Now I Feel Like Sewing 100 More Face Masks!

Oh goodness.  

So, I almost spit up my coffee this morning when I read a comment awaiting approval that started off with "Please don't post face masks..."

The comment will not be posted because it contains an unsolicited link. I don't approve comments that contain external links. Added to that, this is a sewing blog. I post what I sew. 

If what I sew is offensive to you, please, move along. This blog is a record of what I make and what I've stash-busted.  Okay, jumping off the soap box.  Continue on sewing.   

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!    

Top 5 Hits

 

Top 5 Highlights: What are the best/most worn items you sewed this year?  

These boot-legged jeans are not a most-worn item but made the hit-list because they fit and I procrastinated on cutting into a precious piece of 100% cotton fabric with fear that I might not get the fit right.  The pattern, Butterick 5682, is a keeper.  

This shirt made the hit-list because it's too much fun to wear, made in time to celebrate National Flag of Canada Day.  It is made with Butterick 6325.  And just like the jeans it was an item that I was waiting a long time to get around and make.  

The global pandemic played havoc with our everyday life and early on with news that the Euro Cup was cancelled this face mask got me through the unknown.  This most-worn item is made with the Dhurata face mask pattern.  

Seriously, kicking myself for ever buying a disposable filter.  This reusable filter is the best.  

This eye-glass case is not only the best, it's also an often used item.  And best part is that it was made with cork fabric scraps I had kicking around.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!

The Last of the Face Masks

Never in a millions years would I have ever believed that I would have spend most of my year sewing face mask after face mask.  But here we are and (knock on wood) this is it.  I'm ready to move on to something else.  

These final face masks, like all the others, will be gifted.  I'm just grateful that there are people out there who want to wear a face mask to keep others safe.  

The fabrics are 100% cotton, quilting cotton for the exterior fabrics and cotton muslin for the interior filter layer.  They were all pre-shrunk before hitting the cutting table.  

Project Details

Seams:  2.4 straight stitch for the interior, 2.6 straight stitch for top-stitching.

Seam Finish:  None

Fabric:  1.8 metres (includes the third interior layer)

Elastic:  1.84 metres 

Pattern:  Aplat origami design free PDF download

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Computer, printer, cutting table, paper, paper scissors, pins, tailor's chalk, fabric scissors, thread clippers, sewing machine, seam ripper, hand sewing needle, threads and coffee.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!  

The Hundredth Mark: Face Mask Sewing

These four face masks mark a hundred that have been sewn since the spring.  Lately, I've been pushing myself to get these done and move onto something more creative.  

Four more to finish before that will happen. Unless...

Unless, I put aside the face masks and sneak in another project?  But I digress...

The first two are to go in the post and have the ties with a cord stopper.  The last of the cord stoppers in my stash and I don't think that I'll be picking up any more as I want to slow down on the mask making and use what I have in the stash.  The other two have ear elastic.  I would like to hear how they fit before I finish the other four left to do.

The fabrics were pretreated before hitting the cutting table.  These are three layers, the fashion fabric is a quilting cotton and the interior is a cotton muslin.  

Project Details

Seams:  2.4 straight stitch

Seam Finish:  None

Fabric:  1.8 metres (includes interior layer)

Twill tape:  2 metres

Elastic:  0.5 metres

Cord Stoppers:  2 - 1 hole stopper

Pattern:  The Aplat origami design face mask (Free PDF download)

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Computer, printer, paper scissors, tailor's chalk, fabric scissors, pins, sewing machine, seam ripper, safety pin, and coffee.  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!

In Sewing News Today...

Over a week and a half ago I started to wonder if the Vogue Winter / Holiday patterns were going to be released.  I'm happy to see the new offerings.  

I am on the hunt for a piece of outwear that could qualify as a car coat.  Something shorter that won't get dirty at the hemline if when it brushes against the car while I try to get seated.  Something short and that I can throw on for quite short errands.  Vogue patterns didn't disappoint with Vogue 1754.  If I did pick up this pattern or wait for it to hit the local stores for pick-up, it would arrive after the Christmas break.  So this year, I'll settle for something else.  

This Sandra Betzina design, Vogue 1756, is lovely.  It is sold as a duster but in my eyes this would be a very sweet shirt dress.  It has some back gathering in the lower part of the back.  

One noticeable aspect of the Winter / Holiday collection is the absence of formal party worthy dresses.  A sign of our pandemic lifestyle with mostly comfortable options being featured.  Since this holiday season will be filled with Zoom style holiday parties this holiday collection has some safe and comfortable options.  

In other new pattern news, I am waiting for the new oversized shirt pattern by The Assembly Line.  

There is a plaid silk fabric pretreated and pressed and waiting for the pattern to arrive.  

Well, that's all in sewing news for today.  What are you hoping to sew?  

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!  

The Aplat Origami Design Face Mask

 

A request for these came out of the batch I donated to the school staff who wear glasses.  So these are another charity project to be delivered tomorrow.  I managed to sew one more (not photographed) that found a new home this afternoon.  The other was fitted with ear elastic instead of twill ties.  Five done today with another eight to hopefully finish this week.  

I will admit, I'm bored with sewing face masks.  Are you bored seeing them?

Project Details

Fabric:  1.3 metres 

Twill tape:  4 metres

Elastic:  0.5 metres 

Pattern:  Free downloadable

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Computer, printer, pins, ruler, measuring gauge, paper scissors, fabric shears, tailor's chalk, sewing machine, iron, ironing board, safety pin, wrist brace and breaks. 

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing! 

Upcycled Project: Wool Tuque

It's a tuque. Not a toque. The great debate has been settled years ago so let's move onto the project details shall we.  

It is next to impossible to find a tuque in is part of the country made from 100% wool or at the very least isn't made with acrylic or some other man-made fibre.  The desire to sew winter gear out of wool is one of the reasons I search the racks of second hand stores for discarded 100% wool sweaters. It's becoming a rare find and a true treasure when I do score such an item.  These gems are perfect for making mittens, scarves, and today, a tuque.  

The pattern is a free downloadable pattern from The Littlest Studio and it's a perfect pattern for beginners. Easy peasy sewing.  

Project Details

Fabric:  1 wool sweater

Pattern:  Free downloadable 

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Computer, printer, paper, paper scissors, tape, fabric scissors, sewing machine, walking foot, and pins. 

Stay Safe and Happy Sewing!