My Hobby is Sewing

Crocheted Boys cap

2011-12-11T22:40:00.001-08:00

Baby boys cap. The large one is for toddler 1-2 years old made using cotton blended. The small one is for my niece Mohd Irfan Zafran using Ilaria Viscose and Cotton Blended. Unluckily, he could not fit in the hat that I make for 3 months size. Next time, for babies, you need to make something big than their age. So that they can fit in it right away or maybe a few more months.

Urban Girl Tote bags and baby hat for customer

2011-12-11T22:32:00.001-08:00

Really apologizes for not updating this blog for so long. But, along the way, I have lots of stories to tell you all about what I did for the past few months. Crocheting and sewing stuffs. Hehe..wait for another entry.

My husband’s friend wanted to order something for his nieces. So he was asking me to do something for the girls. Which takes some time figuring out what to make. Something easy and nice and practical for all of them. I do not want to make something that is not suitable and practical for the girls. And walla, totes idea came to my mind after browsing for free patterns on the Lion brand website. They can use the totes to put pocket money (duit raya) inside it. I know, my 3 year old Tasneem would love to have something like this, so bright and can put her personal belongings inside the small cute tote. But, I did not make her one. I will though. One day!

For the tote, it is Urban Girl Tote, free pattern taken from Lion Brand Yarn website. This is very easy pattern and finish up fast. The only thing I adjust was make the handles longer. I am using Nona double stranded yarn and 5.5mm crochet hook for the tote. After that, I embellished with crocheted flower and also crocheted butterflies, and sew it to the totes.

The baby hat was for 6-12 months old. The mother did not want any ribbons or buttons attached to the hat. Just plain and simple will do.

Floral Pillow Crochet Technique

2011-05-20T06:49:00.001-07:00

When I looked at Crochet Today magazine project for this pillow, I am very amazed at the outcome. I really wanted to make one for home, the living room. Oh no, actually not make one, but need to make a pair of it. But wait, I have more things to knit and crochet along the way! Maybe next time, I will make another one of this pillow :p . Maybe with a different color.

The technique is crochet, I am using 5.5mm hook, with two strands of acrylic yarn. This pattern I would say it is simple to do. Once you know how to make dc (double crochet), trc (treble crochet), it is very easy. I love the looks like a 3D. Don’t you love this pattern too?

Anyway, if you are making this pattern too, please share it with me, I would love to see the outcome too!

The picture is lovely isn’t it? This is taken by my beloved husband. Right now, he is like a pro in taking product shots. He is the one, who took all my product shots in Cotton House Store. Thank you my husband for taking beautiful and great pictures :)

Where to get crochet/knitting supplies

2011-05-20T06:40:00.001-07:00

For crafters like crocheters or knitters, they always think where to get crochet or knitting supplies? Where to get yarns for knitting or crochet? Well, with this online shop, you can purchase anywhere you are, what you only need is a computer and internet access to purchase from this Cotton House Store online shop.

Here are what we have basically in our shop ranging from crochet hooks, knitting needle, hand knitting yarn – cotton yarn, wool yarn, acrylic yarn, blended yarn. The price are reasonable and not too pricey.

Wool Yarn – available by next week (24th of May)

Cotton Milk yarn – very soft and suitable for making clothes

Crochet hook sets – 12 piece (this is hot selling because of the rainbow colors of the hook), many of my customers loved this item very much

I am selling circular knitting needle as well.

There are lots of items list in the website Cotton House Store. There are Double Pointed Needle (DPN), afghan hooks, afghan or tunisian sets (for making blankets), large blunt needles, row counter, stitch markers and many more.

Beautiful Wool Yarns coming soon!!

2011-05-20T06:29:00.001-07:00

This range of 100% Pure Wool yarn will be selling soon at Cotton House Store (online shop).

Here’s a sneak peek of eight colors to choose from. The weight is 50gm per skein.

Nona Branded Yarns selling soon on Cotton House Store

2011-03-14T23:42:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned, for all crocheters or knitters, I will be selling Nona yarns (100% acrylic) because some people just asking me whether I sell the yarns. For them, it is difficult to get them because their hometown is not selling the brands at all. Or, if so, not so easily accessible to get it.
Please visit Cotton House Store, web based online.

Crocheted Hat for 3 year old

2011-03-14T23:39:00.001-07:00

One of my husband’s collegue order this hat for her niece. Same age as Tasneem with 19” head circumference. She wanted her niece to wear this for their trip to Taiwan next month. It will be chilly there although it is just spring time.
So, I suggested using cotton blended yarn because it has acrylic too, which will give warmth during their stay there. This hat has brim to protect against sun rays. It is also suitable to be worn in Malaysia.

I inserted ribbons and embellish with simple flowers using Nona acrylic yarns.

Crocheted Baby Set in Fuschia Pink

2011-03-14T23:33:00.001-07:00

My customer saw the pictures of previous cardigans and after seeing the pictures of baby hats that I make on Cotton House Store facebook, she wanted to order a full set for her daughter.
So, this is it.

I used ladybug white color buttons to embellish the shoes.

The sizes for her order is for 6-12 months old. So, the finished sizes for the cardigan is 22”, shoes 4” and baby hat 16-17”.
I am glad that my customer is happy with the results.

Crocheted Baby Hat Again with Brim

2011-03-14T23:26:00.001-07:00

I never use beanie or baby hat that was given as gift for my daughter to wear. The reason is that whenever she wears it, it covers her eyes. So, I am afraid that it will also covers her nose as well.
So, I make something more useful. Making baby hat with brim, to protect from the sun rays. Whenever we goes out, then, she will have protection against the sun. We do not have to open umbrella which is tedious to bring (if it just hot, no rain).
This time, I used cotton blended yarn white with salmon colors. I use 5mm crochet hook. The finished sizes is 15”-16”. Why I chose these colors, simple. Easy to match with whatever colors that are in her wardrobe.
I made another one too for her my niece Hamnah. Same age as my daughter.

Technorati Tags: crocheted baby hat

Baby Hat

2011-03-14T23:18:00.001-07:00

Let me just put what I have crocheted these past months. It did not mean that I did not do anything for my hobby, but there weren’t time for me to update this blog. Really, my second daughter needed me to always carry her whenever she is awake.
So, right now I am going to update whatever my creations for the last few months.
Tasneem’s hat, made using 100% Nona Acrylic (just want to try out the from the Japanese pattern book). The hook sizes state 5, but at that time I was not sure is that 5mm or just size 5 in Japan. But, unfortunately it is not 5mm as I was expected, it is size 5. So, I have to googled out to find what is the equivalent size for 5, it is actually 3.4mm, but I subsitute it with 3.5mm. Well, it turns out well and fits my 3 year plus daughter with 19” hat circumference.
The pictures taken at a playground near our house by my husband.

This is my second daughter, Humayra. She loves to be cuddled. I made this using 100% acrylic yarn using 5mm hook. But, this was just for trial. Looks, how many colors are there in the hat. I wanted to finish up any leftover yarns. So, that I can fill it up with other yarns that I bought. Hehe.
The pattern for the hat is from the cocoon baby hat pattern. What I did is just make the brim with sc all around the hat for 4 times and made the ruffles edging using shell stitches.
I ended up adorned both hats using ribbons. Easy to insert it using very large needles and no sewing needed.

Technorati Tags: baby hat,japanese pattern

Crocheted Salmon Baby Cardigan

2011-01-09T20:56:00.001-08:00

The baby cardigan (can be made for 0-3 months,
3- 6 months or 6-12 months) is made using cotton blended yarn (2 skeins used), price RM40. It is very soft and comfortable to be worn in the warm weather. I also take orders for boys cardigan long sleeve or short, with stripes or without. For orders please contact faradesigns@gmail.com.
For colors for the cardigan you can browse and look in my online store Cotton House Store, look for Yarns – Cotton Metallic or Yarns – Cotton Blended.
Pictures taken by my husband using his DSLR D3100.

Technorati Tags: order baby cardigan

Crocheted Baby Cardigan - Turqoise

2011-01-09T20:38:00.001-08:00

The baby cardigan (can be made for 0-3 months,3- 6 months or 6-12 months) was ordered by one of my customer. Made using cotton metallic (2 skeins used), price RM40. It is very soft and comfortable to be worn in the warm weather. I also take orders for boys cardigan long sleeve or short, with stripes or without. For orders please contact faradesigns@gmail.com.
For colors for the cardigan you can browse and look in my online store Cotton House Store, look for Yarns – Cotton Metallic or Yarns – Cotton Blended.
Your baby will look adorable in it.

Technorati Tags: order baby cardigan

Sassy Style Sweater

2011-01-06T00:27:00.001-08:00

It took months for me to finish up this pattern. Actually it only takes about 2-3 days of your leisure time to finish up this easy pattern. I bought this pattern at e-patternscentral.com. The instructions are for 2,4 and 6 years old. It requires using 2 strand of yarn together with 5mm hook, but I managed to use just one strand of Ilaria Viscose with 6mm hook, and can fit my 3 year old child easily.

Although the pattern say it is easy, but I am having quite a difficult time understanding the pattern, with the weird design (I never made this kind of pattern before, so there comes difficulty with each design).

Technorati Tags: crochet sweater

I am quite amazed at the final outcome of the pattern, it looks kinda of like shrug plus jacket to me. It turned out beautiful. I am glad that it still can fits my daughter.

Light Pink Doily

2011-01-06T00:07:00.001-08:00

This doily is made from pure cotton yarn (very light pink) using 2.5mm hook.

Technorati Tags: crochet doily

Cream Baby Cocoon

2010-12-08T02:14:00.001-08:00

This brown and cream baby cocoon and hat was ordered by one of my customers for her newborn after looking at the baby blue cocoon that I made for my daughter. Materials are using cream cotton blended yarn and camel brown cotton metallic. All are suitable for the delicate baby skin.
She wanted it for her newborn photo shoot session. So, I have to send it before her due date which I make it in time. Forgive for the pictures, not so professional looking, with lots of shadows and not so bright (lack of lighting).

The newborn hat, size 15 inches.

I hope that her newborn will look very adorable and cute in this cocoon.
For orders and enquiries regarding this cocoon please sms/call Farahana at 013-4120949 or email faradesigns@gmail.com . I also make baby cocoon for photography session, baby hanging or baby pod for photoshoot session like what is on Etsy. Please let me know if you are interested.

