Student Testimonials
Tatreez & Tea’s mission is to preserve Palestinian embroidery and storytelling traditions in the diaspora. Below are testimonials of students who’ve been a part of live and virtual classes, sharing their experiences in their own words. Students have grown with the Tatreez & Tea class offerings — beginning with a free or beginner class and graduating to fully independent projects, as well as designing garments, using the principles taught in Wafa’s classes.
Have you been a dear student of Tatreez & Tea? Testimonials help future students learn about our community’s important work to preserve this sacred art form, and help demystify the learning process. If you would like your testimonial to be added, please submit it here.
“As I stitched each night for The Village Series, I reflected on the history of the village, and of the lives of the Palestinian women who practiced this art form before me.”
“This class has enriched my knowledge and appreciation of Palestinian textile artistry, and has also increased my stitching and colour composition confidence. Wafa fosters a class space that embraces creative discussion. The lectures prompted us to have really meaningful conversations about Tatreez's place in Palestinian identity.”
-Elspeth, United Kingdom
“Learning to do the couching stitch with metallic thread was fun and challenging. It was a nice diversion from the precision of Tatreez as its more freeform. As always, Wafa presents fascinating historical information and jaw-dropping photos of vintage garments so beautifully crafted. As well, she always encourages our own creativity. She expertly provides visual demonstrations and helpful tips, always answering individual questions and problem-solving in a supportive environment.”
“Wafa, this is probably the best class in historical/ethnic embroidery I have taken. Your knowledge is vast, your passion obvious.”
Kari, Jessup, MD
““Wafa is an incredible teacher, which you can see not only by how well she guides students through their projects but also in how much she loves tatreez and chooses to share her knowledge with us all. Wafa is extremely kind, welcoming, and accommodating and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do my first series class with her if not for her unrelenting kindness..””
“Taking a series class gave me the opportunity to form bonds with my cohort of other learners and lovers of tatreez. There was enough time and structure to support all levels while keeping us on a schedule that ensures the completion of the pattern and enough freedom to create something meaningful. Highly recommended!”
-Anonymous
““Your classes are, as a mixed-race person, a path to learn something my Palestinian father and [non-Palestinian] mother were not able to teach me. Learning tatreez is a way to push back against all the moments my Palestinian family in the US have felt they needed to assimilate.””
“My daughter and I started taking classes with Wafa back in the beginning of the pandemic, when she began with Instagram live sessions. Though it wasn't the first time I had done tatreez, it was the first time I shared the experience with my daughter. We both found her endearing, knowledgable, patient, and encouraging. Taking her classes offered an accesible way for my daughter to learn about our Palestinian culture and history while giving both of us structure and motivation to start and complete projects. Not only has Wafa shared her knowledge and introduced us to others artists, but also welcomed us into a what feels like a family, creating a collective, or tatreez tribe that meets regularly, albeit virtually, and has become a source of support and community in what is otherwise a time of isolation. I am grateful to Wafa for lifting up the art of tatreez and keeping our traditions alive.”
-Rana, Brooklyn, NY
““I love that Wafa speaks to the story behind each motif she teaches. No matter how small the design or how seemingly small the history, I think its important to understand each one’s place in the bigger picture. Also, if the design has multiple elements or directions, or uses multiple techniques, she makes sure to touch on each.””
“My family didn’t learn tatreez so the art was never passed on to my cousins and I; I have always been interested in learning but didn’t know how to start or who to go to. I’m beyond grateful that I found you.”
-Shadia, Boston, MA
““Wafa is a wonderful and patient teacher. She brings a rich historical perspective and gorgeous textile examples to the class to inspire us! Students work at their own pace to learn the basics and each person is given the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback on their work in a supportive environment. “”
“Tatreez and Tea classes have always been an opportunity for learning and growth for me. When I first joined an in-person workshop in D.C. with Wafa, I was astounded not only by the beauty of the craft, but the rich history and meaning that Wafa shared with us. Throughout quarantine, I have returned to tatreez classes for the dual purpose of self-education and inner peace. Wafa is extremely attentive to her students, showing them tips and asking for feedback in between her many stories and thobe show-and-tell sessions. I am not Palestinian, but from these classes I have developed a great appreciation of Palestinian tradition and joy, something that is not often showcased in media. Wafa’s passion for sharing tatreez is invaluable, a gift to those of us interested in embroidery and Palestinian crafts.”
-Madison, MD
““Wafa helped demystify and break down not just the art, but the strategy behind tatreez. Both her in-person and virtual classes are engaging and I learned so much - from color theory to history, to technique (and most importantly, to keep the back clean). My khalto would be proud of what I’ve learned so far from Wafa.””
“Wafa is an excellent teacher and dedicated steward of a vitally important craft. I have taken several classes with Wafa, both one-off lessons and multi-part series, and I am always blown away by how effective Wafa is as an instructor. I came to the practice of Tatreez having never embroidered or stitched in my life and, after a few lessons at different levels, I am now able to plan, improvise and execute large projects with relative ease. This all thanks to Wafa’s excellent lessons, which include guidance on technique, strategy, color selection and project finishing. And the quality of her teaching is matched by her dedication to the practice of Tatreez as a cultural resource.
