It's Almost Summer - Still Making Masks, Bonnets and Non-Surgical Caps

Thirteen weeks into the Covid-19 lock down and I'm still making masks.  Last month I added on bonnets and non-surgical caps.  I'm not complaining.  There is a need, and this is my way of helping.  I'm finding out that there are so many more family members, near and far, that are essential and front line workers than I knew of.  Again I'm happy to help. but I must strike a balance between helping and satisfying my personal sewing dreams.

What's interesting is that the production sewing of these protective goods has me thinking of all types of gift ideas and small sewing projects for my sewing students.  So, this experience has been beneficial in more than one way.

Today, I would like to share a few pictures and comments on the bonnets and caps that I made recently.  Folks want to be stylist in this pandemic.  So, many want matching head and face gear.

For the bonnets I used  Simplicity S1020.  Super easy pattern.  Three pieces, one size fits all.  You can easily adjust the elastic for a tighter fit.  This bonnet (made only four so far) sews up quickly.  Other uses:  Chef hat or sleeping bonnet.  These can be worn in general to protect/cover your hair.

Pictured above is Erica, dental assistant for Dr. Irvin B. Watkins.  Her dread locks are very long and this style of cap is perfect for her.  She also has a matching masks.

For the non-surgical caps I used Butterick B4946.  Again, a super easy pattern that sews up quickly, Great for beginners.  Three pieces, one size fits all.  You can use bias hem tape to finish the lower back edge of the cap.  Or you may create your own bias tape to finish it.  I did both.  But I prefer creating my own bias tape in the same fabric.  Also, at the crown I used to different methods to finish them.  For the first set (eight caps), I did something like  a French seam.  For the second set (13 caps) I pressed the seam allowance towards the hat section then I top-stitched it down.  The second method I like better.

Pictured below is Venus, CNA, at Oak Trace. She works at the same facility as my baby sister.  Venus loves the matching cap and mask set.

This month, I'm hoping to finish reviewing other projects that I finished in April and May.  Also, on my cutting table are a few jackets, dresses, and pants.  So as we get to our "new normal" I'll work more on my wardrobe additions and less on protective gear.

Stay safe.

Happy Sewing!

C

This and That

Hi everyone,

It's been awhile.  I hope everyone is well and staying safe.  I only go out to the grocery store and to the park for walks.  This week has been very productive for me.  I've been spending a lot of time in my sewing studio, and I'm loving it!

Several weeks ago, I posted about making masks.  Well I'm still making them.  I've received so many requests for them!  And it's so hard to say no.  So, I worked out a strategy for sewing masks and sewing for myself: make several masks, make two dresses for myself.  Or make several masks, make three shirts for myself.  It's working. :-)

So hopefully, I'll have pictures and reviews to post soon.  Sometimes it takes awhile for me to get the photos needed to complete a post.  In the meantime, I'll continue to enjoy the extra sewing time.

I received the best gift for Mother's Day.  My DD knows that I'm a Prince fan, like forever.  So she created a Prince gift basket for me.  It included Prince's autobiography "Prince, The Beautiful Ones", The "Prince Fashion" book, and "When Doves Cry" body scrub and wash.  Great gift!

Today, I wanted to include some photos of the costumes designed for Prince.  Great eye candy and inspiration for any sewing enthusiast.  The costumes are SPECTACULAR!  Enjoy!

Spring Time In the Midst of the Covid-19

Spring has arrived with the sun so bright you can hardly keep from squinting.  It looks beautiful outside and perfect for a afternoon stroll in the park.  The air is still crisp though and no walking without a warm jacket.  This is one of my pleasures in this stay at home situation.

My favorite park is Veterans park in South Holland.  It's nearby and has a picnic area, playground, and a lovely pond.  There are also two gazebos, a huge picnic area, fields for soccer and baseball, and portions of the calumet river are on the east side of the park.  It's a great place to clear your head and get some exercise.

Often I come to this park to take pictures for my blog.  There are several beautiful flower beds.  And if you are lucky you may see the residential turtles sun bathing.  This is just an all around nice park.

My last week there was only one other person in the park other than me.  But yesterday, we (DD came with me) saw maybe ten people.  Most were with a friend or family member walking the trails or fishing in the river.  Social distancing was not hard to do.  When passing on the trail, people made sure they "distance themselves" from others.  It felt great to be outside.

I think I'll visit the park daily, just to get some fresh air and to take my mind off of the crisis.

Anyway, I just thought I'd post a few pictures of the park today.  Later, I post pictures of my recent makes and review a few patterns.

Stay Safe,
C