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28. TATREEZ AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH NAJLA FROM ZERO WASTE PALESTINE

NAJLA IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST, CREATOR, AND THE FOUNDER OF THE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT @ZEROWASTEPALESTINE. 

In this day and age, unfortunately, the responsibility of being environmentally conscious falls on the consumer. But perhaps tatreez can offer us a gateway to being more sustainable and living a zero waste lifestyle. 

Our conversation with Najla offers us an opportunity to begin the conversation and we can’t wait to see where this leads not just with our tatreez community, but with the broader global community fighting the climate crisis.

Make sure to sign up here to know when her e-book titled Zero Waste Life of My Ancestors is released. It will contain a collection of ancestral Palestinian recipes preserving and reclaiming the narrative that “our ancestors embraced a natural lifestyle and fostered a deep bond with the land, championing sustainability before it was labeled.”

You’ll hear about:

>> 0:51: Najla’s connection to Palestine

>> 4:09: How Najla’s Swedish heritage intertwines with her Palestinian heritage

>> 5:30: Najla’s relationship with tatreez

>> 6:40: The value of handmade tatreez

>> 9:30: Practicing tatreez 

>> 15:18: Introduction to Zero Waste Palestine

>> 19:22: Fashion, waste, and the intersection with tatreez

>> 25:36: (Conscious) consumption mindset

>> 28:47: Steps you can take to get to a zero waste lifestyle

>> 38:27: Najla’s current projects

>> 42:10: The biggest life lesson 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!

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27. A NEW JOURNEY IN TATREEZ WITH PAIGE

PAIGE AUSTIN IS THE ARTIST, ACTIVIST AND CREATOR BEHIND THE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT @HOOBZEHOOJIBNEH. That’s bread and cheese in Arabic (خبز و جبن) for those like Lina who struggle with the English spelling without a ‘K’.

Paige dove right into tatreez within a few months and has already showcased her tatreez art in an exhibition, built out an online shop, and has a feature in an upcoming Artist’s Book anthology project.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of starting tatreez but wanting to get started, tune into this conversation! 

And while you’re listening, make sure you check out the pendant necklaces from broken Palestinian pottery from Paige’s online shop Wandering Camel Goods. 

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:31: Paige’s connection to Palestine

>> 4:33: How Paige got started with tatreez

>> 7:34: Paige’s first project

>> 9:32: How Paige describes her tatreez style

>> 10:50: Paige’s relationship with her Teta post-starting tatreez

>> 13:50: Some advice and why tatreez matters for Palestinians in the diaspora

>> 21:27: Tatreez helps build Paige’s confidence in Palestinian identity

>> 24:00: Projects on the horizon

>> 34:07: Major 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 in this episode:

>> Tatreez 101 with Lina’s Thobe (digital course for those looking to learn tatreez)

>> Traditional Palestinian Costume by Hanan Karaman Munayyer

>> Besan from Thobna

>> “Flower Power” and “Spring of Return” Tatreez Art by Paige

>> Palestinian artist Ren Allathkani

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26. TATREEZ TALK MAILBAG

ON TODAY’S EPISODE WE’RE CHATTING WITH YOU! WE’RE ALWAYS GETTING QUESTIONS IN OUR DMS, SO WE DECIDED TO DO A SPECIAL MAILBAG EPISODE TO ACTUALLY ANSWER SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS.

From cultural appropriation to what we’re working on, we’re sharing it all. We’ve also got some great links for you to check out below that we mention during the episode. 

You’ll hear about:

>> 0:54: How do we stay motivated and positive during this genocide?

>> 8:43: How can non-Palestinians practice tatreez and design their own patterns without cultural appropriation?

>> 15:30: How to set yourself up for success with tatreez? How to create rituals?

>> 22:58: What other crafts/art do we do outside of tatreez?

>> 31:18: How do we keep our backs clean and tidy? What is our tatreez strategy?

>> 37:46: What pattern design apps do we use? 

>> 40:30: What current tatreez projects are we working on?

>> 44:19: What are our favorite motifs?

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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:

>> Amanne’s Magnifying Glasses

>> Amigurumi - a form of crochet originating in Japan that creates the cutest characters

>> MacStitch / WinStitch - Downloadable software for tatreez design

>> Tirazain - Digital library with 1000+ motifs, including each MacStitch file to use for designing

>> Markup R-XP - Software to track stitching progress

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25. FROM HEALING GRIEF TO THE ART OF TATREEZ WITH DANAH SHULI

DANAH SHULI IS A TATREEZ PRACTITIONER, TEACHER AND LIFELONG STUDENT. She is also a writer, baker and mama of two based in North Carolina.

For Danah, the spark to learn tatreez was on behalf of a close family member who passed away. What she didn’t foresee was for tatreez to serve as her own tool of healing and for it to evolve into much more. 

