Face Masks: Not Just for Halloween

Remember back-in-the-day when kids were getting ready to go out for Halloween and masks were discouraged in favour of face paint.  Boy have times changed!  

I've tried a new face mask pattern.  This one is the Aplat-Mask, it's an origami design.  

This is the first one I've made of the origami design and so far the only complaint I have is the elastic cord that I used.  That's an easy fix.  And the only reason is that I wear glasses and it's just too bulky with an elastic cord and the arm of the glasses competing for top-of-the-ear real estate.  Otherwise, it's a great fit.  

The pattern calls for two layers of canvas fabric.  Instead, I used two layers of printed quilting cotton plus one layer of white cotton.  If you don't feel like sewing your own, you can purchase a ready-made one from their website.  

Project Details

Seams:  2.4 length straight stitch

Seam finish:  No interior seam finishing but the outer edges were top-stitched.  

Tips:  There is no one perfect face mask pattern that will fit everyone since we're all different shapes and sizes and some of us wear glasses while some don't.  So I won't endorse any of the face masks patterns that I've tried over the others.  The best that I can tell you is to experiment and find your best fit.  

Fabric:    0.24 metres 

Elastic Cord:  0.80 metres

Pattern:  Aplat-Mask Free Download

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Computer, printer, paper scissors, fabric scissors, tailor's chalk, pins, pin cushion, iron, ironing board, thread clippers, sewing machine, and a zipper foot.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!  

Can Knowing Your Fibres Save a Life?

According to a study in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, researchers assessed that pre-menopausal women exposed to acrylic and nylon fibres were at greater risk of developing breast cancer post-menopause.  

Synthetic fibres have not been my favourite to sew or wear for many reasons.  The possible link to cancer being one of many.  Environmental impact, pilling, static cling and the list can go on and on.  

So I was quite surprised that the Roots brand tuques (toques for you non-Canadians) featured in the Hats for Hope fundraising campaign were made out of synthetic fibres.  

They're made with 100% acrylic and a polyester lining.  Okay, maybe I shouldn't be surprised.  For years decades manufacturers have been cutting costs by incorporating more synthetic fibres into fabric production.  And it's difficult impossible to find a toque that isn't made out of acrylic now-a-days.  

Brain Cancer Awareness Day is a wonderful fundraising effort to raise awareness on this terrible disease that affects so many.  And I applaud their efforts to raise funds to find a cure.  

Maybe, skip the synthetic tuque and go straight to making a donation while educating ourselves and others of the products and lifestyle choices that may have serious consequences down the road.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

It's been about six weeks since I sat at the sewing machine to sew.  These past months my sewing mojo took a serious hit while I pushed myself to sew things that hurt me to sew.  Over the past few months, sewing wasn't an escape or something that gave me a sense of joy.  It became, at times, a painful reminder that I didn't have time to process what was going on around me.  Thank you to the readers who left comments and reached out and even though I didn't respond, your messages were thoughtful and appreciated and I just needed a "break."  

Cancer reeled it's ugly head and took away someone dear to me. Again. It hurts. It really hurts. The sewing machine is packed away. I can't even imagine sitting down to sew right now. At this time, I can't imagine a time when I will want to sew again.  

If anything I've learned during this time is that you should never let someone nudge you into a project that you are not able to take on because of space limitations, lack of focus, sewing abilities, or physical challenges. It will mess you up.  

But if you are looking for a sewing project and would like to help. You can pick up where I have left off for now.  There is still more work to do if you want.  No pressure.  I'm not trying to nudge anyone into sewing something that is out of your comfort zone.  If you're looking for a small and meaningful project I do have a suggestion.  

Sew some scrub caps for palliative care nurses.  You can not imagine how something so small can uplift these angels who care for our loved ones.  Or sew more face masks for homeless shelters and families of cancer patients so that we can keep our communities safe.  

Stay Safe, Be Kind and Happy Sewing!