Needlework

Counted cross stitch embroidery is the most popular of the traditional Palestinian art forms. It is done today as in the past, entirely by hand on closely woven fabric.

Until recently embroidery was applied exclusively in the design of wedding dresses. Currently this art form is being applied to various apparel, table runners, pillow covers, wall hangings, table cloths and napkins, hand towels, and liturgical items such as stoles and chasubles.

Needlework patterns, type of stitches, colors and fabrics are all indicators of the regional origin of the embroidery. Though chemical dyes are now common in some villages, by and large, many still use natural dyes made from flowers, plants or insects found locally. Black is a common color of cloth on which the women work which is very hard on the eyes. Most of the Palestinian women do not have glasses, so they work on black until it is impossible for them to work on it any longer.

Through cooperatives women are given the opportunity to engage in this ancient craft in their homes where they can also attend to their children.

Because of the closures by the Israeli government and the security wall, movement by Palestinians to work, school, medical help, worship and grocery shopping as well as contact with family and friends has been curtailed. By necessity women have become the primary bread winners in the family through their embroidery. From the small villages, getting their finished needle work to East Jerusalem and obtaining new supplies has become a major problem because of the security wall and travel restrictions imposed upon Palestinians.

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Melia: Due to individual artisans, sizes are approximate. Specific choice of pattern and color may not be available.
Very Small Coin Purse MT 2P1	Small Coin Purse MT 2P2	Small Purse MT 2P3
Large Purse MT2P4	Tulip purses MTP31	Scarves MTSC1-4
Shawls - Triangular - Varied Patterns MTSH80 Another Pattern	Large Mountain Shawl MTSH75	Floral Design Liturgical Cape MTC40
The patterns below can be special ordered in capes, skirts, shawls and scarves. See item numbers at right.   Cypress and Reverse Star of Bethlehem Pattern A   Palm Branches and Mountains Pattern B	Cape MTC30A MTC30B Skirt MTS15A MTS15B Matching Skirt and Shawl  MTS25A  MTS25B Shawl MTSH80A MTSH80B Scarf MTSC1-4A MTSC1-4B	Windows of Hope Wall Hanging MTW100-300

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