I don’t have a fancy-schmancy pattern for this yet. I’ve just been using my hand-drawn pattern. I made a super rough PDF for you to download. I’m supposed to get a legit-looking one from Jane on Tuesday. Hope this works in the meantime! I put little tick marks at every inch so you could check your scale to print exact, or adjust your scale to size up or down.
Yes, the fabric has changed from blue to white. It is also feels thinner. According to Filti, it’s not really thinner. It has slightly less body because they changed the size of the dots. They have had supply chain issues and had to remove the blue layer which was not a filtering layer. It only added color. They did “up” the MERV rating from 13 to 16+ though. So, that's nice.
They have a video about the change. It wasn't something they set out to do.
We are all facing shortages on almost every level and we are having to make-do.
Here's their video explaining the"whys": https://youtu.be/BD7A0TTZUUo
Here's the video showing the difference between the fabrics, side by side: https://youtu.be/iuw5Z2FprcE
Another change to the info in my videos is concerning the wash-ability of the fabric. Since further testing has been performed on the fabric, they are now no longer recommending washing the filter fabric. Consider it one time use, sanitize with heat according to their video, or use as a disposable insert filter for your masks.
Happy sewing! :D
Remember, while their own workers wear this filter fabric directly against their skin, some of the people you are sewing for may have sensitive skin, so I recommend lining it with 100% cotton if you can.
Like I have said, I’m not associated with them, so I’m certainly not their spokesperson, but in spite of the many ways we have kept seamsters informed of their monumental efforts to ship these cuts of fabrics to you guys, I continue to get shrill, accusatory comments.
I’ve added a very lengthy section to the video description on YouTube, explaining the logistic delays, (not Filti’s fault.) We are in the middle of a pandemic and UPS is working around the clock to fulfill orders. Please, thank your UPS delivery person, don’t bash them.
Here are some pics that the owner, Dakota texted me!! Sorry, no they cannot respond to you guys individually right now. There are thousands of you asking about order status or confirmation. Hang tight! It is on the way ASAP!
I also keep getting asked how long it took me to get my Filti fabric. There is not a direct comparison to that, because mine was sent with USPS to my P.O. Box. It was also mailed to me before things ramped-up to the degree that it has now. You know how it is, it’s like a different world each week right now. Filti is now sending out thousands of orders a day via UPS. I’m sorry that I can’t estimate. I am literally just a seamstress who shared her filter fabric source with you! :)
Be safe & well, BST besties!!!
P.S. Your Filti fabric may arrive all white. Don’t be alarmed. It’s the same stuff. :)
Here is a template/pattern for making a mask. This is cut 4 times for a 2-layer mask. There are very detailed instructions in my video. I am not a medically trained professional. I do not recommend masks or a particular mask design, or a particular fabric. Check with your local hospital for what kind of masks they want. Lining fabric should be 100% cotton to give the mask body and a natural fiber against your skin. Please note, the color and thickness of filti fabric is variable, so you may have to use more cotton fabric lining to make the mask more substantial.
Download a Pdf below, (or take a screenshot of the picture immediately below if your are nervous about downloading. Crop it to roughly 5x7. Print it actual size.) You can scale up or down before printing to adjust the fit.
This is a sewing tutorial. You may be able to modify it for no-sew, but I don’t teach no-sew methods. I have a sewing channel. lol
Additional pieces that are not pictured on pattern are:
Cut: 4" millinery wire for nose piece
Cut: 1" x 18" 100% cotton lining fabric to bind edge, (recommended to avoid skin irritation)
Cut 1: 7" of 1/2" horsehair braid for rigidity
Cut 2: 13” long pieces of elastic. Length will vary based upon width of elastic. I happen to use 1/2” for a stronger seal.
You may also want low temp glue gun, adhesive that is strong and safe to breathe through when dry, or iron-on fusing tape.
I asked a hospital O.R. nurse to do an official fit test with my mask. The mask that I submitted was made with two layers of filter fabric and 1 layer of cotton, bound in cotton knit, and stitched on a small stitch length of 1 with a size 9 ball point needle. I did NOT seal the seams with glue. It passed :)
On another note: They have done further testing and are now recommending that you sanitize by heat this way: https://youtu.be/EhiuiJi1uts or use as one time use, or use as a disposable filter insert. Repeated washings can reduce the filtration and it's just hard to gauge they safety of that right now, so err on the side of caution and do it this way. Happy sewing! :)
Mask pattern Pdf by: Jane Ricciardi. Thank you!
In case download doesn’t work, here’s a pic of the pdf for you to screenshot and print. Obviously, it won’t be as clear, but it should work. To scale it, each half of the mask should be about 5x7”.
Details on Bendable Nose piece flap….
Details on how to sew binding…
Yes!! The Bridal Sewing Clothing and accessories that you have been looking for are finally here. These products advertise YOUR skill. NOT mine. Tell the grocery store, the yoga studio, hey… the whole world that you are indeed a bridal seamstress. Click HERE to be taken to our new merchandise storefront. Thank you for supporting my channel.
