How to Sew a Basic Maxi Skirt with Knit stretch fabric

Greetings and Blessed RasTafari Love to all!


I know I havent been around for a while, but having a newborn is so time-consuming that I really don't get much time to sit at the computer, or to make new tutorials... But I am trying to get back into the groove, as I am being creative again when I can  these days, after not making items for a while during my pregnancy. I am also working on some written material on His Majesty and the duty and roles of a king as determined in the Ible. I also want to work on some video reasonings. so things are going on behind the scenes even if it may take me longer than before to get my products online.

I really wanted to make a maxi skirt to take some pictures or do a mini photoshoot for some upcoming designs. so this beautiful camo-like fabric is what I decided to use. This is a very very basic tutorial, nothing new to the blog - but since it is knit I decided to do another tutorial on the basic A-line maxi.

Keep on trodding the path of the Virtuous Dawta!
Rastafari!
Ila

Reasoning on Marriage and Hardships

Blessed Love,

Days ago I was to post these videos up on the blog, but hopefully those who have suscribed to the youtube channel have already seen them!

Given that Sistren have been asking me so much about my thoughts on marriage, and given that it was a topic recently discussed by my fellow Sistren here in Trinidad at the Roots Dawta Connection - I decided to just take the word sound to a small video reasoning.
 I offer advice on how to deal with relationships, I refer to King Alpha and Queen Omega marriage or the ensample of JAH RasTafari Emperor and Empress of Ethiopia. I also reason on things to consider when entering into marriage, as well on polygamy verses promiscuity.

We have to be right within our consciousness in order for our marriages, relationships and works to be right and fruitful. If we are not right within then nothing can prosper. No good vibes can flow.
All Dawtas need to know and overstand that they are not alone in the hardships of marriage and raising a family. The Wombman is the backbone of the home and no matter how rough things get, I and I have to know how to balance and be mentally clear and strong to make it through no matter how much help we get or don't get.
 It is important for Idren to see that no matter how much livity one may practice, it is truly the conception of the heart, and truly bringing forth the fruits of the Kristos Irit, that see ones through daily (self-control, peace, patience, joy, charity etc.).
 Your attitude, thoughts, actions, words, are the forces that build your reality, your world. It is important to not  just focus on following rules and laws of righteousness, but to work on being a shining light of goodwill, kindness, compassion, love, wisdom and truth. It is about reflecting the Image of  JAH - being connected to and raspectful of the Iniverse and Creator God and Goddess. If you don't have the peace of Kristos within, then life will always be a struggle, negativity will always be around you because it has not been purged from within.
If I and I all learn to live with one another as Gods and Goddesses, or as Sons and Daughters of the Kristos Anointing, then our homes will be stronger, the vibes stronger.
Full mind, body soul Iditation and enlightenment must reign in the hearts of all flesh for Babylon mentality, pollution and corruption to be avoided and kept out of the home and marriage.

Think Jah, Live Jah, Be Jah! RasTafari!

Ila

These videos were updated on 24/9/2021

Tube Dress with Frill Tutorial

Greetings all Royal Dawtas

First I give thanks for the blessed selabration time, when I and I acknowledge His Majesty's visit to Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados. I hope every I was able to do something special or attend a binghi!
I myself just had a quiet family day, didnt make it to selabrations this year. Just can't do the late nights like before!

Before continuing, the RASTAWIFELINE GROUP IS UP ON FACEBOOK! Yay! finally we are live, so the reasoning and sharing of pictures, recipes and your own personal Iditations and Inspirations and questions can flow! hope to see you there sistren! please ask to join the group.

I made this tutorial also yesterday but didn't get to post it up til now. I been trying to make some comfortable dress for maternity but also to escape the horrible heat that we are currently having in Trinidad. I received an email from old navy which has been one of the only brands I;ve ever worn since a teenager. and I was looking at all the lovely maxi dresses and prints they have right now.

And it occurred to me that I have come so far, in that I more make my own clothes than buy them. I only buy underwear or tank tops. I make all my skirts and dresses myself, and if they are not of jersey they are of Afrikan print. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to make your own garments, but to also represent who you are and your style everyday. I like flowing maxi dresses and skirts with a top or shrug/jacket - that's my basic style in just different prints.

RasTafari is a Livity where everyday we are RasTafari, showing our faith in our appearance as much as in our words and deeds. To feel positive and to feel complete as a Sistren, dressing in the way of your faith or Afrikan heritage is as important as wrapping the crown or eating ital. RasTafari must give all Sistren a sense of royal confidence, wisdom, power and security. I personally feel like dressing myself, daughter and kingman is an important aspect of my identity as an Empress, makes me feel like I am really setting a good foundation. So I encourage all Sistren to pick up the sewing skill as well as crocheting skill. If you have to save for that machine, then start saving! you can do it. All answers you need for lessons can be found in a friend or online on youtube.  And trust me when I say you will be adequately and joyfully fulfilled by such a venture. Creativity gives much joy and positive energies to the body and Irit, truly priceles no matter what your creative outlet is.

