As I stated in my previous blog, I found a pattern on Julie Cefalu's blog: Thecraftyquilter.com. I started making them using 1/4" grosgrain ribbons and quickly ran out of the ribbons after only few masks. One spool only has enough for 2 1/2 masks. I have plenty of 1/8" ribbons but feel that they are too narrow. I ordered some more 1/4" ribbons online and to no avail, I cancelled them. They said they had over 300 orders ahead of mine.
I continued making the masks but without any ties. Frustrated with the feeling of defeat, I turned to Youtube and came across this: How to sew a reusable face mask with filter pocket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_NmpdgWWA&feature=share
Her mask style is different than the ones I was making but the ties turned the light bulb in my head on. Here is the new and improved mask.
Thanks to Brie from Homemadeonourhomestead.com that I got this solution. In the video, Brie used a piece of 3/16" synthetic cotton clothesline cut to 50-60" which I didn't have but I happened to have a bundle of soft cord as shown in the picture above. I finished 26 masks for my family in a matter of a few hours. What a relief!! All the masks were delivered last weekend. I still have plenty of cord left, I can make more.
With this method, I found it to be a quicker way to put the mask on and off. I just slip my head through the loop with the inside of the mask facing out when it hangs around my neck. When I need to put the mask on, I just tie the ends behind my head and I'm ready to face the world!!
In crisis, I found kindness. In sorrow, I found love. In despair, I found hope. I'm grateful.
Keep calm and fight on.
Link to Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday, Alycia Quilts Finished or not Finished Friday.
I love my mask it's wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you like them. Stay healthy and safe.
DeleteGreat improvising!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. SEW glad that you found a solution to your mask-making woes!
ReplyDeleteI paid $5 for a pair of XL yoga pants at Dollar General and started slicing off one of the legs and I'm using it instead of elastic.
ReplyDeleteI have enough to last a while.
If you check your undergarment drawer you may find unused items that have elastic waistbands. I am now salvaging elastic from my Haines briefs that I no longer wear and the waistband elastic length can be cut in half, so I get double.
ReplyDeleteI think we are all getting creative with mask making as supplies run short. I use the same style mask but sew hair elastics into the casing. The rounded elastic is a much kinder surface for tired ears. Thanks for Linky up to the Party on my blog!
ReplyDeleteI am having the same problem, but I think with this style, if the straps don't work out, the recipient can change it to something they prefer better. I have settled on this style too.
ReplyDeleteQuilters' ingenuity at its best. Isn't it wonderful how all the challenges with mask making can be met by searching our homes and making do?
ReplyDelete