As I pondered about my very first entry on my new website, I would never have guessed that it would be on this topic. But given the world situation right now I believe it is a very good place to start.
As I write this I do not know if our school district will have online learning, in person learning or a combination of the two. I have little control and it is causing me some anxiety and from what I read I am not alone. The advise to "control what you can control and try not to worry about the rest" seems fitting in this time. In that spirit I offer you this post, making masks for wearing to school.
This is where I started, Mask 1.0 This is what school will hopefully provide. Functional but I can do so much better!
Here is mask 2.0 Using an easy to follow video: https://youtu.be/9tBg0Os5FWQ I made a mask that worked for short time periods going into stores. I found myself trying to adjust the elastic ear straps and pulling it up over my nose because it had a tendency to slip down. The sides had a slight gap as well. Not good for all day school use.
Mask 3.0 has arrived. I chose a pattern which addressed my various concerns from mask 2.0 I used this site:
From her website I was able watch a video, print out pattern pieces (M,L) and instructions. I like how she tried various materials for the nose clip and straps and reported the results. She did much of the trial and error work for me.
I used wired jute twine which I found in the floral department at my local Jo-Ann Fabric for my nose clip. It bends nicely, holds its shape and is just the right thickness.
My favorite part of this mask is the straps. They are made from old t-shirts and pony beads.
Cut a strip off the bottom of a t-shirt (without any stitching on it) 8" in length and 1" in width. Pull the strip and the edges will curl in on themselves and make a 12" strap. You need two of these. Use t-shirts that match your fabric to make it extra fancy.
Thread both ends thru a pony bead and tie knots in the ends. I used a needle with a big eye to thread the ends thru the bead.
The straps get sewn in the fold on each end. To tighten the mask you just pull on both ends. They are soft and comfortable.
Now for the fun part. Be like Nancy Pelosi. She matches her masks to her outfits and makes it part of her fashion statement. Be creative with your fabric. The pink/green mask pictured above was made from a breast cancer bandana I had. The material should be cotton and you should not be able to see thru it but otherwise everything is fair game.
It will be fun making some masks that my students' will get a kick out of. How about some holiday masks? Masks for theme days? I also think it sends a message to my students, not only to stay safe and wear a mask but that one can have a sense of fashion and humor while doing it.
don't sew? Check out Etsy and support someone who is trying to make some extra money in these hard times.
want to add a filter pocket? The directions include a filter pocket option as well.
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