Back to School

 Hello there,

I hope everyone is doing great. Here my sons have started going to school and I'm worried. I keep nagging them to keep their mask on. I sent a few face masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizer wet wipes. The school sent videos to us, parents, on how they're doing the Covid-19 protocols in school, and it looked pretty convincing for us. But as parents (or moms) we can't help to be worried, right? I have to constantly remind them to keep their mask on, not to touch their face, to change the mask when it gets dirty, not to share their tiffin and water, etc.

Now that the boys are going to go regularly, I thought I'll make a variety of face mask style for them. I made them try a different style and my younger one said ok ok (reminder: never ask your teen when they're playing online games) but my elder son still prefers the Trio Face Mask. He finds it easier to keep it on for a long period as it doesn't stick to his face. 

Spacious and breath easy design

I made the plaid face mask for him last month and he's been wearing it always. The plaid fabric is suit material, wool mix fabric, and lined with cotton poplin. The plain fabric is quite stiff, so it stands out, not floppy. 

My younger one also prefers the Trio Face Mask and the 3D face mask, even though I send the pleated mask too but he will only wear those 2 masks. 

Anyway, I got another Quilts Japan magazine last week and I tried the face mask pattern in the book. I quite like it. I called it a Kpop style. It's quite fitted into your face, as like other Japanese face masks. I guess because the Japanese are generally don't talk so much in public places, so this kind of mask is perfect. But I really love the look of it when worn. 

Kpop Style Face Mask

Well, getting back to new normal is not an easy transition, but life must go on. We must be disciplined to maintain the Covid Protocol prescribed by the government and the scientist. They said it takes 3 weeks to adapt to the new habit. Now, the toughest part to get the boys to go straight to the bathroom when they come back from school. I guess children just love to annoy their mom! 

I hope with the vaccination is now being conducted, we can see the end of this Pandemic. Please keep your mask on and avoid crowded places as much as you can. 

Take care & stay safe!

Elvira

Linking up to these wonderful BLOGS

Resources:

How to make Trio Singer Face Mask

How to Make 3D Face Mask

How to Make Pleated Surgical Face Mask

Looking forward with hope

 

2020 was a challenging year for all of us and also a year where we learned about a lot of things. It changed our lifestyle and our way of thinking in a way we would never imagine. We learned to appreciate and be grateful for what we have. 

This year, let's be a better version of ourselves. Be more responsible as an individual as well as a member of our community. Love more and hate less. Appreciate more, and complain less. More focus on things that really matter! 

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I promised myself to write a blog more often in 2020 and I wrote 73 blog posts! Almost double from 2019. I am glad that I did. Even though social media have been very popular, I still feel to put what I make on a blog is important. It's always nice to look back and read what's been happening in the past years. 

Here I put up 5 popular blog posts from Chezvies :D. Just to give me a mental booster! I really appreciate your supports and thank you so much for reading my blog! 

1. Free Pattern - DIY Dust Mask with Nose Wire

I wrote the blog on February 4, 2020, and who would have thought that 2020 was the year where everyone needed to wear a mask! 

2.  Free Pattern- Pleated mask with Filter Pocket

By March 2020, many countries started to close their borders. Mask wearing was made mandatory but there was a huge debate about whether mask-wearing will be effective to curb the virus. Meanwhile, our hospitals and health workers experienced a huge lack of stock for disposable face masks. And our sewing tribe took the plunge and started making masks for their local hospitals, nursing homes, etc. 

3. 3D Face Mask with More Breathing Space

Within a span of 2 months, we learned a lot about face masks. There are people who felt claustrophobic if they have to wear a mask,  how many layers are effective, etc, as the countries around the world trying to cope up with the virus. The news on all media was only about Covid-19.

4. DIY Face Shield - Free Pattern

I remembered seeing a picture of a Chinese family cover themselves in plastic while trying to fly out of Wuhan in the early days of the Pandemic. Maybe it was around the end of January 2020 or early February 2020. And I was amused and did not realize that the next best thing after a face mask was a face shield! Especially for small children and those who cannot wear a mask for a long time. 

5. Spacious Face Mask 

By summer 2020, people are used to wearing a mask without being lathi-charged by the police :D (it happened in India!!). But the humid weather made mask-wearing a little bit tough. We need a new mask that made us comfortable wearing it for a longer period. I came up with this Trio 3D face mask. So far, it's a fave! You can wear it while talking or singing without your voice being muffled :)

Now entering 2021 with an updated version of COVID-19, I hope we keep vigilant and be a responsible citizen by maintaining SMS - Social Distancing, Mask Up and Sanitize! Just because the government doesn't publish updates about Covid-19 does not mean the Pandemic is over! Please remember in your prayer for all the doctors, nurses, health workers, and all the Covid Warriors who sacrificed themselves for the well being of the rest of us. 

Stay safe and healthy!

Happy New Year!!

Elvira

Linking up this these wonderful BLOGS

Last week story and mini travel wallets

It's already mid of September and we're still staying home as much as we can! Thank God for the internet, at least I can video call my family back home in Indonesia. I really miss my 4 years old nephew who is now a big fan of BTS, yes, he's our little "Army". 