Together, we talk through that journey: Learning tatreez herself, how through her, the women in her family have reclaimed tatreez, and the re-imagining of existing tatreez pieces. Danah shares some of the knowledge she’s acquired — which provides the necessary context to appreciate tatreez — and reflects on the joys and challenges of teaching tatreez across different age groups.

Join us for an episode filled with cultural heritage, family bonds, and the timeless beauty of tatreez.

And if you’re based in NC, make sure to follow @Tatreeznaa for local events and opportunities.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:00: Danah’s connections to Palestine

>> 1:35: The person behind Danah’s interest in learning tatreez

>> 5:24: Danah learns tatreez

>> 9:47: Nabulsi women & their relationship with tatreez

>> 13:42: Danah’s family learns tatreez

>> 16:45: Re-imagining Teta’s forgotten thobe

>> 21:15: Danah’s tatreez routine for healing & transition into tatreez for more

>> 31:18: An update on teaching Danah’s daughter tatreez

>> 35:00: Teaching tatreez (across age groups)

>> 41:51: Danah’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 in this episode:

>> Tatreez and Tea (Wafa Ghnaim)

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24. ILLUSTRATING PALESTINIAN IDENTITY WITH TATREEZ WITH NADA ESMAEEL

NADA ESMAEEL IS A PROFESSIONAL VISUAL ARTIST THAT SPECIALIZES IN DIGITAL ART AND IS A RECENT AMATEUR TATREEZ-ER (@nadasink).

Together, we discuss coming to terms with the effects of colonialism on our understanding as Palestinians in the diaspora of our Palestinian traditions and heritage through the lens of tatreez.

Nada shares her unique artistic style and creation process, her art living proof that Arab culture is not homogenous and is one that can highlight the celebratory nature of Palestinian culture.

While you listen to Nada share her own tatreez journey, we highly recommend checking out her website and Etsy shop; you can thank us later!

You’ll hear about:

        >> 1:00: Nada and her family’s connection to Palestine

        >> 2:35: Nada’s introduction to tatreez

        >> 7:00: Resources that helped Nada learn about tatreez and thobes

        >> 11:45: How practicing tatreez has impacted Nada’s art

        >> 13:50: Nada’s approach to creating art & her artistic style

        >> 23:20: Making Palestinian art as a Palestinian in the United States

        >> 33:12: Will Nada make a thobe?

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:

        >> Real (Tatreez) Talk with Samia Zitawi — episode interviewing the tatreez teacher that taught Nada tatreez

        >> Tirazain for library of tatreez motifs

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Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe

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23. REVIVING TATREEZ WITH MUNA

MUNA EL-ZEET IS THE FOUNDER OF TATREEZ REVIVAL AND A TATREEZ WORKSHOP FACILITATOR (@umzaatar & @tatreezrevival). 

Together, we talk about Muna’s connection to Palestine, the woman who taught & continues to inspire her Tatreez, and the global community she’s helping build. 

Spoiler alert: Your invitation to join Tatreez Revival via this Discord channel awaits (there are bi-weekly stitching circles you can attend from the comfort of your home)! 

Annnndddd, what’s even more special is THE Thobe that Muna is currently constructing. Trust us, you’ll want to hear about this incredible project (see this reel)!

You’ll hear about:

        >> 1:02: Muna and her family’s connection to Palestine

        >> 3:54: The woman who taught Muna: Teta

        >> 13:00: “The Thobe”

        >> 23:51: The Tatreez Revival community

        >> 35:06: Muna’s tatreez life lessons (fake it until you make it)

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:

        >> Tirazain: Tatreez Archive

        >> Join the Tatreez Revival Discord

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22. STAYING TRUE TO TATREEZ WITH SAM SUNDOS

SAM SUNDOS IS A PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN ARTIST LIVING AND WORKING IN BROOKLYN WHO EXPRESSES HIMSELF THROUGH VARIOUS MEDIUMS. (@sabri). Through his art, Sundos seeks to convey the significance of human touch and the value of every human life.

Sam shares with us his perspective as a male artist practicing tatreez and the influence of strong women in his life — shoutout to all of the strong Tetas out there. 

We delve into his creative process, exploring how his heritage and personal experiences shape his work. Sam opens up about the challenges and rewards of maintaining cultural traditions in a modern context, and how his community inspires and supports his artistic journey.

You’ll hear about:

>> 0:42: Sam’s connection to Palestine

>> 7:44: Sam’s tatreez journey

>> 14:35: “Breaking tatreez rules”

>> 19:53: Selling vs keeping your tatreez

>> 22:15: Tatreez as a way for Palestinians in the diaspora to Palestine

>> 27:17: Introducing Palestine to Sam’s daughter through tatreez

>> 31:26: Being a man practicing tatreez

>> 34:10: Sam’s current projects

>> 36:31: Sam’s 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 in this episode:

>> Sam’s “Palestine’s Flower” tatreez flag

>> Sam’s Website

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HALA SALEH IS A TATREEZ ARTIST LIVING IN THE SEATTLE AREA (@halasalehtatreez). Hala practices tatreez both as a way to connect with her heritage and culture, but also as a way to resist the erasure of Palestinian identity. For our Seattle listeners, she recently started a local tatreez circle for Palestinians, Seattle Resistance Tatreez — email them at [email protected] to learn more and join in-person! 

