Creative Hands

Parise Henry, an environmental science major at the University of Maryland, started sewing in high school. Without any formal teaching, it was something she played around with for a bit. Two years ago, with the aid of online tutorials she started sewing again.

She currently makes purses and wristlets, with hopes of expanding to clothes in the future. Parise has made these handbags using a variety of material from jeans, cotton, to corduroy. In addition to handbags, Parise also makes hijab pins using clay. The hijab pins come in varying shapes including chocolate dipped strawberries, flowers, and other fruits.  She is also currently working on sewing jean skirts. Plans of making skirts and dresses are also in the works.

So what caused this environmental science major to decide to start sewing? Parise described it as a craving for a certain food you see in a restaurant.  At times you cannot eat it due to dietary restrictions, such as no wine or pork. It is also easier to just make it at home as opposed to going out.  This is exactly how Parise views sewing.  There are certain trends that she sees and wants.  Despite the styles being beautiful they are at times too tight, too short, or see through for her taste.  To Parise, being able to make an item with the specific characteristics she wants is very rewarding and empowering.  After searching the market for Islamic clothes Parise was left unsatisfied.  The clothes were either cheap and unfashionable or beautiful yet expensive.  For her, being able to make clothes for herself and other Muslim women is extremely exciting and very much needed.  Parise is not the first Muslim woman who has aimed to make fashion that is geared toward Muslim women.  She follows in the footsteps of local businesses such as Primo Moda, TuleenShop, and many other Muslim owned and run businesses.  These businesses serve as a great tool to Muslims that live in a society that does not cater directly to their needs and wants.

Having seen the purses designed and made by Parise I can attest to the attention of detail in them — an attention that she says stems from the concept of ihsan (striving for excellence) in Islam.  In the future, she plans to open her own boutique complete with bags and clothing, inshAllah (God willing).

Her favorite article that she has sewn is in fact the purse she currently wears everyday. It is a dark denim bag with a floral corduroy lining.  The bag is accented with bows, pleats, and pleated pockets.

You can the find the items that Parise sells at   http://www.etsy.com/shop/twocreativehands