Baby Blue Cocoon for Humayra

2010-10-27T00:47:00.001-07:00

It has been long since I post new entry for this blog. I was just finish with my confinement and was very busy with the new baby and also needs to take care of my 3 year old daughter. This baby blue cocoon or papoose for newborn needs 4 ply of yarn to make it. I was using 4 cotton blended yarn with a size 5mm hook.

Actually it is 3 1/2 of yarns needed. After finished using the blue yarn, I used the white yarn remnants from making another white baby cardigan (which I do not decide whom to give it to yet).

After browsing the e-pattern central design, I decided to buy the pattern. This papoose pattern was published in an E-book titled “Oh Baby! Crochet”, cost to download $19.90 and I got a 10% discount for this e-book, which was very nice. As soon as payment being made, I could download it immediately. Imagine how thrilled I was to see and make this papoose. Even my husband said that it was really cute when he saw the baby picture in the cocoon.
About the pattern, it was easy to make, but needs lot of time and effort to finish it. Just using dc and sc throughout the pattern. I took about three days to finish it, of course, I only spend about 2-3 hours per day to do it. So, if you really going to make one, do not expect to finish it in one day. You need to set time to finish it by within how many days, so that you do not have to rush.

Oh my, I really love that she can fit snugly in it! This picture is taken when she is nearly two months old.

Light Pink Baby Cardigan – Altered Size

2010-08-24T01:12:00.001-07:00

I was very eager to try out the new yarn that I am going to sell soon at my new online shop. It was very easy to handle with and it suits well with 5mm hook. The composition of the yarn is 60% acrylic and 40% cotton. Although, the cotton composition is lower than acrylic, the yarn itself feels as soft as viscose yarn. Very fluffy and soft to the touch.
So, I was making another baby cardigan with 3 cute flower buttons. This size really suits well with 3-6 months old baby.

The color of yarns available. I left out the black yarn. So, there is actually 6 shades of yarn colors.

Patchwork for baby blanket

2010-08-24T01:02:00.001-07:00

I am bored waiting for the baby to come out. Right now, it has been 39 weeks. The doctor said that my baby can come out anytime soon.
So, instead of just wasting my boring time with nothing, I rummaged my piles of cotton fabric looking for the right shades to sew into many small patchworks.
Right now, I only managed to make 5 sets of patchwork flowers. I need to make at least another 5 more, so that they will cover most of the blanket size.
How it looks like at the back side of the patchwork. I am using a hexagon templates made with plastic at a craftstore in Alor Setar. The sizes are all even an easy to attach from corner to corner using whipstitch.

I am hoping that I will finish this project either before or after the baby comes out.

Bebop Cardigan – Lion Brand Yarn Pattern

2010-08-24T00:47:00.001-07:00

The first time I saw this Bebop Cardigan pattern, I ignored it. Not because it is not beautiful or difficult, but it is for 6-10 years old girl. But, I found out in Lion Brand Yarn Facebook, one of the fan has posted the crocheted pattern that suits her 2 year old daughter. So, I decided to give it a try and made it for my 3 year old Tasneem using a 4mm hook rather than using a thicker yarn and a larger hook (which has been suggested in the pattern).
I was using acrylic yarn to try it out first, before using my cotton yarn that I am selling. This pattern has bobble stitches which is new to me. At least I am learning new stitches whenever I tried out a new pattern. I did not understand how to do it at first, then I googled it on the internet and saw a youtube showing how to do bobble stitches. Then, everything after that went easy.

The sleeves part, I was adding a simple border pattern at the edges using white acrylic yarn.

Why three shades of yarn? I was just trying to finish off the leftover yarns. That is why there was three shades. Luckily, it turns out well and adorable.

Combined technique – Crochet and Sew a dress for Raya

2010-08-24T00:32:00.001-07:00

The pattern was taken from Crochet Magazine. I really like this magazine, but , it is really expensive to buy from Borders or MPH, it is around RM 20++. So, when I got back home, I tried to search for Crochet Magazine, luckily, they have it digitally for only USD 14.97. That is much more cheaper, I will get a full year subscription plus back dated issues. So, it will be a really value for the money.

After I made payment using credit card, instantly I could download all the current issues and back dated issues easily. After downloading everything, I looked at each pages for a pattern that I might be interested in doing so and print it out.
I really recommend this magazine for anyone who loves to make cardigan for adult, necklaces, afghans, and it also have projects for baby either a blanket/toys/clothes.
So, one of the patterns is making a combined technique, it looks lovely. The only thing is that it need to use a smaller hook 3-3.5mm hook. So, for my daughter almost 3 years old, I need to use a 3.5mm hook with a red metallic cotton yarn.
I made it with a 2 tier cotton fabric attached to the crocheted part using sewing machine. Carefully, you need not stretch the material, if not, it won’t fit with the length of the fabric.

As always, my daughter was very eager to wear it, although I have not finish crocheting the sleeves part yet. She said baju princess (princess dress), like Dora the Explorer, she used to wear a long dress when she becomes a princess.
For the sleeves part, it is really open, so I modified a little bit, to make it closed (could not see the armpit anymore).

Crocheted White Baby Booties

2010-08-05T23:29:00.001-07:00

This baby booties is easy and fast to make compared to several baby booties that I have made before. It is Mary Janes baby booties, I could not remember the link for this booties. It has straps, but, I omitted it because the straps were too long for the sides.
I was using a 4mm hook so that I could get a 3 1/2 inch sole. But, it is kind of big for a newborn in Malaysia. The pattern is from the US, so I think the size suits well with their babies.
To make it cuter, I crocheted two small flowers and sew imitation pearl beads on top of it.
My 3 year old daughter was very eager to wear it, but of course it would not fit her 5 1/2 inch foot well. So, I made one for her without flowers using 8mm hook. Luckily it fits her very well. She was very pleased with it. What was more happier was that she said, “Thanks Mommy”, and hugs me. :)
After making this, I plan on making one for my sister, she is having a baby girl soon, same time as me on the month of August 2010.

Very adorable if paired with the crocheted dress!

Beads, beading, sew beads on baju kurung

2010-08-03T21:52:00.001-07:00

My aunt asked me whether I have time to sew beads on baju kurung modern for her daughter. She said to sew it all over the body of baju kurung including necklines, sleeves and the body. I insisted at first, saying that I never sew beads heavily at the neckline before. She said that she will provide with the design. So, I agreed since I just have to follow the design.

The design is from Keluarga Magazine, hari Raya version. It was big and clear enough for me to copy the beading design.

It took me a long time to sew the beads onto the baju kurung because my daughter always came and play around with the beads. So, you can imagine how miserable it is when your beads get thrown everywhere.

The neckline

Sleeves

Body

I really hope that my aunt like it. It looks very simple though.

Crocheted Baby Blue Gown Order

2010-08-03T21:36:00.001-07:00

This is for a customer who really likes the design after I showed it to her. She bought lots of my cotton yarn and during the meeting I brought along all the yarns that I have to show it to her.

She wanted a smaller version with a smaller armpit hole.

So, what I did was use a smaller hook 5.0mm instead of before 5.5mm hook. She wanted it to be exactly the same for her 4 month old daughter.

The backside using 2 white button shanks.

Baju Kurung for Toddler

2010-08-03T21:28:00.001-07:00

It has been a long time since I made a baju kurung for Tasneem. I only made baju kurung for her for hari Raya only. Almost 2 years passed by, now she was nearly 3 years old. The length of material needed is about 1 1/4 meter. I was shocked in measuring her, looking at the length of the fabric, I could not believe that she is getting bigger as time pass by.

She was so delighted to wear her baju kurung. To her, every new clothes, she was eager to have it put on her.

I sewed beads around her neckline, it was easy and fast to sew on cotton fabric. If I still have time before my delivery, I will sew some beads at the end of the sleeves too. I asked my daughter, what shape she would like to have as a button, the heart or flower shape, she chose flower shape. I also thought that flower button shape was much cuter.

I made an A-line skirt for her, easier than making a pleated one at the sides.

Technorati Tags: sewing for children,baju kurung

Crochet Projects these past few weeks

2010-07-14T22:09:00.001-07:00

I made two doilies using a Japanese diagram from a book that I bought.

And one cute little dress for decorations taken from a diagram in a crochet Chinese book bought at Popular. Whenever I went to Popular, I never missed out the opportunity to browse at the Chinese art/craft section. I do not know how to read Chinese nor learn the language, but you can look for the books by picture. There are lots of craft books there, especially for knitters. Luckily I do not know how to knit, if not, I will surely buy one of the books placed there.

Cute Baby Bibs from Towel

2010-07-14T22:00:00.001-07:00

While I was busy crocheting in the last few weeks, I felt that I need to do some sewing. So, I rummaged through my pile of fabric in the box and saw three towels. I wondered for a moment, why are these here. Then I remembered that these are for making bibs.

I thought of making 2 sided bibs, and look for a matching color with the towels.

Here are the results. These were easy to do and not took me long enough to finish it. I think within an hour you can finish up to 4-5 bibs.

For the pink one, I think I need to sew some embellishments for it since it looks dull and boring. Maybe sew a button and embellish it with flower embroidery will be nice.

Baby Blue Crocheted Dress

2010-06-20T20:35:00.001-07:00

This baby blue crocheted dress is made with 100% cotton yarn. The technique is using a solomon’s knot at the lower down of the dress to create a lacy look.

The amount of yarn I am using is just 1/2 of the skein, not much. That means, I am using about 75m long instead of 125m for the total of the whole skein.

I am using a 5.5mm hook although the pattern states to use a 4-5mm hook. The outcome of the dress looks suitable for baby ranges from 3-6 months old. That is what I intended to do, since for newborns clothes, they need to wear much more warmer clothing, so a sleeveless dress is totally out of the question.

The pattern was taken from a website with instructions on how to do a solomon’s knot. From the website, she did not do a lining for the dress, but for mine, I made one chiffon lining about 1/4 meter. On the inside I made a ruffled lining and hand stitch both materials together.

It is much more appropriate to wear, and those tiny little feet will not get tangled in between the solomon’s knot!

I am so impressed with the results. My upcoming daughter will sure look adorable and cute in this dress. Though I think this is not so perfect look since this is my first time in doing this pattern (for me, a first tryout always not perfect, will have some flaw somewhere).

At the back part, two shank buttons have been sewed into the them. For the opening, I just used the advantage of double crochet (dc) space to insert the buttons. It works perfectly fine. No need to do a buttonhole closure anymore.

