Embroidery from Palestine

By Shelagh Weir and WEIR SHELAGH

This book focuses on the spectacular embroidery that flourished in rural Palestine in the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth. During this period Arab village women embellished their ceremonial costumes with a variety of materials and techniques: lustrous silk floss embroidery, intricate cord couching, and taffeta and satin patchwork. Embroidery styles varied throughout the country, so that each garment was both a work of art and an expression of village and regional identity. Shelagh Weir outlines the cultural context in which this beautiful work was produced, describes the main types of ornamentation, and explains how and why fashions changed through time. Over twenty pieces are illustrated in full and in detail, with captions identifying their provenances and highlighting their most important aesthetic features. Also provided are a glossary of terms and suggestions for further reading. Designers and artists cannot fail to be inspired by the striking colors and patterns of this superb example of human creativity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0295986603
• ISBN13: 9780295986609
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: University of Washington Press
• Length: 88 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.5" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

good quality

This is a very enjoyable book. Although it is a soft cover, it is very sturdy. Will stand up to lots of hands. The photos are beautiful and vibrant. You want to touch the photos to feel the texture of the fabric. Very pleased with this purchase. And am thankful to the author. Makes a wonderful gift for Palestinian friends and family.

A Treat.

I bought this book because so much of Palestinian culture has been crushed under decades of war and I wanted to do my little bit to keep it alive. However, I got more than I bargained for. Not only does the book explain the 'language' of the embroideries, tying them to villages and regions, it provides very explicit, beautiful photos showing the stitches very clearly. Never having been a particular fan of cross-stitch, I have now been converted. Many of the designs use this stitch to absolutely wonderful effect, and the colours riot across the pages. I don't mean to imply that cross-stitch is all the Palestinians use, because it isn't. Anyone who can embroider can see how different patterns are sewn and what stitches are used. It is so inspiring to see the exuberance of these patterns. By our standards the execution is rough, yet the overall effect is stunning. When you see pages of excerpts from a garment and then see the whole garment on the next page, you can put each piece in context. My response was to make three dresses (using the Gaza Dress pattern from Foklore) and I have started embroidering the first one. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so it may take some time, but I remember what Chesterton (I think) said about the journey counting as much as the destination. This is a fairly small book, suitable for putting in you bag and looking at while waiting at the supermarket checkout, or in your holiday luggage. If you love colour and stitchery in general, it will give you lots of ideas. It's overall effect on me was one of joy.

Palestinian Embroidery in Detail

This book provides excellent details of various embroideryand applique techniques found on Palestinian garments. It is a worthy companion to Ms Weir's fabulous book, Palestinian Costume.