As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It's been a while! long enough that I've even missed blogging and reading the blogs I used to frequent - will try and get back to that.

I have been productive though!
It all started when I was helping the Sunrise Rotary Club sew fabric sanitary pads for the school girls in the Dominican Republic. After seeing how awesome the project - my mom suggested we make some for the Syrian refugees too. Between the Muslim Moms of Durham Region, four ladies in Mississauga, the non-profit organization Fiysabiylillah, donations from Joyce, Meghan and the store Lingerie 4 U - we were able to complete that project. AlhumduliLlah.

I hope this post encourages others to make them, and send them to women around the globe that need them. It's something not many people thing of, but is very much needed. I hope to carry on this project, and help others - if you're interested in joining me, or can help with donations please contact me.

Here is the pattern we used, if the link doesn't work - please email me directly at amtullah79@yahoo.ca
Pattern and Instructions

We managed to make 234 kits all together. Each kit had one shield, five liners and one underwear.









Thanks to all the members of the Muslim Moms in Durham for their donations, sewing help, encouragement and financial help.

Labels: help, sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I'm still working with felt, and sooooooooo loving it! I made my niece a headband... it's nice that I can make useful things, and I like that the projects are so small it's done in a day.

She said her favorite animal is a cheetah and caracal! ... so we had leopard print, haha..and that's what we went with. I call her "Juju" like the magic, so I had that embroided on before sewing everything together.



There is Fatimah modeling it for me. Tabarak'Allah. 


What it looks like up close.
If anyone really wants the pattern for the cheetah, just email me at amtullah79@yahoo.ca and I'll see if I can get it go you.

What else is others working on?? And what's your favorite animal?

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

What's everyone up to?? I've discovered a new love...felt!! I know, it's been around for ages and there was a time everyone was into making things with it...I'm a little behind, but I love it.

I just made a postcard for an elderly lady in the UK, who stays in a nursing home there. A lovely friend of mine told me about her, and took the initiative of getting sisters together to send postcards to her. May Allah reward her for her good intentions and deeds. Ameen.

So ya, it was wayyyyyyyyy to cold to go postcard hunting here, so I just made it!


I first worked on the felt. I used whatever I had on hand (no white felt) so yarn for the 'snow' and beads for the snowflakes. Then the back, I used two pieces of cardstock, so it's really sturdy and glued it to the felt before doing a blanket stitch all round.

The moose isn't exactly my design, the inspiration came from here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25565902@N04/7447878326/

Will post up my other 'projects' soon!
Anyone else who's worked with felt, all tips and ideas are welcome!!

xx

Labels: help, sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

So lately I've been exploring Japanese crafts, etc. There is SOOOOO much out there, makes me think they are the most creative people around.

Here is my attempt at a kokeshi felt doll. They are traditionally made of wood...I'll try painting those one day. But right now just wanted to try this. It's also my first felt doll!! I had a blast making it.


I first just drew out the pattern I wanted, because I couldn't find any that fit my idea. Most felt dolls have a felt dress attached, I wanted mine separate. I think it turned out pretty good. It's only 6 inches tall.

I gifted it to my niece who was happy enough to receive it.

Most of it is done using a 'blanket stitch'. It's quite simple. You can youtube tutorials. This is one of the best pics I found.

Would lot to hear what others are working on? or if any of you have tried making a felt doll?

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Yes I am back!! ...although I'm not promising anything this time!
I've actually managed to get lots of things done on my very long break. Including the Mural I started way back in 2012 (I think...lol). Will post pictures and a video soon!

This is my latest sewing project. Qur'an covers!! I usually make the Qur'an bag, but I'm digging how the covers turned out. Will hopefully make more to sell on in my etsy store.


This was done for a gift swap. Aishah had picked "fabric" from my list of items and so I made her this. She was happy with it, alhumduliLlah.


This one is made for a little boy (9 years old) the inside lining is a camo print. I still have to get it to the person who ordered it...so not sure if he digs it or not.


....they make great gifts!! guess what everyone is getting for Eid...lol.. :D
Happy creating everyone.

Labels: sewing, swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I managed to get a little sewing time in this week - but I think that's if for free time! Party time is over *sad*


This is a dress I made for my niece. I still love sewing for 'little' people rather than adults. I followed a Simplicity Pattern: 2683.


The pattern is very easy, it includes the shrug. I however changed up the bottom. Because I didn't want to cut the butterflies (it's a 6 paneled skirt in the pattern) I decided to cut a circular skirt instead. They are many formulas online to use - all work. You do however, need to hang up the skirt for a few days before hemming. Yes, news to me too. In case the fabric stretches along the bias. That way you won't end up with an uneven hemline. It would also depend on the fabric, as some fabrics naturally just have more stretch than others. 

Here is a good link too on hemming a circular skirt: The Costume Goddess

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Been a while!!!
The last few months I've been really busy designing a children's Islamic book (stories with activities). I can't wait to show it to you (once my client gets it printed, insha'Allah). It's REALLY awesome, and I'm sure it would benefit so many children.

Anyway... so I got some free time yesterday and finally got to make my niece Safiyah an abaya for her fulla doll. Anyone who sews and knows if the barbie pattern size will fit a fulla doll, please let me know. I just freehand this pattern.