How much time to do this pattern, I think for the cotton yarn I am using will take about 4-5 hours, but if using an acrylic or sorrento viscose yarn, will take about 3 hours to finish it.

Pink Blouse and Pant Set for Toddler

2010-06-09T20:49:00.001-07:00

I bought these two gorgeous cotton fabric design from Kamdar last two months. Only then, I finished with the outcome. The pattern was taken from Cucito. I knew what I am going to do with the fabric when I saw the pattern inside the book.

Using elastic thread for the shirred arms.

I made it with a pair of matching polka dot pink and white pants.

Technorati Tags: sewing for children

Crocheted Black Cardigan

2010-06-09T20:35:00.001-07:00

I use a slightly diffferent pattern this time. Using an H hook 6.00mm, 1 ply black acrylic yarn, it looks like suitable for 3-6 months baby. It tooks me about 2 1/2 hours to finish doing it.

I am using cute lady bird buttonhole for the closure.

Try on a model, my daughter is almost three years old. So, I don’t think this size is suitable for her. Like I said earlier, it suits for baby ranging from 3-6 months old.

Technorati Tags: crocheted baby cardigan

Another Crocheted Newborn Size Cardigan

2010-05-26T17:55:00.001-07:00

It is very addictive once you know how to make a small cardigan for babies or toddlers. I was making another one, with another color of yarn that is called cotton metallic. The outcome, glittery cute crocheted cardigan.

This time I am using the suggested hook for the pattern that is G hook or translates into our understanding it is 5mm hook. Really it makes difference if you are using a larger hook, the outcome will turn out into a larger project than the original.

The original pattern actually is for the long-sleeved cardigan, but I think that short-sleeved turned out nicer and cuter.

My opinion regarding crochet is that it is easy and flexible to do during leisure time or anytime you like, you just need to have with you just 3/4 things – yarn, hook, scissors and pattern (if you remember, do not have to bring one with you).

Materials:

1 ply of cotton yarn 50gm / 100m is enough for this newborn size, but requires more for a size 3-6 months or bigger.

size G hook/ or 5mm hook

Crocheted Baby Cardigan

2010-05-24T05:36:00.001-07:00

I have never been crocheting baby cardigan before. Whenever I wanted to start one, it always ended up in the middle of nowhere.

The reasons why it had never finished:

a) do not fully understand the instructions especially when to attach the armhole,

b) sometimes, I found the pattern is difficult even though I try searching and looking for an easy pattern

c) do not have suitable material to make the most comfortable for the baby or toddler to wear (only acrylic yarn available), now cotton yarn is available and makes it comfortable for the young ones to wear

d) last, is laziness (this kept you from not moving on to finish up the project)

But, this time, with a huge lots of efforts I am putting into making one for my upcoming baby and also one for my daughter.

I also found this website is very useful and contributed a lot in my project. Bella Bambina is one of the website that gives tutorial on how to construct an armhole during crocheting process.

The pattern is for a long sleeve cardigan, but I make it a short one. For the button, I crochet a small button size and sew it directly onto the cardigan.

For the pattern, I use one skein of cotton yarn and a crochet hook size 5.5mm , I size for US. However, the pattern that is meant for babies (3-6 month), suits my daughter 2 1/2 years old very well. If, for Malaysian babies, I think should use 4mm size of the crochet hook is enough.

The sleeves, made a little ruffle for the edging.

What I think after completed one, of course making more and more of it in the future. Maybe trying a new and more difficult pattern. Wish me success!

Technorati Tags: crocheted baby cardigan

Crocheted Tiny House

2010-05-17T05:08:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, I finished making these cute tiny little house for dolls. I found the pattern inside a Chinese Crochet Book, bought at Popular Bookstores. The instructions needed me to use a size 8mm crochet hook (the bigger the hook mm, the larger the project will be).

Eager to do so, I did it without noticing that the yellow yarn only was not enough to do the wall part. But, luckily I combined with another yellow yarn but with different shades to finish up the product.

Tired of making spots for the roof’s house, I just leave it as it is.

Well, my daughter Tasneem seemed really happy to have a cute little house with a small door on it. What did she do after that was putting all the cornflakes (cereal) inside the house, and eat from it. What on earth!

This house needs some sewing because you need to make the parts come together. So, before this, I just used the hook to make it come together.

Now with this big yarn needle I can basically insert the huge yarn into the hole with a breeze. See, how big the hole they are.

And I can finish up the projects in a short amount of time.

Next time, there is no excuse for me to do more amigurumi in the future. With the help of the needle, it was really interesting to join crochet parts together.

Technorati Tags: crochet,amigurumi,crochet house

Cotton House: My New Shop

2010-05-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I am opening a new online store called Cotton House. Please feel free to browse and look into it.

Here are some of the items that are hard to find, cotton yarns.

More to come by next week, bamboo crochet hook and knitting needles set.

I am quite busy at the moment. There are several gowns and sewing that I haven't posted it up here yet. I am sure will to display the finished products up here soon.

Modernized Pair of Kurung Kedah

2010-01-20T21:39:00.001-08:00

This set is of modernized pair of kurung kedah is for my 2 year old daughter. I was so eager to make this kurung kedah with ruffles (for a cute look) paired with checked black and white pants.

The kurung Kedah is so easy to make, it only takes me about 2 and a half hours to finish sewing from drafting the pattern till the final sewing.

I was making one for myself, but it is not completed yet. Although I have started making it earlier than my daughter’s. Like mom always does, your children is the first priority.

When I have finished the making of this pair, my daughter was so eager to try it on the spot. She said “baju baru asneem!” (My new clothes!). Then, she was jumping around looking very excited with the new clothes.

For the pants, I traced it from Cucito edition for 80cm toddler, but it was a short version, which I made it longer until knee length.

Technorati Tags: sewing for children,modern kurung kedah

Crocheted Necklace

2009-10-23T03:35:00.001-07:00

This is so cute. As soon as I looked at the pictures I want to make one for Tasneem, crocheted necklace. Easy and simple to make, and of course no one will ever want to steal it.

The pictures that I mentioned was in a crocheted book that I found at Popular bookstores near the DIY Chinese section. I think this book is translated in Chinese from Japanese version.

But, although you could not read in Chinese or Japanese, the diagram is very simple to follow unlike to long wordy instructions which is prone to make mistakes or do not understand how to do it at all.

After a few times using the crochet diagram, I think that there are lots and lots of things I want to make. For example, making doily, purses, and flowers.

Ok, back to description of the necklace, instead of using bigger pearl beads, I use bigger buttons to close it. I sew pink beads on top of the flowers.

The thread I use is just for 1.5 to 2mm crochet hooks. But I want it to be bigger, so I used a larger hooks, 3mm size.

Technorati Tags: crocheted necklace

Checked red and white Shirt-Blouse for Toddlers

2009-10-08T03:56:00.001-07:00

I wanted to make tops like an adult applied to children. It looks really cute whenever the little ones wear it. Actually I am making this top for her to wear during Hari Raya.

There are steps that you must follow to achieve in making this top:

1 – Pin tuck and sew along the lines of the fabric

2 – Draft patterns and cut the fabric with the lines on top of it

3 – Mark patterns on fabric, serge the edges

4 – Sew shoulders to shoulders, use bias tape for a finished neckline look ( I use white cotton bias strip).

5 – Sew the armhole and sew the bodice.

6 – Attach ribbons and lace

7 – Make button hole and sew buttons on top of it.

8 - Lastly, sew cute little flowers on top of the blouse

My experiences in making this top:

1 – Tedious but the outcome is amazing

2 – Use cotton bias tape for easier finish at the neckline.

Technorati Tags: sewing for toddler,sew tops

Dress from a Long-Sleeved Shirt

2009-08-27T03:38:00.001-07:00

My sister Idzyan could not fit anymore in this shirt, so rather than throw it away, I said "why don't you give it to me". The reason is so that I could make something for Tasneem out of it.

I browsed this Japanese book, and I think that the pattern below is suitable for this kind of material.

After tracing and cut out the patterns provided in the booklet, I put the front pattern directly near the buttons, so that I do not have to sew any buttons at all. Saves a lot of time from doing button holes and button sewing.

The finished look of the dress (this is to be worn during Raya).

This is how the back side looks like. Since the outcome is rather big for Tasneem (she can still fit a 6 months old clothes) , maybe she could wear it with a long sleeved shirt inside.

For the neck and the armhole area, I used bias tape for a beautiful and neat finish. Oh, how I loved using it after knowing that it can provide clean finish and saves time compared to using facing (if you know what I mean).

Materials needed:

1) Shirt / long or short sleeve will be okay

2) Bias tape – I use white cotton bias tape

Note: no buttons required since I used from the shirt itself

Experiences:

Making this dress was fun and a challenge for me. I love making something and turns it out into something new. I think that using bias tape for the neckline and arm finishes will give it like “buy it from the store look”. People would not know that you made the clothes yourself rather than think that you bought the product.

This is an easy project, even a beginner can try it out. No need to do button holes and button sewing for the moment. The time from pattern drafting to final sewing is about 3 hours.

Technorati Tags: dress from shirt,sewing for toddler,recycled

Toddler Peasant Blouse

2009-08-23T15:34:00.001-07:00

It has been long since I updated this website. I have been very busy lately. But, sewing is still my hobby during my leisure time. Last time, I have been making four sewing projects. One of them is making a top for my daughter which is a peasant top for Hari Raya.

Why did I chose this pattern anyway? Maybe it is because I bought this Japanese book, Cucito in July 2009.

One of the baby model in the book looks so cute (kawaii ) wearing peasant blouse made with plaid pattern fabric. This inspires me to make one for Tasneem.

After I finished sewing for this pattern, I found that it looked like something went missing. I wanted to make it look more beautiful. So, I sewed nearly a one meter white embellishment which you can insert small pink ribbons into it at the waist area. Basically it is to complement with the pink bias tape at the neckline area.

The result is fabulous. I love the final look.

Materials I use for this project:

1) pattern for this design ( i used for 80 cm toddler size)

2) half a meter of cotton fabric (i used remnants which bought from Kamdar)

3) one meter white embellishment

4) 5mm ribbons

5) elastic tape for the neckline and the arms

6) bias tape for the neckline (this is optional, you can just sew the neckline area without bias tape, but it will be a little crooked)

Experience in making this project:

I think this is an easy project, you all should try it. I can finish it within 3 hours. From pattern drafting to final sewing.

