Hello, dear friends of Tatreez & Tea,
At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, I have fond memories of teaching on Instagram live and helping my community to prepare for the lockdown by getting their embroidery supplies together. The Palestinian community was so committed! They came to all of my free classes on Instagram, and due to Instagram censorship on Live, we had to move to Zoom. This was where my virtual classes were born.
I stopped teaching these classes, in part because of Instagram censorship, but it was also equally due to a certain few followers who began to criticize my work, leave negative trolling comments on my page, and spread rumors that I was profiting from Palestinian embroidery. It was extremely hurtful, as I felt I had given everything to the Palestinian community in terms of my knowledge and creativity. I believe I am in my right to be compensated fairly for my time and research.
It’s been a few years, and I have moved past all that by leaps and bounds. In spirit of the new year, and a new chapter, I am returning to my core instinct of what Palestinian embroidery should be and what it always was — accessible to all Palestinians, and a part of our cultural inheritance. Palestinian embroidery belongs to us all. Not one. Not a few. TO US ALL!
I will teach you Palestinian cross-stitch technique for free, on Instagram Live on January 14 at 12pm EST. It will not be recorded, so please hop on Instagram Live after following me @tatreezandtea.
See you soon!
Wafa
Class Prep Details
Date/Time: Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 12pm EST
Pattern Link: https://www.tatreezandtea.com/shop/friendsof
Motif: First Intifada Flag
Supplies: A minimum of 4”x4” Aida Cloth Cross Stitch Cloth, 11-14 Count, Any Color (though black is notably challenging for a beginner), 1 Tapestry Needle, Size 22-24, embroidery scissors/any small scissors, Red, Green, Black and White DMC pearl cotton size 8 (if your fabric is white, you can skip the white thread).
A Note on Colors: I am not going to specify which color of embroidery thread to use, because I do not want to encourage purchasing new supplies. If you have red pearl cotton on hand, please just use that red. It is best to use what you have, and there is no need to purchase more. Don’t worry about “traditional colors”. The most traditional color is the one you have and will not waste. :-)
Need supplies? I am happy to send you a small pack of starter supplies. In order to receive a pack of starter supplies, please follow the below link and donate $20.
The Palestinian embroidery starter set includes;
A postcard with custom illustrated stitching guidance, and a tree of life pattern with the meaning and significance
A woven garment label that says “Made According to Palestinian Traditions”
1-2 pieces of white or beige 11 count Aida cloth, each a minimum of 4x4 inches
A size 22 or 24 DMC tapestry needle
3 arms lengths each of 3 thread colors in red, green and black (DMC pearl cotton thread, size 8)
Domestic shipping to anywhere in the United States. If you are international, I may have to ask you to cover the excess of shipping. Please make sure the address you enter when you make the donation is your shipping address.
