Shabana K H
Shabana supports community building, outreach, and livelihood programs at aikyam. Her work centres on connecting people and enabling sustainable opportunities.
What Shabana K H did here
Finding better strap adjusters for our bags
We looked for ways to get better strap adjusters for our bags. We contacted local shops and people to find out where they are sold and whether local workshops could make them. We also explored whether local welding shops could help us identify the material and make the adjusters. After these enquiries, we decided on good-quality stainless steel adjusters with local chrome plating for a better finish. Buying the adjusters and getting them plated are the next steps.
Advanced bag construction: attaching Kantha panels to inner pockets
We ran a specialized construction experiment on adding decorative Kantha panels to bag exteriors with pre-stitched inner pockets. Getting a clean and professional finish without breaking the bag's alignment or usability was a complex technical challenge. We needed to cut the pocket opening neatly and finish the raw edges safely. We also had to manage the seam allowances and decide whether to fold them inward or outward. We anticipated that a Kantha panel over a poorly finished pocket opening could make raw fabric edges snag or pull out when users reached in. To solve these problems, we analyzed different ways to fold the allowances and tested assembly methods on sample pieces. We cut the pocket opening directly into the bag body and folded the allowances outward, not inward. We anchored the folded edges securely with two parallel rows of topstitching, making a flat base. We then placed the complete Kantha embroidered panel directly over the prepared pocket region and stitched it into place. This gave a clean finish, and the inner pocket worked smoothly with no visible raw edges or loose fabric inside.
An old pushcart for a new community tea space
We bought an old pushcart that was going to be sold as scrap. We plan to repair it and use it for a tea space in aikyam’s Verandah. The idea is to create a familiar place for women and children, especially those from marginalised communities. Women should feel comfortable coming here to meet, talk, rest and have tea. We are still planning how to make this a place they feel is their own.
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One-week initiation: participant progress review and skills assessment
We held a review meeting to close our one-week initiation. It gave everyone space to look back on what they learned and to share their work. Each person showed recent work. This sparked talks about growing confidence and new creative freedom. A highlight was that participants designed and executed diverse, intricate Kantha patterns on their own, without the Kantha app. That showed strong personal initiative. Those who used the Kantha app guided others through digital pattern creation and workflow planning. That was notable leadership. Beyond embroidery, participants took ownership of the main steps of making a garment. They cut fabric and line up patterns. They also put whole bags together. This means they do more of the work themselves. They need less step-by-step guidance or outside help in daily tasks. The meeting showed that everyone's skills grew and that everyone shared responsibility. Peers also led each other. This is a good base for the group to run production more independently.
Tote bag handle redesign and adjustability testing
The team ran design tests to make tote bag handles more comfortable and useful. They made a prototype with one handle slightly wider and longer. They looked at how it looked and worked. Finding one standard handle length was hard. Users have different heights and body types. The team thought about making the whole bag smaller. They decided not to. They wanted the bag to stay the same size and wanted to avoid extra production problems. Instead, they tested an adjustable strap with buckles made from sustainable materials. This helps users of different heights. The team also looked at durability and machine washability. Metal buckles could rust and stain the fabric in the wash. Other materials must handle repeated washing and strain from use. They set baseline handle sizes. They began looking for adjustable buckles for more testing before finalising the design.
Quality control in fabric pre-treatment: managing shrinkage and color bleed
All team members gathered to select a fresh batch of cotton fabrics from a new supplier of higher-grade materials. We assumed premium quality would prevent dye transfer, so we soaked all the colourful fabric pieces together in one washing container for the first pre-treatment. During soaking and washing, we saw significant color bleeding across many pieces and visible fabric shrinkage as the cotton fibres reacted to the water. To assess the structural and aesthetic effects of the wash, we dried and ironed each fabric panel. Ironing let us examine the extent of color fading, cross-staining, and dimensional shrinkage across the batch. This experience was a crucial quality control lesson: even high-quality cotton fabrics naturally release excess surface dye and contract during their first wash. We realised that using unchecked, colour-releasing fabrics in finished bags would make dyes bleed onto nearby panels and ruin the final products. So we set a mandatory quality control protocol: every newly purchased cotton fabric must be washed individually and thoroughly inspected before we approve it for bag construction.
We continued our Kantha work by joining the fabric strips prepared in earlier sessions. The aim was to practise following a design, aligning fabric strips and keeping hand stitching even. Each participant used their design from the Kantha app, printed on A4 paper, to select and arrange the matching 6 cm-wide fabric strips. The printouts helped them check the colour order and placement before stitching the strips side by side into fabric panels. Participants then added rows of Kantha running stitches along the panels. We focused on consistent stitch lengths, even spaces between rows and thread tension, particularly at the thicker seams.
Digital visual planning and Kantha App pattern printing
We used the Kantha App to plan pattern variations. It let us test how different strip widths and color sequences look together. This gave a clear digital preview before we sewed. When we had the best combinations, we printed the design sheets on A4 paper. Each page guided artisans on aligning, ordering, and placing the pre-cut strips for panel assembly.