Tops from Recycled Skirt

2009-07-14T07:47:00.001-07:00

A few months ago, I bought this light cream skirt at a bundle shop for RM1 only. Not only that, I bought four items at the bundle shop for RM6. That was very cheap and a bargain for me. Just imagine that I could get a dress from jeans material and a pink cardigan pant.

This top I made from a skirt, cotton shirting material. Very soft and suitable for making this kind of pattern design.

For the bias tape, I saw this fun and interesting cotton design at Kamdar and imagining how nice and beautiful it would complement the design for the tops.

Technorati Tags: recycled tops,sewing for children

Experiences in making this top:

1) Need to use a larger stitch than usual because it is knitted cotton shirting material (I use 3mm width rather than usual 2.5mm)

2) Don’t need to serge the edges because it will not fray, easier and saves time.

3) Next time I have to make it wider at the end of the sleeves so that it will look nice and puffy for the ruffles.

4) I just serged at the bottom of the tops. Easy and saves time (especially for the lazy ones like me).

5) For the ribbons, I just used the leftover bias tape. You need to hand stitch it first before attaching it to the tops.

6) How long did I finish it, well, I think it is about 5 hours from pattern drafting to making bias tape and finishing the tops.

Baby Two-Tiered Gown

2009-06-27T22:22:00.001-07:00

I had always wanted to make this kind of dress, but it requires a lot of work such as making the ruffles, adding two small ties at the back, really it is a lot of work.

At first I was thinking of making an A line dress for Tasneem, but since her Maksu wanted a long dress below her knee, then it is not enough to make one. So, I use the remnants of the 2 meters to make a 2 tiered gown.

This dress is made out of 3/4 meter of fabric. Actually I bought 2 meter of this fabric. One for her Maksu (8 years old) and one for Tasneem. Both of the dress are finished within a week of my leisure time.

How did I make this dress, I use the same top pattern as my previous post about baby gown.

How to make ruffles for the tiered gown? I use sewing machine, set the stitch to the longest stitch per inch you could get, then you sew along the line. Then you cut out the thread, and then slowly pull out the thread to make ruffles along the fabric.

Since this dress looks dull and boring, I use the same white bias tape to make two ribbons to attached to it. I also sewed white ribbon along the tiered to make it looks more shine and elegance.

Here is how it looks from the back side of the dress. Easy no zipper at the back, just one button with a short slit at the back of the dress.

This is how it looks like when my daughter wears it.

Although this dress took a long time and patience to make, but the result is fabulous, I love to see my child smiling and happy with her dress. She looks really adorable in it. I am glad that I was forced to make this dress once.

Baby Gown from Japanese sewing book

2009-06-09T06:24:00.001-07:00

I made this baby gown using the pattern from this japanese sewing book (ISBN: 978-4-8163-4652-1)which I bought at Kinokuniya Bookstore.

The fabric used was from Idzyan’s Kebaya (cotton fabric remnants about 30cm or less) and I mixed with some of this cotton fabric that I use it to make baby tops in my previous posts. Total fabric needed about 50cm to 60cm. For Tasneem, I added lace to make it longer than her knee.

For the bias tape, I use the same fabric as the bottom part. This is to make it looks like store bought. I made the bias tape myself, did not use any Clover or any bias tape maker. I hope that one day I will have one for myself.

I added small flower that I got it from kenduri (usually from handkerchief given to guest) to make it look nicer.So, don’t throw away those little flowers, you might need it for any projects in the future!

At the back I alter it a bit, not using bias tape as a closure, but I sew small red button with a blanket stitch as a closure. Pretty easy and simple.

Tasneem and her maksu Ilyana.

My experiences in making this gown:

a) need lots of patients especially in making the ruffles and bias tape, very tedious though

b) don’t rush in making it, so that the outcome will come out perfect

c) easy to handle when using cotton as the material

So, that is all for today.

Embroidered Bawal Scarf (Sulam tudung Bawal)

2009-05-20T04:08:00.001-07:00

Technorati Tags: sulam tudung bawal,embroidered bawal scarf

My customer asked me if I can embroider bawal scarf for her. Well, I must say this is my first time doing it on a scarf. She wants a simple design for her tudung.

My experience while embroidered the bullion roses on this soft and fragile scarf is that it is hard to maintain and to pull out the thread through the needle. It is easier though on Tasneem’s cardigan.

The material I used to embroider this tudung are
a) “Sharp” type needle

b) DMC embroidery floss . This one I used 3 strands of floss to make the bullion roses and leaves.

This is the picture taken after embroidered at the corner of the scarf.

For second tudung/scarf. This design is taken from Rosita books. Thanks to Aina Creative World for her information on “Info Mulakan Sulaman” that mentioned about tracing the design by putting the scarf (sheer) over it. So, I did that technique and walla here the outcomes. I like this one though.

Hope that the owner likes it.

Tutorial – How to make neckline of baju kurung (part one)

2009-05-16T22:53:00.001-07:00

I was thinking of sharing how to make the neckline of baju kurung (leher baju kurung). When I first started sewing, I found that this is the hardest part of all. But now,when I already learned the technique from Rosita Jaafar sewing book, I can do it easily. In fact, this is my favorite part of sewing baju kurung.

Here is my style of how to sew the neckline of baju kurung. I am not an expert, I just want to share a little bit of what I have learnt from sewing lots of baju kurung. If you have any comments or any additions to what I mentioned, please do so.

Here is the tutorial:

1. Using remnants of the fabric (after cutting all the major parts), trace the facing using the fabric with a pen or a tailor’s chalk or a pencil. Let’s call it “neckline facing”.

Base of neckline facing Shape of neckline

2. After sewing the body parts together, iron the body parts in two, so that there will be a line folded in half in the middle of the body.

3. Using the line from the body that we iron on earlier as a guide, then pin on the neckline facing to the body parts. Match it from point to point.

Till then, wait for part two of making the neckline of baju kurung. If there’s any questions or comments please do so.

Technorati Tags: Cara membuat leher baju kurung

Krispy Kreme Brings up Nostalgic Memories

2009-05-16T10:33:00.001-07:00

It has been 4 years since I last ate Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the US. My husband used to buy me the doughnuts near midnight at Flying J gas station. It was on clearance sale at that time about $0.30 a piece. We ate till we were full.

Last week, I went to KL and my husband said that they now opened one branch of Krispy Kreme in Berjaya Times Square at the ground floor. So, we did go there on our 3rd day in KL.

We ordered a dozen doughnuts and 7 of them were our favorite flavors, the chocolate custard doughnut.

It was very delicious, sooo delicious compared to Dunkin Donuts or JCO or Big Apple. The custardy taste is similar to Mary Lou doughnuts in West Lafayette, Indiana. But it was far more cheaper than Krispy Kreme, just $0.30 a piece. To anyone who never tasted Krispy Kreme doughnuts just give it a try. I bet one is just not enough.

There is also Papa John’s pizza and Wendy’s branch from the US opened there. I recommend Papa John’s pizza to everyone who never tasted it before. For your information, Papa John is the number one rating pizza in the US.

Japanese Books

2009-05-15T20:31:00.001-07:00

On the 8th of May, my family and I went to KL because of my husband’s cousin wedding. On top of that, I have an agenda to accomplish while I was in KL. So, on the first day, we went to Kinokuniya in KLCC. The bookstore is so big that I might be lost in it. The books are divided into different sections by language.

So, I went to the Japanese section, hoping to find the sewing books that I dreamed about for so long. I roamed through the bookshelves at the Craft section looking for baby and toddlers handmade sewing books. I found many sewing books for children. I ran through all the pages of each book, trying to find which one will fit for my taste. With a limited budget amount of money, I chose this sewing book. This has patterns for 60,75,80,90. Which I think from 6 months until 3 years old (worth the money spent).

Besides that, I also looked at the crochet and knitting section, I found this lovely book “Crochet Lace”. It has various designs of doily and also have patterns for making flowers and bags too.

I was so eager to try one of the patterns, so I made this while I was at home.

Peasant Blouse for Children

2009-05-14T00:23:00.001-07:00

I was thinking of making peasant blouse for my niece who lives in KL. I did not know her measurement, but just know her age which is 7 years old. So, I tried using the patterns for age 7 from this book “159 Pieces; 4 to 10 Year Olds. As Each is in 3 sizes, All can Fit Children of Any Size” and luckily when I gave it to her to try it, it fits her very well. This is a Japanese sewing book from Stitch House Children’s Wear (English Edition).

Actually the patterns is for a full dress, but I only have a one meter of this strawberry cotton fabric, so, I need to make some adjustments to the blouse. I shirred using elastic thread at the waist so that it will not make it look really loose when she wears it.

Things needed to make this peasant blouse are:

- elastic tape 5mm, elastic thread, 1 meter of cotton fabric

Time to complete to make this blouse is about 3 hours from pattern drafting to final sewing.

Here is the close up for the neckline, I insert elastic tape about 30cm in length.

Insert elastic thread about 20cm for the arms.

I shirred using elastic thread twice in the waist area.

Tips on sewing this dress, for the armhole area, please measure the armhole length from the body and the armhole length should be the same, so that you will have exact measurements from end to end.

Technorati Tags: peasant blouse,sewing for children

Receive an Award

2009-05-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is my first time receive an award from someone. It is from Ilarazali whom I known from WMC. Thank you Ilarazali. Well I do not know how to put it on the right side of this web, so I am pasting the award here.

What I have known so far about Ila from the web, she is very funny (from the way she express her feelings on her blog), interesting, I think talkative, and loves to cook. I am sure she is a very amiable person to be with. She looks very much like my cousin too.

Thank you once again.

P/s: I am posting this from my hometown. I could not publish any posting for the next one or maybe 2 weeks the max, thanks to TM for their slow service.

Baby Kimono

2009-04-28T04:24:00.001-07:00

This baby kimono is easy to make. The pattern is like baju kurung Kedah (at the sleeves), but it has a front opening. The pattern needs lots of bias tape. But one packet is enough for baby size. It will be easier to sew if you use cotton fabric with cotton bias tape.

The closures is of course to tie it up using bias tape, but you might want to add snap fastener at the top of the neckline to prevent from easier opening.

This style is suitable for newborn and up because there are no buttons to put on. Just needs to tie the ribbon.

