Kawandi Lumbar Pillow - New Video

 

Kawandi Pillow Cover

When the stars aligned, I can finish the Kawandi pillow in 2 days! LOL. I bought the lumbar pillow form sometimes in November  and keep thinking to make a quilted pillow cover for it. So a few days ago, I was like why not make the kawandi pillow cover? So I took out these purple and emerald/teal scraps which I keep near my cutting table. As usual, many ideas played at the back of my mind, I thought I will just cut the scraps in 5" charm size and will just go along. But after I cut the charm pieces, I left with different sizes of leftovers and decided to use some of those too. 

Handquilting and Catching up on my Kdrama

I documented the process in the videos below. In the first part, I talked about the thread and needles that I use. Hopefully will help those who are in India and wondering what materials to use and where to get them. Really you do not need much to start a kawandi quilt. 

Materials:

The Kawandi Quilt Top should finish approximately at 12" x 18"

For the Kawandi you need assorted scraps of your choice. 

Quilt Backing: 2 layers of cotton fabrics approx. 12.5" x 18.5", I cut bigger because it shrunk after the quilting is done.

The PILLOW  backing has 2 parts:

The top part is 12" x 5.5" 

The Bottom Part: 12" x 12" 

All-purpose zipper #3 - 12" long or so. 

Note: In the video, I cut the pillow backing longer but in a way it's good. Make sure the backing after putting the zipper is the same size as the top. 

In the second part, I showed how to make the pillow. It's super-duper easy! The pillow closes with an exposed zipper in contrast color. I am so obsessed with this color combo! 

I hope you find the tutorial helpful. If you have any questions, just leave a comment and I will be glad to help you. 

If you want to know more about Kawandi, make sure to watch Margareth Fabrizio Interview on Youtube!  I really admire her passion and courage! 

The year 2021 is certainly a learning and experimenting year for me, I am looking forward to more learning adventures  in 2022. And kawandi and kantha is definately on my top list to explore more. 

Happy holidays, everyone! 

Elvira

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Kawandi Quilt Finish

Kawandi Quilt

Finally, I finished the Kawandi QAL! I said that I am not good at following QAL but this time I did it and I am pretty proud of myself. Even though the quilt is not big, but this is the first bigger quilt that I pieced and quilted by hand. The finished size is about 19" x 42". 

If you're on Instagram, you can see all the progress I put up in my Instagram Stories. Especially when I do the motif. I really love the motif and upon seeing Brinda Ma'am's kawandi, I really want to learn more about making the motif. 

I learn a lot of things while working on this Kawandi table runner. 

1. Batting or no batting? 

Well, if you following the Kawandi Quilt hashtag on Instagram, you can see the Kawandi are making a comeback in a big way this past year! Many that I saw are using batting and so I wanted to try. But the problem is I ended up with a bulky batting in the center as I am finishing it. I thought I should not have a problem as I've done many small quilts which I quilt the Kawandi Style, including this Batik quilt. 

For this table runner, as it is done in the quilt as you go style, I found that the batting - or least the needle punched batting that I used, is stretched in the process. Which did not occur in the quilts that I made using pieced top. So, I carefully cut the batting and overlap it. This solves the problem!

So, my vote will be no batting! Also, working without batting like in the first Kawandi I did during the workshop is so much easier on my fingers. Also, it will be a perfect summer quilt!

2.  Don't worry too much!

Brinda Ma'am keeps reminding us to let go. Let go of the urge to do perfectly matched colors, the even stitches, perfectly straight lines. The Kawandi is about embracing imperfections and being proud of them! In the end, your quilt will reflect your personality. Your mood while you're making the quilt, your state of mind. I did unpick lines of stitches in the beginning, as I go along, slowly I was able to accept that it is OK if the stitch length is not even, it is OK to reinforce the stitches even if it looks odd. 

Imperfectly Perfect

Learning Kawandi, first, we must unlearn all about quilt making, be it the color theory, the matching seam, the quarter-inch seam, etc. Don't worry, it will turn out unique and beautiful!

In this table runner, I mostly use leftover fabrics from making fabric bundles in the shop and also, a few pieces from my kurtas' sleeves. During summer, I usually cut off the sleeves of my quarter or long sleeve kurtas and keep the cut pieces. 

I recorded a video as I was working on this quilt for my own record as well as a reference. In the video, you will see how I bury the tread in different ways. Do check out the video and let me know if you have any questions. If you want to learn to make Kawandi Quilt, you can contact Brinda Ma'am via her Facebook Page. 

Now, I have one small Kawandi WIP and thinking of starting a bigger one, maybe a single-size quilt. It's going to be a long-term project. I really enjoy doing the hand quilting and wonder why took me so long to try it. 

Featured on Handmade Monday!

Thank you so much for stopping by. 

Happy Quilting

Elvira

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Learn to Time Blocking

 

Time Blocking Tips

I learned about time blocking recently as I always struggle to manage my "working time". Running a small business from home means everything is mixed up. Sometimes I barely have time to do my work, or most of the time, I left my work half done. 

What is time blocking?

Time blocking is a time management method that asks you to divide your day into blocks of time. Each block is dedicated to accomplishing a specific task, or group of tasks, and only those specific tasks. Instead of keeping an open-ended to-do list of things you’ll get to as you’re able, you’ll start each day with a concrete schedule that lays out what you’ll work on and when. (Todoist.com)

For someone who cannot stick to a plan like me, this time blocking method helps me to focus on a single task. 

How to start time blocking?

1. First, find out the time when usually your mind is free to do your craft. As for me, I prefer to sew in the evening when everybody relaxes. This is when my mind is also free from other chores that I need to do. 

2. Set this time to do Admin Work like editing the listing, taking photos, packing, and sending orders. Oh yes, running an online business is a LOT of work! And set time to do  "batching work". I like to do admin work before noon. Find the time when you usually have a little free time after lunch to do craft-related work, like cutting fabrics, fusing the interfacing, etc.  I also set a siesta time for an hour! 

Packing Fabrics

Mobile Sling Bag

3. Set a theme day. This is where you work on specific tasks. As a creative person, mood plays an important role. There are days when I don't feel like sewing. By setting a theme day, you can break down the boredom from doing the same thing every day. I set twice a week to work on my fabric shop. like making new bundles. Cutting and folding fabrics always bring my sewing mojo back! Or I set time to clean my sewing room once a week! You know, putting the fabric away, sorting out scraps, etc. 

Indian fabric bundle

4. Limit social media time. I mean the time when you mindlessly look at memes and funny reels. Well, I do love doing that too! So, I'm trying to do a "social media diet" now.  I block 2 times for social media but insert a little time here and there. Like when I wait for the food to get cooked, I use the time to catch up with my social media posting, like creating reel videos or stories.  I'm so grateful for these easy-to-use apps like Canva and InShot, creating a beautiful post is so much easier with them. The 2 blocked times for social media, I use to schedule posting in Pinterest and Twitter, either using Buffer or Tailwindapp.

5. Don't be too rigid and most importantly, enjoy what you're doing. Go out meet friends or have a good day at Spa. Well, we also need to pamper ourselves, right? Like last Monday, I went out with my SIL to the mall. The girls at MakersHub were having a craft exhibition in City Centre Mall.  I think the last time I went to the mall was around the end of December 2019! So it's been almost 2 years. It was good to be able to go out and about, feels like a pre-covid era but with a face mask. Nowadays most malls, shops, and offices still make masks mandatory. 

Speaking about face masks, I made a few snug-fit facemask orders. You can download the template for free HERE and watch the tutorial on YOUTUBE.

Fitted Face Mask

What Apps to use for time blocking? 

I'm using Google Calendar app on my phone. You can use other apps whichever you're comfortable with. Why google calendar? Because I found it simple to use and I can get reminders on my phone or desktop without installing other apps and also you can personalize it by adding color to a specific task, like in this video. I am still using my daily journal to write down a list of works I have to get done in a day for my reference. 

my Journal 

With time blocking,  I can multi-task but in a more organized way. Even if I only have  15-30 minutes of the time I blocked for a certain task, at least I am making a little progress because I only focus on one particular task. It is better than no progress at all. I started this method recently and I surprised myself with how much work I can get done without stressing over it. 

 I have projects which are ready to sew which sitting on my cutting table for some time now. Since I started time blocking, I am able to finish two wallets, a couple of patchwork placemats, and also make progress with my Kawandi QAL. 

Double Zip Wristlet

Floral Wallet

Kawandi 

Scrappy Placemats

As a mompreneur, it is not easy to divide the time. Family and home always come first, but with this time blocking method I hope I can work better and smarter. How about you? How do you manage your time between your small business and family?

Thank you for stopping by today,

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

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A few WIP hand quilted projects

Quilt in Progress

 

Hello, 

Time flies when you have fun. For the past 2 weeks, I have been busy with a few quilt projects and wallet making for my Etsy Shop. And I also working on my Kawandi QAL which sadly I have not been able to work on it so much. I really enjoy doing this hand quilting and want to start quilting on bigger quilts when I have enough confidence. Right now I have a few smaller projects going on, I'll do it one at a time as time permits. Now both my sons are going to have board exam for grade 10 and 12 and that really make me nervous, though they seem to relax, this hand quilting projects help me to calm down a bit. My DH keeps telling me not to get anxious and he keeps sending me to my sewing room hahaha. 

hand quilted table topper 14 x 14 inches

QIP using Handloom /Shotcotton fabrics

On the (small) business side, yesterday I finally got the dust bags for my wallets from Canvas2Craft. I ordered the bags a couple of weeks ago and Poonam is very helpful and lovely to work with. She updates me about the progress and makes sure everything was per my requirements. 

Dust Bag and Family Passport Holder

I always wanted to make dust bags as an added bonus for my customers, so that they can reuse the bag. Instead of wrapping them in paper, this reusable bag will be more useful and eco-friendly too. So here is the first order that goes in the bag. Yes, the small quilt above. I think I will order another size. 

Another happiness last week comes from Saira my secret swap partner in Desi Quilters Love and Healing Swap. When she posted her pouch in the group, I secretly wish for it et voila! My wish come true. The bag is so spacious and I use it to keep my hand quilting projects. She also sent me the pin and magnetic pins. If you're a hijabi, like me, you know these magnetic pins are a game-changer. Thank you so much, Saira!

I also completed a few wallet orders from my Etsy Shop. These two wallets are popular. I only have enough fabric to make a few more wallets. And now that many states are going to restart offline school, I made a couple of triple and double zipper pouches too. They are very versatile as you can keep extra face masks for them. I guess, we all have to accept the fact that wearing a face mask is necessary even when the pandemic is over. At least, that will be our first guard against any virus, IMHO. 

My fave wallets

Multi Zipper Bag

Triple Zipper Bag


Thats' all update for today. I hope you enjoy reading my blog. 
Take care and stay safe!

Elvira

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Starting Kawandi QAL

 

Kawandi QAL

Hello and happy Monday! 

I mentioned in my previous post about the plan for Kawandi QAL. It was started a few months ago by Brinda Ma'am and we have a Whatsapp group to share our progress. 

 Well, I finally get my quilt prepped up and started making the border. I have a few mulmul fabrics in half-meter cuts and decided to use one of them for this. It's going to be a big-ish table runner. 

I thought of making a lap size quilt but I don't have the confidence to finish it. At least this one will be doable for now. We have to finish it by end of the year. Well, I have a long list of Historical Chinese dramas to company me LOL. 

To motivate me, I make a progress video and will update as I make more progress. I'm very bad at following QAL or SAL, so I hope by making a progress video I can push myself to finish it. 

Hand sewing side effect :)

And why not making two kawandi ? Yup, I'm easily distracted like that. I was searching for scraps and found leftover strips from the Jellyroll Quilt I made earlier. I thought why not started another one? I am making one without border as I plan to turn it into maybe a tote bag? My mind keeps changing as I am quilting it. 

What about you? What are you working on this week? 

Happy Sewing,

Elvira 

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Patchwork Drawstring Bags

What do you do when you're not in the mood to sew? Well, I took out my 2.5" container and admiring my neatly stacked 2.5" squares, and started piecing idly. I did not have any specific plan, but as I went on chain piecing a few ideas pop up in my head. I even have an ambitious dream of a scrappy quilt. Ha! 

But then I decided to do a humble small project as a mood booster and this cute small drawstring bag is born. It's made up of 64 pieces of 2.5" squares. Padded and quilted by machine. 

Each bag measured approximately 7.5" x 7.5" and it's fully lined. I used contrast stripes for the string/cord casing. I used a macrame cotton cord from Amazon India here and I kinda like the look of it. But next time I'll get a thinner one. For the stopper, I used Chandan wood (sandalwood) beads. 

(Update: If you want to make one the Pattern Kit available in the shop)

Patchwork Drawstring Bag

I was really inspired by Sensei Shizuko Kuroha's post on Instagram the other day. Well, I don't know how to read Japanese but from the translation, she more or less said "make everyday stuff that is small and useful". What she said really stuck in my head. I keep thinking, that often we make something that ends up piling up in the cupboard without being used (Like this quilt or this pillow). For me sometimes just for a sentimental reason :).  Although I also used my makes every day from bags, wallets, pillows, table runners, etc there are a few stuff that I still don't have the heart to use or give away. I guess I must learn to be more generous :D.

And when you're having fun, you cannot just make one bag, right? 

Another great news is the Kawandi QAL is officially started on Facebook Group. I'm so excited but still could not make up my mind what size I'm going to make. Most probably I will do a lap size quilt, cos  I plan to use my dupatta (Indian stoles) for the backing layers. Brinda ma'am explained in Facebook live session last Sunday how to go about it. Now all sorts of ideas running around in my head, so I'll just think about it slowly. I hope I can share with you soon about my progress. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing!

 Elvira

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Simple Kantha Coasters for Two

Today is quite a busy day. Besides the usual home chores, I have several orders to send out in the afternoon, so I spent the first half of the day packing and printing labels. I am using DHL e-com and FedEx to shipping out my Etsy orders. 

Sometimes, we're scared to start something new because we're so comfortable in our current situation. This is what's been happening to me in the past year or so. As much as I enjoy making wallets and small bags, I truly miss the joy of "just create" something! Experimenting with my crafts and sharing joy with others. And if you're an Etsy seller, sometimes the pressure is more. You feel like everybody is doing much better than you, especially if you spend more time on social media (Instagram or Facebook). This year, it will be about me enjoying making my craft. I will not take too many custom orders so that I will have more time to learn new things, experiment, and sharing a few tutorials or sewing tips with you all. 

Ok, so this is what I've been working on after the Heartbeat Kantha Coasters! I have this beautiful block print fabric and want to make something with it. I guess, when you start your first step, the inspiration will just flow into your brain. I know I wanted to do more kantha but not sure what design. I wanted something simple and one day after dinner, I thought, why not using the design from the fabric, and this simple linen Kantha coaster is born. The design is about 3" in diameter and the inner circle is about 1" in diameter (I used my machine's bobbin to draw the circle). I used tricot interfacing for these coasters. I'll write more about it in my next post, Insha Allah. And if you want to try the design, be my guest! I'm trying to draft the template, hopefully, I'll have more time this week to complete it. 

Kantha and Block Print Coasters

I sent out 2 sets of Kantha coasters today and I'm so happy and grateful for the response I received on my small quilt shop! I really love making these small quilted coasters and practicing my hand quilting while I binge-watching my C-Drama on Viki after dinner. 

    

A customer wanted a round and rectangular coaster set. The round coaster was a bit of a challenge to do in a kawandi style of quilting, but it was a great experience. Maybe I will make a few more round coasters. Hmm, another idea to try! 

It's been quite cold in the past few days but today is better. After dealing with couriers almost the whole afternoon, I decided to make muffins but didn't turn out so good, because I found out afterward that the oven was set on upper heat only. This is why you should not multitask or arguing with your son while baking LOL. But the boys enjoyed it, anyway. I need to lookup more muffin recipes! 

That's all for today. Thank you for stopping by! 

Take care & stay safe!

Elvira

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