DIY: Making 3-D Face Masks

Projects

With no end in sight to the wearing of face masks, I recently made a few more 3-D style face masks for the family. I received a complement from the cashier at the grocery store today on my matching face mask. I had made a shirt last year and since I had a bit of extra fabric left over, I made a mask to match. When I want to feel put together, I wear my matching top and mask. Who knows, perhaps I will make a holiday mask to get me in the spirit when the time comes. Here are the instructions for my go-to mask…

Face Mask Instructions:

Cut a rectangle  ( 10” x 14” regular size) (10” x 14.5” slightly larger size) or (desired size rectangle). [ I have learned, in making masks for my family, that one size does not necessarily fit all. Making a mock-up of the pattern without all the layers may be a good way to see what changes need to be made to the pattern before committing fabric to the project. ]

Next, measure down 2 inches on each side and draw line across and cut to make pattern.  A hexagon shape is made. 

Use this pattern to cut 2 pieces of material and 1 of sew-on (non-iron) interfacing.

Place the 2 material pieces right sides together and then place the interfacing on top.  Pin.

Sew on the top 3 sides and the bottom 3 sides ¼” from edge.  Leave ends open to turn.  Turn and press with iron.  Top stitch sewn sides ¼”.

Iron down the top and the bottom where corners meet ends.

Top-stitch at edge of top and bottom ¼”.

Place one piece of elastic over one end and fold end over once and then once again to form a casing.  Pin in place.  Stitch close to the edge being careful not to catch elastic in machine.  (Sometimes, because of the bulk, it is easier to start in the middle and sew to the end and then turn the material and sew from middle to end. If machine will handle it, it can be sewn in one line.)

Now fold open the corners lining them up with the end casing and stitch in place.  This holds the shape of the mask.  Repeat for other side.  Tie the elastic in a not to the desired length.

As always, STAY SAFE and Happy Sewing!

Cleaning-up the Pieces and Putting Them Back Together

Projects

This weekend I decided to clean out my fabric/sewing supply cabinet. I have gotten into the bad habit of throwing things back into the cabinet any which way. The result being a disorganized mess. So this weekend, I pulled out all the fabric, batting, interfacing, and other sewing supplies and got to work.

I ironed the fabrics that were a wrinkled mess and folded them neatly and organized everything. My stash is getting smaller, as I have made quite a few face masks for the Covid crisis. While cleaning out the cabinet, I found some projects that were either partially started and then abandoned or never started at all. Would I do such a thing!

I set these projects aside. The idea being that if they are staring me in the face every day I will do something about them. I am proud to say that today I have started on one of the forgotten projects. A paper piecing project (‘Teddy Bear Santa’ designed by Ruth Jensen) bought many moons ago. This was set aside because of its intimidating nature. Although, paper piecing is not actually something to be weary of at all. I have done some paper piecing in the past but needed to refresh myself with instructions before undergoing the project. I had to get myself in the right way of thinking of how the pieces go together and then all went smoothly. Well…after ripping out a seam or two.

Today I finished one section of the project, a tree. Not bad… I have one more tree to do. This should be a piece of cake since it is just like the one I just finished. Then there is Santa and a bear. This will be more difficult as there are three dimensional pieces involved here. I was supposed to do the three dimensional pieces first. Ha! If I did that, the project would still be in the bag. These are intimidating to me. I decided to start with the easy part first so that I can work up to the more difficult part. At least I will have some satisfaction with the piece in the start.

Here is what my tree looks like…..

Do not worry! The edges are left uneven on purpose. It will be trimmed and sewn to the other seams eventually. I will keep posting on my progress. I have two months till Christmas, so there is my motivation.

[Note: It does not appear that this pattern is still available. However, there is a very similar one available on the site. The Santa and bear are different and packages are added. Patterns are at: http://www.thimble-art.com]

As always, Happy Sewing!

My Take on the Movie….Knives Out

movie review

My husband borrowed the movie ‘Knives Out’ from our local library for our date night movie. Why are people so careless with library movies? The poor DVD was scratched and skipped and then actually got stuck in our machine. No, it had nothing to do with our machine. So a plea to people everywhere…be careful with the borrowed DVD’s! Just because one does not pay for them does not mean they should abuse them. Ok, so now that I’ve got that off my chest, let us get on to the movie…

‘Knives Out’ is a mystery loaded with big name stars. Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, and Christopher Plummer, just to name a few. The story is set mainly in the mansion owned by Harlan Thrombey, a crime novelist. His family has just helped him celebrate his 85th birthday when his body is found by the maid. An apparent suicide. However, an anonymous person has hired detective Benoit Blanc to investigate Harlan’s death. Now that foal play is considered, everyone is a suspect in Harlan’s death. It seems as though there were several disagreements with Harlan and certain family members before his death. Was money an issue? What really happened to Harlan will be revealed before the movie ends. However, this outcome will lead to more twists and turns.

