Learning Traditional Indian Kawadi Quilt

When there was Kawadi Quilt workshop a few years ago in Bangalore, I really wanted to go but couldn't. It's been on my bucket list to learn this Indian traditional quilt. 

When Brinda Ma'am from Moments of Quiet announced on Desi Quilters Group on Facebook that she will have another workshop, I quickly registered. And I am glad I did.

 I already learned so much during the first lesson. The story and the wisdom behind Kawadi Quilt, also what set it apart from the other form of quilts in India. Kawadi or Kawandi is originated from Siddi tribe in North Karnataka. Apparently, every tribe has a different unique design. 

We are given a list of materials we have to gather. Preferably old muslin saree or muslin dupatta. I have this pink muslin dupatta which I don't use and it's just perfect. 

Also, we have to provide some kind of saree borders. I decide to use this fancy one. Though traditionally they are using saree border. 

My stitches are not even as yet but I thoroughly enjoyed this! I finished sewing 3 lines running stitches around the border and looking forward to the next class where we will add more fabrics and special design! 

Check out the Moments of Quiet Facebook Page if you want to know more information about the next class. Choosing fabric was fun, cos I have lots of Indian mulmul/muslin scraps and pre-cuts. 

In the second class, we learned to add patches to the border and also make a special design. The special design is quite tricky for first-timer, I had to rip it several times before I managed to do a decent one. These special designs or motifs symbolizes everyday life like Kites, Angan (Courtyard), and temples. The Kawadi quilt also always has 4 flowers at the corners. This a must-have. Without the flowers, the quilt will look incomplete. 

As for the quilting, it is done by doing running stitches from the outside border going around towards the inside. We don't use any measuring tape or ruler, instead, we learn to measure using our fingers. The space between stitch lines is usually 1 finger apart and you can use any fingers. 

Another unique thing is we should "feed" the quilt before we finish with a few grains of rice. The wisdom behind it is that the quilt must be nurtured, and that is by feeding the quilt so that it will last for along time.

While doing Kawadi, I learned that I should only focus on the patch and stitches that I am working on, don't worry about how it will turn out cos this is supposed to be organic. When we reach the end of one patch, we simply pick up another one, fold and cover the raw edges and move on. We don't need a design wall. The result will always be a surprise. It reflexes who you are and how you feel at the time you make the quilt. It's liberating! 

Most of us finished our quilts before the last class. So on the 3rd meet, Brinda Ma'am told us more history about it and we kinda have a show and tell what quilt we're working on. You can check her experience when she did a residential workshop with Nirmala Akka. 

Check out these few quilts from Nirmala Akka that Brinda Maam shared with us. You can also see her Kawadi Quilts  on her BLOG.

It was a really lovely workshop and I'm looking forward to more! We need to learn this ancient art and preserve the authenticity of this art. 

I'm looking forward to making more of kawadi quilts. I really enjoyed the freedom and the hand quilting process. 

Update: This post is featured on Handmade Monday! Thank you Julie!!

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay safe & happy sewing!

Elvira

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Last week story and mini travel wallets

It's already mid of September and we're still staying home as much as we can! Thank God for the internet, at least I can video call my family back home in Indonesia. I really miss my 4 years old nephew who is now a big fan of BTS, yes, he's our little "Army". 

I am still getting used to working with wrist splint. Since last month my carpal tunnel syndrome has gotten a little worse. So now I am batching my work and taking frequent breaks to do stretching. Sometimes I rest for 2 days if the pain is too much. I don't want to exert myself at this point. But the brace does help. I ordered gloves too actually from amazon but the only sent me this and refunded the gloves. 

Last week, I went to meet my Indonesia friend Eva to drop avocadoes for her. It was the first weekend after the lockdown was lifted in my city. We had a lot of avocadoes this summer. And in the afternoon, Plabita came and collect a few avocados. Well, visiting is not advisable right not with cases seems to be going up day by day. We only met outside in the garden, maintaining our distance, and wearing a mask. But it's really lovely to meet friends in the real world :D. She said she's never seen an avocado tree in her life! Well, avocados are not easily available here and recently gaining popularity that the price can go up to INR 500 for one. That's crazy!

