Eid-ul-Adha and Sari Fabric

  Saris are about 7 to 9 yards of decorative fabric that have been worn by women of the Indian subcontinent for centuries.  I haven't worn many, but personally, I have always thought the look to be very pretty and have adventured into donning myself in a sari for an all ladies event a couple of times in the past.  I loved the gracefulness I felt when I wore them.

Well about a couple of weeks ago, I took a ride down the road to the Jamiyyiah Suq in search of fabric to make a couple of dresses to sashay around in for any upcoming ladies gatherings somewhere or last minute guests at my home during Eid-ul-adha[1].

There are many fabric and notions places along this strip of stores.  I was heading for my usual fabric spot when the most beautiful black and gold fabric caught my eye in the window of another shop just a few doors down. Before I realized it, I was already in that store drooling over the drape, texture, and print of this silky stuff.  I had to have it, but lost interest in it right away as my eye caught another, and then another. I didn't know what to do with myself in there, I was falling apart y'all lol. Annnnd after hearing that many of them started at the cheap price of 35Dirhams (about $10-$15)...there was no need to look any further.

 Sticking to my budget, I was able to buy 2 saris (Yasaaay!).  Each sari was 7 yards of lovely 45-inch wide printed georgette fabric.  After also going to my fave notions spot for matching threads and things, I got my pretty babies home and couldn't wait to get dh off to work the following morning so I could get to work designing (sorry hubs).

I spent the first hour of designing wraping and draping them on myself in the mirror pretending to be some kind of queen or something contemplating on whether or not to just leave'em be, but one of my alter ego's I call "Lydia Grant" (Ya remember Debbie Allen played her role in Fame?..and, .no I'm not crazy) anyways, she was like, "Girl go for it, turn those things into sharp dresses and, Make. Me. Proud!" And, well...You'll see in the pics below. Hope you like what I came up with.

 I made this dress like a shoulder abaya but I fashioned it with dramatic batwing sleeves that are (btw) very hot and popular in abaya fashion right now. A sleeveless long and flarey black dress will look perfect underneath this Insha Allaah (Allaah-Willing).

 

 A closer look at the sleeves reveals a small french cuff at the wrist which I intend to doll up with mock cuff links (whoa!).

 

This is the back of the garment. The cumberbund will tie at back and dangle.

 

I added bias tape to the neckline for a tie feature there too.

 

A little tedious

 

 But so well worth it.

 Next...

 This sari was a little colorful for my taste in them, but very pretty to me as a dress.

 

 I wanted something along the lines of a 1980's-promish-homecoming queen-look.

 

 I lined it with a ultra sheer black georgette

Looks better on, very flattering and elegant and will be a hit over a black tank and long skirt.

 So this is all from me for now Insha Allaah.

What are you guys wearing for eid? Are you making anything or having something made for you and your family? Please share and send pics if you like.

And May Allaah Bless each and every one of us all with a blessed Eid (Ameen).

[1] In short, Eid-ul-Adha is the latter of the 2 Eid holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide every year.  It is  on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, and is to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim showing his obedience, trust, and faith in Allaah by following the command given to him to sacrifice his son Ismail (Alaihe salaam) willingly for the sake of Allaah, which he did.
There are many blessings and virtues in celebrating the three days of this Eid.  The first day begins with an early morning congregational prayer followed by a small khutba or talk. It is also a day of sacrifice and preparing of meals for feasting and gathering with family and friends. It's a very special, joyous, and religious time for Muslims all over the world.


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