So here's another tube dress, this time with a frill. very simple and straightforward.
Here's the link for the tube shrug. I used quiana fabric which is similar to jersey for this brown tube.

 

                                             

Sis Ila

Sometimes You Just Have to Represent!

Greetings sistren

Today I just want to share a pic in my Ites Gold Green. It's not often I dress in my full RasTafari Ethiopian Afrikan Garb, cuz I'm an earthtones kinda gal - love my green and brown, those kinds of colours. But sometimes we as sistren just have to royal it up and dread it up in babylon. some older more "religious" people dont like to see us in our full Ethiopian wear, it's foreign to them and just ridiculous cuz it's not western. but to others it's rather intriguing because they admire our rebel spirit to be different and to reclaim something that has been oppressed for too long.
point in case - represent JAH and the Motherland with pride and with knowledge.
I was inspired by the book im currently reading From Babylon to Timbuktu by Rudolph Windsor. it's a book that i bought to see if it had any more information i could add to my own works on the Ethiopian Origin of the Hebrews. It really made me feel good to read it because he has the same info and conclusions that I have tried to point out using Scripture and a few other historical sources such as Josephus. I definitely recommend gettin it if you can.
Ethiopia, Arabia, Israel - all black races of Asia and Afrika, and at one time the Israelite way of life or religion was once spread across all these kingdoms by kings and of the course Queen of Sheba before Christianity and Islam came in centuries later. Indeed the "Jews" ruled Ethiopia on both the left and right side of the Red Sea - Asia and Afrika was once all Ethiopia - two Ethiopias divided by water, and also Israelite by religion - as I said Abraham's Covenant extends from the Nile to the Euphrates - it's truer than the White world would have us believe.

Much love and power to the Sistren
Ila

How to Sew a Triangle Scarf (Ises Wrap)

  How to sew a triangle scarf

The ila Ises Wrap

(aka the one yard scarf)

                Materials: 1 yrd voile, scissors, thread, appropriate size machine needle, sewing machine

Every RasTa Wombman wears a head-covering at some point during the day: whether it’s for giving Ises, going out to work, to the Taba, to the grocery – whatever the place or reason; it is important that the crown be covered, and the sanctity of the dreadlocks maintained.  

                This Tradition I and I have learned from our Afrikan Mothers who in any tribe or religion have always maintained the aesthetic value of covering themselves in flowing garments. The Ethiopian Wombman uses the Shamma or a woolen shawl which I think might be called a shash - I’m looking for the origin of this word if anyone knows – it’s a word I’ve heard other Fari call the Ethiopian shawl. Check out this link also http://www.tadias.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Ethiopian-Easter1.jpg

 Empress Menen wore the Shamma to Church for Ises and service. The Shamma is more of a rectangular shape, however. It is larger than this triangle scarf. And that’s because this scarf is more of the perfect accessory for that emergency or momentary “cover-up.” Not every time I and I cover up, does it have to be “a big production.” Every dread gets to the stage where it’s hard to manage due to the length and fullness.  Sometimes if it’s just the hour of Ises (6, 12, 6, 12); or a stranger appears at the door, or a bredren/elder quickly stops by to hail the I or the King-Man;  at the drop of a pin sometimes a Dawta needs to “throw on something” to make herself appropriate, neat. (The Kaftan dress is a good thing to just throw on too, we’ll get to those tutorials as soon as I get my memory card in the mail!)

Because of that functionality this little triangle scarf, my Ises Wrap, is one of my favourite items to wear. It suits the warm weather of summer, and sometimes I don’t want the headache tying up my dreads too much.  I use it when it is time for Ises or when I am going out. I recommend making as many colours as you have in your wardrobe! Mix and match – one on the head, one on the shoulder at the same time - each scarf only takes 1 YARD of 45 INCH COTTON  VOILLE. If you want to use other cloths, feel free! I have made this scarf for other sistren who have shorter dreads – it’s the perfect covering for a short crown. For those Sistren with the large, thick bongos , this is a one size scarf, so it will not be able to completely cover your dreadlocks, it would more work as a bandana would.

Note this scarf also functions as a wrap, so it is not a Fall which is the official Bobo Shanty Empress and Princess head covering . The Fall achieves total covering of the dreadlocks from root to tip;, this scarf is really to cover the crown – and can only cover all if the dreads are neat/small enough in a bun.

Now, onto the tutorial:

Get your 1 yard of voile cotton fabric.

Take the bottom left corner and pull it over to meet the top right corner.

With your hands, smooth down or lightly press in the fabric to keep that triangle shape. The Triangle should be uneven; one end should be longer than the other on both sides opposite the fold.