From the sewing room, I made this cute matryoshka travel wallet back in June in between sewing masks. Mask wearing is going to stay now and I'm glad that many people are wearing it now. I almost forgot how I enjoyed creating wallets right from choosing the color combo to finishing the binding by hand. If you asked me, why the binding? for me because I have a weak wrist and turning wallets or bag really painful process for me :D. Also, I love the look of the wallet with binding. It gives the one of kind handmade look! 

This is another one I completed and sold. This Wonderland from Rifle Paper co is really popular with my customers and I think I am going to keep one for my self before I run out of fabrics:). Well, getting fabrics from abroad is not an easy affair right now, especially in India. 

Wonderland Handmade Travel Wallet

I also made a zip around one. I really love the previous one that I made and when I see this navy print, I thought why not make another one. 

Navy Theme Wallet

Super easy project and satisfying result. 

Pattern: Small Travel Wallet

Product: Handmade Travel Wallet

Zip Around Tutorial

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay Safe!

- Elvira -

Virtual Holiday On YouTube

I have a new fave time-pass! Many people are making videos of their daily life as they go about doing their chores. Some of them are really good that you want to just clean your house. Well, in my case, that urge only lasts for a few minutes. I'd rather be sewing - really! (must check this one!)

Another one I enjoyed is the walking video. There is no narration on the video. There are a few walking Youtuber and also on  Instagram stories which I love to watch! I really love this video from Seoul Walker. 

Today morning, I was watching this video where he walked around and showed us around Asakusa's Sensoji Temple The place which used to always buzzed with people/tourists now empty. Even the passage between the shop rows is empty. 

Empty Rows

Asakusa 2020 - screenshot from the video

Asakusa in 2018

Asakusa in 2019

During my visit to Asakusa in 2018, we could not even take a decent picture in front of the gate! Tourism indeed is very badly hit, which affects so many people in the industries. I was discussing this with Mbak Belly and we're remembering the Halal Ramen shop Asakusa! 

Now we can only hope and pray that we stay safe and healthy (physically and mentally). Try to remain positive thinking and maybe learn a few things that you always want to learn or do!

Thank you for stopping by! 

Stay Healthy!

~ Elvira~ 

Cell Phone Pouch Video Tutorial

Mobile Phone Bag

Hello, finally the better version of the Mobile Phone Pouch Video Tutorial is now live on Youtube. Working on video is not easy and though the recording part is fun, the editing part is really hard for me. Or maybe I just need more practice:)

I made the video a few weeks ago, but only able to edit it recently. I hope you can learn something from the video. 

The video was shot using my Sony WX500 which is quite convenient. If you see a slight movement in the video, that's because I put the stand on my sewing table. I should put it on another table next time. Well, we live and learn!

                     

I've been mostly making face masks since March this year and I almost forgot how quickly this bag comes together. I really enjoyed sewing this bag that I have a few cut and ready to sew. (I still have to finish a few batches of face masks). Insha Allah after next week or so. 

Pattern: Mobile Phone & Kindle Cover

Fabric: Linen & Glace Cotton Fabric

Hardware: Magnetic Snap, Swivel Hooks.

Interfacing: All-Purpose Interfacing

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay Safe & Happy Sewing,

Elvira

A busy day for solopreneur

Not much sewing today cos I need the get my wrist the much-needed rest! I ordered gloves for carpal tunnel syndrome from Amazon and the fastest expected delivery date is on 2nd September. 

My SIL advised me to put an ice pack on my wrist which I did and it helped. So today I just took a couple of fabric photos for the shop and editing on my phone. I really love Snapseed! In fact, I took a couple of fabric bundle photos last week but don't have time to edit it. So I am just going to do that today. 

Indian Fabric Bundle

I finished the mask orders from my Etsy Shop. The black linen 3D face mask has been sold like hotcakes! I really love this trip 3D mask and I'll be making more for the shops in case you're interested. The latest one is this beige linen with cotton lining. 

I just got a few Mull cotton samples from my supplier, but cannot decide which one I have to stock. This one is good for dying too in case you're into fabric dying. The fabric is so soft. It's lightweight and medium sheer. Let see, I'll decide after 2 - 3 days! 

