I'd resisted sewing masks hoping that the expanded manufacturing of N95 masks would catch up with demand...but then...my sister told me that my nephew's hospital had given him two cloth masks to use + wash on alternating days in order to conserve disposable masks. And this week the Centers for Disease Control + Prevention recommended that all Americans wear face masks outside their homes. So...now I'm at work.
My choice of sewing patterns is the Fu Face Mask...a free sewing pattern from Joost De Cock available in three sizes. I like that it is a little bit more fitted + ties rather than using elastic (which is more painful on the ears with extended wear + which I don't have on hand). We don't have a printer at home, so normally I use the printer at the library (which is now closed). I was able to enlarge this pattern to the proper size on my computer screen + trace it onto paper (+ added 1/4 inch seam allowances all around). I added a bit of wire at the bridge of the nose for a closer (+ non-glasses-fogging) fit. I also put the straps in at an angle + reinforced them a bit. Eighteen inches seems to be a good length for the ties.
My choice of sewing patterns is the Fu Face Mask...a free sewing pattern from Joost De Cock available in three sizes. I like that it is a little bit more fitted + ties rather than using elastic (which is more painful on the ears with extended wear + which I don't have on hand). We don't have a printer at home, so normally I use the printer at the library (which is now closed). I was able to enlarge this pattern to the proper size on my computer screen + trace it onto paper (+ added 1/4 inch seam allowances all around). I added a bit of wire at the bridge of the nose for a closer (+ non-glasses-fogging) fit. I also put the straps in at an angle + reinforced them a bit. Eighteen inches seems to be a good length for the ties.
I've been praying that mask-wearing would become more normalized, partially so that my family members won't have to be coerced into wearing them. I was incredibly encouraged to find that most of the people in Whole Foods today were wearing some sort of mask. And even if they weren't, I've done enough self-talk to convince myself that this is just too important to be swayed by the thought of what others will think.
Our county has collected more than 3000 masks already + seems to be a bit at a loss for what to do with them at this point. I think New York City could use them, but it looks like I'd need to send them there myself. Just something to be aware of. The masks I've made were first for my family...then I'm sending a few to my parents. If my sister has already sent some, they can share the extras with their neighbors + friends. I'm also going to send some along with Julia to the grocery store where she works. People can wear bandanas, but there may be some service workers (in addition to our friends) who would appreciate a mask. Just a thought.
This is obviously a good project for fabric scraps. And in the spirit of zero-waste, I noticed that these masks could also double as a strappy, bra top when this thing is finally over. (ha-ha!) :)
Lots of love to you, friends!
Jane
Our county has collected more than 3000 masks already + seems to be a bit at a loss for what to do with them at this point. I think New York City could use them, but it looks like I'd need to send them there myself. Just something to be aware of. The masks I've made were first for my family...then I'm sending a few to my parents. If my sister has already sent some, they can share the extras with their neighbors + friends. I'm also going to send some along with Julia to the grocery store where she works. People can wear bandanas, but there may be some service workers (in addition to our friends) who would appreciate a mask. Just a thought.
This is obviously a good project for fabric scraps. And in the spirit of zero-waste, I noticed that these masks could also double as a strappy, bra top when this thing is finally over. (ha-ha!) :)
Lots of love to you, friends!
Jane
