Face Mask Flurries

So many of us have been donating cloth face masks to hospitals and other facilities that are experiencing a critical shortage of proper PPE.  Some health care professionals are desperate and are grateful for anything. There are so many patterns and tutorials out there right now that it’s easy to become quite overwhelmed.  Plus, many of them suggest using materials that are in short supply (e.g., elastic) or may have undesirable properties (e.g., fiberglass).  So, I thought we could share our own experiences.

From my conversations with some health care professionals, there appears to be a preference for the following features in a mask:

• pleats
  • may allow the mask to expand to fit over an N95 mask to extend its life
  • more likely to fit a wide range of individuals
• nose wire
• pocket

After trying various patterns, I found that I actually prefer making masks with ties (though I wouldn’t mind trying elastic if I could get any).  Ear loops on a standard size mask might be too loose for a petite person and perhaps too uncomfortable for a larger person.  With ties, the mask can be snug and secure for anyone, and works best with short hair, pony tails or buns.

I like this tutorial, which I’ve modified as follows:

• The nose wire is sewn in (i.e., not removable) and it’s 6 1/2″ long
• The fabric strips for the ties are 1.5″ wide
• The seams for the 1.5″ sides of the pocket opening are 3/8″, not 1/4″
• The pocket is positioned near the chin, with the seam about 1/2″ from the bottom
• Before marking the pleats, I topstitch about 1/8″ at the top, insert the nosewire, and topstitch about 3/8″ from the top while being careful to keep the nosewire away from the needle
• I don’t draw lines to mark the pleats.  I just put pins at 1″, 1″, 3/4″, 1″, 3/4″ and 1″ from the top on the right and left sides.  After a few of these, I often dispense with the pins.
• The pleats are stitched down with a 1/4″ seam, not 1/8″
• I sew the binding strips onto the pleated sides of the mask, not the top and bottom

That’s it for now.  I’m being summoned for dinner, so I’ll pick this up again tomorrow.

Betsie’s Pinwheel Quilt

Here’s a close-up of Betsie’s pinwheel quilt on the long arm.

Betsie’s Jar Quilt

Presenting Betsie’s Jar Quilt – what colorful fun!

Maggie’s Carp Quilt

Presenting Maggie’s Carp Quilt, fresh off the long arm. Very pretty.

Wendey’s Strip Tube Herringbone Quilt

Here’s Wendey’s quilt on the long arm. Look at those perfect points! And the snazzy back!

For information about the pattern, click here.

 

Nancy’s Quilt

Presenting Nancy’s quilt – So dramatic! Love the hexagonal quilting to compliment the hexagon print.

And here’s a close-up:

Asami’s Quilt

Presenting Asami’s Quilt – So sleek – Great contrast!

Rita’s Bones Quilt

Presenting Rita’s Bones Quilt – looking closely you will see kitty bones too.

Brenda’s Rainbow Hosta

Wow! Check out Brenda’s Rainbow Hosta – so cheerful!

To learn more about the pattern, click here.

Betsie’s Pinwheel Quilt

Check out Betsie’s Pinwheel quilt – very dynamic! (and look close to see the cute dog fabric)