I am still getting used to working with wrist splint. Since last month my carpal tunnel syndrome has gotten a little worse. So now I am batching my work and taking frequent breaks to do stretching. Sometimes I rest for 2 days if the pain is too much. I don't want to exert myself at this point. But the brace does help. I ordered gloves too actually from amazon but the only sent me this and refunded the gloves. 

Last week, I went to meet my Indonesia friend Eva to drop avocadoes for her. It was the first weekend after the lockdown was lifted in my city. We had a lot of avocadoes this summer. And in the afternoon, Plabita came and collect a few avocados. Well, visiting is not advisable right not with cases seems to be going up day by day. We only met outside in the garden, maintaining our distance, and wearing a mask. But it's really lovely to meet friends in the real world :D. She said she's never seen an avocado tree in her life! Well, avocados are not easily available here and recently gaining popularity that the price can go up to INR 500 for one. That's crazy!

From the sewing room, I made this cute matryoshka travel wallet back in June in between sewing masks. Mask wearing is going to stay now and I'm glad that many people are wearing it now. I almost forgot how I enjoyed creating wallets right from choosing the color combo to finishing the binding by hand. If you asked me, why the binding? for me because I have a weak wrist and turning wallets or bag really painful process for me :D. Also, I love the look of the wallet with binding. It gives the one of kind handmade look! 

This is another one I completed and sold. This Wonderland from Rifle Paper co is really popular with my customers and I think I am going to keep one for my self before I run out of fabrics:). Well, getting fabrics from abroad is not an easy affair right now, especially in India. 

Wonderland Handmade Travel Wallet

I also made a zip around one. I really love the previous one that I made and when I see this navy print, I thought why not make another one. 

Navy Theme Wallet

Super easy project and satisfying result. 

Pattern: Small Travel Wallet

Product: Handmade Travel Wallet

Zip Around Tutorial

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay Safe!

- Elvira -

Virtual Holiday On YouTube

I have a new fave time-pass! Many people are making videos of their daily life as they go about doing their chores. Some of them are really good that you want to just clean your house. Well, in my case, that urge only lasts for a few minutes. I'd rather be sewing - really! (must check this one!)

Another one I enjoyed is the walking video. There is no narration on the video. There are a few walking Youtuber and also on  Instagram stories which I love to watch! I really love this video from Seoul Walker. 

Today morning, I was watching this video where he walked around and showed us around Asakusa's Sensoji Temple The place which used to always buzzed with people/tourists now empty. Even the passage between the shop rows is empty. 

Empty Rows

Asakusa 2020 - screenshot from the video

Asakusa in 2018

Asakusa in 2019

During my visit to Asakusa in 2018, we could not even take a decent picture in front of the gate! Tourism indeed is very badly hit, which affects so many people in the industries. I was discussing this with Mbak Belly and we're remembering the Halal Ramen shop Asakusa! 

Now we can only hope and pray that we stay safe and healthy (physically and mentally). Try to remain positive thinking and maybe learn a few things that you always want to learn or do!

Thank you for stopping by! 

Stay Healthy!

~ Elvira~ 

Do What You Can

Whatever you’re facing right now, whatever you’re dealing with won’t last. Nothing does. So get a perspective on life. Things will get better. That’s the Almighty’s promise. Tomorrow brings new hope. Daybreak will happen. Get hold of yourself and keep moving. You’ll get there! - Mufti Menk

Last week  India was shocked by the news of young upcoming actor Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide. Fame and wealth are not guaranteed to happiness. Everyone has their own challenges they have to face every day. Even the famous and rich. We truly cannot judge people by what they appear to be in public. Please be kind! Talk with kindness even if you disagree with someone. You never know what the other party is struggling with. 

For my readers, if you are reading this and going through a challenging time in your life, I want you to know that I'm here for you. You can reach out to me anytime. 

During this lockdown, many of us feel desperate and uncertain. Some of us maybe have a long list of resolutions for 2020. But this is not the end of the world. It's OK not to be OK. It's OK to slow down, adjust your step to reach your goal. 

I like this video by Bon Jovi 

If you can't do what you do, you do what you can :)

That's exactly what we should do at this time. Do what you can, slowly at your own pace, and enjoy the process. 

Cheer up and have a nice day ;)

- Elvira-

Which fabric to use for face masks and how to wear them

Triple-layer masks

Slim Pleated Masks

There are so many articles since the early days of the pandemic. From fabric mask is not advisable to now mandatory wearing any covering.  Now, which fabric is to use? After reading different articles, I came across this article from The Brussels Time. Quoting from the post: 

“The fabric is not important. The tissue must be sufficiently dense so that it can stop as many drops as possible, that is the most important thing. At the same time, it must also allow for comfortable breathing. It is this balance between tissue density and still allowing smooth breathing that needs to be monitored" Steven Van Gucht." 

When I read the article, I was like "yes! ", Not because of anything, but because the common people here cannot afford good quality quilting cotton, let alone designer ones!

