19 May
All about clothing, Facts

Palestine : Each Stitch has a Tale

Embroidery is a type of sewing that uses needles and threads to draw flowers, sparrows, drawings related to place, surrounding environment, nature and universe, and ancient “mythology” beliefs in specific colors, especially red, on silk, linen, and cotton fabrics, in order to decorate women’s clothing, household linens and baby clothes.

Embroidery art is widespread in Palestine, as a symbol of the Palestinian heritage and identity, it is called the Palestinian peasant, the Palestinian women wear it in their daily lives, occasions and celebrations, wherever they live in or out of Palestine. The type of embroidery on the dress indicates the identity of the woman who wears it: to which place does she belong, and what is her social status, is she single, married, widowed, divorced, or bride, as well as reflecting her economic status. 

After the Palestinian catastrophe in 1948, the cause and the tragedies suffered by the people of Palestine had affected the form and drawings of the Palestinian embroidery, new forms and patterns of garments were born where the drawings focused on olive branches, peace doves, and on the map of Palestine with the colors of the Palestinian flag, also it spread to the all Arab countries through thousands of Palestinians who had been obliged to abandon their country. After all the circumstances Palestinian women and girls remained attached to the Palestinian embroidered which they learned from their mothers and grandmothers. 

The Palestinian peasant stitch has several forms and colors according to the region, and for each region there is a different story:

 

– Ramallah:

 

The embroidery of Ramallah is known for the palm tree pattern on the lower section and
geometric patterns, but around 1879, floral and other new designs started to appear.
The used fabric colors change by season, summer colors are well known for using white
and natural light color linen with wine red cross stitch, and black linen in winter where
they dip the nine times in indigo dye.

 

 

– Gaza:

The Embroidery of Gaza is known for the drawing of scissors. Gaza patterns are unique and
are different from the rest of Palestine patterns and are embroidered mainly with a pattern
called Qeladeh, which means necklace. The fabrics for the garments of the Gaza region were
all woven in Al Majdal, which was the largest and most important textile manufacturing
center of the region.

Up to the mid-19th century, it was distinguished by colored side borders.
This type of material is called Beltaji, named after one of the most famous weaver families.

– Bethlehem:

Bethlehem had its own distinctive patterns which are applied to specific parts of the dresses and the items.
The embroidery of Bethlehem is known for the collar design.
The sleeves are embroidered with a pattern called “watches” in couching technique, repeated three times.
In addition a pattern called “tree of life” in cross-stitch evolving above the “watches”.
Beside the “tree of life” pattern there is a pattern called “children” on each side,
as if life goes through one’s children, to the future.

– Hebron:

The embroidery in Hebron is always done in cross-stitch. In Hebron different materials could be used,
but the basic color is always dark blue. The dresses and items are remarkable for their full embroidery
so that the raw material is no longer visible, known as Tallis. Festive garments often had Tailes patterns,
as well as a pattern called the Tents of the Pasha.

– Jaffa:

The embroidery work from the Jaffa area is characterized by precision and delicacy.
The stitches are petite, the patterns detailed and the overall effect of the pattern is elegant.
Jaffa is home to the unique Jaffa’s orange; therefore, the motif of the orange blossom was
especially popular in the local embroidery. Trees often come on the border of the pattern.
They symbolize the trees that women planted as a natural wall around their farms.  

By: Yara Sinokrot

18 May
Facts

Palestinian Keffiyeh : 85 Years History

The Palestinian Keffiyeh is a chequered black and white scarf, made of cotton fabric that is worn in different ways around the head and the neck, also referred to as a Palestinian Hatta or a Shemagh scarf. It became a symbol of Palestinian nationalism during the Arab Revolt of the 1930s.

During the 1960s, the Keffiyeh became even more prominent symbol of Palestinian resistance when it was adopted by Yasser Arafat (A Palestinian political leader) Arafat seldom made public appearances without the headdress. It is worn by men and women of any social rank, and nowadays it is not only worn by Palestinian people it is worn by people from different nations around the world. Palestinians continue to wear the Keffiyeh as a symbol of solidarity and resistance.

– The reasons for wearing Keffiyeh:

During the Arab Revolt of 1936, the headdress was worn by Palestinian rebels to cover their faces and shield their identity so that they could avoid being arrested, also to symbolize their resistance from governing authorities.

On the other hand they wear it in summer to protect themselves from the intense rays of the sun, as well as wind-swept dust and sand; also as a tool to wipe away sweat. In winter, the scarf is used to shield them against cold temperatures, as well as rain and snow.

Nowadays Keffiyeh has become a fashionable accessory, and the patterns of Keffiyeh are used in clothes.

– Ways of wearing the Keffiyeh:

1 -There is the semi-traditional way, wrapped around the head via an Agal, that’s how Yasser Arafat used to wear it.


2 – The style of a Muslim woman’s Hijab , wrapped around the head and shoulders.

3 -Traditional Head and Face Wrap Combination.

4 -Loose Neck Scarf.

5 -The Bandana style.

 

– Symbols of the Keffiyeh:

– The colors:

The colors of the stitching in a Keffiyeh are associated with Palestinians’ political sympathies. Traditional black and white Keffiyehs became associated with (The Palestinian National Liberation Movement). Later, the red and white Keffiyehs were adopted by Palestinian Marxists in 1967, such as the The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine).

– The three patterns:

1 – Fishnet Pattern: 

The fishnet distinctive woven checkered pattern represents affinity towards the Palestinian sailor and the connection with the Mediterranean Sea.

2 – Olive Leaves Pattern:

Olive leaves’ distinctive woven checkered pattern represents strength, resilience and perseverance. The olive tree is nearly synonymous with the Palestinian land and culture.

