Tatreez & Tea: Embroidery and Storytelling in the Palestinian Diaspora

This book is a wonderful and much needed addition to the needlework collection and especially Palestinian embroidery. It is a great mix of biography, stories and embroidery patterns. The author takes us on a personal journey to accompany her parents' coming to US, how her mother viewed and practiced the art of Palestinian embroidery, the meaning of the pieces, the motifs and the stories behind them. We also read about the painful experience of feeling out of place, being bullied and growing up in the US as an immigrant. What I found equally important in this book is that it provides a Palestinian narrative which is missing in the media most of the times. Tatreez and Tea is a combination of unique embroidery patterns, personal stories and a glimpse of the history of Palestinian diaspora all in one book that you can carry in your tablet. Warning, be prepared to cry.

A beautiful story that shares the story of a Palestinian woman growing up in diaspora. She also explains the meanings of each Palestinian embroidery motif, some traditional designs and some that I've seen before on dresses, but never knew the meanings for. Also, she includes really detailed patterns so we can embroidery the designs and create our own traditional Palestinian dresses. This is a one-of-a-kind book, because the patterns cannot be found in any other book available today. Also, it explains the meanings of the designs -- which is not available except from our grandmothers and great grandmothers. This book will also make a great gift for any embroiderer or craft maker. Very amazing book.

It is difficult to find good resources on tatreez embroidery in general. This book not only puts the meaning of this wonderful art form in a broader political and social context, Tatreez and Tea also communicates the incredible power of tatreez embroidery through a beautifully written personal story. It is an absolute joy to read. I am so grateful to be able to learn about tatreez through the eyes of Wafa and her mother's life-long work with this precious art. Highly recommend!

I was fortunate enough to hear Wafa and Feryal speak at the Brooklyn Public Library as part of a reading series for Tatreez & Tea. I knew after their lecture I would purchase this book. Regardless of your nationality, race, or religion, this book provides wonderfully vibrant insights into the Palestinian culture and tradition. There are incredible stories behind each piece featured in the book and I found myself marveling over the technique and attention to detail put into their art.

This is such a special and unique book! Gorgeous photographs and beautifully written!!! Make a cup of tea and cuddle up with this luscious book full of personal history, culture and the most beautiful needlework my eyes have laid upon. This book is a gift!

There needs to be more books that provide the Palestinian perspective. The history of Palestine is being diminished if not erased which makes this book of Palestinian culture that much more important. The author's gentle and genuine voice delivers a valid account of Palestinian culture and history. Very enlightening!

It really gave me an idea of what designs were common in Old Palestine. I wish I could have understood how the story of cleopatra was told and what stories the other dress designs told. I am so interested in the concepts conveyed in this book. Would highly recommend.

A great book sharing a history, culture and personal story while also teaching us about Palestinian embroidery and the strength of women. A great read for all ages and not just for people who embroider. Wafa has done a wonderful job of helping to preserve this art and her history. Looking forward to seeing more from her in the future.