What are you learning during this pandemic? From my business perspective and as a fashion designer I always thought I wanted to learn and be part that larger industry when I was just starting out.  That was over 45 years ago.  Now I am learning more than ever.

Do you want to learn to be in the fashion world as a professional?

This is the time for learning from the best during the pandemic.  Those of you interested in the industry should listen and learn from all the information floating around the internet  during this time.  Check out both my instagram and instagram stories (which change every 24 hours).  Below is some of my current work, one of a kind mask included:

Learn in the virtual world

In our virtual world we have the opportunity to visit and interact with the best of the best in the fashion industry. Actually in any industry right now, everyone is willing to open up with honesty and authenticity.  This is what is bringing me joy during isolation.  I am learning so much.  Those of you who are interested in any industry should be listening and learning from all the information out there while you are staying home and staying safe.  I feel like I am part of the whole without the stress and management that it takes to sustain a large scale operation.

I’ve been in the audience while Rebecca Moses (illustrator extraordinarie) interviews her stayhomegirls(I am one of 310). Interviewees include Amy Fine Collins, art historian, award winning journalist, muse of the late Geoffrey Beene, Nicolefischelis, design & art creative advocate and many more. Today while going through the drive through at the bank I had the pleasure of being in the company of Monique Lhuillier, fashion designer extraordinarie chatting with Kendra Scott.  They were discussing dressing up wearing Kendra’s jewels and Monique’s beautifully executed gowns.  Yes, these people are real and have emotions and concerns that we all have.  It’s so enlightening to listen to them.  It’s like a free class.  Do it!

Where will fashion go from here?

Small, slow fashion is going to overtake the industry and I’ve been doing that the entire time.  Not large scale, but baby steps and that has given me joy.  If you are in need of a joyful ensemble, reach out here and let me help you be your best self in how you communicate through how you dress.  Your closet with thank you for adding some timeless designs that will last your lifetime.

The post What are you learning during this pandemic? appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

Fashion and Relevancy

I believe that taking care of yourself especially during times of crisis is self healing.

Chic clothing for well being.

My clothing can be described as Artisan designed playful sophisticated clothing  so that ageless women can look and feel comfortably chic.  At home or otherwise.  Here is our basic white shirt with a fun mask as seen in Malvie Magazine, June 2020.

‘Henry’ blouse available here

The post Fashion and Relevancy during the pandemic appeared first on Brooks Ltd.

I am engaged with a facebook group one that is giving back during this pandemic 2020 crisis and  is connected with healthcare facilities and hospitals where the need is currently great.  Through this group my masks have been and will be distributed to those in need at this time.  The fashion and the sewist community has responded incredibly well in helping out.  For those of you interested in Colorado companies that have expanded to other forms of making PPE(personal protection equipment) check this out.

As I experiment I am committed to produce some of these masks quickly for their use.  Because I am a one woman operation I am limited to any kind of production.   In an effort to help, I would like to share what I’ve come up with for the end product, if you are able to sew masks, here is what I’ve researched.  The best pattern and instruction  I’ve used is from this Video which I then added my own version of what I think is helpful.  I use an electric sissor for this project as I am cutting more than one out at a time.  Since I have very little cotton fabrics on hand I am cutting into a king sized sheet that is cotton and polyester.  It’s best to use cotton as suggested in the video I just shared.

Sheets cut up for mask making

Finished mask

The mask is itself is relatively easy to construct.  I’ve chosen not to incorporate the nose wire or the pocket for extra filters. I am also using my knit stach (100% Cotton) from tee shirts that I have in my closet to create a softer feeling against your skin.

Tee shirt cut up

The quick part for me is adding the adjustable strings for individual fit.  Instead of stitching each string at the corners, which is time consuming, I suggest stitching a casing at the ends of each side (from ear to chin-think of it like a waistline drawstring casing).  Stitch the string which I am cutting to 54″, there is only one string to be inserted in both side casings and then tied at the crown of the head.  I knot the end of the strings to keep it from falling out and tack the string at the center of the casing so it does not get lost when washed.  When worn, it can be adjusted tight against the chin so there is no opening to allow debris to filter in.

I will continue to incorporate making these masks on a daily basis, in addition to my current work– but any extra help from the community is greatly needed.  If you have questions reach out here and I can connect you to the authorities I know that are distributing DIY masks.

Here I am wearing my mask on the somber side.

Here are some other links that may help you decide which way to make your own mask. Make your own mask.  The New York Times how to make face mask.  NPR came out with a very informative article read it here.

Important tips:  When you wear your mask, be conscious of how you take it off, be sure not to touch the fabric part of the mask. When you come inside from wearing it, be sure to ALWAYS wash it in warm water with detergent after each wear.  One never knows where the virus molecules will land.

  WEAR MASKS WHEN GOING OUT  You protect me, I protect you

Happy sewing.

Stay safe and stay home.

The post Giving back by Sewing DIY Masks appeared first on Brooks Ltd.