Systematic preparation and precision cutting of fabric strips
We began a new round of work on raw materials before stitching. The team sorted multi-colored fabric scraps by texture, weight and color tone. This kept the colors balanced for the upcoming Kantha panels. To keep strict design uniformity, we accurately marked and cut the selected fabrics into uniform 6 centimetre wide strips. We checked each strip for neat edges and the right length. Then we bundled and labeled the strips and stored them for the next step, pattern assembly.
Opening doors: first school outreach together
Our team meetings showed a shared challenge: reaching children and young people who could benefit from the programmes at aikyam. We agreed to bring our networks together and prepare a shared introduction to what we offer. We acted on this and prepared a shared brochure introducing the programmes at aikyam. Each team wrote programme descriptions, and we brought them together in a brochure for the visits. We made our first school visits together as the aikyam, Olimalar and Thudippu team. We visited two schools suggested by Shabana, using her knowledge of the local community. We spoke with headteachers about opportunities for children to take part. One school already knew Olimalar through LifSkool. At the other school, youth festival preparations opened a conversation about possible dance support from Thudippu. We collected their contact numbers and shared printed and digital copies of the brochure. When we returned to aikyam, we discussed the visits and how we could reach more children. Alongside welcoming families to aikyam, we explored finding spaces in schools and communities. We also looked at training facilitators to run activities closer to where children live.
Praise, precision, and peer-led learning in Kantha craft
Today began with choosing suitable fabric pieces for Kantha work. The team washed and laid out the pieces for future use. The team then took yesterday’s pre-washed fabrics. They ironed them smooth, marked them precisely, cut them, and stitched them together to prepare fresh base panels for hand embroidery. As the work progressed, the accurate stitching of two artisans stood out. Their Kantha stitches were neat, quick, and confident. We mounted their finished pieces into wooden embroidery frames and shared them with the rest of the unit. The display sparked an encouraging group discussion, with everyone examining the sample stitches and analyzing technique details. Seeing such quick progress was more than we expected. To build on this progress, the team agreed that the advanced artisans will mentor others by sharing their insights. Before wrapping up, the artisans collectively planned dedicated group practice sessions to learn from one another and refine their craft as a unit.
Reflecting on progress: a clean workspace brings pride and precision to Kantha craft
The stitching room felt bright and open today. The team cleaned and reorganized it yesterday. This gave the space a fresh, positive feel. It set an upbeat, focused tone for the afternoon. The artisans started practicing Kantha stitching. They worked on two to three new patterns. Their hard work showed. Every stitch came out neater, tighter, and more precise. They stored each sample in their own portfolio file. The best moment came when the team took out their earliest trials. They placed them next to today's work. Seeing the progress filled the room with pride and joy. They realized how far patience and steady practice had brought them. This gave everyone a strong boost of confidence in their skills.
After the storm: unwinding with fabric sorting and slow Kantha craft
After two days of demanding work, frantic restitching, and tight deadlines, the stitching unit relaxed today. The team gathered around 2 p.m. When they heard that the tote bags they worked hard on received official clearance and moved to the sales stage, the room filled with excitement. The high-pressure rush of the previous days was gone. In its place was a warm, quiet sense of accomplishment. Everyone gathered in a relaxed circle. They untangled and sorted colorful fabric scraps, shared stories, and sipped tea. They continued their slow Kantha practice. Without rigid targets overhead, the team slowed down. They caught their breath and celebrated how far they have come together.
Artisans rest and celebrate with tea, fabric sorting and Kantha
After two days of hard work, rushed stitching and tight deadlines, the stitching unit relaxed today. The artisans gathered at 2 p.m. When they heard the tote bags were cleared and moving to the sales stage, they were excited. The pressure of the previous days was gone. A quiet, warm sense of accomplishment took its place. Everyone sat together in a relaxed circle. They untangled and sorted colourful fabric scraps. They shared stories and sipped tea while practising Kantha. They had no rigid targets. They used the day to slow down and rest. We celebrated how far the team has come together.
Working under extreme deadline pressure to finish 50 tote bags
Just when we thought the 50 tote bags were ready, misaligned screen prints and mismatched bag models turned our relief into late-stage chaos. With a strict 36-hour deadline looming, we tracked down a local printer who pulled off a three-hour miracle, leaving us to fix the stitching issues. The team rallied at 9 a.m., salvaged 18 bags, and completely restitched the remaining 32 from scratch. They completed quality checks and packed the entire order right on time.
Achieving 4 centimetre grid precision in Kantha panels
We worked precisely on the 4 centimetre grid today. We made a complete Kantha panel with no major setbacks. Each craftsperson got a personal file to keep their trial designs. We handled these files with great care. Tracking progress step by step turned mistakes into visible steps. The team felt deep ownership, pride, and growing mastery.
Small-set practice for Kantha alignment
To stop alignment errors adding up in full assembly, the team tested in small batches. They used six-piece clusters. The team stitched and pressed each set. They checked that the final visible area was a square of 4 centimetres on each side.
