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! 

*******

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

A busy day for solopreneur

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. 

Indian Fabric Bundle

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!! 

- Elvira - 

How to Batch Sewing Masks

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. 

Get 3D Mask Pattern on Etsy

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! 

Ganbatte!!

-Elvira- 

Resources: 

Contoured Face Mask

3D Face Mask Video Tutorial 

Pretty Handmade Face Masks

Sewing anything for children is always fun. When a friend asked for face mask for her 3 years old daughter, I was so excited and started digging my fabric stash. And since Frozen is everyone's fave that was my first choice. The second one I decided on Teddy Bear print in Pink. 

Truly, with lock down is extended till end of April here in India, having stash of fabrics is really an advantage. Shops are all closed except for essential shops. Though, today morning I read that fellow quilters  in the US were upset when Joann was to be closed because it's not considered essentials. Well, how will they make and donate masks if the fabric shop are closed, right? I also feel, fabric shops and craft store should remain open, because this is the time we need something crafting to do to avoid boredom during lock down, right? 

Get the Pattern for $2

When it comes to fabric mask, there are already so many  experts and articles about its efficiency. There seem to be different opinion between expert in Western and Eastern Countries. In the end of the day, it's up to you whether to wear mask or not. As for myself, I refer to this article from the Strait Times and also Youtube Videos from Asian Boss HERE and HERE. Even Japan PM is wearing cloth mask and Japan Government is sending 2 cloth masks to every household. 

As Asian countries like Singapore and South Korea have experienced few epidemic outbreaks in the past 10 years, I supposed mask wearing at certain level help to flatten the curve. 

Also, in a country like India, where PPE and masks for medical workers are insufficient, there are million of people who can't afford to buy disposable mask, even if it's only INR 10 (USD 0.13).

Let's help each other to fight this pandemic. Stay Home, Maintain Social Distancing, Wash Your Hands Frequently, Don't Touch Your Face and Wear Mask when You Go Out. Remember, DO NOT hoard medical grade masks, those are for our front liners! Instead, make masks and gift them to your families, friends and less fortunate people around you. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Take care & stay well!

Elvira

Linking up:
Handmade Monday
Craftastic Monday

Sources: 

Mask Pattern

ETSY

Video How to Make Pleated Surgical Face Mask

Hello,

I hope you're all doing fine. We're in the third week of lock down now and I sort of get used to it. Few day ago I recorded video while making the pleated mask and just have time to edit and put it up on my YouTube channel. I hope this video will help. You can download the pattern in the link below this post. 

I'm still learning how to record a better video. This time, I am using my pocket camera and I sort of like it better. I am still editing it form my mobile though. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video and inspired to learn or make  one ^^.

I gotta go and finish few more mask now.

Until then,

Take care and stay healthy!

Elvira

Download Free Tutorial

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