Face Masks

Hey everyone! It has been a while since I have posted. I think that we can all agree that 2020 has thrown us some curveballs that we did not expect. Who would have thought that we would be experiencing a global pandemic? I never would have imagined that teaching myself how to sew back in 2017 would be a vital skill to have in 2020. Even though I have not shared any new sewing projects lately, I have been busy sewing hundreds of masks for people. I think that I have done a years worth of sewing within three months.

Learning how to sew masks for many of us was an impromptu project that we took on. Seeing that health care providers were low on personal protective equipment and high risk populations needed to be protected, much of the sewing community banded together to create masks. This has definitely been a testament to the power of community!

Hearing the needs of healthcare professionals, I knew that I wanted to include reusable filters with my masks. With a little ingenuity, I use pleated non-fiberglass allergen, bacteria, and virus filter sheets and cut and sew filters to go inside each mask that I make.

I sew openings in each mask where the filter can be inserted and removed before and after washing. The filters are good for up to 90 days.

While there was a shortage in elastic, I cut, ironed, and sewed hundreds of straps.

I was FINALLY able to get my hands on some elastic this week. I know that people talk about the discomfort of elastic on the ears, but the elastic that I use is extremely comfortable and light around the ears.

My masks are now available for purchase in my shop section. Masks come in men, women/teen, and children sizes and include nose bridge wire. Check them out! :)

DIY Sweater Dress Using Burda #6476 View B

Happy Tuesday! I am excited to share with you all one of my new sewing projects for 2019! This DIY Burda #6476 collared pullover top was a super easy and fun sewing project. The beauty of making your own clothes is that you can customize your garment how ever you would like. I have plenty of turtlenecks so I opted not to sew on the turtleneck collar. Instead I used bias tape to create a seamless neckline.

I found this beautiful sweater knit fabric at Joann fabric store and I used fabric from an old dress to create ribbing for my sleeves and the bottom of my dress.

What I also love about this pullover is its versatility! It can be both a dress and sweater top.

Many Pieces

In sewing, a pattern is the template from which parts of a garment are traced onto fabric before being cut out and sewn. For anyone new to sewing, opening a new pattern pack can be daunting. Inside the small paper package is a huge sheet of paper with a set of instructions that directs you to cut out pattern pieces according to your body size measurements. Simple patterns require you to cut out few pieces, while the more challenging patterns leave you cutting out various pieces of different sizes. Each piece has a specific purpose in the making of your garment. 

Just imagine, you see this bangin’ outfit on the cover of this pattern pack and you are excited to begin sewing, but once you open the package and see all the work it will take to finish your garment, you realize that the process will take longer than you expected. It will require some time, learning, trying of new techniques and mistakes along the way. 

Through sewing God is teaching me a lot about the processes of life. I am guilty of coming up with cool ideas and jumping the gun. Sometimes I don’t think through the process of what it will take to reach my end goal.  At times I see what it takes to carry out a goal and become overwhelmed, but I know that the process is necessary. 

This year I am committing to the process in both life and creativity. It is okay to take your time to make sure that the end result is your best. The process is essential for growing and stretching. Our lives are like pattern pieces, containing many parts. Like the instructions, some steps that God nudges us to take don’t always make sense in the moment. But as we keep at it and commit to the process, we better understand and see why we had to endure. 

I encourage you today not to give up on your process. You never know the beauty that will come out of your life by your obedience.