Pattern Update : Pleated Mask without Binding

Just a quick post regarding pleated mask. If you don't want to do the binding like in the original tutorial, you can do the following : 

1. Cut the fabric 9.5" Wide x 14" long. (For broader face, you can cut 10" W or as needed). The measurements in this tutorial here is based on general surgical mask.

2. Follow the tutorial for creating pocket, nose wire and pleats. 

3. Once, you're done, the mask should measure more or less as follow: (please note that you can modify the pleats, the tutorial is guidance, esp for novice sewist) 

4. Now,  fold the raw edges by 1/8" or so towards the lining side (where the pocket is) and then fold it again by 1/2" and edge stitch. (I am making mask without lining here) 

5. Insert the elastic or ties and it's ready. Super easy! Maybe a bit fiddly in the beginning but you will get the hang of it. 

Thank you for downloading the tutorial. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me. 

We're all in this together and we will get through this pandemic together. Keep sewing, stay healthy and safe, everyone! 

Happy Sewing,

Elvira

Download Free Tutorial

3D Mask Pattern

Facebook or Not

Ok, finally it happened to my Facebook account. After 14 years, yesterday Facebook suddenly locked me out. I was asked to do security check and I did. The next minute, I got notification like the above picture. 

I tried contacting them on Twitter (which usually there is real people behind it) but no news till now. I tried many other things that the people suggested on YouTube but nada! 

Some friends wonder if it was hacked. And then I saw this on Twitter 

what?! Even they are hacked. Well, what can you expect. I read on many forums, many people who get the same case like this, it's a gone case. You can either create a new one or just leave it. 

Now, I use Facebook mainly for the groups. The quilter groups, bag maker groups, my pattern group, etc. Occasionally I promoted my shop in the seller groups, not that Facebook drive many traffics to my shop, unless I pay for Facebook ads. 

For now I have new Facebook account, because I'm testing Namrata's new pattern and I have to be on the group to get an update. As for my Facebook Business Page, I don't have access on it now and I don't know whether they are going to shut it down or not. 

If you'd  like to receive regular update, please subscribe to my blog 

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*** UPDATE***

My Facebook is back but I could not comment or post , except post from Instagram 

Thank you for reading this & keep in touch! 

Have a nice day!

 - Elvira - 

3D Fabric Mask With Filter Pocket Pdf Pattern with Video

I've been working on this mask for a couple of weeks. I tried different model but not really happy. I want the mask that leave a little space in between for ease of breathing. Especially for mask that I wear when I go out, since I usually layer it with tissue. At home, while doing my chores, I wear the surgical type mask. So, I came up with this easy to sew 3D mask. 

Mask with Crochet Cord 

I realize that your nose shape play important role here, when you make mask without nose wire. Because nose wire is not easily available here,  I have to come up with something else. My younger son who has long /sharp nose, said he likes this fit best, because it doesn't make him feel suffocated :D. Here's my pictures wearing the mask (my sons refused to be my model -_-). 

Kids Size Mask

Filter Pocket at the back

I'd suggest tight woven fabric, especially for the exterior and softer cotton for the lining. Layer of Tissue or non woven fabric  will help in filtering. (Read this article).

The pattern has 2 sizes for Adult and Kids

Adult Size : 7.5" W x 5.5" H

Kids Size : 6" W x 4.5" H

The Pattern is available in ETSY as well as on  Payhip 

Buy Now

UPDATE : 

I just added a video tutorial how to make this mask: 

Thank you for stopping by! Please take care of your health and stay safe!

- Elvira - 

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-

*******

SHARE & GET 20% OFF
Trifold Wallet Pattern

Midori Mini Wallet

*****

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Happiness is Homemade

Craftastic Monday

We're Moving

Mini Backpack 

Hello friends,

I wanted to share a quick personal update about my pattern shop. Because of some unexpected compliance issues with the Indian central bank (RBI), I wasn’t able to renew my old webshop on Ecwid —even after several back‑and‑forth conversations with their support team. This caught me by surprise too.

As a result, I’ve decided to move my shop to a new webshop powered by GoDaddy. It’s a platform I’ve trusted for years to host my main site, and it offers secure payments and SSL protection, so your data stays safe. Since GoDaddy is one of the world’s largest and most reliable domain providers, this transition feels like the right step forward. 

You can read more about the update HERE.

This moving is also an answer to year long wish to simplify my small business. As much as I love Ecwid's simplicity and user friendly features, I think it's time for me to move on. In the new webshop, even though it's simple, it works out well for me. Less fancy app but more reliable. 

I will only list my patterns in the new webshop for now and for Handmade, Quilts and Fabrics will be available only on my ETSY SHOP. 

Since this transition happened quite suddenly, I truly appreciate your patience and understanding if a few small bumps pop up along the way. I’m currently working on adding all the patterns—both paid and free—to the new webshop, and everything will be fully in place soon.

I truly appreciate your support and understanding while I make this transition. If you have any questions or need help accessing your patterns, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m just an email away.

Warm regards,

Elvira

VISIT MY WEBSHOP

Some Bundle of Joy

Blue & White Bundle 

How's everyone doing? I hope you enjoy your summer this year even though you maybe just stay at home like me :D. The good thing is this year finally we put an AC in the living room which opens up to my drawing sewing room. So, I can do my work pretty comfortably during the summer, which can be very humid. 

Another good thing is I have time to update my shops in Etsy as well as my Website with a few face masks and fabrics. When you're a solopreuner, running your small business from the drawing-room, it can be quite overwhelming sometimes, especially now with everyone is doing work/class from home. I will add more fabric bundles in the next few weeks, maybe a few bundles at a time. Creating a fabric bundle is fun because I just love Indian prints and colors. A few days ago, someone asked for black and white fabric which I posted on Instagram Reel and asking if I have another black and white. While pulling out fabrics, I realize that even in white there are so many shades :D

Sometimes, I get inspired and started making stuff, like these few 3D face masks using my own pattern. I use a couple of them and I must say it's the most comfortable masks! So lightweight and breathable. I either use cambric or poplin cotton for the lining because they are more tightly woven which is good for filtering. Even the triple-layer mask is still very comfortable. 

Block Print Face Mask

Download Pattern for $2

In between, I managed to sew a couple of scrappy blocks from my 2.5" box. I haven't got time to continue my granny square quilt yet, but here I am started another scrappy project. This one doesn't need so much planning though. After looking at #scrappysquaresewalong on Instagram, I am so inspired to start one. Well, I'm not good at following a challenge or a quilt along. So, I'll do it at my own pace and will not stress over the deadline. It's supposed to be fun activities for me. 

The block is scrappy 36 patch blocks (I love the first one I made) and I finished around 8 blocks now. I make 4 mini  9 patch blocks and then put them together. Sometimes I only able to do 1 mini blocks and sometimes I can finish 3 or 4 mini blocks. 

I'm getting more addicted to making scrappy patchwork. For now, 2.5" squares is my fave cut. I don't cut them all at once, but I try to cut more frequently and I am so happy now I have more varieties from the remnants of the mask :D

                    

If you'd like to see the fun scrappy bundle, check out my Etsy Shop or on my WEBSITE.  I ship internationally from website too via DHL or sometimes FedEx if the customer prefers it. I'm so glad I got the DHL account done and I've been shipping out regularly now. I'll talk about my experience in my next post! 

Thank you for stopping by today, stay creative & stay safe!

- Elvira- 

Shop Update and Corona

Half the year already and we're still busy sewing masks as positive cases are going up in thousands here in India. The other day I watched the third interview of South Korea Coronavirus Expert on Asian Boss Youtube Channel where he explained the origin of this coronavirus. He said it's from bats, but the intermediate animal which transmits the virus from Bat to human, the scientist suspected 2 wild animals, snake, and pangolin. He said humans may be infected during the process of capturing wild animals, not because of eating them. This is what happened with other previous outbreaks, like MERS and SARS. 

what I learned from the video:

1. This virus is very small 1/10000th of 1 mm
2. It can't replicate itself in an external environment, it can only do so in a living cell. So if someone is exposed to the virus and the virus enters their respiratory cells, it will use the resources from the cells to replicate itself in thousands.
3. He also expected the second wave to happen around Fall because we don't have any vaccine yet.

Well, it looks like this Covid19 will be here for a while, and we have to learn to live with it by adapting to the new normal. 

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 - 

Handpiecing Applecore Patchwork - WIP

Hello,

It all started with this photo in pinterest and I just know I had to make one like that. I know applecore is challenging, but when you can't get it out of your head, you just have to do it, right? 

I bought the apple core template stamp from Tokyo last January, took out one of my jellyroll stock and got down to work. I started this project last September.

I must admit, the stamp really helps a lot. I hate tracing pattern or templates and for this one, it is quite small. But I love working with small pieces of fabrics. 

I searched for tutorials on how to do hand piecing for apple core but could not find one, so I just jumped in and started doing. At the beginning, it was all wonky but as I keep going, I am getting better :)

I always want to try hand piecing and  even though it's challenging, I find it calming. It's nice to be able to sit and steadily sewing without rushing. 

It's going to be another quilted bag and I almost finish with the first panel. I want to finish it at least by New Year or 1st week of January. 

A few tips for you who wants to start this apple core block is "clip the valley and notch the hill" . That will make the stitch line neat. I will take picture and share in the next post update! Let me know if anyone wants tutorial or video tutorial in the comment below. 

