their Library

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2. THE VALUE OF TATREEZ WITH SARA FROM DEERAH

SARA JAYYUSI IS THE FOUNDER OF DEERAH (@deerah.co), a small tatreez design house that sheds light on the art of Palestinian embroidery and challenges deep-seated prejudices against Palestinian culture. 

The big question that we explore together include the valuation of tatreez and how this plays into pricing tatreez. There is so much to unpack and we’re confident we’ll be bringing Sara back for a future episode.

In the meantime, find your next tatreez piece - handmade or machine - at Deerah while listening to this episode!

You’ll hear about:

>> 2:24: Deerah’s origin story

>> 7:42: Community with the embroiderers behind Deerah’s handmade pieces

>> 11:30: Storytelling through Deerah’s tatreez experience

>> 16:50: Value vs. price of tatreez

>> 22:50: Tatreez as a respected form of employment

>> 25:25: How does/should someone get paid for tatreez?

>> 32:30: The Madini vs. Fallahi nuances in Palestinian culture

>> 39:35: Incorporating Madini/Fallahi in Deerah’s tatreez collections

>> 43:55: Sara’s tatreez resources

>> 48:14: The importance of a stitchable, breathable fabric

>> 52:00: Tiers of aggression against Palestinians and tatreez as resistance

>> 59:33: Lina & Amanne reflect on the first guest of Tatreez Talk!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

>> Tatreez books (that we’re aware of) and where you can find them

>> Threads of Identity by Widad Kawar

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1. OUR TATREEZ JOURNEY

THE CO-HOSTS BEHIND TATREEZ TALK: THE PODCAST TO ACCOMPANY YOU WHILE YOU STITCH.

Lina (@linasthobe): Palestinian Panamanian who learned the cross-stitch from her brilliantly talented latina mother and made the connection that the main Palestinian embroidery technique is one and the same as the cross-stitch in 2019 after taking an in-person tatreez class with Wafa Ghnaim from Tatreez & Tea. 

Amanne (@minamanne): Learned the cross-stitch on her own using YouTube videos by Roba in 2018. Initially dove into the beauty of tatreez and using tatreez to beautify things but then fell in love with the community, history, and meaning and significance that tatreez has to offer as she learned more.

Lina & Amanne discuss all things tatreez, including appreciation for handmade things, getting pieces framed (any Palestinian framers out there that we can recommend for all of our projects?!), the process of creating something beautiful, the remarkable community, and the healing, soothing, therapeutic aspects of tatreez.

You’ll hear about:

>> 2:52: Introduction to Lina’s Tatreez Journey

>> 7:36: Introduction to Amanne’s Tatreez Journey

>> 12:39: The impact of COVID on tatreez (hint: community)

>> 14:21: Amanne and Lina get introduced

>> 21:20: Transitioning from Lina’s individual practice to a thobe and teaching

>> 24:00: What does tatreez mean to us? (hint: connection to Palestine, healing, community)

>> 31:00: The feeling of home in Palestine through tatreez

>> 35:39: Storytelling through tatreez 

>> 40:50: Diversity in the tatreez community

>> 42:30: Tatreez as art and the stitcher as an artist

Links mentioned in this episode:

>> Wafa Ghnaim from Tatreez & Tea (instagram/website)

>> Roba’s Tatreez YouTube Videos in Arabic

>> Almacén de Pontejos in Madrid for an experience buying needlework materials

>> Tatreez kits: Min Amanne, Badan Collective, Hint of Tatreez

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Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe

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Hi Stitchers, welcome to Tatreez Talk, the podcast that stitches together the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroidery with hosts Lina (@linasthobe) and Amanne (@minamanne).

Join us as we chat with talented embroiderers and artists, sharing their stories, inspirations, and the cultural significance behind each meticulously crafted piece.

So, thread your needle, press play, and let the stories unfold…one stitch at a time.

Follow us @tatreeztalk
Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe