Sew Retro Chic!

Goodbye 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 12:53:00 +0000

Yep, I''m still here :D

Just not really into blogging anymore. My last post was in February whoa...this is the longest stretch I believe...

I have been very, very busy though...I'm back working full time and placed in a busy department. My Etsy shop is doing well considering this is only the second year alhamdulillah...

My kids are getting bigger and I treasure every precious seconds I could spend with them....

I am more and more into patchwork and quilting and could feel myself moving away from dressmaking...well I know it's not permanent, I am fleeting like that sometimes. It's the Gemini in me lol...

I am still very active on social media. I update almost everyday on my Instagram @stitchbyzura. Do follow me there :)

I will come back here to post when I feel like it, but for the time being I consider myself taking a break from blogging.

I wish all of you a very wonderful and fulfilling years ahead in 2016, happy new year!

Love always,
Zura

Featured : Impiana Dapur Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 06:20:00 +0000

I'm so happy, 3 of my patchwork tutorials are featured in Jan/Feb 2015 Impiana Dapur magazine!

The feature was for the diy column. The magazine rep asked me if I could contribute diy tutorials on sewn kitchen items. So I decided to go for simple patchwork projects.

The first one is a simple lace mug rug. Look at me there, so chubby! lol :P

The second item is a patchwork table runner. They did not take full photo of the runner but it has lace and contrast fabrics attached to both ends.

And lastly, a strip pieced hostess apron complete with pom pom trims! I love this apron so much, the kitchen themed fabrics I used made it extra special :)

Thank you again to the Karangkraf group for featuring me & my handmades! :)

Another Tova Top For Family Trip To Jakarta & Handmade Wardrobe Vow 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 03:58:00 +0000

I made another Tova Top. My trusted pattern which I would sew up whenever I'm in need of a new top and not having the luxury of time. This is my fourth one so sewing it is really easy for me by now.

**Please excuse all my crappy dark & grainy photos, they are all from my phone.

We were going for a family trip in Jakarta and I wanted to wear something comfy and good for nursing Baby E on the plane. Just few months back I made this Tova in size XL (post baby) but now that I have lost some weight (after going back to work fulltime hahah) I made size Medium and it fits good except for a slight tightness around my bust area. That problem will go away once I wean Baby E from nursing, which will be in less than 4 months. The yoke opening makes this top perfect for nursing.

I made this using a sweet pink Art Gallery fabric designed by Bari J. I love the feminine color. At first I was afraid it might look a little to little girl-ish but hubby likes it on me so that's all that matters :)

I was rushing so I omit the neckline binding and finished the neckline using my sweet bias tape I purchased in Daiso. This makes making the top so much easier and faster to finish!

The pattern recommends 2.5 yards of fabric but I managed to squeeze this size M on 1.75 yard of 44" wide fabric yeay!! I love using Art Gallery fabrics for my garment sewing so this is good as the fabric is really expensive and being able to save on valuable yardage is a big plus point.

The Jakarta trip was fun especially when it involved fabric shopping. Photos above shows the textile shops in the huge Tanah Abang market. Love it, just my kind of happy place :D

This is my small haul for my Handmade Wardrobe 2015 sewing. Yup, I vow to sew a handmade wardrobe this year with the exception of jeans and perhaps work jacket. I will especially focus more on blouses as I am building my work wardrobe too. These consists of rayon challis and soft cotton lawn. These are perfect for blouse sewing as I love drapey fabrics for my tops. These are really great quality fabrics and you just can't beat the cheap price of fabrics in Indonesia. I mean look at that elephant fabric, isn't it cute?! I wish I can buy them all!

So here's to a successful year of handmade wardrobe, thanks for still reading my friends!

My Natalie Top by Liola Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:29:00 +0000

Last week, hubby and I attended a reunion where the theme was red and black. I did not have any red dress that fits in the closet and really did not want to buy any. So I decided to sew up a top to wear to the event. I made the Natalie top a pattern by Liola Designs.

Please excuse all my out of focus photos...my girls were behind the camera and I don't expect them to know how to operate the dslr. I'm lucky they got me centered in the pics lol

I love the top so much!!! Made in a beautiful Alexander Henry cotton print I have stashed since 2009, perfect for the event. The pleats in front of the top is a lovely feature, and the fit is perfect on me. I did not modify anything at all from the pattern. I did omit the pocket and the sleeve tabs though.

I used a pretty floral bias tape to finish the neckline of this top. I purchased it at Daiso, they are so pretty, reminisce of the Liberty prints. (will update the process photo later)

I wore the top with a black maxi skirt. The design and length is perfect for my work wardrobe and as of now I already wore it to work. Looks great under my work blazer.

Pattern : Painted Portrait Blouse by Anna Maria Horner

Fabric : Alexander Henry - quilting cotton (lighter pima cotton weight)
Size : L
Mods : Omit pocket & sleeve tabs

My First Magazine Feature 2014 _ Nur Magazine (Karangkraf)

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 09:06:00 +0000

This is a waaayyy overdue post. I was featured in a local magazine in their DIY column for 2 issues in April and May 2014. While I have posted about this on my Instagram and Facebook page, I completely forgot to blog about it.

So here it is. The first was an article about my passion for sewing in Nur Magazine April issue. This is really the highlight of my sewing this year. I remember feeling happy and proud and teary-eyed all at the same time :)

The article is in Bahasa Malaysia, it talks about how I started sewing, my handmade brand, my products among other things. Looking at these pages with my colorful creations on it, just made me feel a tad nostalgic....I wish I can be more productive these days!

This is the cover of May issue of the same magazine. I contributed two tutorials for this issue's DIY column.

The tutorials are for Linen and Lace tissue holder and Kids Apron. The crew came to my house to shoot these tutorials and it was really hard work! It took almost one whole day to finish!

I have another sewing tutorial contribution for a different magazine in January 2015. I will blog about it once I get hold of my copy of that magazine.

:)

Painted Portrait Blouse by Anna Maria Horner

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 04:30:00 +0000

Few weeks back I made this blouse using the Painted Portrait Blouse by Anna Maria Horner. I have purchased this pattern (paper pattern) few years ago and I finally have the courage to use it. The pattern comes in the brown tissue paper, which is the main reason it takes me so long to use it. I have always had this fear of using tissue patterns but this time I am determined to use up and sew up all the patterns in my stash. I even cut it to my size instead of tracing it (gasp). This means if I ever need to sew this blouse in a different size (who knows I might slim down lol :P) I have to purchase a new one.

I made the blouse in this pretty floral fabric by Joel Dewberry which I love so much. But I did not have enough for the blouse so I used a contrast fabric for the yoke. I am not really loving my choice there but oh well...

Sorry for the crappy phone pics of me modelling the blouse. It turned out really pretty and I am loving this blouse so much! I think how the side panel was designed is genius. There are no side seams, the side panels were attached to the front and back panels instead. This made the blouse curves pretty-ly when its worn. I just love the shaping of the blouse.

The soft gathers in front covers my post 3 babies tummy nicely. I did use a bias tape to finish the neckline as I messed up the yoke facing. I also skipped the back button and the resulting neckline is wide enough for this pullover blouse.

I highly recommend this pattern for Intermediate or Adventurous Beginner sewist. Next time I'd love to try and make the pieced yoke version. I also want to use more lightweight fabrics for sewing my own clothes.

Pattern : Painted Portrait Blouse by Anna Maria Horner
Fabric : Dainty Daisies in Lavender, Bungalow by Joel Dewberry - quilting weight cotton
Size : L
Mods : Bias bound neck, no back closure

Right now I am a busy mama. I am back working full time as my unpaid leave is over. Yep, sewing is back as a part time venture. I am limiting orders to only a few dresses per month but I will make more ready items for my etsy shop. I really want to sew more for myself and my family in the future.

As much as I love the financial freedom from being back on the payroll, my heart breaks every morning as I kiss my baby to go to work :'( Here's a pic of baby E, he has started walking at 19 months old. For a premature baby, I am just so happy and thankful that he is now healthy and happy! :)

Sewing for Me - The Josephine Blouse

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 02:03:00 +0000

I am currently in a selfish sewing mode. I share most of it on my Instagram but as I am getting more adventurous and sewing from various patterns, figured I should start blogging about them. Glad I took some time to take some proper photos of this Josephine Blouse I recently made. My girl Aisha was behind the camera and we had fun!

I've purchased this pattern from Rae's shop a long time ago. As usual I buy and I stash - that's my craziness. Now that I have made the Josephine I'm kicking myself for not sewing them earlier. It is an easy sew and I LOVE the result!

I wanted to make the release tucks version after I saw Rae's version here. I have always loved this type of silhouette for my tops/blouses/tunics as it is very forgiving on my had-3-babies-tummy. The fabric print hides the tucks from far so above is the closeup. I stopped sewing the tucks just below the bust and as a result the front flares out a bit.

I made size L of this pattern without modification. The sleeves are at my wrists instead of the sweet bracelet length the pattern comes with. So I will shorten my next one by 1.5 inch. Other than that, I like the length of the blouse itself and the shoulders fit me well. I do feel I want to take in the body at least 1/2 inch next time as I prefer a more fitted look for me to wear as a work blouse.

The elastic at the back cinch the blouse nicely to give it shape. I think I sewed a too narrow casing there I could see the elastic rolling a bit. Note to self, extra attention to the elastic casing next time :P

I also used a bias tape bound finish to the neckline of this blouse. It's my favorite go to neckline finishes these days as I am just too impatient for other type of closures for my own blouses lol...the neckline is wide enough, just nice for me to pullover when wearing and taking off the blouse.

I love this beautiful cotton print by Amy Butler I chose. But I feel the blouse would look best in a lightweight fabric with more drape. Perhaps I'll make my next one in rayon or voile. I'd love to try the full tucks version and the longer tunic length of this pattern.

Pattern : Josephine Blouse by Made By Rae
Fabric : Queen Anne's Butterflies in Ruby, Amy Butler Alchemy Collection - quilting weight cotton
Size : L
Mods : Release tucks; Bias bound neck

I will be sewing more for myself in the future and blog about them here. Till then, thank you for still reading! ;)

Ansley Top by Blaverry For My Sweet Aisha

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:36:00 +0000

After so many postponed projects, I finally managed to sew something up for my sweet girl Aisha, I am a happy mama!

Aisha is 14 years old this year, and finding a pattern that would get her nod of approval is proving more and more difficult! That's why I was so happy when I stumbled upon this beautiful Ansley Top/Dress pattern by an amazing designer Blaverry. This pattern has the covered look that is trendy and what my modest girl who is now in full hijab, loves to wear. Plus the sizing goes up to size 14 yeay!

It took us longer to decide on fabrics than to sew one up. Aisha wanted something neutral for easy mix and match and she chose a lovely lightweight rayon in my stash. This fabric is so flowy and swingy great for this baby-doll yoked type of top.

The pattern itself is a dream to sew! It's a great pattern with so many options. I finally selected a no collar, straight hemline top version to make it more like a feminine blouse. As for the sleeves, I did not add the cuffs but simply add a 6 inch double fold band to lengthen the 3/4 sleeves and for added contrast.

Obviously, my pre-teen loves it! Hehehe....we had fun during the photo shoot (pleated clutch made by mommy too). My girl, all grown up but still have that goofy side of her that we always love :)

More pics to show you the different angles of the top. There is a placket in front of the top which I think if you prefer to be at the back could easily be reversed. I did add a layer of interfacing to the button yoke to stabilize this flimsy fabric. I also used snap buttons for the closure, easy as pie :D

Pattern instructions is great and I also love the fact that this pattern comes with a layered format where you can just select and print the size that you need instead of printing all of the different sizes. I love this function, it saves me printer ink and effort as you only print what you need.

I highly recommend this pattern. Even if you don't have a pre-teen to sew for, it comes in size 9 months to 14, plenty of sizes and the options are endless! I'm thinking of making the hi-lo hem version for lil miss Hanan soon!

Patchwork Pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 10:25:00 +0000

I'm crazy about patchwork. Lately it's all on my mind...always thinking about possible patchwork projects to sew & some to sell.

I made this pillow cover for my bff, a birthday gift.

It's a simple design, fit for a 16 inch cushion.

I used Moda candy or mini charm pack for the middle square patch. The fabrics are Happy Go Lucky by Bonnie & Camille. I framed the middle patch with 3.5 inch blue strips.

I love it and I hope my girlfriend love it too.

I am right now buried in so many wips I could barely stop to look at the computer. It's a miracle I could actually write this post haha...

I will be back with more projects, promise!

:)

Nautical Shirt - A Little Boy Sewing

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:34:00 +0000

Honestly, I have sewn very few boy's clothing ....I sort of want to wait for Erfan to be bigger for me to sew some clothing for him. How silly is that? I know I have to sew more for him and I find it hard to be inspired with boy's clothing sigh....

When a customer asked me to sew a shirt for her big boy, I said yes, secretly hoping perhaps I'd be inspired to sew for Erfan after sewing this shirt.

Well, it's true!! I am feeling very inspired! I love this nautical shirt I made for my customer and I really wanna make one for baby Erfan now!

I used a pattern called Boy's Shirt Pattern No.7 by E+M Patterns. This is a size 7, the pattern was a breeze to sew. Excellent instructions and I love how the designer included a clean, durable finishing method as an option to the normal serger.

Here are some detail pics of the shirt. I omitted the pocket this time though.

I simply love the functional buttons on the shoulders, perfect for a nautical themed shirt :)

The smallest size however is size 2...now that Erfan is almost 18 months old, I think I can make one now in size 2 and if it's still a bit too big for him, we'll wait a few more months for him to grow into it. Am already selecting some fabrics for him. Will definitely blog about it once it's done.

For now, here's my cheeky lil angel! :D

Banksia Play Dress by Fresh Stitch Patterns!

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 01:12:00 +0000

Hello my lovelies!

I wanna show you this new pattern I had the honor to test for, by a fabulous new Aussie designer, Kylie from Fresh Stitch Patterns!

The pattern is called Banksia Play Dress and today it is released with a massive discount!

I tested size 7 for my lil Hanan and sewed View A, dress option of the pattern. This pattern comes with so many variations, it is a true value for money as you can choose many options to create a dress or tunic that is uniquely yours!

Again we chose the Lake Club for our photography location, we had so much fun!

We love the carefree feel of this dress. And, bonus, it is great for layering too! Just add t-shirt underneath and leggings for tunic legth Banksia, and your girl is good to go :)

Just to show you the majestic buildings we have here in Putrajaya :D

Go get the Banksia now!

Another Tova Tunic!

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 01:48:00 +0000

Yep, this is my 3rd Tova Tunic by Wiksten, my favorite tunic pattern!

I made this in half a day, just few hours before a movie date with darling hubby ;)

I love the fabric I used this time, it's a beautiful green print from the Collage Collection by designer Carrie Bloomston. Those criss crossing newspaper print collage is so unique, love it!

I decided on this pattern again mainly due to my larger size now :'( After baby number 3 I just am not able to shake off these excess pounds, it's heartbreaking! Nothing in my wardrob fit! So I have no choice but to make new clothing...Another reason is that I am still breastfeeding baby E, so the open placket in front of this tunic is perfect for nursing!

I forgot to snap some pics of me wearing this, but it fits me great! I made the top version but I lengthened it by 1.5 inch, just nice for me to wear with jeans.

Till later, bye!

Ponderosa Dress - Pattern Testing for Elegance and Elephants

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 23:47:00 +0000

As mentioned in the previous post, I tested the 3rd pattern in the E&E Fall line called the Ponderosa Dress.

This dress is SO gorgeous and unique and surprisingly easy to make! I am so in love with the swingy outer bodice and the soft twirl of the skirt. It's oh so elegant and feminine and lil Hanan love it too!

This is also a knit dress pattern. There are two layers of bodice so I highly recommend a thinner knit at least for the bodice.

The girl was soooo happy, she didn't want to take the dress off! Another score for mummy!

Don't forget to grab the patterns when E&E releases their fall patterns this week, I highly recommend her patterns, especially this Ponderosa Dress, you will not be disappointed!

You can also view the lookbook here http://www.eleganceandelephants.com/2014/08/e-e-patterns-fall-lookbook.htmlhttp://www.eleganceandelephants.com/2014/08/e-e-patterns-fall-lookbook.html

Magnolia Skirt and Hemlock Top - Pattern Testing for Elegance & Elephants

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 23:33:00 +0000

I was honored to be selected as one of the testers for the talented Heidi from Elegance & Elephants . I have been a long time E&E patterns admirer and I have purchased many of her patterns such as the Bohemian Babydoll and Bubble Pocket Top and Shorts, major love!

E&E is coming up with her new fall lines this week, the first in the line is the Magnolia Skirt and Hemlock Top. The skirt is a cute 6 panel swing style skirt which can be made in both woven and knit fabrics.

The Hemlock Top is a knit top that comes with short and long sleeves options with a cute flutter details on the shoulder. I used a heavier knit fabric here that I purchased with making leggings for my girls in mind. I personally recommend a lighter weight knit fabric for the Hemlock Top so that the flutter detail would ruffle nicely.

I made size 7 for my active girl Hanan and the fit of the pattern is spot on. I absolutely love these patterns!

And that Joel Dewberry print I used for the skirt is just amazing! I cut a heart shape and machine appliqued to the shirt for added detail.

Don't forget to grab the fall lines by E&E releasing this week. For a preview of the patterns you can also look at the lookbook that Heidi have prepared here : http://www.eleganceandelephants.com/2014/08/e-e-patterns-fall-lookbook.html

I have another dress from her line that I tested. Will blog about it in my next post, till then, have a wonderful day! :)

The Zee's Tee for Baby E!

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 03:34:00 +0000

I finally get the perfect opportunity to sew for my baby boo. I was part of the testing team for the Zee's Tee, a pattern by Tie Dye Diva, part of the fantastic Bundle Up Boys! pattern offered here.

I had so much fun sewing this t-shirt for baby E. The Zee's Tee comes in so many option - color block, yoke style, pocket style and short or long sleeves. I opted for long sleeves & pocket version. The easiest sew ever! I am now a little more confident sewing with knit fabrics, they are much faster to sew using the trusted serger compared to wovens.

This is the first time him modelling for mummy. It's so funny how he refused to smile and was basically perplexed the whole session as to what is happening lol...

I love my baby boo, need to sew more for him <3 nbsp="">

If you sew for boys, go and grab the Bundle Up Boys deal now! They are offered at great prices and you'd find many beautiful designs from some of the most talented designers. Definitely worth it!

The Diva Collection by Tie Dye Diva!

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 00:20:00 +0000

I was so honored to be given the trust and opportunity to test for the very talented designer at Tie Dye Diva Sewing Patterns, Jen. TDD released two of their designs for the Diva Collection, and I had so much fun testing these patterns.

The first in the collection is the Coral Dress and Top. I tested the Top version in size 7/8 for my lil miss Hanan :) My lil model is a big girl now and boy it is not easy sewing for bigger girls as they can be so opinionated! But I tried making it easier for both of us by asking her to choose fabrics and gently guiding her on how I think the prints would work together.

As you can see this gorgeous pattern allows you to select up to 5 fabrics to mix and match! Well, I didn't really go by the rule and just had so much fun selecting fabrics and trims for that cute apron!

Little Miss love it so much! I tested this pattern during Ramadhan so with fasting and the heat combined, I did not have the energy to drive to another location for photo. The front of the house would do lol

Closeup. The Coral Dress is very versatile, there are many options available. You can make either top or dress, with or without apron, and choose between 3 sleeves options - ties, flutter or cap. I made the cap sleeves for Hanan. And this dress is the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to shir! Jen gives excellent tips and tutorial on shirring, it is very easy, you'll have fun, I promise!

The back. Love the Coral, it is Hanan's favorite too as she is more of a top and leggings girl than dresses :)

Next in the Diva Collection that I tested is the Sterling Ruffle Leggings. There is also options of ruffle shorties and this pattern is easy, easy, easy! Seriously you could finish making this in 1 hour tops!

I used a pretty floral knit fabric that I hoarded years ago...so happy to finally use it! The knit fabric you choose would really make the final look of the leggings. The one I used is so thin and it curls like crazy especially on the ruffles, but I think it adds character hahah... :P

I also sewed the top to go with the leggings in cute alphabet prints. I used the Bohemian Babydoll pattern by E&E. It's a tad big on her, but oh she will grow into it very quickly.

All is happy and well for the little model, yeay to pattern testing! I highly recommend all TDD patterns, I have bought almost all of them and used them over and over. Hop on over too the TDD pattern shop to view more. You will find that they do offer some items for Sale at reduced price from time to time.

Thank you for reading my friends! Till another sewing post have a beautiful day!

The Perfect Party Dress Transformed As Perfect Maxi Dress! - A Tie Dye Diva Pattern Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Fri, 02 May 2014 14:53:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to new hoppers! :)

I feel very honored when Kathy from Handmade Dress Heaven invited me to join this wonderful blog hop that she is hosting. We are to sew a dress using the Perfect Party Dress pattern by Tie Dye Diva (affiliate link) and we were asked to show variations or modification, big or small of the pattern. Today is the final round and I had so much fun reading other participants entries.

Now, I am a big fan of any pattern designed by Jen, the genius behind Tie Dye Diva (TDD), I have bought almost all of her patterns and have sewn many of them with much success! So I know that the Perfect Party Dress Pattern is indeed a great pattern used as is.

However, my intention during this blog hop is to show you how with a perfect bodice pattern block you can use it to transform the pattern into any dress you like. For instance, a maxi dress!

Yep, I did that plus empire waist and long sleeves! And my little princess is beaming, it was worth the effort :D

I managed to snap a few photos on how I modified the bodice pattern. I made a size 7/8 for my 7 yo girl. Here's how I do it :

Now you have altered front and back patterns. Note the changes I made on the fabrics to cut. I eliminated the lining and sash pieces to turn this into no-sash, empire cut dress :)

For the sleeves, you can actually use any sleeves pattern in your girl size from any of your existing pattern collection. I actually used TDD sleeve pattern from her Chelsea dress! I wanted a bit of a puff on the sleeves so I cut a bit wider on top and gathered as in photos below :

The sleeves were sewn to the lined bodice before the sides of the bodice are sewn. If you have sewn a dress before this is really not difficult at all! :)

To turn this into a maxi I just measured my girl from her chest down and add a 1 inch seam allowance. I did not put a sash. The dress has an invisible zipper closure. It is my favorite go to closure, so easy! There are many tutorials on the web for invisible zipper. I also added a dainty lace trim to pretty it up but still keeping everything else simple.

We went by the lake to take photos. My princess had her moments of tantrums (she hates mummy giving her "princess pose" orders lol)...but I kept telling her how pretty and poised a princess she is so I managed to snap some good ones I guess.

I love the background here...just like a real castle lol

Princess pose done right haha

Princess in her garden...

By the beautiful lake...

Of all the photos this is the one that I love most. My little princess in her perfect maxi dress!

I hope you can try and transform a dress from the Perfect Party Dress pattern too! You can be your own designer with this pattern. Try your design on a muslin first if you need to see if it works. I did! I tested the pattern on a muslin bodice and sleeves before I cut into my good fabric to test the fit. Trust me, you'd have so much fun! :)

Thank you for reading and don't forget to visit everyone's blogs in the blog hop!

My Baby Erfan Turns One!

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:33:00 +0000

Yup, on the 27th of April my lil honey bug turned 1 and I still can't believe how fast time flies...Goodbye baby and welcome toddlerhood!

We had a small family celebration at my parents' place in Bangi. I wanted Erfan's first birthday celebration to be special even if we are not having a full on birthday party, I still wanted to have a theme and plan around and sew the decor myself. Brace yourself for pic heavy entry! :D

First up, the cake! I wanted a bright aqua and red, baby elephant theme. So I ordered this cake from Scrummycakedesign (she's on Instagram) and it turned out amazing!

LOVE the cake! And I also ordered some sugar cookies from Rollypops by Lyza Ghazalli (she's on Facebook). I wanted elephant shape cookies in the theme colors. And she did an amazing job!

