EMBROIDERY AROUND THE COUNTRY

There are numerous women and associations keeping the art of embroidery alive around Lebanon from Douma to Zouk Mikhael, from North to South. Here are just a few of them

The workshop of Mona Doumit (03 652483) includes a network of more than 20 women who work from home. Over the last 40 years she’s built a solid reputation for her tablecloths and cushion covers. She customizes special designs to order for individuals and for designers.

The handicraft of May Joumblat’s workshop (03 334401) is a fine example of embroidery work from the Chouf region. Once situated in Saifi Village, the delicate work is now available by order.

Leyli Saad (04 712448) has dedicated her life to keeping embroidery alive and to offer work to women. The workshop produces diverse embroidery pieces highlighting each of the woman’s specialties. She is renowned for her embroidered organdy tablecloth. Currently Saad works on demand.

Since it was founded in the 1960s INAASH ( 01 740609, inaash.org, Bikhazi and Charif Bldg, Sidani Street, Ras Beirut) almost 10,000 Palestinian women have been trained in preserving the heritage of Palestinian embroidery and almost three million pieces of handiwork have been made.

The association Basmeh wa Zeitooneh (basmehzeitooneh) helps the embroidery work of Syrian refugee women to reach customers and for them to gain their own financial independence.