Patchwork Drawstring Bags

What do you do when you're not in the mood to sew? Well, I took out my 2.5" container and admiring my neatly stacked 2.5" squares, and started piecing idly. I did not have any specific plan, but as I went on chain piecing a few ideas pop up in my head. I even have an ambitious dream of a scrappy quilt. Ha! 

But then I decided to do a humble small project as a mood booster and this cute small drawstring bag is born. It's made up of 64 pieces of 2.5" squares. Padded and quilted by machine. 

Each bag measured approximately 7.5" x 7.5" and it's fully lined. I used contrast stripes for the string/cord casing. I used a macrame cotton cord from Amazon India here and I kinda like the look of it. But next time I'll get a thinner one. For the stopper, I used Chandan wood (sandalwood) beads. 

(Update: If you want to make one the Pattern Kit available in the shop)

Patchwork Drawstring Bag

I was really inspired by Sensei Shizuko Kuroha's post on Instagram the other day. Well, I don't know how to read Japanese but from the translation, she more or less said "make everyday stuff that is small and useful". What she said really stuck in my head. I keep thinking, that often we make something that ends up piling up in the cupboard without being used (Like this quilt or this pillow). For me sometimes just for a sentimental reason :).  Although I also used my makes every day from bags, wallets, pillows, table runners, etc there are a few stuff that I still don't have the heart to use or give away. I guess I must learn to be more generous :D.

And when you're having fun, you cannot just make one bag, right? 

Another great news is the Kawandi QAL is officially started on Facebook Group. I'm so excited but still could not make up my mind what size I'm going to make. Most probably I will do a lap size quilt, cos  I plan to use my dupatta (Indian stoles) for the backing layers. Brinda ma'am explained in Facebook live session last Sunday how to go about it. Now all sorts of ideas running around in my head, so I'll just think about it slowly. I hope I can share with you soon about my progress. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing!

 Elvira

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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

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Resources:

How to make Trio Singer Face Mask

How to Make 3D Face Mask

How to Make Pleated Surgical Face Mask