I made a quilted table topper a week before the party. I used a table topper pattern by Kimberbell Designs. This one is truly made with love! :)

Sorry phone pic :P

So overall I am happy with how the main table was set up :

I also sewed some buntings and garlands to add to the festive mood :

And the birthday boy? I sewed this cute shortall the day before :

I appliqued the elephant on the chest, I think it adds character and of course to fit the theme lol...I used an older shortall pattern by Tie Dye Diva.

Birthday boy was having a nap when I woke him up to change and blew the candle, hence the spaced out look on his face lol :

Here's the front and back of the shortall :

With big sisters who were having a blast because they get presents too lol

My 3 Angels....

The highlight of the day, baby first cake bashing session! It was so funny how Erfan keeps messing with the cake. He only ate a handful though lol...

Love his expressions!

And finally, overwhelmed and perplexed with all the presents he gets lol

It's been a long time since we had a family birthday celebration. My parents now have 7 grandchildren and we always celebrate at their home and the tradition is each child will get a present from grandparents, aunties and uncles. So we had to combine the celebration to save lol

My bubba Erfan, he has come so far! He is my cheeky sunshine, so active and a happy baby. Kisses and more kisses!

Been Busy Making My Patchwork Pillow Covers

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 02:16:00 +0000

Yes! I love patchwork so much and I am getting addicted to making these pillow covers!

Somehow, I am enjoying this freedom to create tremendously. It keeps me happy and gratified. I can't explain it, must be my inner creative desire speaking there lol...

This three - teal, green and blue ones..makes me smile every time I look at them :)

And this special one I made from Heather Bailey's long out-of-print fabric, from her Pop Garden collection. I match it with a fun chevron and it just screams spring to me :)

And I made a few in kids theme for the nursery :

And I had so much fun creating this dresden plate pillow! The yellow honeycomb dots is just so pretty to me and great pairing for those Lecien roses prints :)

And I'm so happy to finally delve into my Liberty lifestyle prints, I love Liberty florals, they just looks retro and very pretty!

Another one I made using Leah Duncan's new collection, Meadow. I love the modern look of this one :

And last but not least, my favorite shabby chic pillow cover, made from Tanya Whelan's new Slipper Rose prints....I just...sighhhh.....so dreamy!

They are all created for my new label Stitch by Zura and available for sale in my Etsy shop. Come drop by anytime!

I will blog more about items I make in the future. It's good for me to document my inspirations here. Feel free to pin on Pinterest! Thanks for still reading my friends! :)

Another Fabric Giveaway I Won Has Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 10:41:00 +0000

Yeay! As mentioned before in this post, I won 2 fabric giveaways from Sew Mama Sew giveaway day last year. This one also comes from Canada from the lovely blog Fabulous Home Sewn. The blogger Fenna is a lovely lady, I'm so happy I discovered her blog during the giveaway :)

These are the pretty fabrics I won, I am so happy!

I mean who doesn't love cute owl prints? I love everything owl-y!

I love the jewel tones! They are fat quarters and I think this would make very cute baby girl patchwork quilts!

Thank you so much for the fabrics Jenna!

Second Label & My Etsy Shop!

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 06:31:00 +0000

Yesss! I've taken the plunge and created my 2nd label & opened my Etsy shop :D

I made this decision after much thought. I need a more neutral label as my first label Lovemelots Creations is just too girly for me to sew anything other than girls dresses. I can't even use it to sew boys outfits for baby E lol! So I just decided this time it has to be a label I could use for anything else I want to sew while Lovemelots will remain exclusively for girls clothing :)

Have you noticed the Etsy mini on the right of this blog? Yep, feel free to drop by! I love the freedom to create over there. I am still searching for my niche though but as of now I am just listing what I managed to sew up in between custom dresses order for Lovemelots, which currenly am operating solely on Facebook.

I am still thinking if I should change the name of this blog to Stitch by Zura or not. It's too much work for me at the moment so I'm just gonna let it be for now :)

Meanwhile, I have so many things to sew in between tending to this bubba of mine who is fast approaching his first birthday! I knowww....so fast I can't believe it!