Front

Back

Tutorial – How to Make Button Loops

2009-04-23T22:21:00.001-07:00

Technorati Tags: button loops,tutorial

Fabric loop or fabric tunnel adds an elegant touch to projects that we make. It is suitable for making spaghetti straps, bag closures, frog closures, string belts and button loops (for blouses, gowns and kebayas).

In this tutorial I will use loop turner as opposed to using traditional thread and needle which I find it difficult.

Where to get it, it is hard to find one in Malaysia though. But, you can try and look for this item in sewing or craft supplies shop.

Methods:

1. Measure and cut out a piece of cloth about 1” wide in bias angle.

2. Before sewing, meet the right sides together. We are going to sew on the wrong side.

3. Sew about 5mm wide, it is about the size of under your machine. (I am making button closures suitable for kebaya and blouses, so the size appropriate is 5mm, you can use a different width depending on your project use)

Adjusts the fabric at the end of the arrow. You will get exactly 5mm width of sewn strip.

** I am using contrasting thread so that you can see it clearly. Make sure that starting stitches need to be wider a bit than 5mm. It is to make an easier turning of the strip when it is done.

4. Next, trim off the excess fabric. It will make an easier turning if it is not too bulky. The width is about the same as your stitching. In this case it is about 5mm width.

5. To turn it over, insert loop turner and attach the end of the loop with the fabric together.Slowly pull the loop turner.

6. There it is done.

I hope this tutorial helps. If there are any comments or concerns please ask. Thank you.

Sew Kebaya

2009-04-19T21:27:00.008-07:00

Last week I made two short kebayas for a teenage customers. However there are two styles for the kebaya pattern. One we called it modern kebaya and the other kebaya lapel. Drafting pattern for the arms will be gorgeous if it really fits your arms. Make a 1 1/2 inch or a 2 inch for the easiness around the armhole. The sleeve width is around 18-20 cm (for small hands, for bigger hands I suggest you use a bigger measurements). However, you must make sure that the sleeve width will fit all your fingers right through it. If not, you cannot go through the sleeves.

For drafting the patterns, I am using the pattern in "Variasi Seni Jahitan" and "Variasi Teknik Menjahit" books. I am not directly using the pattern from one version. It is a mix and match, for example, for the lapel, I am using a measurement for the kebaya lapel, but for the hands I am

using the guidance for Kebaya Kota Baru style.

Kebaya Lapel

Modern Kebaya

Another One Hour Tops for toddler size

2009-04-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

I guess I am not satisfied since Tasneem could not wear the previous tops that I am trying to make one for her. So, I decided to make another one with a different style for her. This one I am using one of Stitch House edition books titled " Cute Infants Outgrow Clothes Quickly, 58 Tots Clothes Paired with Dolls". Although this book titled states infant, but it is actually a toddler size for 2 or 3 and for 4 or 5 years old. I am lucky because my daughter fits this tops although it looks kind of big for her shoulder.

This is a direct cut fabric and sew just needs a total of hour only. Absolutely perfect for present to little girl of your family and friends. The material needed is only half a meter of 45" cotton fabric, 30cm elastic tape and 32cm bias tape for the neck.

One Hour Tops for Baby

2009-04-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

This cute tops requires one hour or less of sewing time. The material needed is cotton fabric about 90cm width with a length of 40-50cm, bias tape about 1 meter, elastic thread for the arms, elastic string and some embellishments. For this tops, I used just simple ribbons sewed directly on top of it.

I have several of cotton remnants this small and I want to make out something with it. Actually, I was making this tops for my one and a half year old daughter. I was using the same bust measurement when she was 6 months. But, it did not fit her. Haha, well I guess this will be a gift to whoever I know that will have a baby girl.

I will give the patterns next time, because I need to scan the paper of how to draft this pattern directly to the fabric. The patterns is basically an inspiration from my previous one hour tops for adults, you just apply it for baby size. I think this will fit a 3-9 months old perfectly, or you can say this is size M (depends on your baby size and weight whether it fits or not).

Sew a One Hour Tops

2009-04-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

I think I could not live without my sewing machine. Last week, when I compiling all of my fabric remnants and some of the fabric that I bought on sale, I was thinking of making a simple project. This project is a simple tops without the need to have a draft pattern. You just draw it directly on the fabric and then sew, sew, sew.

The projects that I made is from a book called "Quick Sewing of Homewear by Direct Cutting that Eliminates Patterns". This book is published by Kamakura Shobo (Japanese book). A Stitch House Edition. Currently, I have 3 books under Stitch House editions. I really looove these books. One for 2-5 years old, and the other from 8-13 years old. The books have easy directions from drafting patterns to how to finish the designs. The books also gives you what kind of fabric is appropriate for a certain pattern, which I find it convenient.

Well here is the outcome from the fabric. It requires 1.5 meter. But, I have the fabric short of 0.1m. I guess, it turns out fine, since it is just 10cm short.

Sewing time is only 1 hour including marking and cutting the fabric directly. You will need bias tape and some elastic string to sew this design. This top is so easy that you can also made this as a special gift. Handmade gift to your family and friends.

A day at the beach

2009-04-15T01:20:00.000-07:00

Last two weeks we went to area near Teluk Kumbar, I forgot the name of the place. There is a beautiful place other than Batu Ferringhi. We brought some sandwiches, but luck is not on our side, it was going to rain. So, we could spent a few minutes enjoying the sand and clear water.

Tasneem one and a half year old , is still afraid of the sand and the splashing sea water.

Fizah's Engagement

2009-04-15T01:10:00.000-07:00

Ahha, finally I got the pictures taken during Fizah's engagement. The six of us. Well, I am the eldest out of six. From back left, it's me, Fizah, Am, Idzyan. From the front left Ilyana and Ilyasa.

Spa Q or Bishop Style

2009-04-15T00:47:00.000-07:00

Some of my customers requested me to do a Spa Q style for their kurung modern. I did a little research and found out it is basically a Bishop style. This style needs cuff or shirred or elastized at the end of the arm. For glamorous effect, it requires shirring or elasticizing at slightly upper from your elbow.

Here are some pictures to show what I mean.

How to do this pattern, here is a link to Jom Jahit by Kak Nab in Tangan Kembung Ala Spa-Q http://kaknab-jomjahit.blogspot.com/search/label/jahitan

The material needed to do this design for the dress is extra quarter meter. If you usually requires 2 meters, now you need 2 1/4 meters.

If anybody has suggestions or comments regarding this post, please tell me so. Thank you.

How to look best in clothing - Pear shaped

2009-04-14T23:48:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Borders and happened to read a US magazine about fashion (I don't remember the title of the magazine) . In one of the pages, my eyes attracted to the title " What is your body type". I have known about body type apple, pear, hourglass and banana (straight).

There is a simple quiz, basically a calculation of waist to hip ratio to determine whether are we in the pear shape or not.

Well I am under the pear shape. Which is basically when you gain weight, most of the time your fat stores will go down to your buttock and hips. Also, your shoulders and other parts in the top looks smaller compared to those in the lower part. Hahaha, this is typical for most women.

This is the proper definition from Wikipedia: Pear or spoon or bell (triangle upward)

The hip measurement is greater than the bust measurement.^[1] The distribution of fat varies, with fat tending to deposit first in the buttocks, hips and thighs. As body fat percentage increases, an increasing proportion of body fat is distributed around the waist and upper abdomen.

To learn more about types of body shape could make us look best in the right clothing, I made a little research on the internet. This is what I could summarize from my reading (from what I remember). So, what types of clothing will look best for Pear shape :

wear tops basically end at the hipline, it will makes you look equally distributed from top and bottom
you can also wear tops that end 3" below you kneeline. Don't wear it above 3" from your kneeline. For example jubah or kebaya that ends 3" lower than your kneeline.
most of your accessories should be on top, that is wear necklace, lovely shawl, or have ruffles to your top clothing will make it look best
should wear bright tops and darker shades for the bottom. for example skirts should be black or no designs
For skirts, you will look best in A-line. Also, it will not look best if you are wearing skirts upper your kneeline.
For tops, it would be nice if you have shoulder pad for certain clothing. For example, baju kurung, kebaya, it will looks best if you have this. (but shoulder pad is not suitable for apple shape)

That's all for now, next time I will discuss about apple shape.

Tips Jahitan Kemas

2009-04-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Untuk mendapat kekemasan jahitan, banyak faktor perlu diambil kira:

1. Proses menanda di atas pola pakaian, mestilah terang dan senang nampak supaya apabila hendak dijahit nanti tidak berada diluar daripada garisan pola. Selalunya saya tanda gunakan kapur untuk kain kapas dan gunakan roda surih bersama kertas karbon bagi kain licin dan lembut.

Not recommended: Kadang-kadang saya gunakan pen untuk tanda dibahagian leher baju kurung bila tidak gunakan fasing - hasilnya cantik dan kemas, kena tindih betul2 atas garisan pen.

2. Jenis jarum yang digunakan mestilah bersesuaian. Seperti jarum nombor 80/11 untuk kain yang nipis atau jenis kebanyakan kain kita buat baju kurung. Kain jeans yang tebal , kain langsir tebal atau ketika hendak menjahit balkrum/ pita bersama getah sesuai gunakan jarum besar 100/16. Mata jahitan akan nampak satu-satu dan tidak menjadi longgar.

3. Kesesuaian lebar mata jahitan. Jarak yang cantik dan kemas antara 2.5 mm ke 3 mm untuk pakaian. Jarak 4 mm ke atas selalunya sesuai untuk cadar atau langsir. Jarak 2mm sesuai untuk tikam leher baju kurung supaya apabila diterbalikkan fasing akan jadi tajam dan kemas di bucu.

4. Jenis tapak mesin jahitan. Jenis tapak mesin juga mempengaruhi cara kita menjahit pakaian. Seperti tapak lurus, akan memudahkan kita jahit lurus. Gunakan tapak zip untuk menjahit zip supaya dapat jahit rapat dgn zip. Tapak zip juga boleh digunakan ketika hendak menjahit pita getah di pinggang.

5. Ketegangan benang di mesin jahit dan gelendung/sekoci. Ketegangan benang penting untuk mendapatkan mata jahitan yang cantik dan kemas. Selalunya untuk kain yang licin dan lembut, ketegangan perlu dikurangkan seperti brand Singer (kurang drp 4). Jikalau kain langsir atau cotton seeloknya dilaraskan pada 3.5 ke 4 atau 5.

