Kukaru Designs, Waterloo, ON (2026)

02/19/2021

Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! This time I decided to use the to make a t-shirt using leftover striped cotton jersey fabric that I had purchased from last year. I am finally making my way through my fabric stash! This was a make it work moment with limited fabric and a stripped print ah! If you have sewn with stripes you know...getting those lines to match up is something else. This tee is far from perfect but I LOVE it so much!

The base was a sleeveless Jarrah Sweater. I altered the pattern by making two sleeves (check the blog for details) and shortened the hem all while trying my best to keep the stripes matched up... I would say 85% of the time it worked! Check my stories for the bloopers :)
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Pattern: Jarrah Sweater

Fabric: Striped cotton jersey

02/16/2021

Its been some time since I introduced myself. Let me know if you have anything in common!

1. My name is Kusala prounounced Ku-sa-la (it means good karma)
2. I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada when I was 2
3. I have lived in 4 Canadian cities including Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa
4. My first creative hobby was playing piano. I made it until grade 9 royal conservatory at which point I did not want to be hassled to practice and promptly quit ha!
5. When I was younger I took traditional Kandyan dancing lessons and even performed on Parliament Hill
6. I have killed many plants in my lifetime but still love to think that I have a green thumb
7. I work in health research
8. I have naturally curly hair but hated the look growing up so I always straightened it. Sometimes I would straighten it just to curl it again. I’m finally embracing the natural curls.
9. I live in loungewear and that is the majority of my wardrobe
10. I am a mama to two boys who are home with me while Im maternity leave. I’m thankful I get this year with them and I know how lucky I am to be able to be at home for this length of time. They are my inspiration for my kids sewing patterns.
11. Sewing and diy is my creative outlet and has helped me through this pandemic.

I hope you got to know me a little better. I’m excited you are all here and following along my chaotic journey.

02/13/2021

For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fun tulle skirt...
.and call it cozy high fashion ha!

I had been searching for weeks for a pattern to make with this beautiful dreamy pink leopard print terry fabric I purchased from and just could not settle on one. I finally decided to make the leap and use it to make the – view A.

Anyone else have anxiety trying out a new pattern?

Even after cutting into it, I questioned my choice but I am so glad I trusted the process. Since this fabric is not fleece-lined, it actually has the perfect amount of drape for a lightweight cozy sweatshirt for the Jarrah!

I did have a lot of fun dressing up and wearing heels for ! I also wanted to participate in some online valentines day sewing community challenges this year which gave me the extra motivation to finish this make on time!

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Skirt : Handmade by me - self drafted. Tutorial on the blog.

Pattern: Jarrah Sweatshirt

Fabric: French Terry Fabric

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02/05/2021

Let's talk about throw pillows and the oh so popular pom pom pillow...

I was watching a video on channel recently and came across these super cute pom pom pillows. Since then I have seen them everywhere online. It is the perfect combination of the boho chic style that is all over Pinterest!

These pillows retail at SUCH a high price point. I found one at but they have been sold out for months! So I decided to DIY a pom pom pillow for the nursery to add that fun pop of colour to the room!

The tutorial will guide you through sewing two different styles of pillows a simple zipper cushion cover AND a pom pom pillow BBC!

For the pom pom cushion I used a beautiful luxe velvet cotton that is so soft! The zipper cushion was made from a heavy weight linen in the colour canyon. As for the yarn, I used what I had in my stash but any thick yarn will work!

I love how this adds a fun pop of colour to the room!
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Throw pillows: handmade by me
Fabric: velvet cotton and linen

01/29/2021

Let’s talk about loungewear...

It seems like 2021 is starting off the same as 2020 in terms of fashion trends. Loungewear is still having its moment this year with loungwear sets and rompers trending. Seeing that I will be at home for the forseeable future, I needed a few more cozy pants and I knew I had to sew up another pair of Hudson Pants .

For this make, I used a beautiful brushed french terry from European Import that I purchased from last year.

This fabric is honestly the most cozy material I have ever worn! It has a stunning muted touch on the outside and warm, ultra fuzy inner lining.

These pants pair well with a t-shirt and zip up hoodie :) I chase two kids around all day, and cozy pieces just make it easier to play with them.

Also I used my new serger for these pants! I have to say the serger does a beautiful job in finishing off the knit seams and I KNOW it will withstand lots of stretch. However, the sewing machine is super simple to use since I know it so well. It still made a beautiful pair of pants which ultimately is what you want at the end.

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Pants: Handmade by me
Fabric: European import brushed French terry in khaki
Pattern: Hudson pants by

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01/24/2021

Let's talk about window treatments...

