During the 19th century, it became fashionable for women from all over Palestine to purchase the Bethlehem Royal Dress - or if that was not affordable, simply the chest panel. Thickly couched with silver and gold thread, this unique and beautiful thoub was worn on for a bride's wedding day and subsequent special days.
Unlike women in other regions, Bethlehem women were accustomed to selling their embroidered handiwork. For centuries, they worked in local cottage industries to meet the constant demand of Christian pilgrims for souvenirs from the Holy Land. As examples of their embroidery spread, the rich brocade-like fabrics and designs became a status symbol sought by all Palestinian women.
Though the names of most "masters of the cross-stitch" have been lost to us, during their lives these women were not anonymous. Skilled embroideresses were admired and well-known within their communities. A few, the especially talented, were known throughout Palestine.
The exceptionally fine embroidery of Miriam Ibrahim Jadallah from Bethlehem, for example, was highly sought after. Imaginative as well as technically proficent, Jadallah introduced patterns - such as the bird motif - into Bethlehem embroidery.