3 – Bold Line Pattern:

The bold line pattern represents trade routes going through Palestine, symbolizing a long history of merchants, travel and culture exchange.

By: Yara Sinokrot

11 May
Tips

Modest Clothes in Europe Market

 

Clothes in the Middle East market are so diversified, where you can find traditional, modest and Western fashion clothes. While in  Europe it is not the same, there are only Western clothes, you can barely find modest or Arab traditional clothes.

Women in some countries in the world wear traditional clothes on a daily basis like in Gulf countries for example, while other countries in the Middle East and in Europe only old women wear traditional clothes on a daily basis and younger women wear traditional clothes only for special occasions such as a wedding or religious celebration like Eid and Ramadan.

Muslim population in Europe keep growing, and unfortunately Islamic fashion clothes offerings have been limited and there is a gap in the Europe market, there is no single Islamic brand catering to the fashion needs of the Muslim population,  most of the clothes in the market are unsuitable designs specially for Hijabi women.

Islamic clothing includes Kaftans, Abayas, clothing items that conform to Islamic dress code, Islamic clothes nowadays combine religious clothing with fashion trends, such as long dresses, long sleeves, loose fitting clothes and high necklines.

Modest clothes are not only for Muslim women whether Hijabi or non-Hijabi, a lot of women from different religions like to wear this kind of clothes.

In the past women had to customize clothes from the tailors because they couldn’t find modest clothes in the Europe market. But nowadays women in Europe are not facing the same problems they used to face before when they want to buy modest clothes or arab traditional clothes for occasions because now they can order whatever they want online from any country in the world and can come to them easily.

Khood is the best online store solution for such problems in finding modest clothes and Arab traditional clothes , you can find in our website a lot of varieties for occasions and for daily basis whether you’re a Hijabi or not.

 

By: Yara Sinokrot

01 May
Fashion trends, Special Occasions

Tips to celebrate Eid 2021

Eid Al Fiter is an occasion of joy and festivity for all Muslims for breaking their fast, also it marks the end of Ramadan.

It is common for the capitals of Muslim-majority countries to decorate their streets with festive lights. You can also create that Eid vibe in your home by filling it with Eid decorations, make sure you get your children involved, because the more you involve your kids with the Eid preparations, the more they will feel the spirit of this occasion.

Some of the Eid preparations are universal among all Muslims. Wearing new clothes is one of them. Clothes are an important marker of Eid. Whether people choose to wear traditional or modern western clothes, all must be well turned-out. In the days leading up to Eid, we used to see shopping centers overflowing with shoppers looking out for the latest and greatest fashion trends, but now because of Corona pandemic most of the shopping centers in the world are closed and even if they’re open it is not safe to be there, and because of the current circumstances due to Corona pandemic online shopping will save the situation.

Visiting relatives and neighbors’ houses and accepting sweets while moving around from house to house, is another part of Eid preparations, but also these visits won’t happen this Eid because of the pandemic. Eid this year won’t be the same, so we will have to create the atmosphere of Eid celebrations in a different way, even if a lot of countries are in lock-down, it doesn’t mean we can’t look our best for Eid.

All the fun areas for kids are closed so we should create the Eid’s atmosphere for them on our own, by doing home and family activities like playing together the games they love , cooking together and making BBQ gatherings for example, also we can buy them gifts to surprise them, we can order these gifts online. A great idea for a gift would be buying your daughters the same outfit as yours, cause daughters are always looking at their mother’s clothes, they will be so happy and it is also so trendy this year, you can find the daughter mother matching clothes at Khood’s website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You all know that Eid is coming in the summer season and in summer everyone loves to wear light clothes like dresses and kaftans, also because of the circumstances we will spend most of this Eid’s time at home so we need comfortable clothes, keep in mind while choosing your Eid outfit to pick light colors that match with summer colors, you can check Khood’s website there is a lot of varieties that you will like.

This Eid will be an opportunity to bring some light into this period of darkness. 

Stay safe, and have a happy Eid! 

Yara Sinokrot

 

27 Apr
Facts, Tips, Uncategorized

Online Shopping in Corona Pandemic

Online Shopping in Corona Pandemic

The Corona pandemic has affected the economy and also the financial market worldwide more than the previous pandemics due to severe governmental restrictions on economic activities and social life. 

These circumstances and restrictions have changed the way consumers use e-commerce, and have increased a shift towards a more digital world, and that affected on the online shopping  behaviors, compared to online shopping pre-pandemic, online shoppers have all increased their online buying behaviors since the Corona virus began because retail stores and services closed ,and also consumers are trying to avoid public places as much as they can to protect themselves and their families.

Consumers became almost fully dependent on shopping online because it became their only way to satisfy their consumption needs in the lock down and also for many reasons; it covers a wide number of products, it’s more safe , it’s easier , it saves a lot of time, you can also compare prices and see which store offers the best deals easily, that helps you save money and trains you to be a smarter shopper.

Retailers have put much effort into building, improving, and promoting their online stores. Some small retailers that did not manage online stores before the shutdown developed temporary solutions to sell their products online, by posting their products on social media and by offering pick-up or delivery services, others also have offered discounts to encourage people more and more.

Even if the lock down has finished in some countries and the stores opened again, but still women are not feeling safe; trying on clothes after others , the dressing rooms, and also dealing with the sales staff in the stores because they daily deal with a lot of customers, that’s when they

Started to recognize its better to shop online.

When mentioning shopping  clothes online for sure Khood is your best choice, because we have a lot of varieties for all the occasions and also different sizes that suit everyone, other than that you can pay easily whether by using PayPal or by using cash on delivery, also we have fast worldwide shipping. 

Enjoy your safe shopping from Khood.   

By:Yara Sinokrot

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