RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.


Class Description


Don’t give up on that piece of clothing just yet!

Get creative in this hands-on visible mending class designed for teen girls. In this course, students will learn a variety of sewing and mending techniques while bringing their own clothing and textiles back to life. Each week blends practical skill-building with creative exploration as students repair, redesign, and renew pieces in ways that reflect their personal style and imagination. What may begin as a simple repair becomes an opportunity for creativity, mindfulness, and transformation.

Alongside learning practical sewing skills, students will also reflect on Islamic values connected to gratitude, moderation, responsibility, and caring for the blessings Allah ﷻ has entrusted to us. In a world that often encourages waste and overconsumption, this class invites students to approach clothing and belongings with greater thoughtfulness, creativity, and appreciation.

Students will also explore how different cultures have used mending as both an art form and a meaningful tradition, finding beauty in renewal and imperfection. By the end of the course, students will leave with practical sewing skills they can continue using in everyday life, as well as a deeper appreciation for sustainability, mindful living, and creativity through an Islamic lens.



Class Outline


Week 1:  Sewing and Mending Basics

Students will learn the foundational skills of hand sewing, including threading a needle, tying knots, and practicing basic stitches. This session builds confidence with sewing tools and techniques while introducing discussions about ihsan (excellence and care) in everyday tasks and how Islam encourages intentionality and responsibility in even small actions. 


Week 2:  I Can Fix That! Everyday Repairs 

Students will learn how to repair common clothing issues such as small holes, loose seams, and missing buttons. Alongside practical skills, students will reflect on the importance of gratitude, avoiding waste, and caring for the blessings Allah ﷻ has given us rather than treating things as disposable. 


Week 3:  Visible Mending 

This week focuses on creative stitching techniques that turn repairs into beautiful design features. Students will explore how flaws and imperfections can become part of something meaningful and unique, while reflecting on themes of growth, resilience, and how beauty can emerge through repair and care. 


Week 4:  Renew and Redesign  
 
Students will refresh or redesign existing clothing items using patches, embellishments, and creative alterations. The class encourages imagination and self-expression while exploring Islamic ideas of moderation, resourcefulness, and using creativity in beneficial and thoughtful ways.


Week 5:  Mending Around the World + Show and Share 

Students will explore how different cultures have practiced mending throughout history as both a practical skill and an art form. The course concludes with a relaxed show and share where students present one of their repaired or redesigned pieces and reflect on what they learned about creativity, sustainability, gratitude, and mindful living over the five weeks. 

Class Activity Materials

Hand sewing needles (sharps)

Sashiko needles

Small scissors

Sashiko thread

Embroidery floss/thread

Darning mushroom

Small embroidery hoop

Sewing pins

Clothing or fabric items for mending practice (recommended)

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Wednesdays, 12:30 - 1:30 PM Central Time 

Session dates: July 1 - 29 

Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.


*Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. 

**RabaTEENS programs are for girls aged 12-17 ONLY. Students are required to be 12 already in order to join any of RabaTEENS programs.

Certificate of Participation

Certificates of participation are available upon request.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

The Art of Mending

Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)

Instructor

Anse Carla Taylor

Anse Carla Taylor currently works for Art & Wilderness Institute Community, where she leads backpacking trips, focuses on the non profit operations, and is the Director of Khulafa Al-Ard, an outdoor Islamic weekend nature program. Anse Carla is also a teacher for Rabata’s children program, Dragonflies and volunteers her time with her local library. She holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science. Anse Carla currently resides in Southern California, but was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she attended San Jose State University. She has worked in the nonprofit field for over 15 years in various capacities, which have provided her with opportunities to serve her community and beyond. When she isn’t working outside of the home, Anse Carla homeschools her 3 kids, enjoys outdoor activities with her family, and takes various classes on topics that she feels will enrich her life and the lives of those around her. In her not-so-spare time, she enjoys handwork and good conversations.