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S2E7. LEARNING TO MAKE A THOBE WITH DIANA

DIANA IS A PALESTINIAN-JORDANIAN TATREEZ PRACTITIONER BORN AND RAISED IN JORDAN, AND NOW BASED IN THE US (@DIANADHN). Like many of us in the diaspora, both in the Middle East and abroad, Diana has a deep connection to Palestine and it was her grandmother who inspired her tatreez journey. 

She recounts the early days of beginning tatreez and learning to make a thobe with a khalto, an unforgettable experience! She highlights the differences in practicing tatreez while living in Jordan versus the US and also how she brings conversations about Palestine into the workplace and beyond through her tatreez art. Tune in to hear Diana's unique experiences and the major life lessons she gained through tatreez.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:15: Diana’s connection to Palestine

>> 3:49: How Diana’s grandmother inspired her tatreez journey

>> 8:28: Actually beginning tatreez

>> 15:00: Learning how to make a thobe with a khaltu

>> 25:13: Tatreez when living in Jordan versus living in the US

>> 28:19: Talking about Palestine through tatreez in the workplace and beyond

>> 37:15: Diana’s major life lessons from tatreez (one is one you’ll never forget!)

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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!

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S2E6. TATREEZ AS DIGITAL ART WITH MAYA

MAYA A MOTION GRAPHICS DESIGNER, VIDEO CREATOR, AND DIGITAL TATREEZ ARTIST (@MAYAAMERDESIGN). In this episode, we explore Maya's connection to Palestine, not only through traditional tatreez but also through her innovative approach to digital tatreez art. She shares how she began incorporating tatreez into her digital creations and the supportive community she found along the way.

Maya's tatreez practice continues to evolve, and she offers valuable advice for those interested in starting with digital art. Her experience with tatreez has taught her important lessons about preserving cultural heritage while embracing new forms of expression. She has beautiful ideas in the works so make sure to follow her journey and keep up with her work on Instagram!

You’ll hear about:

>> 0:52: Maya’s connection to Palestine

>> 5:03: Introduction to tatreez

>> 9:46: Incorporating tatreez into digital art

>> 19:16: Finding community through her digital tatreez art

>> 21:59: Maya’s tatreez practice now

>> 28:25: Where to start if you’re interested in pixar art

>> 34:38: The reception to Maya’s digital art

>> 38:48: Maya’s life lessons from tatreez

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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

>> Pixel embroidered map of Palestine

>> Gaza Chest Panel digital art honoring the martyrs from the Gaza Genocide, October 2023

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S2E5. RESEARCHING PALESTINE THROUGH TATREEZ WITH AMITA

AMITA KHURANA IS A PALESTINIAN-INDIAN TATREEZ ARTIST, RESEARCHER, AND ACTIVIST WITH ARTISTS AGAINST APARTHEID (@AMITASTATREEZ / @AMITA.KHURANA). Through personal exploration and academic research, she developed a deeper connection to Palestine through tatreez. 

Amita was then led to introduce tatreez at the student encampments at Columbia University and shares insights on the history of these encampments and the challenges of reconciling her role within the student movement alongside counter protesters and media attention.

She is now sharing tatreez with the broader NYC community and through her involvement in the Artists Against Apartheid movement, which is open to join both in and outside of NYC! Activism through art is a powerful vehicle for storytelling, raising awareness about social injustices, and inspiring collective action while fostering a deeper understanding of cultural identities.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:01: Amita’s connection to Palestine

>> 5:05: Amita decides to begin her tatreez journey

>> 11:50: Researching tatreez in an academic capacity

>> 23:28: The collision of research and practice tatreez

>> 25:06: Introducing tatreez at the student encampments in Columbia

>> 31:50: Extending tatreez from campus to the broader community in NYC

>> 33:45: History of student encampments at Columbia University

>> 38:49: Reconciling being part of the student movement and counter protesters and media

>> 42:26: Joining the Artists Against Apartheid movement

>> 49:22: Amita’s life lessons 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

>> Amita Khurana, The Power of Tatreez: Transformations in Politics and Practice Post-1948 in Afkar: The Undergraduate Journal of Middle East Studies

>> The People’s Forum Programming - Monday Volunteer Meetings for Palestine

>> The People’s Forum Instagram

>> Artists Against Apartheid

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S2E4. BALANCING TRADITION AND MODERNITY WITH HANEEN

HANEEN IS A PALESTINIAN TATREEZ ARTIST AND NURSE BASED IN VIRGINIA WHO USES TATREEZ AS A WAY TO BLEND CULTURE & RESISTANCE IN ORDER TO CREATE A COMMUNITY WHEREVER SHE GOES (@HANUNA123). Introduced to the craft later and then fitting it into her family's traditions, Haneen balances tradition and modernity in her art. She emphasizes the timeless nature of tatreez and always having her work with her as a source of focus and connection.