I enjoyed the movie very much. It had me guessing and not sure of how things would play out. I thought the ending was satisfying. I would recommend the movie ‘Knives Out’ to anyone wanting to see a good mystery.

As always, Happy Movie Watching!

Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal

Cooking

I was in the process of making my morning oatmeal when it dawned on me. We were out of brown sugar. Oh no! I knew we ran out yesterday. Just did not go to the store to replace it yet. That was not a way to start off my morning.

But I was not bothered for too long. A thought came to me of how to save my morning oatmeal. I was already making fried apples with cinnamon. Why not top the oatmeal with these instead!

So, I finished the apples which I was sauteeing in butter with a sprinkling of cinnamon and then decided to add a teaspoon of regular granulated sugar to give it just a bit of sweetness. I usually do not add sugar to the apples, however, since sugar is added to apple pie filling, I thought I would give it a go. I plated the apples and then topped it with my old fashioned oatmeal. Not bad, but I am adding brown sugar to my shopping list.

As always, Happy Cooking!

My Take on Dior by Dior

Book Reviews

I have just finished reading the autobiography of Christian Dior, Dior by Dior. Of course, I love a good autobiography. These are always better than biographies for me, as I get a sense of the person as they tell their tale. Dior by Dior was quite an interesting read.

For anyone unfamiliar with Christian Dior, he was, of course, a great Couturier. He was the man behind the famous fashion house, House of Dior, in Paris. His business grew to allow houses in New York and London as well. To go to a Dior show was quite a deal. In his book, Dior takes us through his process of designing a collection and what it takes to make the sketches a reality. I was very interested in how a Couture House worked. Dior explained this quite well. He also describes what it is like to attend a show at the House of Dior.

Dior tells of his early years, the houses he lived in, and how the friendships he formed when he was a young man influenced who he would become. There are a lot of interesting details of Dior, the man, that I did not know. He seemed most humble in his success.

For anyone interested in fashion or how the fashion industry works, I would highly recommend Dior by Dior. As always, Happy Reading!

Coolest Car in the Dessert

life

Sometimes when one is out and about they run into the craziest things. Things that make one look twice and then smile. The outrageous, crazy, different, unique things that are unexpected but welcome.

Such a thing happened a few years back when my family and I drove to the dessert. Expecting to see wildflowers, cactus, and dessert terrain, we had no idea we would be seeing a boat-car. How COOL is that!

I loved the boat-car. Made from a real boat! I had to have a picture. Afterall, what were my chances of ever seeing something like this again. However, I did not just want to take a picture of total strangers. That would be a bit rude. Oh, these people were used to attention, of that, I am sure; and I do not think it bothered them in the least. The woman was even dressed for the occasion, sporting her white sailor hat. Regardless, I just did not feel right snapping a picture and running. So, I politely asked if I could take a picture and they were totally on board. So I happily snapped my photo to remember my cool sighting of the cool couple in the coolest car in the dessert.

Ah, the little things that make me happy…

My Take on…Two Novels by Wendy Jones

Book Reviews

I was gifted the book The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals by Wendy Jones. I thought to myself, what an odd book to give someone. Is this about funerals? How morbid!

The book, however, is not about funerals persay. It is about the life of a young man who happens to be an undertaker. Wilfred Price. Wilfred is an interesting young man. A very likable chap really. The book is based around the one mistake he makes, by asking a young woman to marry him and then deciding he has made a mistake. So before things get out of hand, Wilfred decides to take back his proposal. Of course, things are not as simple as that and so the story continues.

The book is set in 1920’s England. In a quaint village where everyone knows everyone and everyone wants to know everything. It is hard to keep secrets in such a place. Although there are secrets being kept, which will lead to complicate Wilfred’s life.

The book is well written. I can “see” the village and the characters very clearly. The book is amusing, funny, serious, mysterious, etc… A nice read.

I enjoyed The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals very much. So much so that I ordered the next book, that finishes Wilfred’s journey, before I had even finished the first. The next book, The World is a Wedding, takes right off from where we left off with Wilfred and the other characters. It really is a must read or however will one know what happens to Wilfred. The World is a Wedding is full of new adventures and surprises. It was not a disappointment and left the reader with a complete feeling at the end.

I would recommentd The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals and The World is a Wedding. I would also suggest getting both. One does not want to be left hanging at the end after all.

As always, Happy Reading!

Recipe Review: Streusel-Topped Plum Muffins

Cooking

I purchased some plums at the store with the intent of making a plum cake. I decided on a breakfast treat instead. A Streusel-Topped Plum Muffin recipe caught my eye. Oh yum!