I definitely had some mild anxiety when I fully understood how expensive home ownership can be! From adding storage units everywhere in the house, furnishing additional spaces and ….

…the cost of window treatments.
I wanted to add some hygge vibes into the nursery. It was a bit lack luster on the comfort side of things. These DIY custom curtains were less than $130 to make and I was able to get the look, length and quality that I envisioned for the space.
You guys! This was the first time I hung up this curtain rod all by myself. Yes it may be only a curtain rod but I am so dang proud of myself. I now have this new found confidence for using power tools ha!

The details on how I got this look are up on the blog!

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Fabric: Cotton/linen blend from
Curtain rod: Racka
Curtain hooks:

01/13/2021

I have been quiet this week..

I took a break from sewing and creating this week. It has been a heavy week in more ways than one. Personally there has been some major life decisions in the background that are exciting but also emotionally heavy.

And now a fresh new year and we are back into a state of emergency and stay at home order. Of course this has not changed much for me since I’ve been following the same guidelines for nearly a year now. Yet, there are still so many feelings around the loss of normalcy, loss of connection and loss of routine.

I know many of you are in a similar position or having similar feelings. I have found that taking a moment to process all of those feelings and sit with them has been has been a such a game changer both physically and emotionally. Know that this moment in time is not going to last forever.

I will be starting some new projects this week to focus my energy. I find sewing and crafting a way to channel those feelings.

How are you all doing?

01/07/2021

As a new year begins and more lockdown restrictions are placed, I was reminded that one of my goals since starting this journey was to create more clothes for myself. Of course 2021 had to start out with a cozy sweatshirt because who are we kidding there are several more months ahead of being home-bound. I bought his beautiful french terry fabric in the colour sand from and knew I just had to make a fun flirty version of the by . This fabric is soo cozy and the neutral colour got me so excited for this project!

Inspired by , I adjusted the pattern to create a puff sleeve and extended the length of the body by 2 inches. The full details can be found on the blog! The pattern turned out wonderful and I forsee more hacks with this one in my future.
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Fabric: European import French terry in sand
Purchased from:
Pattern: Cedar Sweater by

@ Waterloo, Ontario

12/22/2020

NEW PATTERN ALERT!

Introducing the bunny lovey, my newest pattern!If you have been following along, you’ve seen the progression of this pattern and I could not be more happy with how it turned out! This is definitely one of my more sentimental pieces because I designed it as keepsake heirloom toy for my little guy who is now 8 months old!

I’ve been really influenced by vintage style and natural fibres, so I just had to make this bunny using Merchant and Mills linen fabric! There’s so much love with making your own handmade gifts.

Use LOVEY20 for 20% off this week

07/26/2019

IT’S FINALLY HERE!! You all have been loving our newborn harem pants pattern and I have gotten soo many requests to make available in larger sizes! Well, today I’m launching the newest harem pants pattern - and yes it’s available in sizes 0-24months!
Perfecting this pattern and upsizing took more time than I thought it would. Ensuring that the fit was both great for infants and toddlers was a little bit of a challenge. These harem pants have a nice slim fit while also having room movement.
If you missed the blog post yesterday, I share more photos of the harem pants! They are perfect for summer or fall depending the knit fabric you choose. But, can we just appreciate how cute this kangaroo print is!

Oh and.. and.. 20% off this pattern until August 2nd - use coupon code: HAREM20

05/12/2019

Motherhood is an emotional rollercoaster but I wouldn’t change any of it. The process to have him wasn’t an easy one, nor has it been a walk in the park to raise him to be best man he can be so far. But, I’m grateful for every morning he wakes me up with a huge smile on his face and for all the lessons he has taught me about myself and motherhood. I am incredibly grateful for being able to be his mama. Thank you for making me a mama.
Today we commemorate all moms, those that are waiting to become mothers, who have lost mothers, who have lost babies that they were never able to meet, those who have said goodbye far too early.

05/09/2019

Another harem pant, this time in taco print to brighten up this rainy and gloomy weather! You all have been loving this pattern and it just warms my heart when I see pictures of your makes. Really, I have a small jump up in the air moment every time I see one of my patterns purchased or tagged.
On a side note, the print was designed by and she has a new line of fabrics out which are so fun!
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Pattern: Harem Pants
Fabric: Day Trip- Taco Love
Purchased from:
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Kukaru Designs

02/19/2021

02/16/2021

02/13/2021

02/05/2021

01/29/2021

01/24/2021

01/13/2021

01/07/2021

12/22/2020

07/26/2019

05/12/2019

05/09/2019

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