Setakat ini saja yang dapat saya fikirkan. Jikalau ada sebarang komen atau tambahan silalah komen di bawah ini.

The Images of Water Increases Faith in Islam

2009-04-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here is my research paper regarding water in my Quranic Studies while I was studying in Indiana University Bloomington, USA. I think an example as simple as water , which we drink everyday could be a source of ponderance and reflection upon Allah's miracle and Power. We could watch in the Disney's Animation titled Nemo. Some of the examples portrayed like darkness under the sea and different wave current under the sea. That means, Disney, they really made research before start to produce the movie.

Images of Water Portrayed in the Quran Increases Faith

Human beings need faith or belief in their lives. If it is not religious faith, then it must be something that one has faith in. A German psychologist, Erich Fromm believes that “…there is nobody who is not in need of religion, and does not want regulations for his guidance and a subject for his love and interest…” (Mutahhari). This statement means that man cannot live without the need to sanctify or adore something. In the Merriam Webster dictionary, faith is defined as something that is believed especially with strong conviction. From an Islamic perspective, faith is broken down into three parts: belief in the heart, profession by the tongue, and performance of deeds by the physical parts of the body (Zarabozo 209). In the hadith by Muslim, “faith has over seventry branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no God but Allah, and the humblest of which is the, removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is the branch of faith”. In this paper, the faith discussed here is to everyone, not only to Muslims but to non-Muslims too.

The reasons water is chosen as an example to illustrate how it will increase faith are based on two characteristics. The first characteristic is that water is everywhere and it is used everyday. Thus, it does not need an explanation to its distinctiveness. Secondly, it is to show how simple examples given could impact faith. However, faith only comes through our understanding of a certain thing. As for this paper, it is the understanding from the examples presented, and follows by wisdom that everyone possesses. Also, the reason behind choosing faith instead of wisdom is that from faith comes wisdom (Yahya 1). So, the point to emphasize here is that having faith in the first place is an important aspect of gaining wisdom later on.

The word water mentioned in the Quran includes sea, ocean, rain, river, spring, and flood. From these classes of water, all of these possess several types of images of water portrayed in the Quran. They represent the sea, Moses’ miracle, life originated from water, and rain. The rationale behind these types of images is that it is suitable to explain the details of the examples in traditional, modern and scientific approaches. The motive in including scientific explanation is because human curiosity leads way to science (Yahya). If people lack curiosity, they will be ignorant and idle in their lives. The Islamic scientific leap in the Middle Ages and the Christian scientific leap of the modern era are the two world’s greatest scientific achievements. Both of the era’s success stemmed from their faith in God (Yahya). Therefore, this paper is presented using scientific facts to follow the time we are now living in, where everybody needs evidence for facts that are given.

The first image of water is sea or ocean, which covers two-thirds of the earth. There are three characteristics of the sea as mentioned in the Quran: darkness under the sea, internal waves, and seas not mingling with one another.

The first characteristic is darkness under the sea. “Or like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by dark clouds, (layers of) darkness upon darkness if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light” [An-Nur: 40]. The traditionalist and the modernish interpret this verse differently. Ibn Kathir states that this is a parable about the heart of the disbeliever ignoring the truth (v4:100). This parable suits one who is simply foolish and who follows leaders but does not know whether he or she is following the right or the wrong path. However, the modernist treats this verse like a clear (muhkamat) and not an ambiguous (mutasyabihat) verse. The modernist translator, Ali, states this verse is about the graphical pricture of darkness in a vast deep sea (879). According to William Beebe’s experience, diving over a mile deep using a bathysphere, he discovered that the water seemed blacker than black. Usually, at 1000 meters below, there is no light at all. So, when one streches out his hand when more than a thousand meters deep, one cannot see one’s hand. From scientific explanation, light rays from the sun cannot be seen at that depth. Therefore, it is known that there is no other source of light to lighten the sea at that deepness.

For the second characteristic, there is wave under the sea. It can be measured by buoys and current meters in determining the fluctuating currents about the waves under the sea. The findings in a Pacific Ocean study was that a few hundred feet beneath the surface there is a thin, broad ribbon of water that flows steadily eastward at a speed of two to three miles per hour and underneath the current is the westward moving surface (Long 4). “Overwhelmed with waves topped by waves,” this verse relates to the waves on top of the sea and also waves under the sea. So, waves are not just on the surface of the sea, also beneath it. The formation of internal waves is caused by different densities between layers of water (Long 48). On the other hand, there is a different interpretation of this verse. There is a story about a merchant marine in Toronto reading a translation of the Quran given to him by a Muslim. The person converted to Islam because he had a realization during a thunderstorm on the sea. The verse “overwhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by dark clouds” clearly explains the situation mentioned above. He was fascinated when he discovered that a man that lives in the desert (Prophet Muhammad) knew about what happens during a thunderstorm at sea. In a strong storm, winds blow at forty-five knots and waves reach twenty-five to thirty-five feet (Long 59). The clouds are getting thicker, darker, and lower to the sea’s surface. This is exactly what the merchant marine experienced at that time.

“Waves topped by waves,” some people might think that this is the situation during a thunderstorm at the sea, because people interpret based on their knowledge and experiences that they may have. In this case, for the merchant marine, when he read about this verse, he automatically related it to his experience at the sea during a thunderstorm. His faith increased and he converted to Islam. One who does not have this experience and knowledge might read it as it is. This person may not really understand what it means. Perhaps then one might read the interpretation of this verse by a good exegesists as to better understand it.

The third characteristic of the sea is, “And it is He who has let free the two seas: one palatable and sweet, and the other salty and bitter; and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them” [Al-Furqan: 53]. The two seas mentioned here are the river and the sea. This phenomenon occurs in several places. One of them is in Egypt, where the Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Ibn Kathir states, “the barrier between these two types of water does not transgress with each other that could spoil each others characteristics” (v9: 384). If the two seas are mixing, then the water’s conditions or characteristics are not a suitable habitat. For example, tilapia fish has to be in palatable water rather than in salty and bitter water. The traditionalist and modernist agree with this verse and their interpretations do not contradict. Clearly, this is a muhkamat verse. Oceanographic study indicates that the difference in water density causes the barriers between rivers and seas. Therefore, the river and seas are not mixing with each other.

The lesson that we could grasp from this characteristic of the sea is that how easily God can do this feature. We could not separate different tastes of water for example coffee and milk. If you mix those two together, there is no barrier between them. Instead, they are mixed up and turned to chocolate in color.

From from just reading those verses only, with all of the above characteristics of the sea, it is not enough to acquire a certain understanding of the message represented by these verses. Therefore, each ayah or sign should not be ignored as it may own certain meaning in it. “This is a communication to be transmitted to mankind so that they can be warned by it and so that they will know that He is One God and so that people of intelligence will pay heed” [Ibrahim: 52]. These characteristics are not known until scientific research proves them. Although these are just known through reading the verses, one may not understand the verses appropriately. For instance, when reading darkness in a vast deep sea, one could not understand that there is darkness under the vast deep sea and one could not imagine a place without light at all, especially under the vast deep sea. Human does not have power or control over the sea. Let us think of a situation where a big, high-technological ship is going to wreck. This is a panic and chaos situation for everyone. For the believers (who believe there is God), they will pray to God to help them in this situation. Therefore, this will increase their faith although in a difficult moment. For the disbelievers, however, this is the time that will increase their faith. Perhaps, this is the precious moment for them to know that there is a supernatural power over human, which is God. For Muslims, these sea verses will have more impact on their faith.They will acknowledge the attributes of God such as Most Powerful, the Greatest, and the Wisest to let the sea as a stabilizing influence on temperatures over most of the world.

The second reflection of water is the miracle of Moses. The event stated in the Quran about Moses and his miracle is splitting the sea. Moses brought all of his followers to run away from Pharoah and his armies until they arrived at the sea. Allah told him to strike the sea with his rod. “Then We told Moses by inspiration: Strike the sea with your rod. So, it divided, and each separate part became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain” [Ash-Shu’ara: 63]. The sea was divided into twelve and became like a huge mountain. Each tribe crossed the path without having wetnessed their clothes and saddles. When crossing, each tribe could look at other tribes and see them like a clear glass of water (Ibn Kathir v4:652). The miracle has two aspects. One aspect is that, Moses and his people passed safely through the sea. The other aspect is that, Pharoah and his people were drowned in the sea. (Ali: 3172). In this translation and commentary of the miracle of Moses, there is no contradiction between the old and the new approaches. According to Abbas and Fretwell, this event clearly mentions thirteen tornadoes which with continuous suction will create mountainous water (87). These tornadoes are said to be developed from cumulonimbus clouds. It is also said that the suction power of tornadoes is 200 miles per hour and it could easily make several clear passages in the water for the twelve tribes. As these tornadoes were moving towards the land, the power that they had was decreasing. Thus, at this time, the Pharoah and his army were drowned in the sea.

During Moses time, this miracle brought faith to his people, but if the miracles were to happen now, people may think that he is a magician. It is impossible to split water even with sophisticated technological developments. One may think that this ayah just deals with a historical story about the Moses’s miracle and the tyrant Pharoah. Only a small percentage of people know the content of the Quran and ponder on the Quran as required. “There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it, - a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercy to any such as believe” [Yusuf: 111]. So, in that case, the Quran is suitable for people with an open mind and soul (Yahya). Going even deeper, if one understands the most crucial purposes of Quran, that is, to invite people to ponder, then, one will take the challenge to try to increase one’s knowledge in the Quran itself. If one does not have basics in Arabic, one should learn them, or if not, then one should buy a book in translation by a good interpreter of the Quran, so that one is not misled. Subsequently, one may learn what this verse tries to reveal is not just to tell historical story about Moses, but, to remind to humankind that God can do anything unusual to human beings or to show a sign which is out of human imagination. Moreover, this situation also happens in our society today where there are people who do not believe that there is God. Also, God punishes the disbelievers with His army; in this case, it was the sea. For the one who understands, this verse implies God’s attribute as the Most Powerful to do anything that He wishes. This shows us that a person who reflects the Quran will increase his or her faith if he or she really ponders about this story deeply.

