Tatreez Companion: Palestinian Embroidery Study Booklet (Second Edition) by Wafa Ghnaim

A 65-page full color companion booklet that serves as a supplement to any teacher and student of Palestinian embroidery (tatreez) in the diaspora. Includes a statement about cultural appropriation, three methodologies of traditional cross-stitch, over 50 tatreez patterns, many of which were digitized based from traditional dresses in North American and European museums, as well as an embroidered wall hanging found under the rubble of Gaza in 2023.
Assembled and curated by Wafa Ghnaim, this companion houses the most popular motifs and designs in Palestinian embroidery that were stitched by her students in Tatreez & Tea classes between 2017 to 2023.

The companion provides more than 50 cross-stitch patterns, including; numerous Tree's of Life, Almond Tree (Safad), Tree of Love (Jerusalem), Crushed Sugar (Bethlehem), numerous Amulet's, Palm Tree (Bir Saba), Coffee Bean (Yaffa), Cyclamen flowers (Ramallah), Houses (Al Khalil), Airy Fairy Branch (Yaffa), Pasha's Tent (Al Khalil), numerous tiles of various villages, Moon of Feathers (Yaffa & Ramallah), Eye of the Camel (Bir Saba), Poppies & Flower Pot (Ramallah), 13th Century Starlets (Qadisha Valley), Handala, Palestinian Flag, Right of Return Keys, Maps, Intifada Tiles, Pasha's Tents, Villagers & Birds, Hawthorns (Ramallah), Iris Flowers (Tulkarem), Anemone (Yazur), and more.

The companion is the perfect size, 8.5 x 5.5 inches, lightweight and in full color, easy to carry for on-the-go stitching. There is a quick reference guide for three methods of cross-stitching, referencing the terminology used in Wafa's classes. The booklet includes a statement on cultural appropriation, and tips for stitching that support both the tatreez teacher and student preserving the art form in their community.

The companion includes the perfect mix of patterns that gradually increase in difficulty and in Wafa's nearly ten years of teaching, serves as the perfect preparation for a novice embroiderer with the dream to stitch a larger project, such as their own traditional dress (thobe).

Please note that Palestinian embroidery or cross-stitch materials are not included in this purchase. While some historic photographs and a brief summary of the meaning of the motifs are included, a complete history is not written or included in this companion. In addition, please note that while the patterns have been drawn from real traditional Palestinian dresses, because they are traditional, they will replicate or look similar to some patterns previously published. The purpose of this booklet is not to offer a new original pattern book, but to offer a designed, professional booklet of traditional designs for tatreez workshops and support new tatreez teachers in the diaspora.

The author suggests that the TATREEZ COMPANION is used for a supplemental booklet in tatreez workshops and classes. The companion is meant to be a useful supplement for public events that center Palestinian embroidery education, so that tatreez teachers and students can purchase and support The Tatreez Institute.