Been planning on making freeform knit, crochet and beaded jean bags again for some time now.. took up strap weaving.. learned more freeform crochet techniques.. worked on my beading designs... last step to take was to dust off my sewing skills.. was gifted a vintage sewing machine.. perfect.. timing.. not for making the bags I have dreamt of for ages now.. no the timing was perfect for making facemasks..
I had also been looking into making facemasks for a bit now too.. allergies are not fun in the slightest.. son has been asking for a knit or crochet one.. I gave a few tries at it but just can't get a tight enough tension to stop anything but the cold weather ..
so as it turns out as this virus was just starting up.. I was already seeking info on good designs.. learned surgical mask are meant to keep you from spreading your germs not so much to keep you from picking up germs, although any face covering will help to some degree..
The style they refer to as N95 form-fitted and meant to keep you from picking up any germs..
Polypropylene liners are breathable, washable and affordable..
Elastic straps behind the ears hurt after awhile.. ties don't, can be adjusted, washes and doesn't matter if they stretch after time as you just retie them..
Bias tape is time consuming and a bit of a pain to tie.. my solution shoe laces..
Outter layers of cotton fabric ..
To make the mask form fit over the nose I shaped a piece of 20 Gage jewelry wire and stitched the fabric around it.. so if need be you can make a small cut and replace the wire with a new one and just close with a couple of hand sewn stitches ..
Double seam everything... These need to be durable
The sides need to hold shape as well.. not buckle out.. so placement of the ties should be adjusted with that in mind.. but I noticed that didn't always work... double seaming around the nose did though.. so I started to add a lot of stitches to each side.. not the neatest looking seams lol.. but they work...
as I am getting all of this worked out.. the masks were suddenly needed by many...
Friend in the medical field asked if I could make some not knowing I was making one right then..
Heard Joann's was asking for help to get millions made..
Posted about this on Facebook..
So many requests came in for masks there was no way I could afford to keep it up without help.. asked if anyone wanting some could donate some supplies... turns out if you don't know how to make things like this getting the supplies is a pain.. much easier to hand a couple of bucks to the person making them...
Too many requests .. to deliver all .. socal distancing is definitely helping..
plus the risk is too high for family members.. now what.. Etsy puts out the plea for anyone who can make masks to please do so as they are getting requests for them.. win win...
Then hear how the post office is hurting... Bonus win
I am using the funds after costs to get more supplies.. I lost count how many I've made dozens and dozens ago.. spending 12 to 16 hours a day.. vintage sewing machine was heating up too much.. the machine my husband said couldn't be fixed he revisited.. good as new.. much stronger than the other one.. has a better zig zag ability.. doesn't over heat as fast.. but when it does I just switch between them..
Please stay safe out there...
D