We have shirts, tote bags, mugs, and cell phone covers. Socks coming soooooon. ( I can’t wait.)
Our model is wearing one of our many designs that you can choose from.
Allergy season has hit! Trees are in full bloom. That means that my voice is shot. I am raspy and hardly have a voice. I actually don’t Feel bad, though. Thank goodness! In the meantime, I’m still popping in on stories every now and then on YouTube. I’m trying to think of a video I can still produce with this quiet, raspy voice.
I am getting ready to do another Q&A! Email me your questions and I may feature your question.
I do! Try creating a business account and enjoy all of the convenience of Amazon for your business orders.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thanks for helping me out so that I can continue to invest the time it takes to produce my videos to help you! :)
Scheduling is hard. Ug. It is literally my least favorite aspect of being a seamster. On the other hand, it is super important. Bad things happen when you over-book or under-book yourself. Check my latest YouTube video which includes a free template. You can also download and print a copy using this link: here.
On another note, I use lots of abbreviations and codes in my dayminder workflow. Would you be interested in a short video about that?
Do you have a gown that needs the straps shortened at the shoulder seam? I just uploaded a new video for you! I hope it helps! :)
Do your gowns’ bodices sometimes get smashed and misshapen while they are hanging in wait? Well, this latest vid that I uploaded will show you how to densely pack the bodice so that the gown will retain its shape. Use acid-free tissue paper or a cardboard bust form.
Are you a bridal sewing nerd like me? I just uploaded a very long, comprehensive video that is all about my experience with French Lace. I hope you enjoy it!
Wanna Learn How to Sew a Horsehair Braid Hem? I have a new instructional video up on YouTube showing you how to sew three different types of exposed horsehair braid hems. I cover 4in, 1 in, and 1/2 in. Let me know if you have any questions remaining after watching it. Grab a cup of tea, because it is kind of a long video, but the info is worth it! Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
We are having a Fray Check Showdown over on our YouTube channel! I made a little chart and tested out 3 different ways of blocking fraying. Let me know which one works best for you!
Buttons, buttons, buttons! There are many types, sizes, and fabrics that are common to wedding gowns. Let this video guide you through the different types, and teach you how to make the right button selections.
Sometimes our hands ache from hours of sewing, but we have hours more to go. Hand creams work well for pain relief, but will ruin the gowns. This super short vid will show you how I get effective pain relief in a short amount of time, so that I can get back to work! I hope it works as well for you. Enjoy this latest video! :)
If you are having trouble finding this product, here it is on Amazon...
Check out our latest video on our YouTube Channel:
There is a lot of back and forth about when Stitch Witchery is allowed to be used in bridal.
I feel that there are a few different ways to look at the use of this product. First, I will explain what is flat-out wrong. A bridal seamster should never use Stitch Witchery 100% in place of sewing. For instance, if you have lace appliqué that needs to be attached down the side of a gown, you cannot just glue it down with the fusible tape and call it a day. When she dry cleans the gown, the lace will fall off. It is also not heirloom quality work.
Now, I'll share with you how I feel that it can be used correctly. I use it as a stabilizer to shape and hold the appliqué while I hand stitch. You can get by with slightly fewer stitches with this method, but you need to make sure the stitching is adequate. I also clear the use of fusible adhesive with my bride before using it. I explain to them that it will cost a little less if we use it, because the hand sewing will go faster.
Below, you will find the latest video where I demonstrate the use of stitch witchery as a stabilizer and also hand sewing. Below that, you will find a purchse link if you are looking to try some.
Here's the product on Amazon. It is super cheap and handy! I usually buy a larger roll than what this links to, but it's the same idea!
I hope this has helped!
To really get a long lasting crease, pleat, or flat spot, we often use steam and pressure. The steam, of course, is made of water. The water can take a bit to evaporate. Your press job isn't fully set until the fabric is dry and cool. How do you speed this along in a busy sewing shop?
The Tailor's Clapper works because it is suuuper dry, thirsty wood. Wood, as you know is a poor conductor of heat, so it cools fairly quickly. Couple that with the thirsty trait, and you have yourself a winning combination for setting your press job quickly. Use pressure and patience with this tool and it will reward you with the crispest pleats in town!
One video of mine that shows the clapper being used for shaping bust pads is found here.
Here is another video where I use the clapper to set pleats:
To purchase one, see my products page on this website. They pretty much last forever. Just keep it clean and dry. Definitely keep it away from oils.
I hope this helped you! :)
Welcome to my brand new blog! I have been vlogging for a while now on YouTube, but it is time for some text and links! Over time, I hope to send you to many of my fabulous sources here on the "interwebs." Message me in the comments section if you have any specific requests. :)
Best:
Brenda LaBolt