The third image of water is life originated from water. Even the basis of a living things such as protoplasms derive from water (Ali 880). God created humans, plants, animals, galaxies and all other things from water. “…And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” [Al-Anbiya: 30]. God created Adam from clay, but human generations continue from the semen, which is from water. “And it is He who has created man from water, and has appointed for him kindred by blood and kindred by marriage…” [Al-Furqan: 54]. “Allah has created every moving creature from water. Of them there are some that creep on their bellies, and some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills. Verily Allah is able to do all things” [An-Nur: 45]. In all of these verses, these show us that every living thing originates from water. If there is no water, then there is no living thing. Even human beings could not live without water for two days. These verses are in accordance with the modern approach. The Quran does not only specifically mention that living things on earth derived from water. They are also in God’s other creations, the galaxies. European scientists found that there is a mass volume of water in the space between the stars and also in the Milky Way (Abbas and Fretwell 94). The Milky Way’s water vapor alone would equal to tens of thousands of the suns’. By this finding, it is proved that all living things originated from water. This claim is not just for the life on earth, but also out in our galaxies.

The Quran summoned people to think or ponder about God’s creations that clearly testify to the existence and uniqueness of God and His attributes. “In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for people of intelligence: those who remember God standing, sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens, and the earth: Our Lord, You did not create this for nothing, Glory be to You! So, guard us from the punishment of the Fire. (Ali Imran: 190-191). People who reflect (Muslims and non-Muslims) the creation of God’s attributes, will increase their faith. Maybe they will think that human beings cannot create anything from nothing, not even to make a single atom. Everything that human beings create needs the help of something from the earth. Human beings cannot produce something from nothing. As a result, this will clearly lead them to a similar thinking that there is a mighty power that makes and controls everything. This clarification will lead to an increase in faith in everyone who wonders about it.

The last image of water in the Quran is rainfall. Rain is important in balancing the ecosystem. Results from the ecological research have shown that more than average annual rainfall in a site causes a higher productivity (Kaiser 413). So, God gives provision to living things through rainfall. “And who sends down water from the sky in due measure, then We revive a dead land therewith, and even so you will be brought forth” [Az-Zukhruf: 11]. If there is no rain, there will be a disaster like the event that recently happened in San Bernardino, California on the 25^th of October. The raging wildfires destroyed all vegetation on mountains and hillsides. Even the fire fighters could not do anything to stop the fire. All that they could do was hope that the rain would come. “Allah is He who sends the winds, so that they raise the clouds and spread them along the sky as He wills, and then break them into fragments until you see rain drops come forth from their midst! Then when He has made them fall on whom of His servants as He wills, lo, they rejoice!” [Ar-Rum: 48]. For human benefits, rain is vital to monitor water supplies, predict droughts and forecast floods (Stokstad 1199). “See you not that Allah drives the clouds gently, then joins them together, them makes into a heap of layers, and you see the rain come forth from between them; and he sends down from the sky, from mountains in it of ice, and strikes therewith whom He wills, and averts it from whom He wills, The vivid flash of its (clouds) lightning nearly blinds the sight.” [An-Nur: 43]. Basically, these verses are in agreement with the modern interpreters. There are nothing much different in interpretations since these verses are very clear mentioning about rainfall.

When rain comes, there are people who show gratitude and people who do not. Most of them do not show their thankfulness to God who sends down sustanence. If Muslims grumble upon God’s sending rain, then their faith will decrease. For Christians, they should also show gratitude and thankfulness to God about everthing. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you” [I Thessalonians 5:18]. This concept is not only in Islam or Christianity only, it is in other religions too. Therefore, trying to be grateful will increase people’s faith in their religion. When reading verses revealing that all living things are made of water, the ignorant might ignore this fact, or might think that this statement is not true, or if it is true, it is only for certain living things only. For the believers (Muslims and non-Muslims), this will increase their faith. The notion that God is the Wisest, the Most Powerful over all things is shown in these evidence. The same is for the unbelievers, if they ponder the creations deeply, they might think that none of this is of human creation. There must be a super being that created everthing.

Faith is like intelligence in that it differs from person to person. That is the reason why, people have different faith. It is based on their knowledge and also their intellect. Faith increases as one notices that there is God who contributes to everything in the heavens and the earth. Pondering about creations will lead to the ability to see the signs of God. Thus, this will indeed increase faith in a person’s heart. From the four examples given, it does not necessarily mean that to gain faith one must look at all these water verses and reflect. Instead, one can look at any one of the verses in the Quran using the proper guideline so that one is not misled. Combining all of these four examples given, faith will definitely grow in the believers and the non-believers hearts if they reflect the creations with an open heart and soul.

Bibliography

Abbas, Dr. Adel M.A, and Anne P. Fretwell. Science Miracles: No Sticks or Snakes, 1^st ed. Maryland: Amana Publications, 2000.

Ali, Abdullah Yusuf. The Meaning of the Holy Quran: New Edition with Revised Translation, Commentary and Newly Compiled Comprehensive Index, 10^th ed.

Maryland: Amana Publications, 2001.

Kaiser, Jocelyn. “How Rain Pulses Drive Biome Growth.” Science, 19 Jan. 2001: 291.

Academic Search Premier. EBSCO Publishing. (AN: 4091606) 2 Nov. 2003

Long, E. John. Ocean Sciences, 2^nd ed. Wisconsin: George Banta Co., Inc, 1964.

Merriam Webster Online. 6 Dec. 2003 <>.

Mutahhari, Morteza. Faith. Faith (Iman). 8 Dec. 2003 .

Soule, Gardner. The Greatest Depths: Probing the Seas to 20,000 and below, 1^st ed.

Philadelphia: Macrae Smith Company, 1970.

Stokstad, Eric. “Scarcity of Rain, Stream Gages Threatens Forecasts.” Science, 20 Aug. 1999: 285. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO Publishing. (AN: 2185656) 2 Nov. 2003 .

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Abridged by a Group of Scholars under the Supervision of Syakh Safiur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri (volume 1-10), 1^st ed. Riyadh: Darussalam, 2000.

The New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ with Psalms and Proverbs, Tennessee: The Gideons International, 1985.

Yahya, Harun. Pondering on the Quran. Harun Yahya – Articles – Pondering on the Quran. 8 Dec. 2003 .

Yahya, Harun. The Ability to See the Signs of God. Harun Yahya – Articles – The Ability to See the Signs of God. 8 Dec. 2003 .

Yahya, Harun. The Islamic Origins of Modern Science. Harun Yahya - Articles – The Islamic Origins of Modern Science. 8 Dec. 2003 .

Yahya, Harun. True Wisdom Described in the Quran. True Wisdom Described in the Quran – Harun Yahya. 7 Dec. 2003 .

Zarabozo, Jamaal al-Din M. Commentary on the Forty Hadith of Al-Nawawi volume 1. Boulder: Al-Basheer, 1999

Gaun Hijau Tasneem

2009-04-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

Setelah puas melihat design baju kanak2 di Jusco,saya bertekad nak menjahit design lain dari yg selalu saya buat. Ropol2 di lengan. Kain corak hijau jenis Ice Wash yg lembut. Amat sesuai bagi kanak2 utk dipakai sebab dia lembut dan beralun untuk pattern ni.

Bahagian collar tu saya nampak kosong, jadi saya jahit bullion rose di situ. Dah menjadi ketagih kalau dah pandai menjahit bullion rose (ada setengah org panggil jahitan ni ulat-ulat).

Kain Kipas Depan

2009-04-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

Ada seorang customer minta saya buatkan kain kipas depan. Saya tak pernah lihat tapi pernah dengar tentang design kain ni. Jadi waktu balik Alor Setar aritu, saya tanya makcik macam mana nak buat design kain ni.

Alhamdulillah, saya ikut cara yang diberitahu, jadi inilah hasilnya. Customer pon puas hati. Tapi yang cerewetnya nak menjahit kain ni, kita kena jahit lurus di sepanjang tiap2 kipas yang dibuat. Hasilnya, cantik, amat sesuai untuk dipakai bersama kebaya pendek.

Fizah Bertunang

2009-04-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

Aku balik 3 hari lebih awal untuk tolong apa yang patut di rumah sebelum majlis pertunangan Fizah. Fizah mai amik aku dan Tasneem siap-siap. Majlis sepatutnya bermula pada pukul 11 pagi, tetapi sebab pihak lelaki lambat, dimulakan pada pukul 1 ptg. Gap 2 jam tu.. Anakku demam pula pada hari majlis sebab dua hari sebelum tu Tasneem jatuh 3 anak tangga. So, tadaklah gambar aku dgn anakku. Gambar kami adik beradik, tiada dalam camera ku, jadi tak boleh posting di sini. Aisey, jurugambar tak amik gambar guna kamera aku pulak.. terlupa agaknya.

Kedua-dua pihak sedang berbincang.

Sedondon baju gown Ilyana dan Tasneem

Baju aku jahit untuk Ilyasa dan Ilyana sempena majlis

Fizah dgn family bakal mertua

Kurung, Kemeja, Kebaya, Blouse

2009-02-25T01:07:00.000-08:00

It has been long since I posted anything. I am busy sewing. Before that I finished sewing 2 blouses, one kemeja, one kurung moden, baju kurung and kebaya.

The green kemeja is for Ilyasa to wear during Fizah's engagement. This is my second attempt at making kemeja with collar. The tedious thing about making kemeja with boxy designs on the material is to put the pattern in the same horizontal lines. The pictures look not nice because I did not iron on for the final touches yet. Haha.

The easiest of all is making the blouse. No wonder, if anyone would want to go for Sewing Lessons, they teach you how to make blouse first.

Finally, I have finished sewing Idzyan's Pink Kebaya. The challenge lies in the sulam design must be accurate point to point so that it will have a crisp finish. This kebaya is easy to sew because of the cotton material.

Boys Yellow Shirt - First attempt

2009-01-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt of making baby boys shirt. By using my daughter one year old pattern and from my experience of making collars, this is how it turns out. But, one mistake that I made is that the collar is weird, probably because I didn't see the sewing notions that say put fabric on fold side. But, it is ok. A man never learns if he does not make mistakes. Well I will do better in my second attempt at doing boys shirt collar.

Baby Smocking Tops

2009-01-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

Smocking with this design of fabric is easy because it already have the dots. I used honey comb smocking technique. This is my first attempt at sewing smocking tops and also my second attempt of doing collars. It turns out that I am doing well. However, whenever I see it, this top lacks colors. I need to use bold colors for smocking so that it stands out.