Ah, yesterday I showed hubby my progress, and he asked, "how much time  do you need to make that?"  and I said "16 episodes of Korean drama"  LOL.

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing!

~ Elvira ~

Linking up to:

Moving it Forward
Finished or Not Friday
TGIFF @Alycia Quilts
Can I get a Whoop Whoop

Konmari Method for Sewing Room - Progress update 1

Hello,

Putting things away created the illusion that the clutter problem has been solved. Marie Kondo

It's been very hot and humid these days. I always say, the summer holiday should be extended or changed to August. 

But the heat didn't stop me from continuing my mission of tidying up the konmari way.

Marie suggested in her book "the Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" to do it based on category and do it all at once for each category. This part is a little bit difficult to do, since I don't have much time. 

Instead, I do little by little every few days. One subcategory at a time. The past 2 weeks, I've been busy doing KM-ing for my sewing room. The first I did was the bag hardwares and sewing notions. Those were kept all over the place, so I took out everything and kept them in one rack and labelled each containers and bottles. And next to it is all the interfacing rolls. 

Fabric wise, I divided the category into several sub categories. 

1. More than 2 yards 

For over 2 yards of fabrics, I keep them in a saree bag with clear top which I got from Amazon. They are very handy to store fabrics. 

I fold them the KM way and store them in a cupboard under my sewing table. 

2. Less than 2 Yards. 

For this subcategory, I divided into: 

- 1 yards

- Half Yard

- Fat Quarters

- Fat Eighth 

For 1 yard fabrics, I folded the KM way around 10" wide. Fold and store them vertically in back row of my fabric cupboard. 

For Fat Quarter fabrics, I fold them smaller and place it in the front row. This way, I can still see the yard fabrics too. 

I don't have to sort them by colors too, since you can literally see everything there. 

For the Fat Eighth Fabrics, I roll  and put them in a box vertically. That way, I just check them when I need just a small piece of fabrics. 

The idea was from Japanese fabrics I bought from my Japan trip. Once rolled, I secure it with washi tape. 

3. Fabric Strips and Scraps 

For Strips, I divided into 1.5" wide , 2" - 3" , 4" - 6" . I put them in separate containers and mark each of them. For the 4-6 inches bin, I fold each fabric and store them neatly in the bin. This way, I will know at a glance which fabrics I can use. 

For 1.5" bin, it's always a mess, since I open it very often for binding my wallets and small quilts. I am still thinking a better way to store them. Maybe using cards. I want something that take less space. 

For scraps, the size can be varied as long as I know I won't be needing them for wallet and bag projects.  And I already have buckets with cover and separated by colors. My biggest problem in here is the dust. That's why I want everything to be covered. 

I have a book case which I used to store the 2 yards fabrics. For now, I use the top row to keep the solid fabrics. I plan to make a curtain for the book case. Let's see.

I'm yet to tackle the books, which I think I will do it last. But I already sorted out my paper patterns. 

I keep the pattern pieces in a folder. So far I have 3 folders. I threw away any pattern pieces which I know I won't make it anymore. Since I have the digital version, I can always print them whenever I need it in the future. I used to keep the paper patterns in a saree bag and I threw away most of them. I wonder why did I keep all those trash! LOL

I used to have boxes filled with fabrics and most of them are all gone now. I still have more shoe boxes to sort out and then there are more scraps I kept under my computer table *sigh*. 

In the beginning, it was difficult to decide which stuff do not spark joy anymore. But as I keep going, it is easier for me to decide. Now I have one  28" suitcase filled with my personal fabric collection which I wish to destash. Most of them I bought from my trips. I decided I will keep less than a yard for each fabrics. 

What I learned so far:

- Have a clear vision of what you want to keep and how you'd like to organize your sewing room. That way you will save time organizing it. Write down your categories and subcategories. 

- Deal with scraps immediately. The "I will deal with it later" will ultimately never get done. 

- Storing vertically, give you a clear birds eye view of things that you have. Now I can find fabrics within minutes, which normally take 2 days! 

- Do exercise (physical exercise) before embarking to KM journey. Believe me, sitting on the floor folding fabrics can break your back!! Plus exercise give you more energy!! 

- I feel more inspired after clearing up some stuff! I even managed to finish 2 orders in one evening after whole day of organizing. 

I still have a long way to go! So far from my sewing room alone I throw away more than 5 big bags of garbage. While from the home, we threw away 11 huge bags of useless stuff! Well, it's going to be a long journey and I am not in a hurry. 

That's all for the Konmari Method update. If you think you don't need to learn about tidying up, you might consider buying her book. 

Thank you for stopping by! 

Happy Sewing

- Elvira-