Glace Cotton & Rayon Cotton Mask

In a country as big as India, maintaining physical distancing after lockdown will be impossible. I saw most people are using kerchief or any cloth to cover their face which will be difficult for them especially when they have to wear it for a long time. 

Now I have so many Indian cotton fabric that is lightweight, but some of them are tightly woven, like the glace cotton or rayon cotton mix. That's when I decided to make 3 layers mask using the same fabrics.  And if you think you need it denser, you can always add a hanky or tissue paper inside the mask and remove the tissue as it becomes moist (ok this word always remind me of PM Justine Trudeau Presscon ^^)

Depends on your personal choice and best fit to your face shape, cloth face coverings should : 

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. (Source : CDC)

I just put up a video on how to make triple layers face mask. There are different kinds of pleats you can do, but here I'm sharing the slim pleated one here. Super easy to make and it's possible to do hand sewing too if you don't have a machine. (see the resources below this post for other types of mask videos)

Here are a few masks I made using different styles. For a double layer mask, I use cambric or poplin cotton fabric. 

Double Layer Cotton Masks

For people who find it difficult to breathe through mixed cotton masks, I made these triple-layer masks using mulmul cotton. 

Mulmul Fabric Mask

Here is how the slim pleated mask looks like. It's perfect for someone who has a slim face or a petite face. 

Slim Pleated Mask

And here's the comfort fit face mask which is favorite with everyone. It's a double layer, I used thicker cotton fabric on the outside (cotton mix, combed cotton, etc) and softer cotton (cambric or poplin) on the lining. 

some review from Etsy :

Such an easy and well fitting pattern. Very clear instructions both written and in pictures.I’m over the moon.

Nice pattern and worked well for a couple of people that have trouble with other masks. Thank you for sharing!!!!!! (Source : Etsy)

Don't forget to wash the mask properly with soap after every use and dry it in the sun.

If you know how to sew or have access to a tailor who can sew for you and people around you, you can follow the tutorial from my previous post or visit links below.  Support your local fabric shops, local tailor, local community, we must support each other! 

3D Comfort Fit Mask

Pleated Mask with Pocket

Box Pleated Mask 

DIY Face Shield

Sew Easy Scrub Hat

Thank you for visiting my blog. 

Take care & stay healthy everyone!

- Elvira- 

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Linking up to :
Handmade Monday

How to sew easy scrub hat - video tutorial

Finally I have time to make (and edit) video tutorial for the Scrub Hat Pattern I posted few days ago. I hope this supported video will help for those who just started sewing. It is super easy and quick! 

I hope you find this supporting video tutorial useful. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me, I'd be glad to help you. 

If you enjoy the video and want more tutorial /video tutorial, please subscribe to my channel. 

I'm adding the Face Shield Free Pattern  with the Scrub Hat pattern on Etsy. So those of you who support me from Etsy will not have to download it separately. 

By the way, you can use coupon code FAVE20 on ETSY  to get instant discount of 20%. yay!

In the meantime, I've been busy tidying up my fabric stocks (since we're on lockdown and I cannot send physical products). I sorted them out by color and also by size. I still have a long way to go though. At least this will keep me busy, as I heard on the news few districts will have lockdown extension. Let's hope for the best!

I read on the news today that several countries will start easing lockdown and let people go back to work and they have to wear their own protective gear. Please do take care if you're one of those who has to go back to work and use public transport! I pray that God will always protect all of us and help the scientist to come up with vaccine soon!

Thank you for stopping by,

Take care & stay well!

Elvira

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Other Resources:

Face Mask Pattern

Scrub Hat Pattern

How to Make Face Shield or Face Guard - Free Pdf Pattern

DOWNLOAD FREE PATTERN

I got a message from my sister in Indonesia that she needs face shield and asked me if I know someone who make and sell them. At this time like this, I wish I could make for her and my family back home. But we live so far away from each other. 

I told her it's easy to make one but then I am the only one who can sew (and my mom but she doesn't do much sewing nowadays).

So today, I am sharing this super easy tutorial for those who may need it to protect themselves and their families.

It's super easy and quick sew. I put together a PDF File with templates for you to download.

I used a thick (maybe around 0.8 mm) clear vinyl, the one that usually used for table covering. You can off course upcycle clear vinyl from new duvet or bed sheet  packaging, etc. The bias binding around the vinyl will stabilize it, if your vinyl is not thick enough. 

Download Free Pattern

I showed my SIL and she loved it. She wanted few for her Lab staff. I hope, I can get the vinyl as government has allowed certain business activities from tomorrow. Or else I have to wait until lock down is over on 3rd May. 

The face shield really remind me of Korean Ahjumma visors ^^. When I showed it to my friend, Eva, she said she needs one to use when she peels/cut onions. Well, now I guess I need one too ^^. 

Any way, I hope you like the tutorial. Please download the pattern using the link below. 

Thank you for your continued supports!

Take Care & Stay Well

- Elvira - 

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Linking up to:
Handmade Monday

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