I’ll admit, I was in no hurry to make a face mask. We’ve come in contact with only a handful of people during the lockdown, so there’s been no point. Most of the time it’s much more than two metres and always outside. Not that that has stopped me researching how to make a face mask and what fabric to use. I’ve indulged my nerdy curiosity by delving into research about the best kind of filter materials to use, and am ready to take my masters in it now. It’s OK, I’ll hold off the discussion for now.
Yesterday, we reached the point where we needed a face mask, or I should say, my husband required one. He has to go into a client’s office today. There won’t be many people in, but as it’s an enclosed area, it seemed the right time to wear one.
Time to wheel out the sewing machine.
I discovered that my sewing area, in my absence, was now filled with empty boxes. Squeezing past them, I did find almost everything I needed.
I’d already chosen to use Dana’s instructions from MadeByDana. See. Research is good. I couldn’t reach my knit fabric for the ties, so opted for grosgrain ribbon instead. Added bonus was that it matched his hair colour too. The steps are easy. I used a bit of fabric glue to keep the ribbon in place temporarily, while I sewed.
Once finished, it became obvious that he wasn’t going to find the ribbons easy to tie, so I dug out some elastic and converted the mask to one that fits around the ears. It felt snugger, which is good.
The design leaves room to add a one use filter. I like that idea. Also allows for a removeable pipe cleaner to be added, to mould the mask to the user’s face, which is neat.
Fabric wise, one side is a science print, while the other side is covered in beetles. Needless to say, both amused me. I love beetles, but I’m guessing that the image of creepy crawley mini beasts might remind people to back off.
Slightly wacky, maybe, but it seemed fitting as the client is a radical fashion/sports kit company. Although, now I think about it, my fabric choices are probably a bit tame.
I wonder which way he will wear it today. He did say his glasses are steaming up, which I forgot was a problem. I don’t wear glasses, so I didn’t research it.
Anyone else made a face mask? Any solutions to the misting up of glasses?
No – the glasses will mist. 😀 And the ear elastic does seem more wearable – tying things in back is a bit of a bother. You really don’t think of those things until you have to wear it, or until you make one for somebody else. I made some for my brother from an old tee of his and had to do adjusting. Such fun! 😉
I had a feeling there wasn’t going to be an easy solution with the misting glasses. The elastic seems a better solution, especially as he doesn’t have to wear it for long. Adjusting them is a lot easier for yourself, rather than trying to do it for someone else.
I have made a few using the same pattern as you – such great instructions and loads of options.
The teens and I all prefer the ties, particulary if we are wearing them for a while.
The combination of elastic behind the ears and glasses was a bit annoying.
The glasses misting does get better, but you do have to fiddle around a bit with the adjustment to get it right.
This is also where the ties came in handy becasue we could reposition it until we got a fit that worked for us.
Love your fabric choices – we also opted for some fairly loud and busy prints and then one side plain to appeal to everyone (one teen is pretty conservative, so usually opts for plain).
It is a great pattern, but what would you expect from Dana! I have a feeling that I’m going to get on better with the ties, as I really don’t like things around my ears. Interesting that you think the ties allow you to adjust it to a better fit. My goodness. Time has flown. I can’t believe both your girls are teens now…..
I know, it’s crazy isn’t it? One minute they are toddlers, and five minutes later they are all grown up!
Certainly crazy. I have no idea where the time has gone. I have one child about to turn into an adult.