Building community through tatreez has come up more than once for her, from thinking about her move from Michigan to Virginia to her spontaneous decision to join the Tatreez Retreat in 2023. Haneen reflects on the valuable life lessons tatreez has taught her, her dedication to preserving and modernizing Palestinian heritage, and the powerful role of tatreez in her life.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:15: Haneen and her family’s connection to Palestine

>> 3:01: Getting introduced to tatreez

>> 4:52: Haneen’s family reaction to her tatreez practice

>> 8:58: Balancing tradition and modernity through meaning in tatreez

>> 15:15: Gifting meaningful tatreez pieces

>> 16:35: The tatreez that Haneen will keep for herself

>> 18:49: Never a wrong place to pull out your tatreez

>> 24:56: Haneen’s thobe…coming soon!

>> 29:38: From MI to VA, finding and building community through tatreez

>> 31:41: Spontaneously joining the Tatreez Retreat

>> 35:32: Haneen’s biggest life 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

>> Join the tatreez circles in Dearborn, Michigan

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S2E3. TATREEZ AND ACTIVISM WITH JAMILLA

JAMILLA IS A TATREEZ ARTIST, GRAD STUDENT, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZER (@LEELAJA.TATREEZ). It was love at first site with tatreez for Jamilla and a few years later, it was also her entrance into community organizing.

Together, we hear about her family's connection to Palestine, how she incorporates this traditional art form into her community work, the practical tips she uses to add tatreez to her wardrobe, and for those interested in becoming more community organizing, advice on getting started. You’ll also hear about her incredible collaboration with another artist using tatreez that she’s currently working on!

For those in Humboldt County, California, make sure to follow and keep up with Jamilla’s local activist work at @humboldtforpalestine.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:05: Jamilla and her family’s connection to Palestine

>> 6:20: Jamilla gets introduced into tatreez

>> 11:02: How Jamilla’s tatreez practice evolved and her tatreez style

>> 13:36: Intersection of tatreez in Jamilla’s community work

>> 20:13: Practicing tatreez in community

>> 21:16: Tips on how Jamilla adds tatreez to her wardrobe

>> 23:32: Advice on getting involved in community organizing

>> 27:45: Jamilla’s current tatreez projects

>> 33:42: Life lessons 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

>> Palestinian Cultural Center (@palestiniancc) in Kuwait

>> Jamilla’s collaboration project with painter stitching chest pieces

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S2E2. GIFTING HERITAGE THROUGH TATREEZ WITH MARY

MARY IS A PALESTINIAN-ITALIAN ("PALESTALIAN") TATREEZ ARTIST FROM CHICAGO WHO IS NOW IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA (@TATREEZWITHMARY). Together, we explore her deep connection to Palestine and her journey with tatreez. From building a strong Palestinian community in the US through the art of embroidery to her personal experiences of moving to Virginia and connecting with the women in her family, Mary shares heartfelt stories that highlight the significance of tradition and heritage.

There is a call for a lost thobe from her family, a meant-to-be thobe rescue, and stories that will make you laugh! Don’t miss the fun moments and make sure to take note of baby bibs with tatreez gifting etiquette…

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:23: Mary’s connection to Palestine

>> 2:53: Building community amongst Palestinians in the US through tatreez

>> 8:17: Mary’s tatreez journey

>> 11:22: Moving to Virginia

>> 14:10: Connecting to the women in her family

>> 17:00: Searching for Mary’s family’s dresses

>> 21:00: Practicing with family members

>> 22:31: Mary’s thobe rescue

>> 29:20: Mary’s thobe & the Tatreez Retreat community

>> 36:19: What Mary’s working on right now

>> 42:53: Mary’s life lessons 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!

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S2E1. RESCUING THOBES WITH LINDA

LINDA IS A TATREEZ ARTIST BASED IN THE BAY AREA AND YOUR THOBE RESCUING GURU (@THETATREEZEDIT). In this episode, we delve into Linda's journey into the world of tatreez, from discovering the craft to finding a community of like-minded enthusiasts. She shares her unique approach to rescuing handmade thobes from second-hand shops and emphasizes mindful purchasing (spoiler: you negotiate with non-Palestinians and pay Palestinians whatever they ask for). 

Linda reveals the stories behind the thobes she's saved, her inspiration to create her own thobe one day, and her current tatreez projects. We also hear the beautiful love story through her Teta's tatreez book and the beautiful life lessons she's learned from this art form. A heartwarming conversation that we know you’ll enjoy!

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:10: Linda’s connection to Palestine

>> 4:39: Linda’s introduction to tatreez

>> 9:20: Finding tatreez community

>> 11:26: Scouting handmade tatreez from second-hand shops online

>> 15:29: What are the stories behind the thobes that are given up and then re-sold?*

>> 16:56: Lina rescues a thobe through Linda’s find

>> 22:14: Linda’s approach to purchasing handmade thobes mindfully

>> 23:36: How to rescue Palestinian thobes

>> 25:00: The stories and time periods behind the dresses that Linda has rescued

>> 26:50: Inspired to make a thobe one day

>> 29:20: Linda’s Teta’s tatreez book x love story

>> 32:50: Linda’s current tatreez projects

>> 38:18: Linda’s design process

>> 40:40: Linda’s major life lessons 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!


