Maskin' Robins

Out for a little drive today (guess who did all of the driving) for a change of scenery. As we were walking towards our local JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts shop, wearing our new masks that I sewed last night, we were surprised to see the "social distance" line and decided to first visit Daiso with only 3 persons ahead of us.

"Cover Girls"

When I showed my daughter her a retro Toucan Sam on the lightweight flannel after requesting me to make her a "new" mask, her face lit up. Nothing like "Froot Loops" to brighten a 17-year-old's day.


Pattern Description:
Face mask with option for filter pocket.

Pattern Sizing:
For reference, the distance from the base of my nose to my chin is 6.2 cm or approximately 2.44 inches.

"I've Just Sewn A Face Mask"

Photo of the pattern piece I used shows the dimensions
widest part of pattern: 4 7/8" or 12.5 cm
longest part of pattern: 6 1/4" or 15.5 cm
vertical edge closest to ears: 7 cm
lowest edge: 4 1/8" or 10.5 cm


The mask in fabric printed with Hello Kitty (Paul Stanley) KISS band themed was sewn from the "trace around a dish plate" pattern (the fit was odd for us)

"Here Comes The Sewn"

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I drew a template from a face mask given to my husband by his friend at work that his wife sewed.


Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. After watching several face mask how to's on youtube of the similar shape, I prefer the construction of the one with a pocket (3rd layer) for inserting a "filter'. I use a dryer sheet for that "fresh" scent.

This video depicts the procedures that I closely followed:
You Tube Facemask Tutorial by Priyanka Art Craft

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
My daughter and I liked the fit (neither too large nor small). Just like any pattern, the dimensions can be customized.

Fabric Used:
Licensed cottons from my stash and remnants from previous projects. The originally uncut "Froot Loops" fabric is a lightweight flannel and the black and white fox fabric that I'm wearing appears to be an ITY knit.

"Abbey Sewed" and "Foxy Lady"

Purr-sonal Purr-tection: "These Cool Cats"

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
With the scarcity of elastic at JoAnn's and other stores, I created the "ear loops" in the same fabric as the mask. I cut a pair of strips on the bias each being 9" in length and 1.25" in width. I sewed straps 3/8" in width, stitching wrong sides together and turning them inside out with a safety pin. The "ear fabric loops" are more comfortable than elastic.

Before stitching the ear loops permanently to ends of the mask, my daughter or I would them on, with the ear straps to the ends secured temporarily with safety pins, adjusting as needed.

"Magical Mouse-tery Contour"

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. I might try sewing a pleated one again and there are a few with youtube videos that look interesting.

Conclusion:
Never thought we would wear them on simple trips to the store to buy essentials, but it's better to be safe.

"I Get By With A Little Help From My FRIENDS"

"Face" the Music: One of those catchy Beatle songs that is now stuck on my mind!
I've Just Seen A Face from 1965

Feast of Burdas

Hello Sewing Friends,

Wow! It has been 1 year and 6 months since I blogged? 

Before I share the most recent Burda tops I sewed, my daughter just turned 17 just this past March! 

  
I thought it was so appropriate that she was born on "Pi Day".  Albert Einstein was also born on Pi day as well which I found out later from a colleague. 

My first review on Patternreview.com in 2006 was on a New Look child's dress pattern that featured her when she was only 3 years old.  As she entered her pre-teen years, I was sewing less for her.  I really missed sewing for her and having matching outfits when she was in grade school, but at least I can treasure the memories of the outfits she adored (especially those favorites that she wore often) such as her Jalie twist top and this when she was in first grade. 




Now back to the present:

After my husband and daughter asked me to sew them face masks due to the current situation, I thought this was a wonderful way to get back my "sewing mojo" and start sewing more.  It was also an opportunity to re-visit my fabric stash, not only for sewing "creative" face masks, but also what I can do to update my wardrobe.   There were also patterns purchased from JoAnn's for months that I have forgotten about.  I have done quite a bit of on-line shopping within March and April due to being "quarantined" (I'm sure Macy's, JCPenney's, NY and Co, and Venus.com were glad that I helped them boost their sales) and was uninspired to return to my sewing machine due to fear of a few pounds that I know I put on from working at home (I would rather work at my classroom and interacting with my students).  But once I started sewing more, I realized I missed the gratification of creating something on my own. 


Just a few days ago, I sewed technically my first update to my wardrobe from this Burda pattern. This pattern constains sleeve variations and option for waist band with tie.  I sewed the version with the split sleeve with the tie at the end sans the band at the lower edge.




I sewed a "10". I'm surprised that it fit the way it did. I used lycra knit from le Wal Marche at only $2 a yard!  I did not count on buying fabric that day, but I had to see what fabrics were available in the sewing/crafts section and it was to my dismay, desolate! 




For the most part, my sleeves looked the way I expected it too, but not sure how the entire top looked in comparison to the one on the model because hers was "tucked in." 

The directions were brief and direct with decent diagrams. Somehow, I think my envelope was missing maybe another page of instructions. I had to figure out on my own the sleeve placement along the armscye (set-in instead of flat due to the sleeves being self-faced).  I nearly sewed it on upside down after pinning and felt that I was making it difficult than it should have been maybe from feeling feeling rusty after not sewing a garment for months.  Eventually, I solved the mystery after constantly looking at the model's version on the envelope.  The sleeve's top un-joined ends (opposite the end ties) are strategically aligned with end of the shoulder seam and below that, the "slit sleeve" style secured by the ties at the ends.

The tie band at the lower edge struck my attention when I purchased this pattern nearly a year ago.   I decided to try the slit-sleeved version as an alternative to the "cold-shoulder" style.  The neckline could be scooped lower to be more flattering.  Performed my typical petite alterations across at 1" at the waist and 1/2" at the upper center back 




Maybe in the near future, I will give this pattern another try.  Surprisingly unlike my Burda tops from past experience, this top is "roomier" than form-fitting.   I highly recommend this top, especially for beginners.

Here were my other Burda tops i sewed late 2018 and in early 2019.  It seemed like yesterday. 

From January 2019, a knit top from Burda 6722.  I like the "bolero" style above the bodice. 

From November 2018, a faux wrap top from Burda 




Being a San Diego Padres Fan, 
I could not help but make my most recent face mask from licensed fabric.
 

The last baseball event we attended on September of last year at Petco Park to see the San Diego Padres