Video Tutorial How to Sew Spacious 3D Face Mask

Sometimes we run too fast and think too little ~ To Dear Myself (CDrama)

Finally, I finished a couple of Trio 3D Face Masks. Don't you love these rose print masks? I got the fabric from Indonesia and I made a couple of wallets with it, you can see them HERE.

This mask is now fave with everyone. My SIL loved it cos it's not fogging her spectacles so much. That's an added bonus. I put up a video on how to put this 3D Face Mask together. I hope the video will help those who need to see a clearer picture.

I quite enjoyed making the video, but the editing part it a bit tiring. My son said to do voice over, I need to learn that. Trust me even a simple video tutorial needs a lot of retakes and editing. I have to keep several masks ready to sew, incase I mess up :D. 

Since Etsy is introducing video features, I've been learning to take a short video (15 seconds max) that is quite informative for the customer. It is really a challenge but it's fun to learn new things. In the beginning, I was not sure if 15 seconds are enough to show your products, but now I really enjoy creating it. It's good for my Instagram Reels too. If you observe all these video features on social media, people can be really creative within those 15 seconds. 

You might find people complaining, but for me, instead of complaining why not use the time to learn. If others can do it, we can also do it.

Before Etsy introducing this new feature, I used to post videos on my Youtube Channel under Product Review and post the link on my Etsy Listing description. It helps to a certain extent especially for first buyers who are not sure about my products. Like this short video, I make to show how to adjust the elastic cord on the mask. 

Another thing I'm busy with nowadays are attending webinars conducted by Etsy India. Our seller support group on Facebook is quite active and informative. This online community is really great, even for seasoned sellers. There's always something new I learn. Truly, if you want to keep doing what you do, you have to keep learning, be observant, and do your own research in your own niche.  There's no short cut to success. You gotta do the hard work, be it researching your SEO, retaking your product photos, redoing your listing, etc. 

If you find the video tutorial helpful, please share it especially to those who might need it. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay safe & happy sewing!

Elvira

Still making mask

New Pleated Mask

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.

Small floral face mask

Pink Floral Pleated Mask

Paisley Pleated Mask

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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. 

Spacious 3D face Mask 

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!

Have a nice weekend ^^

- Elvira

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Linking up to these wonderful blogs

Mask Pattern Hack Link - See through Mask Tutorial from Sarah

When Sarah from Confession of a Fabric Addict tagged me on Instagram that she made a see-through version of Trio 3D Face Mask I was so happy, to say the least. I mean, I follow her blog for many years and sometimes posted on her popular blog link party "Can I get a whoop whoop?" 

Everyone who sews has been making masks for family, friends, donation, and for sale. And with the pandemic, people can be really creative. When I started sharing my first mask tutorial, I never thought that in the next few months mask design will evolve so much. And Sarah's see-through mask is one of them! This kind of mask is important for lip readers so that they can communicate while being protected! Yes, wearing masks is about being considerate of others, even though it's a little uncomfortable!

If you already bought the TRIO 3D face mask, you can check out Sarah Tutorial on her blog HERE. 

Go and check the tutorial!

I'm still busy making masks too and here's a stack of Trio 3D Mask I made recently, already sent and received with a lot of love. Thank you! I'm still making a few more batches of masks. Batching is boring but that's the fastest method. Collecting fabrics, iron the, cut the strips, separate it by part, put on my fave Kdrama and start sewing. Even if I have only 1 hour sewing time before bed at night, at least I can finish sewing some parts. 

Download Trio 3D Face Mask

I already have a few orders lined up for the next few weeks and I'm making for my mom and sisters in Indonesia. If you sew, you can download the pattern from my webshop or Etsy, And if you need help, simply email me!

Thank you once again Sarah for sharing the tutorial! You can check my other mask tutorial HERE. Some tutorials come with Pdf Printable version and some are not. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing & Stay Safe!

- Elvira- 

Singer's Face Mask Pattern - KN 95 Style Cloth Face Mask

DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN

Summer is here and the weather is started to get very humid. Hubby was asking if I can make a face mask that has more breathing space than the first one. Since in his line of work he has to meet many clients which means he has to wear it for quite a long time, he needs a face covering that allows him to breathe more comfortably and not easily slip off while he's talking. So after a few trials and errors, this KN95 Style Face Mask is finally ready. 

This face mask is also great for teachers, singers, performers, etc. 

This TRIO Face Mask  features :

• Designed to fit well even without nose wire. 
• To fit snugly over the nose and under the chin, that even when you talk it won't slip off your face. 
• More space for ease of breathing and make you feel comfortable when you talk or sing :)
• 3 Sizes with full-scale templates included. 

I suggest using tightly woven cotton fabrics (like quilting cotton, cambric, poplin, etc). This face mask is designed without a filter pocket. Although you can easily make one using this tutorial. 

Get the Pattern for $2.5

I hope this pattern will help those who have problems wearing other types of masks.

