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<\/a>Order of Construction<\/h2>\nWhen I was in fashion school, back before the turn of the century, I learned to make an Order of Construction list so I could hand off garments for other people to construct.\u00a0 Later, when I was working in the theater, the skill of creating an order of construction list helped me move up the ladder from simile seamstress to first hand, and up to cutter\/draper. As a pattern maker, knowing how to create an effective order of construction list can save lots of time and energy.\u00a0 Once you have a basic construction order for a particular type of garment or accessory, you could use the same list even if there were changes in dimensions.<\/p>\n
There’s more than one way to sew the right way.\u00a0 This means that the way you put a mask together might be very different from my approach. But that’s just fine because the final result is that you create something beautiful, sturdy, good fitting, and functional.<\/p>\n
“Big Picture” list<\/h2>\n
In my process, I like to start with a generalized overview that includes basic steps that I need to take regardless of my project.\u00a0 While there are times that I might leave out one of these steps, or even add one in, this list covers most of my bases.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Make the Pattern<\/li>\n
- Construct Sample and Fit Test<\/li>\n
- Finalize Pattern<\/li>\n
- Create the Order of Construction list<\/li>\n
- Calculate fabric, notions, and findings<\/li>\n
- Source materials<\/li>\n
- Fabric and Materials Prep<\/li>\n
- Cutting<\/li>\n
- Sewing<\/li>\n
- Finishing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Detailed Oder of Construction<\/strong><\/h2>\n
From this overview, I am going to drill down to the “Sewing” portion of the list.\u00a0 Since I charge by the hour for my design and construction services, knowing how long it takes me for each step of the process will allow me to create accurate estimates for my clients.<\/p>\n
However, for this mask project, I’m making quite a few (over 50!) and so I need to know exactly how long it takes.\u00a0 Having a detailed “Order of Construction” helps me record my time trials and maintain consistent product manufacturing.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Sew center fronts<\/li>\n
- Turn, trim and press<\/li>\n
- Put right sides together, sew the top and bottom seams<\/li>\n
- Turn right side out<\/li>\n
- Press<\/li>\n
- Stitch casing line along the top edge for wire<\/li>\n
- Slip wire into place and crip at center<\/li>\n
- Press seam allowances in at ends<\/li>\n
- Pin elastic into place and topstitch<\/li>\n
- Trim all threads and give a final press<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Making Masks<\/h2>\n
One of the nice things about having a detailed order of construction is that I can then share how I put my patterns together with other folks.\u00a0 I’ve made some modifications and additions to the construction details I originally published in my Mask Pattern and Guide<\/a>\u00a0last April.<\/p>\n
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Can I Buy a Mask?<\/h2>\nUnfortunately, this was a “use it up” project, using scraps and leftover bits and pieces from the build for my book “Cloth of Egypt.”\u00a0 When the supplies are gone – they are gone, and as of this writing, I have more “wish list” than fabric left.<\/p>\n
However, if you love these masks, why not make your own?\u00a0 My last assiut purchase was from Desirees Treasures on Etsy<\/a> and you can get some high-quality fabric from her store.\u00a0 You can look around for some ready-made assiut masks as other designers are making them.\u00a0 Also, check out the beautiful faux-assiut Festival Masks<\/a> designed by Melodia.\u00a0 Photo by my co-author Alisha Westerfeld, visit her Smugmug<\/a> to see more of her photos.<\/p>\n
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