Community programme made shared progress and worked through challenges together
Shabana, who leads the Stitching Club, met Anjali of Thudippu Dance Foundation and Aarthi of Olimalar Foundation for their weekly check-in at aikyam space. They shared updates on their work so far and spoke about the challenges they faced. They helped one another think through possible solutions and reflected on what they learned over the past week.
Completing 50 tote bags and reorganizing Kantha craft
The stitching unit worked on an order of 50 tote bags for Bangalore, with a strict end-of-day deadline. Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the team cut, stitched, and finished the remaining 15 bags without a break. Once all 50 totes were handed over for screen printing, the team moved to the Kantha workstation. They spent the late afternoon sorting, measuring, and preparing raw materials for upcoming stitching trials.
Constitution tote production with Kantha stitch refinement
The sewing room ran at full speed to fill a 50-unit order for Constitution-themed tote bags. The bags measure 17.5 inches by 16 inches. We cut precise patterns. Then we prepared the printing and sewed the bags. While we made the bulk order, we set aside time to refine our Kantha stitching. We tested new adjustments in real time. Deadline work and craft experiments ran together. Output stayed steady. Our technique kept improving.
A tailor and a textile designer help fix Kantha assembly alignment
We faced persistent structural problems. We consulted a seasoned Mattancherry tailor and a textile designer to reassess the Kantha assembly process. We used their feedback to cut fabric strips to 6 centimetres with internal guidelines at 4 centimetres. We stabilized the strips with paper and ironed them at the overlaps. After that, we reverse stitched the strips and trimmed them. This collaborative adjustment eliminated previous alignment flaws and produced a clean, highly precise finish. The project is now within 90% of its final targeted design standard.
Adjustments to fabric seam margins
Direct cuts of 4 centimetres with no overlap caused severe fraying. We increased the fabric to 6 centimetres to give seam margins that keep the fabric strong and stable. To remove pencil lines from the final product, we used a custom wooden block that measures 4 centimetres. The block lets you place the fabric by feel. We placed this template directly over the fabric strips that measure 6 centimetres. This gave precise spacing of 4 centimetres and overlap that we could control during Kantha stitching. The finishes were cleaner and had no pencil marks.
Moving to a 6-centimetre fabric base
We were initially optimistic about using paper stiffening for exact base cuts, but full assembly showed serious friction. Needle resistance made stitching difficult. Direct 4-centimetre cuts left too little seam margin and caused severe edge fraying. To stop the structure from breaking down during stitching, we moved to a 6-centimetre fabric base with an internal 4-centimetre guide mark. Overlapping these wider margins before stitching ensures enough anchor space. It prevents fraying and keeps the exact 4-centimetre grid lines visible.
Fabric construction for precise 4 centimetres by 4 centimetres squares
We made precise 4 centimetres by 4 centimetres base squares by ironing fabric onto stiff paper with adhesive backing. This gave the layers a consistent structure for assembly. Combining handloom fabric with canvas and paper layers made the material dense and hard for standard hand tools to pierce. To keep precision without straining the assembly, future work will test finer needles and lighter primary fabrics. We will reserve heavy handloom textiles for the final outer layers only.
Precision cutting and Kantha joining techniques
We ironed the fabric directly onto stiff paper. This gave us a stable base for cutting exact squares. We also tried joining each Kantha piece. We completed 70% of the work.
Improving cutting accuracy through fabric stabilization
We ironed the fabric onto stiff paper to stop it stretching and keep the squares accurate when we cut it. This stopped the material moving about, so we could cut the squares properly and get consistent sizes on every piece. Then we tested joining the pieces directly versus pre-joining them first, and it showed how important preparing the fabric is for getting the stitching straight.
Stitching unit update: fabric cutting and template size correction
Today we finished cutting all the remaining fabric from yesterday. We ironed the templates first, then used them to cut the fabric. We measured a few cut pieces at random to check accuracy. We found a size difference. The cardboard templates were thick, so the marked size on the fabric was about 5 centimetres instead of 4.5 centimetres. To correct the size, we reduced the template size to 4.1 centimetres. This gave us fabric pieces of 4.5 centimetres. We then corrected all remaining pieces we had cut at 5 centimetres down to 4.5 centimetres. Finally, we mixed and matched the cut pieces to check the colours and designs worked together, and that the cutting patterns worked as intended.
Correcting a 4.5 cm fabric cutting error
During stitching, a critical error occurred when paper templates of 4.5 cm were cut as 4.5 inches, because inches are the standard unit in the industry. The error surfaced when the cut pieces did not fit the target design model, so the team reviewed the templates and layout measurements together. They fixed the problem by making precise new templates, recutting the fabric to 4.5 cm, and finishing the assembly. Always cross-check the unit before cutting. The templates were 4.5 cm. Read as 4.5 inches, a whole batch of fabric was cut to the wrong size and had to be recut.
Techniques for balancing puzzle pieces
During the Kantha workshop, the team faced challenges aligning puzzle pieces. They tried black and white contrasts and dark and light shades to balance the layout. Once the layout was final, participants developed technical precision. They ironed the fabrics and cut them into pieces measuring 4.5 centimetres. Then they sorted the pieces by colour palette.