Masks: something I never thought I'd make

Like so many others, I've been making masks.  This afternoon even tighter restrictions were announced for Melbourne, we will go from Stage 3 lockdown into Stage 4.  It's necessary, but that doesn't make it any easier.  My sewjo disappeared when we went in to lockdown 2.0 and these are really all that I've been making.  

Now if I have to wear a mask, I'm going to wear one I like and I'm pretty happy with these.  It's a free pattern from Twig and Tale, it's multi size and has a filter pocket.  You can also add a channel for a nose wire but I haven't done that.

These were all made using fabric and elastic from my stash.  I'm lucky to have had supplies on hand as elastic has become pretty hard to come by.  I've made these using three layers of cotton.  The colourful masks have quilting cotton on the outside and inside, with a really tightly woven 1000 thread count sheet for the inner layer.  The black masks have cotton drill on the outside and then the sheet fabric and quilting cotton on the inside.  I've used 5mm and 6mm elastic, as well as narrow fold over elastic for the ear loops.

These have washed and worn really well and it's a really nicely drafted pattern.  

Hopefully the additional restrictions help to control the spread of transmission and we're able to see family and friends again in 6 weeks time.

The Blackwood cardigan - a perfect layer.

When you're six foot tall and you want a long cardigan, you make it yourself.

This is the Blackwood Cardigan from Helen's Closet.  I've made the pattern before but never blogged it, so thought I'd better get on it this time.  I took advantage of the recent 30% off merino sale at The Fabric Store and purchased two beautiful premium weight fabrics in black and paprika.  The fabric is so soft and cozy.

There's a reason that just about every sewing blogger/instagrammer (is that a word?) has made this pattern.  It comes together so quickly and I love the way it looks.  It's not designed to close in the middle so that's something to be aware of.

I've made this up in a large and only made one pattern adjustment and that was to increase the length through the body by 6 inches.  The sleeves are designed to be extra long/bunched up a little and I found that they hit at a great length on my long arms.  I've left the pockets off too.  If I put anything heavier than a tissue in them, they would drag on the front of the cardigan.  The added bonus is that you then pretty much sew this up on your overlocker.

These have been in constant rotation since I finished them a couple of weeks ago.  I'm really surprised by how often I reach for the paprika colour, I really thought I'd wear the black more often but I'm enjoying the injection of colour that the paprika brings to my fairly neutral wardrobe.

I love these cardigans and think I want another one in white! 

April Plans

Well what a month March was!  I started the month with a night out in the city moving from roof top bar to roof top bar and finished the month in isolation.  Along the way I also successfully applied for a new job and handed in my resignation at an organisation that I've worked for for over 15 years.  I've felt all the emotions this month!

There was very little sewing in March.  My black ginger jeans are 90% done - just need to sew the buttonhole and hems and bang in the button.  The wrap top and the bra are not even close, but I still want them and hope to be able to get it done in April.

Images via Tessuti Fabrics, Orange Lingerie and David Jones

So for April I'm planning to make:

• Tessuti Berlin Jacket in black boiled wool from The Cloth Shop Ivanhoe
• Tessuti Many Boat Tee x 2 in green and ivory merino from The Fabric Store
• Orange Lingerie Devonshire Bra
• Trousers/jeans - pattern/s to be determined

I finish up at work on Thursday and have two weeks off before I start in my new role so I'm hopeful that I'll be able to achieve everything on my list this month.

These are all really practical items that will work well during this isolation period as well as filling current gaps in my wardrobe.

Style Arc Sunny Knit Top

On new year's eve I cleaned up my sewing room and counted alllll the projects that I had in various stages of completion.  I had 30!  With another 10 projects waiting to be altered or mended.  This top was one of my WIPs, it was just waiting to be hemmed.

This is the Style Arc Sunny Knit top made up in a gorgeous lilac merino from The Fabric Store.  Total coincidence that my first two projects of 2020 are both called Sunny!  I was drawn to the style lines of this top, quick and easy but with a little bit of interest which is something that I think Style Arc do really well.

Given that I cut this out sometime last year I'm relying on what's in my notepad and on the pattern sheet and it looks like I've made up a straight size 12.  No extra length added and the sleeves and body length are perfect for me.

I really like the cocoon shape, I feel like it sits nicely and is easy to wear.  While the style lines are different I feel like this has quite a similar feel to the Tessuti Mandy boat tee.  Fitted sleeves with volume through the body.  Having made both I do prefer the Style Arc Sunny top. 

I'm really happy that I finished this one off, I'm pretty sure it's going straight into regular rotation.  Now I just need to tackle the rest of the list!