ToDo/NewDo: DIY Face Mask by Lisbeth Wahl, Italy

Original Mask Pattern

Lisbeth Wahl, Italy

Lisbeth used her past training to develop a face mask pattern and sewing instructions. This pattern is unique in that the front panel is made of two layers which provides the opportunity to insert a barrier fabric or insert. In addition, the front panel is pleated on to the sides which allows for more fullness across the face.

Double-Layer mask

You can use any cotton-type fabric. The ties can be made with any tie-like device including twill tape, laces,

The pattern for the mask is available as 

• a PDF file (a tiled pattern which requires taping together), OR
• a Garment Designer pattern (.gds) file, should you want to edit and resize 

Click here to download the pattern and instructions from Cochenille Design Studio's website (www.cochenille.com). This is a zip file that contains the pattern the PDF pattern, the .gds pattern, and sewing instructions.

Side Piece and Front Piece

A multi-page PDF will walk you through the steps of construction.

Below you can a collection of masks made by Lisbeth.

A little about Lisbeth

Lisbeth is a world-renown felter who lives in Peschiera del Garda, near Verona, Italy.

Born in Denmark, She trained as a tailor and pursued her career in costuming and pattern making, most notably the costume department of Teatro alla Scala (Milan). She became interested in felting, and has taken her talents on to new realms. In 2016, she won the top award at the Australian Common Threads Wearable Art Showcase with her felt piece called Set Your Light Free, which combined felt with fiber optics.

Instagram: @ lisbeth.wahl.fiberart

https://www.facebook.com/lisbeth.wahl

Garment Designer Pattern: Eco-Dye Style

Garment Designer Pattern Eco Dye Style was created with our upcoming Batwing sleeve! Here at Cochenille, I’m working on a group of new styles (Style Set 3) for Garment Designer. At the same time, I’m teaching a new course at Mesa College; Textile Design. I decided to combine the two as I test new styles.

The Pattern

Here we have a style I’m working on; a Batwing sleeve. My inspiration came from the costumes at a recent Ballet performance I attended. The ballerinas wore a batwing style sleeve with an extended cuff, scrunched up their lower arm.

Garment Designer Pattern for Batwing sleeve

To the left is my initial write of the style. I’ll extend the sleeve when I cut the garment.

I printed a test pattern, then taped it together. This I laid on the fabric and once I understood the shape, I began to lay out my various plants on the fabric. began to lay out my various plants down in place.

The Layout

Positioning my pattern for layout purposes.

Arranging the plant materials using the pattern as a guide.

Various plants.

The next step was to roll the fabric up, and tie it tightly. Then, it is put in a pot of simmering water. A rusted pot was put in for good measure to assist in heightening the color of the plants on the fabric.

Into the Pot

Rolling all into a tube.

The ‘sausage’, rolled and tied.

Into the dye pot

After about one hour, the fabric come out, and is untied, and unrolled. Many plants (but not all) transferred their color to the fabric.

Revealing the Fabric

Fabric fresh out of the pot.

Revealing the color upon unrolling.

Fabric, eco-dyed

My fabric is ready… now time to get the garment cut out and sewn.

Susan.. Cochenille

Fabric, after washing and drying.

Pattern in Vietnam

Here I go again... finding 'pattern' in the world around me.

A retaining wall

The steps of a hotel near China Beach.
A window in the Citadel, in Hue, Vietnam.
The pattern on this bonze pot.