If you sew, get the pattern and make a few for your loved ones. Let them enjoy summer while being protected. Let's protect each other in this difficult time. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Take care & Stay Safe

- Elvira - 

SHOP UPDATE - Shipping update and Intermittent Lockdown

Block Print Face Mask

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. 

Kalamkari Fabrics

Premium Cotton Fabrics

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

Zip Around Bifold Wallet

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 

I pray you'll be our eyes

And watch us where we go

And help us to be wise

In times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer

When we lose our way

Lead us to a place

Guide us with your grace

To a place where we'll be safe

Thank you for stopping by!

Take care & Stay Safe

- Elvira - 

Shop Update and Corona

Half the year already and we're still busy sewing masks as positive cases are going up in thousands here in India. The other day I watched the third interview of South Korea Coronavirus Expert on Asian Boss Youtube Channel where he explained the origin of this coronavirus. He said it's from bats, but the intermediate animal which transmits the virus from Bat to human, the scientist suspected 2 wild animals, snake, and pangolin. He said humans may be infected during the process of capturing wild animals, not because of eating them. This is what happened with other previous outbreaks, like MERS and SARS. 

what I learned from the video:

1. This virus is very small 1/10000th of 1 mm
2. It can't replicate itself in an external environment, it can only do so in a living cell. So if someone is exposed to the virus and the virus enters their respiratory cells, it will use the resources from the cells to replicate itself in thousands.
3. He also expected the second wave to happen around Fall because we don't have any vaccine yet.

Well, it looks like this Covid19 will be here for a while, and we have to learn to live with it by adapting to the new normal. 

Alternative Filter Pocket for 3D Fitted Face Mask

Face Mask with Filter Pocket

Everyone has their own preference and that's including masks. Some people prefer a surgical pleated mask, some prefer box pleated masks, some people prefer 3 D mask without filter pocket (including yours truly). As I wrote in my previous post, in a homemade mask the most important is as long as it dense enough. 

As I progress making more 3D masks, I improvised the pocket construction for the 3D Fitted Mask. Instead of cutting 2 lining fabrics like in the pattern, I cut one piece of lining and reduce the sides to create a pocket. The advantage of this pocket is you need less time to sew them together. 

So here's how to do it:

1. Cut the short sides of the lining fabric by 0.75". I usually fold it in half, mark it using an erasable pen and cut it on the line. 

2. Fold the raw edge by scant 1/4" and fold it again by 1/4" and topstitch the short edges. The mask lining will look like in the picture below. 

3. Sew the lining and exterior panels together as per the pattern and turn the mask right side out.  Now, with the lining facing up, press the seam of the exterior panel nicely and topstitch all along the top and bottom seams only. 

4. Fold the short edge of the exterior panel towards the wrong side by scant 1/4 inch.

5. Fold it again by 1/2" and pin/clip in place.

6. Now the tricky part (don't worry, you can do it!). As you feed the fabric under the needle, pull the lining fabric gently so that it's away from the fold that you're going to stitch. Put the needle down, backstitch a couple of stitches and sew to the end. As you reach the end, gently pull the lining fabric again, away from the end of the fold. Finish sewing with a couple of backstitches. 

7. Tada! now your mask with filter pocket is ready. Insert elastic or fabric ties as you prefer.

Here I used a kitchen paper towel and folded it a couple of times. Insert the paper and you're ready to head out. 

3D Fitted Face Mask in ETSY

What do you think? which type of mask and filter pocket do you prefer? Let me know in the comment below. 

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Take care & stay safe!

- Elvira

Mask Making

The mask making is still continue here. As the curve of cases are climbing up, everyday we have this little fear inside us. We do our best to follow the government's order to stay home, maintain social distancing and of course praying that we'll be spared of this highly contagious pandemic. 

Initially, I spent my days monitoring the number and reading every news out there and that made me depressed. That's when I decided to make masks and shared the pattern and free tutorials. 

I started wearing mask when I go out way back in February, when most people here are still oblivious about the gravity of Covid-19 and were making jokes. 

Mask making is my anti depressant. I'm grateful in this trying time I can lend my hand to help out a little bit. Even when the scientist are still debating whether fabric mask is efficient, but I am sure, it helps a little. Especially, when even hospitals are lack of surgical mask and PPE. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 

Here are few masks I finished and delivered few days ago. 

Many wanted to order the masks, but unfortunately the courier is not open during the lockdown, which most probably will be extended. 

This 3D Face mask is most comfortable to wear. You can comfortably talk when you wear the mask and it wont slip off your face.

I'm making few more dozens of mask for my SIL's staff in the hospital. I am using cotton mix and some combed cotton for the exterior and cotton fabric for the lining. 

If you wish to make this 3D Face Mask, the pattern is available at ETSY as well as my WEBSITE.

Don't forget, the rest of the Chezvies Patterns is ON SALE 40% now on ETSY during the lock down period. So, if you're bored and looking for something to learn, go ahead and check out the Patterns.

Keep well and stay creative! 

Elvira