I know many of you have already sewn masks, but I've been putting it off because I am not much of a sewist. I have my mother's old Singer sewing machine which works perfectly well, but it's the person operating the knee control that is none too confident.
But Ryan needs to wear masks, so I needed to sew some. I think of these as prototypes. I made two different patterns, and hope that once he tries them, he can let me know what changes and modifications I need to make in the next iterations. It doesn't help that he's not here to try them on, but I did the best I could.
The second one is my attempt to make a mask with a little more thickness and filtering capability than two layers of cotton.
I made a two-layer mask but left part of the seam open so I could insert a "filter". My filter material? A piece cut from an old mattress pad. It was almost exactly what I was looking for, but I don't know if Ryan will be able to breathe through it or if it will be too hot. The mattress pad was in the Goodwill bag, so I was glad to be able to use it.
The mattress pad wasn't the only thing I put to good use. Look familiar?
The fabric is leftover from when I made curtains for Ryan's room, about 19 years ago. I bet he'll laugh when he gets the masks and my grandmother would be so proud of me!
If you've found a mask pattern that you've been happy with, isn't overly complicated to make, fits well, and has the option to add more layers, I would greatly appreciate it if you would leave a link in the comments. (I'm sure Ryan would also be grateful.) Thank you!
ETA: Here is a good explanation of why wearing masks is important, mainly to protect others. I had never heard it explained in terms of ingress and egress, so maybe I will try to perfect my basic cloth mask and not worry so much about thickness or filtering. My mask protects you; your masks protect me. Thanks, kmkat!
That next to last sentence is the most important one of all! Good luck on your mask making journey!
ReplyDeleteI think they look great and I LOVE your fabric! Even better that the fabric was originally for Ryan too! It's all about repurposing. Fletch has had issues with his glasses steaming up when he wears any of the masks I've made. For some reason, that's not happening for me. I keep one in my car and one in my purse (also gloves if I need them).
ReplyDeleteI do believe my son chose that fabric for a home ec project for when he was in middle school to make a pot holder. I am grateful that my sister sewed us some masks and I didn't have to sew them :)
ReplyDeleteI, too, have put off making masks. I have a few very old hospital masks that I can use, but they will not last forever, so I must find some inspiration this week. I think your masks look good, Bonny, regardless of how you feel about the machine operator. Happy Monday, and thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteShould we call you Scarlett O'Hara now that you've repurposed those curtains? ;-) I think the masks look good. The nice thing about them as a project is that they don't have to be perfect to be useful, and I know that fact has taken a lot of pressure off me.
ReplyDeleteDear Scarlett, I think those masks look great! (and did you see the nylon stocking tip?) https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/22/840146830/adding-a-nylon-stocking-layer-could-boost-protection-from-cloth-masks-study-find
ReplyDeleteI tried the NYTimes mask pattern, and it worked well for me, but was way too small for Steve's bearded face. I was able to make pattern adjustments to make it fit. I can send it to you if you want to try it. I also found this website pattern excellent - and they have filter pocket options! https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/
I love your masks! Okay . . . I tried at least 4 different types of masks from 4 different patterns. Here is the one I ended up liking most, with the best results: https://www.madeeveryday.com/fabric-face-mask-free-pattern/ . It's easy to cut, and easy to sew, and - so far - fits everyone in my family. I ended up using cut up t-shirt material for ties. The ties give a more custom fit, and the t-shirt material just rolls in on itself -- so you don't have to fuss with sewing tiny strips or anything. The knit ties are also more comfortable than "stiff" ties or elastic. (We hated all my prototypes with elastic.)
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago, I made Erin some pajama pants from her old Power Ranger bed sheets! They are her most favorite comfy-pants (and she almost cried when she first saw them) (happy memories). XO
Love that fabric! I'm basically doing the no-sew roll up a bandana and put hair tyes on it.
ReplyDeleteSimple, easy, and it fits!
DeleteGreat article link! I'm fortunate that my mom, an avid and excellent quilter, supplied masks for my family. I could have done it if I had to, but she is so much more on top of sewing than I am.
ReplyDeleteNice work Bonny and I'm sure he is going to love that fabric! Let's go to CO and deliver...
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Bonny! Ryan's going to love those masks!
ReplyDeleteBonnie! I loved the link from KM KAT!!!! Masks for everyone! And less skin cancer of the nose to boot!
ReplyDeletealso, I have a friend selling masks if anyone wants to purchase because of whatever!
ReplyDeleteWay to Go Bonny! Ah, Masks! I’m still also making them...one or so a day...we may ne’er have enuf. For filter, I’ve been using a lightweight Pellon if you have any around the house...and batik fabrics are also good as they are tightly woven cottons. Stitch on!
ReplyDeleteCheers~
Yes, here in CO we have to wear masks, most likely for a very long time! Yours look great and comfy. Funny, I made about fifty masks and sent most of them east for family members. Being at the machine for several days then landed me on the couch with a thrown out back!!!
ReplyDeleteI made masks that look like yours with the stars on the bright blue background. I used a good quality quilting cotton on the front side and flannel on the back side. I ironed a piece of interfacing in the center for an additional filter. Mine aren't lovely to look at but they do the job. Oh and I put a pocket on the top of the flannel side in order to insert a twist tie or pipe cleaner to shape it over the nose. I bet Ryan will smile when he sees the fabric. I found them very tedious sewing. My hat is off to those who made bunches of them.
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