S3E12. #TatreezYourKeffiyeh and Beyond with Dana

April 17, 2025 · 44 min

DANA IS A TATREEZ ARTIST, ALSO KNOWN ONLINE AS TATREEZ WITH DANDUNA (@tatreez.with.danduna). In this episode of Tatreez Talk, we sit down for an honest and moving conversation about how tatreez became an unexpected yet deeply powerful part of Dana’s life. She shares how her Palestinian roots shaped her identity, and how the events of 2021 and the ongoing genocide since October 7th catalyzed a shift in her activism and creative expression.

What began as a curiosity evolved into a profound outlet for storytelling and resistance. Dana walks us through the evolution of her embroidered keffiyeh project (#tatreezyourkeffiyeh), a living archive of motifs—some traditional, some newly created—that honor Palestinian heritage while documenting the present. She also shares her journey from learning online to designing her own thobe and building a local stitch circle in Sacramento.

This episode is for anyone seeking creative inspiration, cultural connection, or meaningful community through craft. Key takeaways include: how tatreez offers healing in moments of heartbreak, the importance of showing up even with imperfect stitches, and how every thread carries a story—of presence, resistance, and collective memory.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:45: Dana’s connection to Palestine

>> 4:20: Getting introduced to tatreez

>> 9:25: Deciding to embark on a thobe

>> 13:42: The #TatreezYourKeffiyeh project

>> 26:45: Supporting Pious Projects through tatreez

>> 31:15: Evolution of relationship with tatreez

>> 33:20: Building a tatreez community on social media and IRL

>> 39:22: Major life lessons from tatreez

Rate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

“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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!