As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Just got back from visiting my sister... had a blast with the kiddies.
Managed to crochet my nephew a skull cap (kufi)...and I have plans on making a soccer themed one!! Will post if that ever works out :D



Also made a monster with my niece.



Title: Paper Toy Monsters
Found: Amazon.ca

What it's about: It's approximately 200 pages. The left page has a little 'story' about the monster, the right page has the monster dye-cut. You punch out the monster, glue the tabs and put that thing together.
They are about 50 monsters, and 10 blanks which you get to design yourself. Each monster is set for a different level (ex. easy, intermediate, etc.)

My thoughts: Love the book!! I totally dig the little monster stories (and all three kids enjoyed listening to me read them). I think the idea is very creative, and the monsters ARE infact fun to put together. They are also all different, so there is something for everyone.

Highly recommend it for all ages. I helped my 4 year niece (she did all the folding and gluing). Once done she ran to get jewel stickers and personalized it a little more!

Note: we used a good glue-stick and had absolutely NO problems. And I had no problems punching out the pieces.

Labels: crochet, review

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

So I was busy sewing and crocheting! I managed to sew the boys (nephews) thobes that have a 'football' look to it and to crochet kufis (skull caps) to match. They really liked them alhumduliLlah since they are into football...now more into boxing! (I can't keep up)



This is the side. They chose the numbers - painted on the sleeve and on the front. The football laces and lines around the sleeves are mesh fabric sewn on.


The back. I left it plain but decided to add a hood with a mesh lining - so it's looks more 'sporty'.


On one sleeve I painted their name.


Kufi (skull cap) with  the football laces. This is my own made up pattern, which I don't want to do again..haha I'm  not sure I can understand the chicken scratch I tried to write down.


Side view. Happy little guy! This was his Eid clothing!

Labels: crochet, sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Earlier I mentioned I was working on a crochet project... here it is!
They turned out better than I expected, alhumduliLlah and I had a blast making them.
I'm still not sure whether to sell them or keep them for my niece.







Believe it or not, I got some direction from this book: Creepy Cute Crochet.
Book review:

Labels: crochet, review

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

AlhumduliLlah, I managed to finish my crocheted baby blankie in pretty good time! It's a gift for someone special..a little last minute, so I really thought I wouldn't be able to get it done.


I couldn't find a simple yet pretty pattern in my limited time-frame.. so I made up my own. Here it is! Forgive me for the unprofessional instructions.. I can clear up any questions, if need be.

Finished size: approximately 30" x 30" (not including ruffle border)
Blanket: 2 skeins, sports weight, 160g (each)
Ruffle Border: 90g, sports weight
Crochet hook size: US 5mm - H8

Blanket
Chain 133
Sc in each st across (132)

Row 1: Dc in each st, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *skip 1 st, dc in next st, dc in skipped st; (repeat from *)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn.
Repeat rows 1-3 for pattern, until desired size, or yarn is done. Please keep track of stitches every so often.

Ruffle Border
Put hook through one corner of blanket and pull out contrasting yarn, leave a 4" tail and sl st to secure.
Dc 10 times in same corner st.
Dc 5 times in next st. (repeat around blanket edges).
note: at each corner stitch, dc 10 times.

The Flower:
Started of using this pattern, Lazy Shell Flower.. but then I got side tracked on row 3 and did my own thing, which I probably could never repeat and can't put in words..sorry.

So there we have it. Enjoy.

Labels: crochet

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Here it is!! My first official crocheted piece.. and a useful piece at that, insha'Allah. I made it for my niece, I think it might be a little big for her, so I may just make her another one or wait until she grows into it. The pattern looked as cute as her (masha'Allah) and I am pretty happy with the results.


I would have loved to share this pattern with everyone, but I think there is a copyright on it, since it's not a 'free' pattern. It can be found in the book Baby Talk, a publication by Coats and Clark. (they have lots of wonderful free patterns, check out their site) It's one of those thin books you can find at Wal-Mart. I shall check into the copyright, and if it isn't I will post the pattern, insha'Allah.


Jazak'Allah Umm Layla for helping me to be able to make something like this. I don't think I would have got any where this quick, had it not been for the book you sent me.

For those who have never tried to crochet.. give it a try!

I would love to hear how other sisters crochet and knitting projects are going.

(edited: 17/01/07 I checked into the copyright of this pattern, and I unfortunately can not share it with you, even if it's just online. But insha'Allah I shall post other patterns I can share.)

Labels: crochet

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I thought now is a great time to share my crocheting progress, now that I have made my first Granny Square!!


A little after Ramadaan I had some time to crack open the book "Happy Hooker" By Debbie Stroller. Every day I read a little and practice a little. I've manged to try out all 12 stitch patterns.. my favourite one is the Spike Stitch, because it looks so cool using different colours. I've also made a circle and as you can see above, a square. Insha'Allah now to learn tapestry (jacquard crochet), the afghan stitch, adding decorations, and sewing pieces together.. then I can finally start on making something useful.

Overall I found crocheting to be really easy, and be warned.. it's very addictive! Anyone who wants to give it a try, I really suggest getting the same book and have some fun.

Labels: crochet

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Baraktuhu

An update on the Mural... which I started all over again. It is/was well worth it. I've attached all the canvas squares that I have received, can you believe I am still waiting for a few more. Anyway, it is looking so beautiful! Insha'Allah the Welfare Center will be pleased with it.

AlhumduliLlah that is turning out well, and Fabric Land had a sale.. that's good news too!! So I bought some fun pink fabric which I have plans for. I won't give it away, incase it turns out to be a big flop. Tomorrow I hope to work on that, and if all goes well, insha'Allah I shall post some pics.


I gave crocheting a try over the weekend. Humm well, I think I'm actually getting the hang of it.. not enough to show anyone..hehe But I usually learn better when I know I'll end up with something other than a crooked little square *grin*, so I'm going to look for an easy pattern and take a stab at it. Crooked or not, it was fun!

Labels: crochet, sewing