*For more information on the reference to rescued dresses from elderly non-Palestinians not knowing what to do with these acquired handmade gems on their deathbed, we recommend Wafa Ghnaim’s book THOBNA: Reclaiming Palestinian Dresses in the Diaspora (2023). Pages 16-19 and 62-83 discuss the dresses that formed the Tatreez Institute Collection, a collection that has now rescued over 180 Palestinian, Syrian, Jordanian and Lebanese dresses and headdresses.

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S2E0. SEASON 2 COMING SOON

ON TODAY’S EPISODE WE’RE CHATTING WITH YOU ON WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO AND WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE UPCOMING SEASON. WE’VE ONLY BEEN GONE FOR A SHORT WHILE BUT WE’VE BEEN BUSY BETWEEN RECORDINGS AND OUR OWN PERSONAL PROJECTS.

Lina’s Projects: Recent launches of the Tatreez Lab Community (open for joining) and the second launch of her Craft Your Dream Thobe digital experience. 

P.s. That latter course will only be launched once a year so if you’re interested in making your own thobe from scratch, enroll before the doors close on September 6, 2024!

Amanne’s Projects: A photo tatreez project with a talented friend, sign-ups for her Photo Tatreez Workshops (if you can’t make it in September, keep an eye out for October), and her art featured at the Academy of Science Falestine Night!

Soon-to-be-aired: Incredible set of guests including an artist, motion graphics designer, author, activists, community organizers, and tatreez friends near and far. Talk to you soon stitchers!

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!

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30. TATREEZ TALK REFLECTIONS

TODAY MARKS EPISODE 30 OF TATREEZ TALK! *INSERT ZAGHROUTA HERE* So we’re chatting with you as we celebrate this accomplishment and reflect back on some of our favorite moments from the first 29 episodes. 

We’re taking a short summer break for the month of August but don’t worry, we’ve got some exciting interviews lined up for the fall. 

In the meantime, we want to connect with you, hear all of your stories, and showcase your art. Reach out if you or someone you know should be featured!

You’ll hear about:

            >> 2:26: When we started feeling the groove of hosting Tatreez Talk

            >> 4:49: Tatreez Talk goes live in-person? Stay tuned…

            >> 6:59: Surprising guests & moments

            >> 11:15: Our biggest snafu

            >> 14:31: The quotes and themes that stuck with us

            >> 19:50: The most powerful episode we released

            >> 21:55: Origin and production process behind Tatreez Talk

            >> 28:22: Our ask from you!

            >> 33:16: What’s next for Tatreez Talk

Links mentioned in this episode:

            >> Episode 2 (Sara)

            >> Conscious Chatter episode

            >> Episode 17 (Eman)

            >> Episode 5 (Omar)

            >> Episode 20 (Kiki)

            >> Episode 22 (Sam)

            >> Episode 14 (Tasha)

            >> Episode 18 (Veera)

            >> Bisan’s thobe account @thobnah

            >> Bisan’s travel / tour account @bisanalhajhasan

            >> Episode 28 (Najla)

            >> 

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29. TATREEZ AS INHERITANCE WITH MARIAM

MARIAM IS A DENTAL STUDENT, POET, WRITER, ÒUD PLAYER, AND TATREEZ ARTIST (@MARIAM__M._KH). Mariam was studying at Al-Azhar University in Gaza when Isr$eli warplanes targeted and bombed it to the ground in November 2023. She has since evacuated to Egypt by herself, leaving her parents and 4 siblings who face the genocide in Gaza and actively need our help to evacuate.

Mariam is a living embodiment of the phrase “existence is resistance” for Palestinians and it is an honor to have her join us on this podcast to share her experience and love for tatreez. She welcomes anyone who wishes to get in touch via social media.

We encourage you to spend time listening to Mariam and a few minutes after this episode taking a small action in the fight for a complete and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. One such action can be to support her family’s GoFundMe campaign. We also encourage taking a look at Creators for Gaza who connected us to Mariam and the other families they support. 

Creators for Gaza is a SWANA-led mutual aid network connecting artists and amplifiers with our Palestinian families in Gaza trying to survive and/or evacuate the genocide. Each campaign supports someone personally known, or are connected to locally.

You’ll hear about:

>> 0:46: Meet Mariam

>> 3:22: Being a refugee from Gaza in Egypt

>> 7:10: The status of Mariam’s family currently in Nuseirat refugee camp

>> 14:12: Tatreez as identity regardless of displacement

>> 19:48: Mariam’s tatreez journey

>> 26:27: Embroidering tatreez is an inheritance

>> 36:05: Mariam’s current tatreez practice as her resistance

>> 42:00: Mariam’s (additional) life lessons 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!

Boycott Resolute RGL. Click here for more information.

Boycott ZARA and all Inditex brands—Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Oysho, ZARA Home. Click here for more information.

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