 It should look like this (please excuse the stuff in the way lol – I have a large table but it can’t fit in the house so I use the floor for now because my current work table is too narrow!):

If you look at the left and the right sides (close to the bottom) you can see the uneven parts.

I folded the triangle in half again to show what my two sides look like:

Next, Pin the triangle together so it doesn’t shift. Get the scissors and cut away the longer side of the fabric, evening up the ends and shape of the scarf. It should now look like this! (sorry it’s a bit blurry)

Now it’s time to go to the sewing machine. To complete the Ises wrap just ZIG ZAG all four sides of the triangle TWICE. You will need a matching thread colour – or contrasting if you want to spice it up. Also a small sewing needle – green coloured or size 70/9 (Singer universal needle) (or 70/10 for other brands) for sheer knits and thin fabrics like voile and chiffon.  This needle is what I use in a Brother BM-2700. I turned the Zigzag Dial to size 4, which is not too big, but not too close that I keep missing the fabric, which sometimes happens to me when I zigzag at size 3 or 2.5.

The first zigzag is simple all around the edges. You can add an extra layer at this point if you want to, making it 3 zigzag layers in total. The only reason why it might not be necessary is that too much needle work in the same point makes tiny holes in the voile fabric.

The second layer of zigzagging entails making a tiny fold at the edge, setting that under the presserfoot, and then zigzagging the edges again but with the little fold. So the zigzag is not directly on the edges but makes a tiny sized hem. Like this:

YOU DON’T HAVE TO PIN ANYTHING to make this tiny hem! You just have to hold the voile and ensure that the small fold stays there as the machine sews, it works perfectly this way! Trust me, there’s no need to use pins for this second layer of zigzag! Just take your time.

 When you are finished zigzagging all edges in these two steps, you are finished! This is what they look like:

(I’ve added some other colours  – the mustard colour I wear the most alongside the pink, so you can see the wear and tear of washing doesn’t really affect the seam.)

After reading this I bet you think it’s super easy, and you could do that in no time! Especially if you have a serger – well I don’t, so that’s why my methods will entail using zigzag stitches a lot.

But the quick ease of this great scarf-slash-wrap is the little surprise I was keeping back! The Ises wrap is a must-have, totally easy addition to every Empress wardrobe! What’s more, it’s the PERFECT SIZE for your little princess! Ages 10 and up should be able to wrap the Ises wrap as a covering too!   

Here’s how many ways you can wear it!

As a head scarf:

As a wrap:

Wear it as a shrug by tying it behind your back - this will only work for a smaller person I think:

If you can’t sew or don’t have a machine, or anyone to zigzag for you, feel free to order the Ises wrap now, I can set it up at my online etsy store - www.etsy.com/shop/iladesigns.

Hope you love the Ises Wrap!

Bless

Ila

The Virtuous Wombman

Greetings and Blessed Love to all Dawtas of the Most High JAH RasTafarI!

My trod in Rastafari took solid roots because I was introduced to the Bobo Shanty priesthood, namely a particular camp in one of the worst ghettos of Trinidad - Gonzales -  it is called the House of Judah, and the Leading Priest Ekeche, is actually born on July 23rd, the same day as the Emperor!
Priest Ekeche has one wife Empress Adama, and together they have 9 youths - and have never been divorced or had affairs and all that which tends to go on sometimes in Bobo camplife. They have been together in Fari for over thirty years and the stronghold of righteousness keeps them safe in such a perilous neighbourhood. Priest's camp isn't a live-in camp, only his family lives in the yard - but most members of the community live close by and are always around. Every Wednesday is gathering night, or the night the House gets together to worship and have Scripture Study. Other books are also discussed, or sometimes it's film, and so on. Every Tuesday is Empress gathering, and it starts earlier so the wives can be home at a decent hour.

One of the first topics of Scripture any princess or Dawta is introduced to when she starts visiting the House for gathering, or courting a Bobo Dread, is the principle of the Virtuous Wife or Woman. How does the Virtuous Honourable wife dress, act, pray, treat her family, treat others? This is the most important first lesson because when Sighting up Rastafari many of us Dawtas still hold on to many Babylonian mentalities and vanities, and habits. We have one foot in the door, and the other out in the cold. But can that state of in-between continue? Not if you really want to be a Dread!

In order to know what is right, we have to start comparing JAH's Principle and Order to Babylon's. And what can be found is that regardless of race or nationality, of former background religion, whether Binghi, Orthodox or EABIC (Bobo), the ways of purity and goodness for a Wombman follow one basic pattern.

Rastafari, like the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, uses Leviticus to determine the laws of Wombman in the Tabernacle - such introduce the 14-21 days purification principle known to Bobo Shanty. But Proverbs 31 is the basic Scripture in the Old Testament used to discuss the duties and attributes of the Virtuous Wife.

