I’ve been working from home for over a month now, and I get why people seem to think I would’ve had more time to do crafts because I’ve been home. I’ve actually really been on a crafting drought the last couple of weeks.
Save for the crocheted necklace I attempted (first ever completed!) a few weeks back, I haven’t picked up my tools except to re-string a rosary style necklace of gorgeous pink agate beads. That is almost done and has been set aside.
I’ve been meaning to make a piece a week — and I think I have to pressure myself into creating more. It’s just that life has been a bit stressful at work — what with the adjustment of doing everything from home.
It also hasn’t helped that I’ve found myself mildly obsessed with sewing masks.
I’ve always been the first to admit I am a novice sewist or seamstress. I’m banking on my crafty inclinations to get me through, and despite several tries, I haven’t quite gotten the fit and the pattern that would work for me. I am still trying.
A few weeks back, I published the photo below in my Instagram account. Taking the cue from some experts on the best material to use, this one used a 200 count bed sheet cover. I normally don’t use those and had set this one aside to convert into pillow cases, but I used it instead for this two layer mask cover. I fashioned ear elastic from another project I had been using. I managed to put in some 22 gauge wire folded and it twice and it seemed to hold.
The mask proved to be a bit wonky on the sides so I added a flap. Still didn’t quite work the way I wanted it to so I am experimenting on how to make a better fitting mask. I am working on this and another pattern. I’d like to be able to produce enough for me to use when we return to work — as I am sure it will be a requirement to wear them, and it would be a good preventive measure, no matter how minuscule an effort it may be against the virus we are all fighting. (I will write a post on the resources for this shortly.)
I have also been slowly working towards contributing to a nationwide effort to provide face mask covers for our front liners. There’s a website online, sewingforlives.com , that provides for a pattern as requested, connecting seamstresses or anyone who wants to donate with requesting agencies/institutions.
Again, the novice that I am when it comes to sewing, I’m taking a little longer creating the straps to go with the mask itself. I am getting there. It’s just a little tough being productive when I work during the day during the week, and I can really work on this only at night. But I am getting there. Even just 10 or 20 would be a big deal of a contribution for me.
At the start of this whole stay-at-home deal, I worked on my art journal. After creating several sections ready for my entries, I’ve sort of taken a break. I haven’t necessarily set it aside — I’m just taking a pause. I am looking to resume that this week.
Creating has always been a source of relaxation and release for me. Having found my rhythm again, I’m hoping to do more before we find ourselves back or close to picking up from where we left off. I guess the stress has just gotten the better of me, stifling my creativity. Hopefully, the coming weeks will see something different come out from all of this.
Gotham Chick 