We dive into all the things with Hala, think diaspora experiences, nurturing safe spaces for Palestinians through tatreez, teaching Palestine to kids through tatreez, and all of the cool tatreez projects that Hala may or may not finish. 

Ultimately, as Hala says, "practicing this ancestral craft reaffirms our humanity, our ties to our indigenous land of Palestine, and our pride in our heritage," and we couldn’t agree more!

Join us in conversation with Hala, software technology executive by day and a Palestinian ALL day, EVERY day.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:40: Hala’s connection to Falasteen

>> 7:42: Hala’s identity as a Palestinian in the diaspora

>> 9:24: The moment Hala entered Palestine (p.s. It’s visceral)

>> 13:20: Hala begins to put tatreez on collared shirts

>> 21:45: Building tatreez community in Seattle

>> 33:58: Explaining what tatreez means to elementary school kiddos

>> 43:00: Hala’s bookmark collaboration with Lena Tuffaha & other projects

>> 51:22: Hala’s 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 in this episode:

>> Open Books: A Poem Emporium Yearlong Subscription Service

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Follow us @tatreeztalk
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KIKI SALEM IS A ST. LOUIS-BASED MULTI HYPHENATE ARTIST, WEAVER, DESIGNER, SCULPTOR, WRITER, EDUCATOR, AND ENTREPRENEUR (@low_key_ki). Through various mediums, with textiles and material studies at the focus, her practice covers topics of escapism, experimental visual pattern development, linguistic hybridization, occidental assimilation, orientalism, and the Palestinian question. Kiki is a member of the Screwed Arts Collective in St. Louis. Her wearable collection, Punk Ass Arab (@punk_ass_arab) can be found on (and ordered from) Instagram.

Kiki’s upbringing in both Palestine and the United States helped her explore her artistic curiosities in innovative ways. With one foot always in the homeland, Kiki is able to balance out honoring Palestinian tradition while also innovating in what she calls hitting the “refresh” button.

Our biggest takeaway? Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what new beauty you can create and share with the world.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:55: Growing up between Palestine and the United States

>> 8:27: Kiki’s tatreez journey

>> 13:02: The Punk Ass Arab origin story

>> 15:03: Tatreez weaved into Kiki’s art across mediums

>> 18:18: Honoring the tradition and still hitting the “Refresh” button

>> 23:53: Leveraging technology to inspire tatreez innovations

>> 26:06: “The Kiki Effect” and exposing tatreez to a new audience

>> 29:51: Collaborating across mediums and with fellow thobe-makers

>> 33:37: Going to Palestine (spoiler alert: there’s never a perfect time to go)

>> 36:47: Luminary artist-in-residence and visiting Kiki’s art in St. Louis

>> 41:49: Kiki’s major life lesson through 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:

>> Buy Kiki’s merch on Instagram @punk_ass_arab

>> Follow Kiki on Instagram @low_key_ki

>> الفكرة ذكرى  / A thought is a memory group exhibition in NYC 2023

>> Animation effect with tatreez example

>> Mural incorporating tatreez

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

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Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe

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19. CONNECTING TO FALASTEEN THROUGH TATREEZ WITH LAMA

LAMA IS A TATREEZ ARTIST AND HAS BEEN PRACTICING TATREEZ FOR 34 YEARS.

This episode will have you all in the feels and is a reminder to the power of connecting to Falasteen when in the diaspora — even if you’ve never stepped foot in Palestine. 

At the same time, don’t forget that Palestine is waiting for you and in addition to speaking up and fighting for Palestine in the diaspora, it is critical to maintain our connection to Palestine and her people by making every effort to visit Palestine in person. There is never going to be a perfect time and even under occupation it is imperative to speak to Palestinians on the ground, listen to their stories, and develop our own memories with the land.

We hope to see you in Palestine very soon!

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:19: Lama’s family’s connection to Palestine

>> 4:38: How Lama began tatreez

>> 7:00: Lama’s design approach (hint: she doesn’t plan, she just stitches!)

>> 12:00: Lama’s favorite motifs and city tatreez styles

>> 13:34: Making a thobe, soon? 

>> 16:38: Lama’s diaspora story

>> 18:23: Using tatreez in the diaspora

>> 23:59: Lama’s tatreez routine

>> 29:22: Why it’s so important for us to prioritize visiting Palestine

>> 38:18: The major life lesson Lama has learned 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:

>> The Jerusalem Hotel

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