Lacking a liberated homeland, dispersed across the world and facing occupation and threats of erasure, the Palestinian people have turned to and revitalized crafts like Tatreez as a means of expression, resilience and political action. Wafa is at the forefront of this movement and has done as much as anyone to make sure that Tatreez survives and thrives across the world.
Each lesson with Wafa is more than just simple training. It is a history lesson, a political statement and a promise of a hopeful alternative future for a free Palestine. Furthermore, as a non-Palestinian practicing this craft, I have felt such warmth and welcoming in a community I feel honored to be a part of. I heartily recommend anyone, skilled embroiderer or newbie, Palestinian or non-Palestinian, young or old, to take Wafa’s class, hear her stories and join this movement.”
-Matt, Washington, DC
““Wafa is an incredible teacher who thoughtfully and meaningfully teaches Palestinians in the diaspora how to connect with tatreez. Her teachings and lessons are for anyone and everyone who wants to learn and pick up a needle. Thanks to her, tatreez is now something I do to remind myself of Palestine and my ancestors.””
“I started my tatreez journey with Wafa's Level I class during the early part of quarantine. I've consistently built up my practice with Wafa's classes and guidance, and now, just a few months later, I am already creating my own chest design piece! I was totally new to stitching, and my Level I classes started at the very beginning, with Wafa's tips and tricks for how to thread my needle! I quickly learned how to stitch a small motif and proceeded to more advanced classes and series at my own pace. I've learned so much from Wafa and the Tatreez & Tea community over these past months, as Wafa's teaching and online offerings have expanded tremendously during these times, always presenting a new pattern, never stitching the same thing twice! Wafa will meet you where you are at, and help you progress to where you want to be as an artist, creator, and storyteller using the Palestinian art of tatreez.”
-Samantha, Brick, NJ
““I love attending your classes snd I learn so much from them. You are a natural storyteller. Your voice is also very soothing.””
“You are a wonderful instructor who knows how to support students, regardless of how much or little experience they have with tatreez and handwork more generally. You are receptive to feedback in a way that makes each online class better than the one that came before.
The warmth and camaraderie that you have created through an online platform is remarkable. I can feel that we are all stitching together, in our distant corners of the world. One of my favorite parts of your classes is getting to hear from my classmates and see what they are stitching. Your classes are inclusive and welcoming. Your historical presentations—filled with archival images, textile samples, and the memories transmitted through oral history—give me a feeling of connection to the embroiderers who came before. I so appreciate the research that you do, and your ability to communicate the fruits of that research with us. I love the pacing of the series classes—not only do I look forward to our sessions, but the schedule motivates me to keep working on my project! I leave every class having learned something new in terms of strategy, technique, or history, and often all three! And, as with all art, I am learning more about myself through this practice.
I could write another paragraph on your designs alone! The knowledge, effort, and care that goes into each of your designs inspires me, and it’s a very special feeling to stitch something that you have planned and created. You are brilliant at drawing on traditional motifs to craft your own visual statement, and you are generous in guiding your students to make their own interpretations of those patterns. You combine the precision and focus that are necessary to design a pattern with the flexibility and openness that are necessary to share your work with others.”
-Jessie, Charlottesville, VA
““Love your virtual classes, Wafa! I love learning new techniques from you and I look forward to every class! I’ve enjoyed the numerous classes I’ve taken so far. I like that you use the dual camera so we can see you stitching and see you talking at the same time.””
“You've had a tremendous impact on my life as a Palestinian rediscovering our art practice. The practice of tatreez was not passed down in my family, and you and Feryal were the intervenors in my life that protected us from losing tatreez completely. I'm eternally grateful for you both. I'm really excited about your online classes because it universalizes the offerings to people all over the world. I have always dreamt of traveling to be a tatreez apprentice of you or Feryal and gaining an in depth learning experience of both the practice and knowledge. These classes feel close to that dream… I am sooooooooo happy that you've included waste canvas classes in your online offerings. It was an honor for me to attend an online class of yours. THANK YOU SO MUCH for committing immense time and energy in teaching us. I'm sure teaching on an online platform comes with a whole set of challenges, but that didn't show at all during the class. You are so graceful stitching through your phone and seem so comfortable with the technology. I was really impressed by how smoothly the almost two hour class went. GREAT WORK!”
-Fatme, Alberta, CA
““[Tatreez & Tea classes were] my first online stitching class and my first formal stitching instruction I ever had after primary school in the 1970s. To me, it was very interesting to have someone explain a lot of things I have done before but never had any term for it. Like what you taught about the stitching strategy. I have done this but now I do it more consciously with a more advanced plan and so my backside looks a little bit neater.””
“You did a great job giving context and explaining/demonstrating techniques! I felt very confident with the skills you taught us. Loved seeing the vintage embroideries too - the colors were so lovely!! Thank you for sharing your story, your passion and your skills with us! Looking forward to future classes!”
