Not much sewing today cos I need the get my wrist the much-needed rest! I ordered gloves for carpal tunnel syndrome from Amazon and the fastest expected delivery date is on 2nd September.
My SIL advised me to put an ice pack on my wrist which I did and it helped. So today I just took a couple of fabric photos for the shop and editing on my phone. I really love Snapseed! In fact, I took a couple of fabric bundle photos last week but don't have time to edit it. So I am just going to do that today.
I finished the mask orders from my Etsy Shop. The black linen 3D face mask has been sold like hotcakes! I really love this trip 3D mask and I'll be making more for the shops in case you're interested. The latest one is this beige linen with cotton lining.
I just got a few Mull cotton samples from my supplier, but cannot decide which one I have to stock. This one is good for dying too in case you're into fabric dying. The fabric is so soft. It's lightweight and medium sheer. Let see, I'll decide after 2 - 3 days!
Now let's get back to work. I must call the DHL delivery guy to pick up my shipments and maybe more photo sessions and editing. Today the weather is nice and my small balcony "photo studio" got plenty of natural light until later afternoon. Until next time, stay positive and safe!!
Hello, how's everyone doing? Are you still making masks? well, I do though now I am slowing down a lot. I've got a little pain in my wrist which makes sewing a bit uncomfortable. A little stretching exercise does help. The sew must go on, right? :D
My recent fave is making this pleated mask. The measurement is based on the Free Dust Mask tutorial. The difference is I use 2 fabrics measuring 7.5" x 7.5" for adult size. And for the pleats, after making the small box pleats at the center (like in the video below), I added another pleat on top and bottom. it's a bit of a hassle in the beginning. I usually make the center box pleat, sew it in place, and then add the additional pleats and sew it again. It's because I don't like using pin or clip so much. You can definitely use pin or clip to hold the pleats prior to sewing them in place.
Here are a few more I finished recently. This type of pleated mask is comfortable to wear. The multi pleats create more room for breathing. I've been wearing one myself. The size is quite generous, it covers the face nicely. I added nose wire for a better fit.
These guitar 3D Face Masks were for the giveaway winners on Instagram. There was a loop giveaway organized by ZoomIn with 3 other brands (all small businesses) and it was fun. It was my first time doing loop giveaway :D.
It was supposed to be a gift hamper but since all of us are from different cities, we decided to send directly to the winner. During lockdown domestic shipping has been severely delayed. It takes at least 10 business days to deliver, especially from my place here in Guwahati to the rest of the country.
Another thing I really like these days is the weekly review video that's generated automatically on my phone. I took a LOT of videos and photos every day and this weekly video sort of a glimpse of what's going on in the week. What do you think?
Thank you for reading my blog, stay creative, & stay safe!
How's everyone doing? I hope you enjoy your summer this year even though you maybe just stay at home like me :D. The good thing is this year finally we put an AC in the living room which opens up to my drawing sewing room. So, I can do my work pretty comfortably during the summer, which can be very humid.
Another good thing is I have time to update my shops in Etsy as well as my Website with a few face masks and fabrics. When you're a solopreuner, running your small business from the drawing-room, it can be quite overwhelming sometimes, especially now with everyone is doing work/class from home. I will add more fabric bundles in the next few weeks, maybe a few bundles at a time. Creating a fabric bundle is fun because I just love Indian prints and colors. A few days ago, someone asked for black and white fabric which I posted on Instagram Reel and asking if I have another black and white. While pulling out fabrics, I realize that even in white there are so many shades :D
Sometimes, I get inspired and started making stuff, like these few 3D face masks using my own pattern. I use a couple of them and I must say it's the most comfortable masks! So lightweight and breathable. I either use cambric or poplin cotton for the lining because they are more tightly woven which is good for filtering. Even the triple-layer mask is still very comfortable.