A Quilt For My New Nephew Afeeq

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:10:00 +0000

I made this quilt as an excited aunt, for my new nephew baby Afeeq :)

I am used to using a mix of different fabrics for my quilts, mostly scrappy but this time I used a baby safari themed collection called Imaginarium from Camelot Cottons. The mix of soft turquoise, yellow and grey just exudes sweet elegance. I especially love all the prints! Each print showing a mama animal hugging their babies, so warm and sweet!

This quilt is a labor of love. I made 9 pinwheel blocks, sashed & bodered. But I machine stitched the binding because at that time my sister in law was already in labor!

Lucky I made it in time for this sweet boy to enjoy....

Afeeq Farhan bin Mohd Fathirrahman...the first born of my baby brother...such a cutie!

I have to say photographing a quilt is SO hard! I can't seem to get all of it in photos lol...but I love making this and will continue making more baby quilts...

Baby Afeeq is now almost 3 months old, already smiling & cooing. He is my 4 nephew (3 of whom are my sister's kids) and my parents' 7th grandchild. Here's to many more babies to cuddle and sew for!

Baby Afeeq...you are loved!!!

I Love Making Mug Rugs

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 23:26:00 +0000

Yes, I do!

They are easy projects, almost instant gratification when I feel a bit bleh about sewing dresses yet not enough time for making a quilt. So I make mug rugs lol...

Last night, I finished this beauty. I designed it myself, a cottage chic mug rug made from mostly Lecien florals, which I adore and hoarded to no end...

I used a pretty natural linen fabric also from Lecien as backing as well as the binding, which I sew by hand. And I also added a delicate lace edging to complete the updated floral, linen & lace look. I love this style and colors but I need to sew more using these fabrics instead of just keeping them stashed away.

This is not my first mug rug. I have made a few for myself and friends. My first mug rug was this one made using the quilt-as-you-go method :

And later when I was still working I made this one for the office, and experimented on my free motion quilting :

Recently I made this as a gift, also using fmq and hand binding :

I plan to make more for sale too. Do you love mug rugs as much as I do? They are great scrap busting projects and quick too!

Fabric Friday - I Won A Fabric Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 02:09:00 +0000

Back in December last year I entered the Giveaway Day organised by Sew Mama Sew. I think my fingers went numb from all the comments I left on so many blogs participating in the event. And the result? I won two!

One winning arrived last week and I am loving the fabrics that I won. This one is from a wonderful blog WIPGirl. Kristel lives in Canada and I love discovering her blog and have been admiring her beautiful work.

The fabrics are cuts of boy themed fabrics. I love them of course now that I have a little boy to sew for :) I am thinking of making a patchwork quilt from these cute boy prints. We could never have too many quilts in the house. We use quilts a lot, sometimes as blankets most of the time to spread on the floor for the kids to lie down & play on. So a bigger play quilt would be a good project to start.

Kristel included this cute owl card inside, I love it as I love anything owl-y! Thank you so much Kristel, keep on creating and hugs from sunny Malaysia! :)

Patchwork Pillow in My Sewing Room

noreply@blogger.com (Zura) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 23:17:00 +0000

I recently fell in love with patchwork, big time.

Everyday I dream of patchwork and have so many ideas my brain is in constant buzz. So I made it a point to have a patchwork or quilty projects in between sewing dressses. It somehow invigorates me and keeps me motivated to sew more :)

So, we went to Ikea last weekend and I bought the Fjadrar pillow insert, the one with duck feather filling. I love how fluffy the pillow feels & know that the cover has to be patchwork.

The pillow is a 20" x 20", so I just sewed some simple 4.5" squares using fabrics from my stash. I find that when it comes to patchwork I tend to gravitates towards reds & yellows. They are just so bright and cheerful, I love how it brightens my cramp & tiny room.

My favorite print here is the chairs by Laurie Wisburn, it's cute! And the chevron & hounds tooth provides a balance to the whole look. I did put a layer of batting keep the quilting simple with straight lines a quarter inch away from the seams.

I took the shortcut with the backing. Just made it envelope style using my favorite yarn dyed linen by Robert Kaufman.

I have a few other patchwork projects to show you in coming posts. Till then, am enjoying my huggable patchwork pillow! :)