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.

Happy New Year and a quick look back

Happy New Year!  I hope you ended 2012 on a high, we relaxed and had a few drinks and nibbles with our neighbours, it was a great way to end the year.

Currently working on a quilt for my nephew

I've always been really impressed by the year end wrap ups that other bloggers do.  It's a great way to take stock of what you've sewn for the year and take a look at the wins and the fails.  I made 57 items in 2012 which breaks down like this:
31 items for me
2 items for Wade
19 items for the girls, and
5 'other' items (predominantly home sewing)

My favourite and most worn item this year would be my slim fit black pants, they're worn at least once a week and you'll be seeing another pair soon.

My biggest fail is the mission maxi with the godet.  I took it off after taking the photos and it never even made it into the wardrobe.  I thought it would be fabulous but I don't like the way it looks on me and the godet doesn't work with my lifestyle.

My biggest surprise for 2012 was this dress.  I started off feeling very 'meh' about it and yet throughout winter I reached for it regularly and felt good wearing it.

2013 will see me sewing from my stash.  I have a list of over 20 items that I'd like to make and I have the fabric for all of them (if I get organised I'll put them on a tab at the top).  I'm also going to participate in Cloth Habit's bra sew-along.  All the fabulous bras made by other bloggers has convinced me to give it a go (that and $80 price tag on my favourite bra!).

Thank you all for your kind words and support in 2012, wishing you all a happy and healthy 2013 with plenty of awesome sewing.