Masks
My trip into mask making began with some generic mask just for the two of us but I soon got involved in a group making masks for one of our local hospitals. These are made from two layers of sterilized surgical wrap.
I was then asked if I would make masks for a local business. The staff didn’t want to tie their masks on and elastic was difficult to get so I went shopping and found that hair ties from the Dollar Store were the perfect size.
Like many people, I had problems keeping the pleated masks in place and was constantly having to readjust them, so I started searching for a pattern for fitted masks. I tested probably 10 different styles/patterns before I found one that was close and then altered the last little bit for an even better fit. Per CDC standards, they’re made from 2 layers of cotton fabric. And because even adult faces come in all shapes and sizes, I made them with nose wires and adjustable elastic ear bands so they would stay snug.
These are a few of my print-and-sew masks. Sticking with the CDC standards, they also have the 2 layers of cotton, but are covered with a thin layer of polyester which contains custom printed designs. Except for the customer supplied images, these colorful designs are my own creations. I can print a photo collage, a child’s (or grandchild’s) artwork, as well as a company logo.
We’re all affected by the pandemic but as difficult as it is for us to deal with mandatory mask ordinances and social distancing it’s far more challenging for our children. With that in mind, I decided to make kid’s masks that are fun.
Hannah H, one of my first sewing students, headed off to her first year of college with a stack of custom masks I made for her.
