Earlier this week, I shared with you that my husband and I hosted a student this past week. One of her priorities was to learn how to sew. Now all of us who have been sewing for quite some time, or even, not so long, we all know that truly learning to sew isn't mastered in a day. My objective was for her to walk away with a couple of projects that she would feel good about, and the confidence that sewing is something she can do.
Well, as it turns out, she is a girl after my own heart. I am devoted to wearing a sleep mask at night. It's amazing how the total darkness allows me to calm down and sleep soundly. As it turns out, she too enjoys wearing a sleep mask.
A few months ago, I noticed a free pattern for a sleep mask from Fabrics-Store.com. It's pictured below.
I ended up making 3, basically used up a scrap that I had, but I also used a little of some linen that I ordered from Fabrics-Store.com. I always like to have at least 1 spare for when the other needs to be washed.
I felt that the sleep mask would be a great first project. She enjoyed making the mask so much that she decided to make another as a gift for a friend.
When we went through my fabric scraps, she found the airplane fabric and was set on what she wanted to do. As it turns out, she too loves airplanes :) She got a kick out of positioning the airplane and helicopter over the eyes.
We had a little fun with the project and used a contrasting fabric for the band. Sadly, I didn't get a picture of the reverse side, but we lined the back of the sleep mask with a plaid flannel which will make the mask nice and soft against the face, especially for sleeping.
You may remember the bucket hats I made a few weeks ago. You can find the tutorial HERE as well as a link to the free pattern.
She loved my hats and wanted to make 1 for herself...out of the same airplane fabric :) So cute!
Like mine, the hat is reversible and we used denim on the opposite side. This made a great second project. With the sleep mask, she learned how to sew around a curve. Attaching the crown to the side of the hat was a little challenging, but with the experience of the sleep mask, she quickly got the hang of it.
And finally, who doesn't need a sleep mask that will match their bucket hat?!!!
In case you missed the link to the free sleep mask pattern, you can find it HERE.
When I go to bed at night, I rub a little lavender oil on my temples and then slip on my mask. Within a short amount of time, I have slipped off to sleep. So if you have problems sleeping at night, I highly recommend a sleep mask. I can't sleep without mine :)
Oh, what fun the two of you are having! So excited for her stay with you. A lifetime of memories are being made!
ReplyDelete*hugs*
Kelley~
I hope so :) But I think I bored her silly when we went flying. She had told me that she was interested in learning to fly, so I walked her through a complete pre-flight of the plane. I think she thought that the process was a lot less involved!
DeleteHow clever you both are. Matching eye shade and hat - perfect for a nap on the beach.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a great idea ;)
DeleteIt's always good to pass on knowledge. Even better when the person learning goes away with something so useful at the end! The sleep mask and that look great in that fabric - and she did brilliantly positioning the aeroplane and helicopter on the mask 😃
ReplyDeleteI always say that if everyone who learns to sew walked away with a project that they are proud of, we would have more people sewing today. I was so happy when she told me that she wanted the patterns to both projects so that she could take them back to school and make them up with her friends. Success! :)
DeleteWhat a great post! Love the fabric on the sleep mask. I just took a long trip and could have used that on the plane. I might have to make a few of those and give them away as gifts for Christmas. Thanks for the inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteA sleep mask on a long plane ride is a must. Add a few ear plugs to your gift set and your friends will be all set!
DeleteHi Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this pattern with us and your lovely new sewing buddy!
She must be really thrilled with her hat and eye mask; love the fabric choice.
This has come in handy, as my daughter buys eye masks. I will make a special one for her to slip in her Christmas santa sack this year, even 20 year olds can still believe!!
What fun! Knowing your style and sense of fashion, it will be a very special little sleep mask :)
DeleteThat's wonderful!!! I am always amazed and humbled when I get to re-experience the love of crafting and sewing through my newbies. There's nothing like getting that first project done.
ReplyDeleteI do use a sleep mask, and I like your idea of adding lavender oil on the temples! She did a great job!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer student. I'm sure she is having a great time. She did a great job on her first projects.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you both had a fun time with the smiles on your faces. She has an excellent teacher to learn how to sew.
ReplyDeleteSuch a timely post Rhonda. I've had a very stressful time of it lately so tonight's the night I sleep thanks to your tips!! Like my positive attitude?!
ReplyDeleteI love your positive attitude :)
DeleteThe lavender oil on my temples really is so very calming for me. I also rub just a bit on my chest. As I fall asleep, there's a light smell of lavender all around me. I am working on another mask pattern that I will have up soon. I am so very sensitive to light and even just a little peek of light will awaken me. So I am doing a pattern that actually has an extra piece that gives a buffer between the nose and eyes. I so hope you sleep well. Makes all the difference in our days.