Weekends Lockdown and Shop Updates

New Fabrics

I've been pretty busy last week sending out pending parcels and stuff. Lockdown is relaxed and some businesses and offices are allowed to operate with few guidelines. I guess they follow the world's trend because we cannot shut down the economy much longer. We have to learn to live with it, inculcate new habits, learn to be more disciplined and considerate. I'm happy to announce that for international shipping now we are delivering via DHL. I was busy with the paperwork for opening an account with DHL and finally able to send my pending orders last week. 

As for domestic shipping, in my previous post I wrote about Shiprocket which is good, but contacting their agent is really really frustrating. I wanted to downgrade my plan since last month but no callback or email from them even after I sent numerous emails and DM on Twitter, except some automated email and DM reply on Twitter. I could not use my balance to send my orders because my request for the downgrade is pending. I wonder if this Nupur, Divya, and Arushi is only an avatar to send us promotional emails:( A few days ago I finally signed up with Delhivery because I have to send out orders. This is a really disappointing service from Shiprocket. 

Handmade Face Mask

On the sewing front, yes I am still making masks. The 3D fitted mask is very popular and since I introduced the Trio 3D Face Mask, now my family and friends are asking for one. Both are very comfortable to wear especially during the summer months.

Here is the preview of my messy sewing room. Well, it's less messy actually because I just cleared the cutting area. Running a small business on your own from home is not easy but it keeps me happy. And with lockdown, sewing becomes my sanity. A much-needed distraction. Even cleaning messy table or folding fabrics after cutting fabric orders is therapeutic.

The boys are still having online classes and even piano classes are online. He's preparing for grade exams this few weeks. The student has to play three exam pieces, record it, and submit it online. We've been practicing to record the videos according to the guidelines given by Trinity College. 

Here's our new fave potion to boost our immunity. It's called golden milk. It's easy to make. Simply mix 1 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp ginger powder, and 1 tsp of honey in a cup of milk. Have it warm before bed. Namrata told me about this potion and we've been having it for the last 2 weeks. If you're using fresh ginger and turmeric, you may want to boil them together with the milk. I read this article that turmeric can eliminate certain viruses. When we were small, our mother used to give us a mix of turmeric and honey whenever we have a fever and I even gave my sons when they were small. It always worked wonders. 

That's all this week's stories! I hope you keep your self creatively busy during this lockdown. Don't dwell on what we can't do, but explore what we can do.

Take care & stay safe!

- Elvira -

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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 - 

Scrappy Quilted Mouse Pad

Hello, I hope everyone is safe and well!

My scrap bag is growing rapidly with every single day from making face masks. I keep them in a laundry bag which now already overflowing. One day I was watching Darlene Video on Youtube about how she turned her skinny strip of fabrics into interesting panels and I just had to try it! 

I have a lot of scrap interfacing and batting. I found one that is around 6" x 8" all-purpose interfacing from making the phone sling bag and I thought it was just perfect. I pulled out a bunch of scraps and start arranging them randomly. 

This is liberating. you just arrange them the way you like it on the glue side of the interfacing and press them nicely. No rule here just covers the interfacing with fabrics!!

After ironing, I put the panel on a scrap batting and start quilting it pretty densely. The quilting really gave character to the panel, right? And once you're passed this stage the possibility of interesting projects will start popping in. I thought I'll make a mobile sling bag, this will make an interesting flap, right?  

But I decided to make a small mouse pad because I need one :D. It turned out just perfect. 

Did you recognize some of the scraps? It's a fun project and a small reminder of this ongoing pandemic. I'm still making masks and also working other projects Finished a couple of wallet orders, but yesterday the state government suddenly announced that we're going into strict lockdown again next week. Hopefully, after a week, there will be relaxation so that I can sending out your orders. Ah, one good news, from now I'll be sending all orders via DHL e-com or FedEx depends on your total orders! Remember my post about the shipping problem we're facing as an Etsy Seller in India? Well, Alhamdulillah more or less they are solved. A few orders have successfully delivered via FedEx. Thank you to all delivery men out there! May the Almighty always keep you safe & well! 

So, don't throw away your scraps, make something from them. Check out Darlene's video below to see her tutorial and her collection of scraps!! Now I feel less guilty of having 10 buckets of scraps LOL

What is your fave scrap project? leave your comment and link in the box below, I'd love to see them!!

Thank you for stopping by!

Stay creative & stay well!

- Elvira -

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