My Face Coverings Journey

As COVID-19 impacted my bridal business, I spent April wondering how to put my skills to good use. Home schooling in the mornings left afternoons free. First off, I produced a limited edition sketch for my NHS friends, using my Sketch My Dress style to Create a Union Jack / NHS logo dress. I produced 50 copies which were sent out to wards at hospitals all over the North West.

Transforming my business to face coverings!

As my sewing machine sat idle, I decided to start to produce a range of pretty face coverings, using the fabric available in my studio. On May 8th, I sold my first face covering on Etsy.com. I also quickly adapted my own sketchmydress.co.uk website, adding dedicated pages for my growing range of coverings.

It was steady to start with. Then one day the Government made face coverings mandatory on public transport, and sales started to rocket! Handwritten envelopes evolved to integrated Royal Mail print outs. Stickers and thank you cards were designed and ordered, then re-ordered as I ran out. My husband took time off work to help wrap and pack. It was great to be busy again, even in such uncertain times. It was great to receive orders from offices, doctors practices, restaurants and coffee shops too. My neighbours daughter Olivia became our model, and quickly became the face of my face masks!

Bestselling fabrics

Three months later, and now face coverings are mandatory in various locations all over the UK. I’ve hand made over 2,000 face coverings! I’ve been able to support my local fabric store (as well as many other retailers) as my fabric stock ran low.

Sadly, some of my favourite patterns became unavailable, and despite buying from other sellers both here in the UK and the USA, some patterns we were simply no longer available. However, I’ve been able to source new exciting fabrics and patterns. I am now looking forward to my Christmas editions which can now be purchased here: https://sketchmydress.co.uk/product-category/facecovering/christmas-face-covering

Next steps

Its been a busy yet exciting few months, in very difficult times. But I look forward to seeing where I can take the face coverings next. I’ve started looking at the fitted design face masks in addition to the pleated style, as well as padded extenders for long journeys, and eye masks. Matching dog neckerchiefs are too follow, as will neck gaiters and scarves. I hope to create a dedicated website and new identity, and as we hopefully return to normality, continue to grow my new brand alongside my beloved bridal business.

View all my listings at https://sketchmydress.co.uk/product-category/facecovering/

Thank you for your support xx Jennifer xx