Sew Teddy Bear

2009-01-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

This teddy bear is made from felt and scraps of fabric. I print out the free patterns from a website.

My daughter is very happy and like to play with it. All in all, toys for your baby don't have to be expensive. It just needs little creativity and efforts to make it priceless.

Recyled Jeans - Baby Overall

2009-01-27T18:18:00.000-08:00

This is a matching cardigan sewed in advance to match any dress or gowns that are sleeveless. However this one matches the overall perfectly with the same bullion roses at the sleeves and same bias tape fabric color.

This baby overall is made from a torn, worn out pair of jeans (basically it is a recycled jeans). So, I sewed it into an overall baby gown. Of course to make it more personalized, I have to embroider this overall with some bullion roses and chain stitches on top of the overall. This is how it looked like before and after.

Matching white cardigan with an overall embroidered jeans on the two tiny pockets and at the end of the gown.

What am I doing right now?

2009-01-14T00:53:00.000-08:00

There are a few projects that I have not finished yet:

1) Ilyana green gowns - which I will post the pictures if I have finished doing it. Now it is still in progress. This gown is to be worn during Fizah's upcoming majlis tunang

2) My 2 baju kurungs - maybe try to do a kebarung.. for a new challenge

3) Baby boys t-shirt.

4) Tasneem's smocking green gown

5) Idzyan's kebaya and kurung modern.

Here the lists is kept coming on and on. But one thing for sure is that I need real determination to finish certain project from A-Z. I hope that I will finish everything with ease. Insyaallah.

Cute Crocheted Dolls (amigurumi)

2009-01-06T00:21:00.000-08:00

Here are a few crocheted dolls that I made last year for Tasneem. Some were given to my sister and brother and some for two of my niece. I took the pattern from websites that give free patterns. I am using a size 3/4 mm hook (F and G size in US) and a size F ball of yarns.

This duck pattern from Lionbrandyarn.com

Sale Kain

2008-12-29T21:49:00.001-08:00

Kain remnants di Kamdar Mid Valley. RM2 semeter.. huhu good deal.

Kain sale yang aku beli di Muaz Textile , Jln Masjid India.

RM 20 sepasang, kat pasar malam sini jual RM30.

Bak kata pepatah Finance, maximize items with the money that you have.

Manik oh Manik

2008-12-29T21:37:00.000-08:00

Manik tabur dengan bunga teratai

Ni jenis manik pintalan mutiara

Sewing for Children

2008-12-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

Here is my sewing projects for my daughter. Tasneem. She is now a year old. This clothing looks old because it is already worn several times. These are the recent pictures of the dresses.

Target ke KL - Kedai Manik dan Kedai Buku Used

2008-12-29T20:20:00.000-08:00

Pergi KL dari 25-29 hb aritu bukan saja2 jalan, tetapi dgn target utk sampai ke beberapa destinasi yang aku nak pergi berdasarkan pembacaan di internet. Adik ipar aku cakap kawasan tu ada tempat jual kain borong, murah2, jadi based on aku p nama kedai tu Muaz Textile, memang happening kedai dia, penuh dgn longgokan baju. Kain yang ada dari kain benang hitam RM15 sepasang, kain pasang set RM20 , kain Thai Silk RM20 jugak. Memang best.

Tempat manik byk dijual:

Area Masjid India ada dua

1 - Di Semua House, tingkat bawah sekali - harga biasa saja RM3.50 sepeket, ada byk variety manik n labuci.. ada dibuat diskaun 10% untuk pembelian dari RM1-RM199

2 - Bunga Riben - sebelah Nagoya bhgn belakang jln.. sini ada dua Nagoya berdekatan.. ada byk manik dijual.. semuanya brand Miyuki dari Jepun.. harga kalau beli yg sedikit terlalu mahal..tapi kalau beli yg byk dlm 30gm RM 6.50 - RM 7.50 sepeket jadi murah dari Penanglah.. harga utk 100 gm RM 14-RM20. Kira murahla kalau sapa nak beli in bulk.

Lagi satu di area Chow Kit Road. Tapi aku tak p .. mengikut maklumat yang diberi.. kedainya bernama Kedai Chong Seng - harga manik utk 100gm dlm RM 15-25.

Used Book Store :

Sungguhpun di Penang aku pergi ke Bazaar Chowrasta tingkat 1, tetapi aku nak cari buku Sewing & Craft yang tak terdapat di Penang..

Kedai buku yang aku pi:

1) Pay Less Books - terletak di Ampang Point, Selangor, Mezzanine Floor di bahagian belakang. Time ni byk dia buat sale 50% off utk novel, craft, dictionary, bhgn history, parenting dan sebagainya. Byk buku ada.. aku beli buku yang dari US, novel Reader's Digest Selection Novel for only RM6, jahit langsir, parenting. Semua half price dari harga yang dah murah.. total aku spent dlm RM 25 for 5 books.

2) Pay Less Books - di 1Utama, Petaling Jaya, bahagian bangunan baru, berdekatan dgn MPH.

Ni senarai kedai buku used yang aku tahu, tp tak dapat pi sebab tak dan:

- Flea Mkt , Amcorp Mall ( ada Bookstream and Pay Less)

- Pay Less Books - di Summit, Carrrefour Subang

- Skoob Books -di Petaling Jaya

- kedai India di Central Market

- di area Bangsar, belakang TMC

- Subang Parade

- dekat area CM - Junk Bookshop

- Petaling Street

Inilah alkisah aku p KL, bukan setakat jalan saja, tp ada tujuan nak p used books and cari manik murah and tak ada di sini. Kalau ada apa2 salah di tempat yang aku senarai, silalah komen.

My Holiday in KL

2008-12-23T01:41:00.000-08:00

Hari Khamis ni kami nak p KL.. yeaa lama tak p KL.. banyak agenda yang aku nak p di sana..

FIrst nak p Masjid India, tgk baju, kain, and manik.. then nak p Central Market.. cari used book or p ke Ampang Point nak cari kedai Payless Bookstore..huhu tak sabar nak tgk buku used kat situ.

Hari tu sewaktu penyerahan baju makcik-makcikku.. depa siap puji kat sedara mara.. murahla lagi rezeki aku..ada lg seorang makcik nak tempah dgn aku..

Sekarang ni aku tadak tempahan lagi..tapi semangat untuk menjahit manik sentiasa ada..ketagih pon ada..salah satu website yang aku suka tgk jahit manik dia ialah web noramanik.fotopages.com.my .. tgk di bahagian shimmering flora.. mengancam sungguh .. aku pon nk mencuba jahit di baju aku..tp tak jadi lawa pulak sbb maybe kemahiran mengatur warna manik di baju tak pandai lagi..

Oleh sebab tadak projek jahit manik nak dibuat, aku jumpa di Alor Star hari tu template plastik utk jahit quilting.. last2 ari ni aku belek balik dan start skit2 buat patchwork quilting.. seronok..dan ketagih pon ada.. nanti aku post gambar yang dah siap satu patchwork..

Aku cadang nak boh patch ni kat sarung bantal kecik..or kalau rajin nak buat selimut baby.. or buat beg dari patchwork ni.. tgkla apa yang jadi nanti..

All for Tasneem

2008-12-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

Here is Tasneem's red cardigan that I made using T-shirt given by my sister Idzyan. I wanted her to have a cardigan which looked like store bought. Wheww.. at Jusco, they have it at a very expensive price. So, I sew it and embellish it with thread embroidery. Well, here is the results. She looks cute in it. Yani, you have the picture with Tasneem in this cardigan during Hari Raya 2008.

Here is a close up of Bullion Rose stitches at Tasneem's collar. This A-line dress is made from Idzyan's shirt. The material was old enough that has several yellow stain on it. But, to make it disappear and as if it was not even there in the first place, I sew several flowers at the bottom of the dress. Here is the finish looks.

Give credits to Idzyan, this long sleeved cardigan is made from a pair of jeans (Idzyan punya). I sew bullion roses at the corner top to make it looks more elegant.

Tempahan Jahit Manik

2008-12-17T04:51:00.000-08:00

ni makcik Faris tempah jahit manik selepas melihat baju rayaku..

Nilah baju yang dah siap dijahit:

Tangan:

Badan:

Beriring double layer

Gambar projekku

2008-12-17T04:36:00.000-08:00

Here is the picture for my Raya Haji project :

Tasneem polka dot gown:

My Kurung Modern with slit on top :

Gambar projek Raya Haji 2008

2008-12-16T22:43:00.000-08:00

Haritu balik kampung selama 4 hari. Waktu hari raya haji aku pakai baju putih dgn sulaman manik tu. Makcik-makcik Faris tgk terus nak tempah.. so aku jadi tumpuan di rumah makcik dia aritu. Raya tahun ni kami beraya di Alor Setar ja. Bapaku kena operate mata just before raya haji.. so esoknya kami beraya kat hospital jalah.

Baju Tasneem ni pula ramai yg igt beli. Rupanya mak dia buat.

Projek Baju Hari Raya 2008

2008-12-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

Aku ambil masa 2 minggu utk habiskan projek ni :

Aku : 2 helai baju kurung pesak gantung
Tasneem ( 1 year old) : 2 helai baju kurung (from my 4 meter remnants), 1 pant, 2 gowns, 1 cardigan

Masa ni lama bukan apa.. satu dgn si kecil dok mengacau waktu menjahit.. lagi satu sbb kena cantikkan bajunya..embroider and jahit manik..

Ni bajunya..tapi takdak close up kat manik. nanti akan dipos lain..

Ni pulak baju Tasneem -

Projek Raya Haji 2008

2008-12-02T23:20:00.000-08:00

Aritu p Kamdar beli kain 2 M utk buat baju kurung moden singkat dgn slit di depan.. Baju ni dijahit manik dahulu sblm disambung tepi dan tgn. Bahagian tgn nampak kosong ja..malas dah nak jahit manik..tgkla kalau rajin boleh tambah..

Baju si kecil Tasneem warna putih polka dot merah..kain diberi mak sedara dia.. huhu.. aku pikir jugak design apa yg sesuai dgn corak ni.. kain dia jenis Viscose..sejuk dan sedap dipakai..last2 aku buat baby gown with collars.. yang mencabar buat baju ni ialah..menyambungkan collar ke badan baju.. kena sama.. kalau tidak herot petot..

Dua-dua baju ni still Work In Progress..tapi kalau dah siap akan dipos gambarnya..