Now let's get back to work. I must call the DHL delivery guy to pick up my shipments and maybe more photo sessions and editing. Today the weather is nice and my small balcony "photo studio" got plenty of natural light until later afternoon. Until next time, stay positive and safe!! 

- Elvira - 

Still making mask

New Pleated Mask

Hello, how's everyone doing? Are you still making masks? well, I do though now I am slowing down a lot. I've got a little pain in my wrist which makes sewing a bit uncomfortable. A little stretching exercise does help. The sew must go on, right? :D

My recent fave is making this pleated mask. The measurement is based on the Free Dust Mask tutorial. The difference is I use 2 fabrics measuring 7.5" x 7.5" for adult size. And for the pleats, after making the small box pleats at the center (like in the video below), I added another pleat on top and bottom. it's a bit of a hassle in the beginning. I usually make the center box pleat, sew it in place, and then add the additional pleats and sew it again. It's because I don't like using pin or clip so much. You can definitely use pin or clip to hold the pleats prior to sewing them in place.

Here are a few more I finished recently. This type of pleated mask is comfortable to wear. The multi pleats create more room for breathing. I've been wearing one myself. The size is quite generous, it covers the face nicely. I added nose wire for a better fit.

Small floral face mask

Pink Floral Pleated Mask

Paisley Pleated Mask

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These guitar 3D Face Masks were for the giveaway winners on Instagram. There was a loop giveaway organized by ZoomIn with 3 other brands (all small businesses) and it was fun. It was my first time doing loop giveaway :D.  

It was supposed to be a gift hamper but since all of us are from different cities, we decided to send directly to the winner. During lockdown domestic shipping has been severely delayed. It takes at least 10 business days to deliver, especially from my place here in Guwahati to the rest of the country. 

Spacious 3D face Mask 

Another thing I really like these days is the weekly review video that's generated automatically on my phone. I took a LOT of videos and photos every day and this weekly video sort of a glimpse of what's going on in the week. What do you think?

Thank you for reading my blog, stay creative, & stay safe!

Have a nice weekend ^^

- Elvira

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Some Bundle of Joy

Blue & White Bundle 

How's everyone doing? I hope you enjoy your summer this year even though you maybe just stay at home like me :D. The good thing is this year finally we put an AC in the living room which opens up to my drawing sewing room. So, I can do my work pretty comfortably during the summer, which can be very humid. 

Another good thing is I have time to update my shops in Etsy as well as my Website with a few face masks and fabrics. When you're a solopreuner, running your small business from the drawing-room, it can be quite overwhelming sometimes, especially now with everyone is doing work/class from home. I will add more fabric bundles in the next few weeks, maybe a few bundles at a time. Creating a fabric bundle is fun because I just love Indian prints and colors. A few days ago, someone asked for black and white fabric which I posted on Instagram Reel and asking if I have another black and white. While pulling out fabrics, I realize that even in white there are so many shades :D

Sometimes, I get inspired and started making stuff, like these few 3D face masks using my own pattern. I use a couple of them and I must say it's the most comfortable masks! So lightweight and breathable. I either use cambric or poplin cotton for the lining because they are more tightly woven which is good for filtering. Even the triple-layer mask is still very comfortable. 

Block Print Face Mask

Download Pattern for $2

In between, I managed to sew a couple of scrappy blocks from my 2.5" box. I haven't got time to continue my granny square quilt yet, but here I am started another scrappy project. This one doesn't need so much planning though. After looking at #scrappysquaresewalong on Instagram, I am so inspired to start one. Well, I'm not good at following a challenge or a quilt along. So, I'll do it at my own pace and will not stress over the deadline. It's supposed to be fun activities for me. 

The block is scrappy 36 patch blocks (I love the first one I made) and I finished around 8 blocks now. I make 4 mini  9 patch blocks and then put them together. Sometimes I only able to do 1 mini blocks and sometimes I can finish 3 or 4 mini blocks. 

I'm getting more addicted to making scrappy patchwork. For now, 2.5" squares is my fave cut. I don't cut them all at once, but I try to cut more frequently and I am so happy now I have more varieties from the remnants of the mask :D

                    

If you'd like to see the fun scrappy bundle, check out my Etsy Shop or on my WEBSITE.  I ship internationally from website too via DHL or sometimes FedEx if the customer prefers it. I'm so glad I got the DHL account done and I've been shipping out regularly now. I'll talk about my experience in my next post! 