 In the New Testament Paul and Peter also have verses which describe the ideal for the Nazirene wives (Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, 1 Peter 3, 1 Corinthians 7,11,14, 1 Timothy 2). 

The Book of Sirach in the Apocrypha is another book, in addition to the Fetha Nagast (pg. 80, 148), being the Ethiopian Law Book of the Monarchy (JAH Rastafari) is also another important document detailing the expectations of the King's Royal Dawtas.

The most other important source of information on the virtues of the RasTa Wombman as she embodies the identity and works of the Virtuous Wife, is the Biography of Empress Menen Asfaw which has been translated fully into English by the work of Sis. Anjahli Parnell. All Dawtas must have this book in the home! Empress Menen truly is our Number One Leader and Guide back to our true selves as Afrikan Mothers, Wives, Daughters and Handmaids of the Lord, and finally there is a work that brings I and I closer to Her just as we have been drawn closer to HIM with His two Autobiographies.

Here's a brief summary of the characteristics of the Virtuous Wife  taken from Proverbs 31, which is the kind of chapter that needs careful study of the language to really get the total overstanding of  her values. But one thing's for sure: the RasTa Wombman is the Virtuous Wombman in flesh, and our entire identity is pleasing to the Lord because I and I honour the work of the Sacred Feminine.

I find it necessary to also stress that these principles speak on the true heart of a wombman, which is not to be confused with matters of her outward appearance, such as whether a Dawta wears makeup or jewellery or headwraps or pants.  How she carries herself and behaves will speak volumes regardless of what she wears.

·            good reputation

·            wise

·            good-natured

·            disciplined/disciplinary

·            hardworking

·            skillful

·            self-sufficient

·            trustworthy

·            compassionate

·            generous

·            humble

·            prosperous

·            confident

·            regal

·            able to make good decisions

·            livicated to children & husband         

·            God-fearing

·            health/appearance conscious

I hope I have given the I Sistren some good food for thought!

Selah!

Sis. Ila

Greetings and Welcome to RasTa WifeLine

Blessed Love, Selamta!

Welcome to RasTa WifeLine - the online source for everything the I needs to know or learn about being a RasTa Wife, an Empress, and bringing up RasTa youths in the True Natural Right Ital Livity of JAH.


I am Sistah Ila Addis, a 29 year old homeschooling mother of one, a wife, a writer, an artist, a creatress, a Rastafari Wombman and Dawta of Ethiopia-Afrika and the Kingof Kings Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw I...

The many aspects of Rastafari Livity revolve around the number one principle of Rastafari Righteous Redemption: leaving off Babylonian or Western culture, for the Ethiopian Origin and Root of Man/Wombman. This is a mental, emotional, spiritual and physical rejuvenation, journey and awareness... and in response to the ignited Rebel-Lion/Lioness Irit, every RasTa goes through changes in clothing, aesthetic rituals, diet, recreation, employment, worship and moral principle. Every I has to "walk the walk" just as they "talk the talk!"

As per tradition, since the dawn of time, it is the job of the Wife to see to it that the Livity is firmly rooted and grounded in the daily opertations of the family and home. All Dawtas are to ensure that the culture they learned from their King-Man or Priest, or through their own Sighting of JAH RasTafarI, manifests in their own daily rituals and presentations, and in that of their children and husband. The Wife is the Sustainer of culture and order in the home, she literally sustains the lives of her people. Her talk and walk determine everyone else's most of the time, so if her foundation is not sturdy, then the Livity of the home can crumble.

This order is furthermore what separates Rastafari from Western Christianity (which for the Dread is no longer a Way of Life, but a lip-service institution of slavery). To be Rastafari is not just about growing the dreadlocks and wearing red gold and green - it is about applying the Principles of Ethiopia and Black God/Goddess to every aspect of life, and honouring the Ivine I, JAH in all Creation. RasTa is a Way of Life based on Right and Just Principle and Overstanding. The Principles I and I learn are the principles I and I live and lead by.

And in this regard, RasTa WifeLine aims to be the lifeline and support of all Dawtas "going through the change," as I will provide Ital recipes and dietary principles, sewing and crocheting tutorials, and loads of information pertaining to Ethiopia, Isra'el and Rastafari from my personal research and soon-to-be-published books. EVERYTHING the I Sistren need to carry on the Righteousness of Fari, will be added here!

JAH willing, I will also showcase my fellow Sistren who have inspired I to build this blog, and engage them in important reasonings on RasTa Wife Livity and Identity - all to provide the solid foundation which is currently lacking for I and I Dawtas on the internet.



RasTa Wifeline is truly a humble service to Afrikan Queendom and Wombmanhood and Rastafari Livity, and I hope that it will only grow abundant fruits for Dawtas worldwide.

Selah!
Sistah Ila