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~ 

Pattern Errata : Kids Scrub Hat

Hello,

Thanks to Lalitha that I got to know I attached the wrong templates for the Kid's size of the Banded Scrub Hat. I usually make the templates in separate files for editing then will copy them to the pattern file. 

I already posted a correction in the Pattern Errata Page and also updated the file in the Shops (Etsy, Payhip, and Webshop). If you purchased the pattern before 13th May 2020, please email me with your order number, I will email you the updated version. Thank you! 

Lalitha already cut several pieces, so I thought I'll make a tutorial here in case you already cut the fabrics too. 

Here's how: 

1. Cut a strip of fabric measuring 2.5" W x 7" H 

2. With the right side together, sew the strip to the straight side of panel A using 1/4" seam allowance.

3. Open it and topstitch using 1/8" seam allowance 

4. Trim the edges by lining up the rules as shown in the picture below. 

5. Now trim the panel A to measure 9". Measure in the middle from the centre top to bottom. 

6. Fold the panel B and trim it by 0.5". You can line it on the cutting mat and cut at 10.5" mark.

7. Depends on how stretchy your fabric is (I used poplin here which is quite stretchy), you may end up with excess. Don't worry, you can just trim it and it won't affect the end result. 

8. Follow the rest of the pattern. Honestly, I kinda like this little contrast tab at the bottom :D. 

I use the same color for the band and I kinda like this look :)

I apologize for the inconvenience. If you still have any doubt or need further assistance, you can always email me.

Thank you so much for your continued support! 

Take care & stay safe ❤️

- 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

Cute Trifold Wallet - Lockdown Project

Finally this trifold wallet is done! It's a custom order which was finalized at the beginning of lockdown in March. She's a fan of Disney and wanted this specific fabric after she saw the family passport holder with the same print. Luckily I have just wide enough to make the wallet's exterior and a little bit for the wallet's interior. 

Get the Pattern on Etsy

(use code FAVE20 to get 20% off)

Another addition she wanted was the ID window. For that, I used the 16 cards template from the pattern and added ID window on the top card slot. 

I personally love how this turned out and I hope she will too :). I just need to add personalization with her name. I'll update you on how I do it. 

Use FAVE20 and Get 20% off 

Before I made the big trifold wallet, we were discussing color combo option. And just to  see how it works, I made the Midori Mini Wallet - a little version of the big one.  But here I used stripe handloom fabric for binding, which I must say, turned out very cute. 

By the way, I reopen my Handmade shop in Etsy and also my Webshop. The government has announced that domestic flight will resume on the 17th, which at least I hope I can start selling again. 

I know that this pandemic will not go away soon, but we have to cooperate with the government orders and keep maintain physical distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands. Maintain hygienic lifestyle.  

Thank you for stopping by.

Take care and stay safe, everyone!

-Elvira-

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SHARE & GET 20% OFF
Trifold Wallet Pattern

Midori Mini Wallet

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Linking up:

Happiness is Homemade

Craftastic Monday

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 

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