Thank you for stopping by today, stay creative & stay safe!

- Elvira- 

Mask Pattern Hack Link - See through Mask Tutorial from Sarah

When Sarah from Confession of a Fabric Addict tagged me on Instagram that she made a see-through version of Trio 3D Face Mask I was so happy, to say the least. I mean, I follow her blog for many years and sometimes posted on her popular blog link party "Can I get a whoop whoop?" 

Everyone who sews has been making masks for family, friends, donation, and for sale. And with the pandemic, people can be really creative. When I started sharing my first mask tutorial, I never thought that in the next few months mask design will evolve so much. And Sarah's see-through mask is one of them! This kind of mask is important for lip readers so that they can communicate while being protected! Yes, wearing masks is about being considerate of others, even though it's a little uncomfortable!

If you already bought the TRIO 3D face mask, you can check out Sarah Tutorial on her blog HERE. 

Go and check the tutorial!

I'm still busy making masks too and here's a stack of Trio 3D Mask I made recently, already sent and received with a lot of love. Thank you! I'm still making a few more batches of masks. Batching is boring but that's the fastest method. Collecting fabrics, iron the, cut the strips, separate it by part, put on my fave Kdrama and start sewing. Even if I have only 1 hour sewing time before bed at night, at least I can finish sewing some parts. 

Download Trio 3D Face Mask

I already have a few orders lined up for the next few weeks and I'm making for my mom and sisters in Indonesia. If you sew, you can download the pattern from my webshop or Etsy, And if you need help, simply email me!

Thank you once again Sarah for sharing the tutorial! You can check my other mask tutorial HERE. Some tutorials come with Pdf Printable version and some are not. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing & Stay Safe!

- Elvira- 

Weekends Lockdown and Shop Updates

New Fabrics

I've been pretty busy last week sending out pending parcels and stuff. Lockdown is relaxed and some businesses and offices are allowed to operate with few guidelines. I guess they follow the world's trend because we cannot shut down the economy much longer. We have to learn to live with it, inculcate new habits, learn to be more disciplined and considerate. I'm happy to announce that for international shipping now we are delivering via DHL. I was busy with the paperwork for opening an account with DHL and finally able to send my pending orders last week. 

As for domestic shipping, in my previous post I wrote about Shiprocket which is good, but contacting their agent is really really frustrating. I wanted to downgrade my plan since last month but no callback or email from them even after I sent numerous emails and DM on Twitter, except some automated email and DM reply on Twitter. I could not use my balance to send my orders because my request for the downgrade is pending. I wonder if this Nupur, Divya, and Arushi is only an avatar to send us promotional emails:( A few days ago I finally signed up with Delhivery because I have to send out orders. This is a really disappointing service from Shiprocket. 

Handmade Face Mask

On the sewing front, yes I am still making masks. The 3D fitted mask is very popular and since I introduced the Trio 3D Face Mask, now my family and friends are asking for one. Both are very comfortable to wear especially during the summer months.

Here is the preview of my messy sewing room. Well, it's less messy actually because I just cleared the cutting area. Running a small business on your own from home is not easy but it keeps me happy. And with lockdown, sewing becomes my sanity. A much-needed distraction. Even cleaning messy table or folding fabrics after cutting fabric orders is therapeutic.

The boys are still having online classes and even piano classes are online. He's preparing for grade exams this few weeks. The student has to play three exam pieces, record it, and submit it online. We've been practicing to record the videos according to the guidelines given by Trinity College. 

Here's our new fave potion to boost our immunity. It's called golden milk. It's easy to make. Simply mix 1 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp ginger powder, and 1 tsp of honey in a cup of milk. Have it warm before bed. Namrata told me about this potion and we've been having it for the last 2 weeks. If you're using fresh ginger and turmeric, you may want to boil them together with the milk. I read this article that turmeric can eliminate certain viruses. When we were small, our mother used to give us a mix of turmeric and honey whenever we have a fever and I even gave my sons when they were small. It always worked wonders. 

That's all this week's stories! I hope you keep your self creatively busy during this lockdown. Don't dwell on what we can't do, but explore what we can do.

Take care & stay safe!

- Elvira -

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