In between, I managed to sew a couple of scrappy blocks from my 2.5" box. I haven't got time to continue my granny square quilt yet, but here I am started another scrappy project. This one doesn't need so much planning though. After looking at #scrappysquaresewalong on Instagram, I am so inspired to start one. Well, I'm not good at following a challenge or a quilt along. So, I'll do it at my own pace and will not stress over the deadline. It's supposed to be fun activities for me.
The block is scrappy 36 patch blocks (I love the first one I made) and I finished around 8 blocks now. I make 4 mini 9 patch blocks and then put them together. Sometimes I only able to do 1 mini blocks and sometimes I can finish 3 or 4 mini blocks.
I'm getting more addicted to making scrappy patchwork. For now, 2.5" squares is my fave cut. I don't cut them all at once, but I try to cut more frequently and I am so happy now I have more varieties from the remnants of the mask :D
If you'd like to see the fun scrappy bundle, check out my Etsy Shop or on my WEBSITE. I ship internationally from website too via DHL or sometimes FedEx if the customer prefers it. I'm so glad I got the DHL account done and I've been shipping out regularly now. I'll talk about my experience in my next post!
Thank you for stopping by today, stay creative & stay safe!
Hello, how's everyone doing? We're still on strict lockdown here in my city as cases crossed 11K. The lockdown is for 14 days which hopefully will end by 12th July. This week several relaxations were announced but not including activities for e-commerce. That means I have to wait until 13th July to be able to ship orders again. Meanwhile, I am working on a few orders and also preparing for all fabric orders. So once the e-commerce activities are allowed, I can start shipping immediately.
I made several changes for shipping in my Etsy Shops (Fabrics Shop and Handmade Shop) because there is uncertainty with India Post when they are going to start international services again. I will only use expedited shipping for now and onwards via DHL e-com and will give FREE UPGRADE to Express Shipping (5-7 business days delivery) if you shop for $50 and above.
I will be adding more fabrics in the coming weeks. My supplier just sent me a few collections. They've been rather badly hit by the intermittent lockdown since March with most of the market area being closed for months. And when it was allowed to open, there were no customers. Most of the shop owners here are not familiar with selling online, even if they are, their stocks are all in their shop, which means, no sales for months.
On the handmade side, I finished these wallets but not able to send them as yet. In between sewing face masks, sewing wallet is like a fresh breeze in spring :). Took me a couple of unpicking too. Well, for months out of practice.
Compact Bifold Wallet
Another wallet I really enjoyed making was this zip-around bifold wallet. It was on my list for a long time and finally, I made it. I made it slightly wider than the original pattern because she wanted to put her phone too. The original one is good for the phone too, but with zip closure, it's better to make it slightly wider. I think I'm going to make one for my self when time permits. You can find the Zipper Closure tutorial HERE
The state government has done a tremendous job to provide quarantine centers, from hotels to university hostels. Please do take precautions, maintain social distancing, wear a mask when you're not alone in public places, wash your hands frequently. We just need to learn to be a little discipline, a little considerate, use common sense if we want the curve to flatten. No unnecessary gathering.
Here my recent fave from Indonesian Idol finalist - Lyodra & Judika - The Prayer
How's everyone doing? I am still sewing masks and taking a break in between. I usually cut the fabrics in batches. All you do is fold the fabric a couple of times and pin the pattern on top and start cutting. I laminate my pattern so that I can use rotary cutter 😄
Next I will start chain sewing, one dart at a time. That way I can safe a lot of time, instead of finish one mask at a time, I can finish 10-12 pieces at a time.
All you need is a little planning. Once you decide the fabrics, cut them multiple at a time. I usually cut 6 or 8 pieces of the same print.
Once done, stack them together and when you have 15 minutes, simply pick up a few pair and start chain sewing.
Don't forget to put on some good music or movie (or Kdrama for me ) .
Before you know it, you will have a dozen finish. Don't rush! We're not on competition here, make a small batch each day as time permit. Remembers your health is also important to be able to keep sewing. Make sure you have enough rest so you won't lose steam midway!
.heic)
