Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Problem solved

My mask making came to a halt last week.  When I first started making them, I knew that I didn't have any 1/4" elastic and couldn't find it anywhere.  I also knew I had a bias tape maker somewhere in my old sewing room which was turned into a storage room when we tried to fix up an old spare bedroom into my new sewing room.  I gave up looking for them.  

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.

9 comments:

  1. I love my mask it's wonderful!!!

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    1. I'm so happy that you like them. Stay healthy and safe.

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  2. Thanks for the link. SEW glad that you found a solution to your mask-making woes!

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  3. I 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.

    I have enough to last a while.

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  4. 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.

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  5. I 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!

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  6. I 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.

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  7. Quilters' 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?

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