Sleeping Through the New Year | DIY SLEEPING MASK

That's kind of the dream, isn't it?

Pulling a blanket over your head and not returning to the daylight until the crocuses have returned and blue birds are singing sweet songs on the window sill. Plus, now that we've stuffed our bellies with turkey and cranberry sauce over the holidays, it feels only natural.

Bears. I always thought they know exactly what they're doing.

But according to my employer, hibernating isn't good for business, so these days I'm just trying to get a decent night's sleep.

Which hasn't been too easy. I tend to start the New Year with way too many things on my mind. Most of which are the result of made-up scenarios and dramatic re-tellings (re-thinkings?) of everyday activities that create very real, and very unneeded anxieties.

A natural reaction to those numerous personal projects and career plans I've got lined up I would say.

If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough - Am I right?

But to help with the sleep, and inspired by my sister's Christmas wishes (last year's, since Christmas 2016 is still a while away), I got out my sewing machine to make a bunch of colorful sleeping masks. (Why 'a bunch', nobody knows.)

Not so much to get rid of the dark thoughts, but I'm guessing they do help by shutting out any outer, visual distractions...

In any case a great addition to any travel bag. I can totally imagine taking these on a long-haul flight.

My sister got the dark purple one - one of her favorite colors. And I'm still debating whether this is the thing for me - sleeping with a mask? Sounds kind of constricting. I guess I'll just have to give it a go.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED to make one sleeping mask:

TOOLS:
- a printer, or pen and paper
- scissors
- a sewing machine

MATERIAL:
- template (below)
- fabric (preferably a thick cotton)
- felt fabric
- pins
- elastic band
- fabric glue

 Step 1: Copy the template above into a WORD document, blow up to 100%, print off and cut out with your scissors. Make sure to check that the size is perfect for you, adjusting if necessary. You can also create your own pattern using pen and paper, just make sure to leave a 1/2-inch seam allowance on all sides.

Step 2: Stack two layers of fabric right sides together on top of a layer of felt fabric. Pin the template on top and cut around making sure to grasp all layers of fabric. At this point you can remove the template, but keep the layers aligned.

Step 3: Measure your head from one eye to the other around the back of your head. Make sure the band is somewhat taught, but feels comfortable. Cut a band of elastic accordingly, adding 1,5cm on each end.

Step 4: Place the elastic in between the two layers of cotton fabric facing each other. The little marks on either side of the template indicate where the ends of the elastic should be situated. Make respective marks on the fabric with a pencil for guidance and pin accordingly. The elastic should stand out on each side by about 1,5cm.

Hint: Make sure the band isn't twisted inside of the fabric so that it lies flat against your head once you've finished.

Step 5: Add more pins to help keep the layers of fabric together if necessary, and sew around the mask with a straight stitch close to the edges. Leave a gap at the top.

Step 6: Pull the mask inside out through the gap at the top and hand stitch the gap shut.

Step 7: Cut letters from the felt fabric and glue onto the mask using fabric glue.

Hint: You can print off the letters from a WORD document first, pin onto the felt and then cut out with scissors.

Do you sleep with an eye mask? What's the slogan adorning yours?