I'll probably be making more for my other nieces :D



Also busy with logo designs. This one is the latest, for "The Oven". Check out their facebook page..they have some super yummy desserts!!



And this it for now! Will be back with more stuff. Still have to post up Eid pictures to give you some party ideas!

Labels: art, sewing

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

One of the best gifts I've ever given my nephew is a "tickle trunk". A trunk filled with dress-up clothes. The beauty is I can add to it every year, other children enjoy it, they spend ours using their imagination and I get a kick out of making different outfits to add.


I've made this cowboy costumes four times. For these two guys, and the one in the tutorial were for two girls.


It's pretty simple to make, although you do need to know how to sew. They turned out better than expected.


It works best with a thick, stiff fabric... especially with the chaps. I used canvas since I have a never ending supply that I'm supposed to be painting..haha

Here is the tutorial:  Cowboy/girl Costume

Anyone who uses the tutorial, I'd love to get some feedback from you. I have a habit of condensing things.. so I'm not sure if there is enough info, etc.



I do not celebrate Halloween, before I get questions about that.  If anyone is interested is knowing more about why - this lecture is short and wonderful.

Labels: sewing, tutorials

I finally got around to making an ironing board cover! Yaaay... it desperately needed it!
This is a mini ironing board, that I use mainly for sewing.

.... I had to add it: "Iron Freak" ... anyone who really knows me, knows I heart bodybuilding  *cheesy grin* ..might just motivate me to drop the sewing and stay in the gym huh...


Uh huh..it really is very bright, makes the room look all happy.

I followed the tutorial found here: Sweet Verbana
She did an awesome job with the instructions.

....now to work on the big ironing board!


If anyone else is working on any projects, let me know... so I can come visit your page.

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

The summer issue of SAKYNA Magazine features a tutorial done by me, on how to make an Eid Banner! Please check it out, and support the mag.


I've also made an extra banner in fabric for a lucky winner, insha'Allah.



I had so much fun making it, and love how the fabric fades from one color to another.

What you have to do to grab your chance to win: let others know about this giveaway either on your blog, facebook page, pinterest page or tweeter - then leave the link in the comment box.

Tada! ..that's it... Wednesday, July 25th I'll announce the winner.





For those who would like to do the tutorial (in the magazine), I'm including a download here for the lettering:
Lettering For Eid Banner

Labels: giveaways, ramadaan, sewing, tutorials

There is no 'real' pattern I can share with you, sorry, although I drew out a rough idea (at the bottom). I am however posting the pictures in hopes it will inspire you in some way or the other... it also looks really cute on my niece (tabarak'Allah).







Rough outline of how to make it. If you are familiar with sewing, you should pretty much understand what I've drawn. If it's not very clear, just email me.. I'll send you the pdf file.

Happy sewing!

Labels: sewing, tutorials

One off my to-do list! This pattern is from Ikat Bag's blog. Love the pattern and very happy with how it turned out.

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Fabric bookmarks!!!
I should really be doing other things, like working through my never ending list of "needs to be done right away" stuff! Anyway, I really love the idea of fabric bookmarks, so I was testing it out. They didn't turn out exactly what I had in mind.. so I'll have to go back to the 'drawing board', but still pretty in their own way.



I'm hoping to get them perfect so I can add them to peoples purchases when they shop at my etsy or zibbet store.

What's everyone else working on? Let me know, or share your blog link so I can check it out :)

Labels: ideas, sewing

So I've FINALLY made my sister a Qur'an cover! I've been 'promising' to make her one for a year-or-so. Anyway, it turned out awesome (even if the pictures suck.. it looks so much better in person).. I'm very happy with it, and it was fun to make, so I made two. The silver and black one I'll add to my etsy store, and see how that goes.


Now I need to make two more..for kids, so it'll probably look different.

Labels: sewing

I'm having a little too much fun sewing!
Thought I'd share this project, because I always find it difficult to sew interesting enough things for boys (ages 7 & 8).. but THIS is awesome!..so any of you who are stuck on what to make, give this a try.

Who wouldn't like their own collection of monster beanbags!?!


I've made everything out of canvas...! once upon a time I bought an entire roll hoping I'd be a great artist *grin*... we still working on that 'hope'... bwahaha...

I made 6 different kinds. The beanbag faces are made with felt. I also decided to make a bag to hold everything in, that monster is painted on. I LOVE the bag!!.. and will probably make more for library books etc.


They are 18 altogether. The kids are very happy with them, which makes me happy.

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I'm still sewing!! ... give me a month, I'm sure I'll get tired of it and find something else to do for a little while.


Anyway.. still going through Ikat's blog.. love, love this blog! This pattern is from her as well. Similar to the panda dress I did in the last post... however this one is the traditional shorts.. with a little dinosaur theme happening. I was trying to be creative..haha.. I'm very happy with the results and so is my niece.

The pattern is for a 3 year old. My niece is 2 years old, but tall for her age (tabarak'Allah).

Fatimah modeling the spikes for you. She was sick that day, but such a good sport about it.


This image is hand painted on. She picked the 'angry' dinosaur.


The back - dino spikes sewn in.

Now to work on my next sewing project *grin*

Labels: sewing