“Last summer, I signed up for a fabric alchemy workshop at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York. I practiced hand stitching techniques with thrifted materials, learned about textiles, and formed a connection with emerging designer Mahdiyyah Muhammad. The tides of the fashion world are shifting, and building a new brand nowadays often involves a commitment to sustainability.”

—Participant

FABRIC ALCHEMY: AN EXPLORATION OF NATURALLY OCCURRING MATERIALS AND THEIR HEALING QUALITIES, Brooklyn Grange Farms

“Thank you so much for that presentation Mahdiyyah! The inner turmoil that can come from the knowledge of waste on our planet can be so overwhelming. Good to be in the company of others trying to intentionally vibe higher and spread love through fashion.”

—Participant

Wearable Medicine: Healing Fabrics Workshop, East New York Farms

“Hey thank you for your session last night - I learned a lot and feel affirmed in a lot of my material sensitivities and practices..”

—Participant

Wearable Medicine: Healing Fabrics Workshop, East New York Farms

“I’m so happy to come across your platform & happy I can relate to someone who looks like me that is trying to make a way in the fashion world as a sustainable designer. I think it’s so important for women of our background to play a part in this industry especially with our culture playing a major part. I would love to keep in touch and open to any volunteer events in the near future.”

—Participant

Wearable Medicine: Healing Fabrics Workshop, East New York Farms

“This was an AMAZING program-so much fun, and I loved interacting with Mahdiyyah and the CH moderators and audience. It was one of the best programs I have attended/participated in. Thank you and please continue these wonderful kind of programs!”

—Participant

Design Snacks, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

“As one of East New York Farms!’s workshop facilitators, Mahdiyyah was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Her workshop titled “Reap What You Sew”, which instructed people how to sew a reusable bag, brought together people of all ages and skill-level. She is an organized facilitator and an attentive instructor. Mahdiyyah’s evident passion for her craft established a learning environment that promoted curiosity and connection. Mahdiyyah is welcome back anytime. Thank you, Mahdiyyah!”

— Mikayla Hubert

Community Gardens Organizer

East New York Farms

“Mahdiyyah has allowed my girls the opportunity to participate in sewing workshops that helped to flourish their creative ideas. With her they have learned how to use a sewing machine, and create different patterns. I truly couldn’t be more grateful for her and the mentoring she has provided.”

— Gracie Cedres

Program Director

Harlem Children’s Zone-Promise Academy II

“San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles had such a positive experience working with Fashion Designer and Teaching Artist, Mahdiyyah Muhammad. From the coordination, to the digital workshop itself, Mahdiyyah, was energetic, attentive and overall a pleasure to work with. Mahdiyyah was creative in using multiple cameras to facilitate the workshop, which the students appreciated. Her workshop inspired us to put a call for teaching artists out so that we could continue to collaborate with artists we normally don’t work with outside of the Bay Area. SJMQT absolutely recommends her to any organization who is looking for beginner, intermediate and advanced sewing workshops for their creative audience.”

—Amy DiPlacido

Curator of Exhibitions, San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

“I had a wonderful time with Ms. Mahdiyyah. I’m still able to use what I’ve learned today. My reason for initially going was to get some hands on experience while hoping to get into my dream High School. I did eventually get accepted to my first choice high school which was Fashion Industries high school. Aside from the detailed instruction, she was so sweet and patient because it was my first time learning everything. She took her time in helping me understand the steps. Overall it was just a beautiful experience.”

— Nevaeh

High School Student, Fashion Industries High School

“I really enjoyed being in Ms. Diyyah’s sewing class. I learned a lot about how to use and operate the sewing machine correctly. I am really glad that I joined her class, especially because I have an interest in Fashion. Not only did I enjoy the class, but Ms. Diyyah was extremely helpful when I was having trouble with the machine. She was also patient and sweet While she taught us. For me, I'd give her class a 10/10!.”

— Rai B.

“Ms. Diyyah’s sewing class has been worthwhile. She taught me how to use a sewing machine, and use needle and thread. With her instruction, I’ve learned to make a scrunchie, a pocket wallet, and many other things. Ms. Diyyah was always a great help, and she even made my birthday outfit last year.”

— Chyna N.