-Mary Ellen, Ocean Pines, MD
““I loved learning about the pattern! I always appreciate your tips for strategy and patience when I ask for you to repeat them.””
“I've always loved embroidery and loved learning tatreez from Wafa. Her love of Palestinian tatreez inspired me to research more about traditional Syrian embroidery, folk art, and traditional dresses from my own country. Thank you Wafa!”
-Mariam, Florida
““I so absolutely loved the class. It brought me such joy, especially during this difficult time. I loved everything you said and wanted to soak it all in. I am a Palestinian and hail from Ramallah - and learned so very much from you. I have been cross-stitching since I was 5... Both you and your mother have done such phenomenal work. And we are truly blessed to have you both and are so thankful for all that you provide. “”
““I absolutely loved this class. It was extremely informational and easy to follow along. 10/10 would recommend everyone to take this course. Thanks Wafa!”
- Aminah, Chicago, IL”
“Wafa creates a healing space. I am so fortunate to have been able to take her in-person classes, and I consider myself equally lucky to see such a loving community transition online. She is a patient and engaging instructor who strives to pass on skills and history behind Palestinian culture through empowering classes. I was able to see clear development in my abilities through her teachings, and I can't wait to continue tatreezing!”
-Saniah, Washington, DC
““This was a lot more work than I expected! I’m super grateful to have your guidance for this practice and process. I feel like this class really helped me understand what it would take to truly embark on my own project from start to FINISH.””
"Our private party was fantastic! Wafa started out with a short presentation on the history of Palestinian embroidery and the importance of it within the Palestinian culture. We then embarked on our tatreez project. Most of us were completely new to embroidery and tatreez. Wafa was an amazing teacher and gave clear instructions on how to start and complete our projects. The whole experience was wonderful. We stitched, chatted, asked questions and left feeling inspired. Everyone who attended the class have now taken up tatreez. Thank you, Wafa for such an amazing experience and for inspiring us all!”
-Mariam, Kuwait City, Kuwait
““Tatreez & Tea classes are fantastic, I love the combination of learning the stitching techniques and the history and culture of the art form. The context information, especially the stories behind the various stitch patterns, makes the experience of doing tatreez so much richer.””
“I had no experience with tatreez at all, in fact I didn’t even know what tatreez was. However, after attending one of Wafa’s workshops, not only do I have an understanding of the rich history of Palestinian embroidery but I have hands on experience that satisfies my soul. I am appreciative of sharing such a skillful art that is so much more than just needle and thread. Wafa is an excellent instructor who cares deeply in sharing her culture with others and creating a space for peoples in diaspora to come together stitch by stitch.”
-Teresa, Mesa, AZ
““The pace was great, the class was informative, instructions were clear, and the design - beautiful. I very much enjoyed that you took the time to demonstrate beautiful pieces of embroidery at the end of the class and also your cultural commentary on how the art of embroidery is intertwined with the history of Palestine and the national character of its people. This commentary made your class unique and very memorable. “”
“I took Wafa's tahriri class, which was a step out of my comfort zone as it wasn't just cross-stitch. By showing us examples [of tahriri] to begin with, I began recognizing what I might be able to do after the class… what I enjoy most about all of the Tatreez & Tea courses is that they are not a "this is how it is done" type of class. Instead, it is “this is why it is done this way” type of instruction which enables me to improve my craft. The Tahriri Level I course was no exception. Within moments of beginning, we all had the hang of it and we were creating something not on a grid.
I always admire Wafa's ability to hear a question that I might not understand or think was simplistic, and treat it with such respect that suddenly, I'm learning from the question/answer as well. I can't wait to take Level II.”
-Anonymous
““I truly love Wafa’s instructional style. She is very thorough and detailed with her instructions.””
As the world outside my windows started to shut down in the quarantine, I began this series that opened up the world to me through stitching. Every week a group of strangers would gather on my iPad and we would hear Wafa tell us about the village we were learning out, and look at the nuances of the patterns and the costumes we were seeing. I am not Palestinian, but that doesn't mean that I didn't feel connected each week to the people and the history of each place we stitched.
Every week became my new favorite pattern as I stitched and thought of that village. And when we gathered for the last class, I was so sad that those faces wouldn't be entering my stitching corner again in this wonderful way that they had been doing for the previous 4 months.
I allowed myself to stitch for a cleaner back than front, not worrying about the strict rhythm of my past experiences, but instead letting Wafa teach me to think in new ways. It was wonderful and freeing to learn something new in a hobby that felt so old to me! I can't wait to do another series with Wafa. To see familiar faces as I work on something bigger than a one-off pattern. And to learn the history of these patterns, to think about my colors in new ways, and to listen to her answer questions in ways that allow me to learn even when I think I know the answer.
If you are on the fence about this series because it feels really long, or you aren't Palestinian and don't know these villages, do it. You will learn so much and grow to appreciate the history and you will grow in your craft in ways you didn't realize you could.
-Katy