The drawback in the recipe for me was that it called for heavy cream, which we try to avoid. But wait! I just found a list of dairy-based heavy cream substitues. This list had more options than I dreamed possible. So onto the muffins…

Of course, knowing me, I changed a few things in the recipe. First off, I felt that a whole cup of sugar seemed a bit more than enough for me. I dropped that down to 3/4 cup. Next off, instead of the half cup of heavy cream, I mixed together 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup lactose free milk (or any milk would do). My plums were pale yellow, not purple. For the topping, I left out the walnuts and the coarse sugar.

Instead of 15 muffins, this batter made 18 muffins for me. Bonus! I LOVED these muffins! They had a wonderful, cake-like, soft, delicate, moist texture. They have stayed perfectly fresh a couple of days now after baking. No need to rush scarfing these down. They are great served with coffee or tea.

Would I have changed anything else? Well, next time I might add a bit more fruit. Although they are perfectly lovely as they are, I would probably use three plums next time instead of the two that I used. The recipe could also be quite nice with other fruit as well.

Check-out the recipe at: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/streusel-topped-plum-muffins/print/

As always, Happy Baking!

Pattern Review: Sewing the Easy Shift

Projects

I follow the blog Maison Bentley Style and found one of Kate’s posts to be quite useful to me as of late. Kate posted a few versions of an easy shift to sew at home. I liked the easy wear style and thought the pattern at This Little Miggy would be right up my alley. So, after a bit of time, I finally got up the nerve to cut out my material and push the pedal to the metal as they say.

The pattern was simple enough. It consisted of four rectangles that one gets by taking one’s measurements according to the directions provided. It also gave a pattern for a pocket to trace and cut out. All very straight-forward. I cut the pieces. However, I chose to make the piece for the back one piece instead of two rectangles sewn together. Why have a seam up my backside afterall?

The most challenging part for me was deciding how deep the v-neck should be. The pattern has one decide this themself. So, being conservative, I cut the v-neck. Well, it did not fit over my head. Ha! I went into my closet and got out a v-neck and used that for my pattern. (For me that was 9.5″) My shoulder seems ended up being 9″ each. The pattern had one cut a dip for the neckline in the back and turn under and sew. I chose to add a neck facing to this for a clean seam. It worked well. The sewing was simple. Basically straight lines everywhere.

Here is my finished dress made of linen.

I would recommend this pattern. Very easy to make (especially since I just gave everyone a hint on the neckline). If interested in this pattern, check it out at:

The dress x
Make || Easy Summer Shift Tutorial

A special thanks to Kate for her wonderful posts and connecting me to the site for this pattern. Love your blog!!! Also a big thanks to This Little Miggy for sharing this wonderful pattern! It gives me courage to try and design something on my own next time. Who knew rectangles could turn into a dress!

As always, Happy Sewing!

Recipe Review: Zucchini Snack Cake with Orange Glaze

Cooking, gardening

Yesterday, I wrote about my crazy baking day in the kitchen in order to use a zucchini. I made three different recipes. I decided to put the Zucchini Muffins and the Zucchini Brownies in the freezer. We would have the Zucchini Snack Cake with Orange Glaze for dessert.

There were two reasons for this decision. One being this was a new recipe and I wanted to taste it while it was at its peak. I have made the other two recipes before and already knew how they tasted. The second being that I was not craving chocolate, or desiring a muffin for dessert (more of a breakfast thing). So cake it would be!

I picked the snack cake recipe mainly because it did not contain chocolate. It seems as though all the recipes for zucchini cake throw in a bit of chocolate. But I did not want chocolate. Love chocolate, just not all the time. This recipe also contained orange. Bingo! I was sold. We have an orange tree out back and I not only need to use the zucchini but the oranges as well. Then I saw that the recipe came from a familiar blog (Barefeet in the Kitchen) that I have made recipes from before and they were always delicious.

So here is the recipe:

Zucchini Snack Cake with Orange Glaze

Did I make any changes? Yes, two very minor changes. The baker said that she prefered to use store bought orange juice as it had more flavor in the cake. Well, I know that the flavor is not in the juice but in the zest. So instead of just using my freshly squeezed orange from our orchard, I also added the zest of the orange to boot. The only other change I made was in the amount of glaze I used on the cake. I wanted to cut down on the sugar content so I reduced the glaze by half and it was plenty. The glaze covered the top of the cake completely. If wanting to cover the sides as well, then use the whole recipe for the glaze.

The cake was easy to make and tasted good. The aroma of oranges flooded my kitchen as this baked. Wonderful! So, if wanting to use up some zucchini and oranges, why not give this recipe a try.

As always, Happy Baking!