IN THIS EPISODE, WE’RE JOINED BY SISTERS JENNIFER AND CHRISTINE, WHO JOINED US THE TATREEZ RETREAT 2024 IN YOSEMITE. CHRISTINE IS AN AMATEUR TATREEZER, SPORTS ENTHUSIAST, AND ASPIRING CASUAL CRAFTER. JENNIFER IS AN AMATEUR TATREEZER TOO, AND AN AVID COOK AND HOMEMAKER (@__nif__). The conversation brings out so much joy in finding tatreez sisterhood and their relationship as sisters has fueled their shared creative pursuits.
For both Jennifer and Christine, they were drawn to tatreez through grief, nostalgia, and a desire to reclaim and connect with their roots. Jennifer, who is more rooted in homemaking, discusses how tatreez has become a meditative part of her day-to-day life. Christine, who juggles crafting with a busy life, shares how tatreez gives her space to reflect and create with intention, even when she doesn't feel “expert enough.”
They talk about perfectionism, beginner mindsets, and letting go of pressure. Christine talks about revisiting her thobe design and embracing the process rather than chasing a final product. The episode closes with a joyful energy, invitations to continue their thobe journeys, and a communal excitement about what’s next—especially with the upcoming retreat in Morocco in October 2025.
If you’re in Boston, get in touch with Jennifer to join the in-person tatreez circles!
You’ll hear about:
>> 1:33: Jennifer and Christine’s connection to Palestine
>> 14:51: Relationship with tatreez
>> 25:05: Cooking and tatreez at The Tatreez Retreat
>> 28:00: Finding Palestinian community through tatreez
>> 31:10: The impact of tatreez on Jennifer and Christine
>> 35:25: The stories they’re telling through tatreez
>> 43:00: Current tatreez works-in-progress
>> 46:53: 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!
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Links Mentioned
>> Jennifer and Christine’s first project from HBTatreez (Etsy, Instagram)
>> Link on Etsy to the design behind Christine’s latest Blooming Garden project
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