Oh, why not just break into song?
My lovely old Singer 306K still needs service, and it would take 2.5 weeks to get it back. So I borrowed my mom’s sewing machine. Sewing masks is a lot more fun when my thread doesn’t break every six inches.
An IG friend gave me some elastic, so I got back to work. Check out these fabric combos. Most were just languishing here in my stash, from when I thought I wanted to quilt.
Chinese script and blue stars
Purple florals
Music!
Martinis and stars, a trade from friend Sharyn for some elastic
I had enough elastic for 50 masks. I’m making 20, and I shared elastic with my mask-making friends. They’re going to family, friends, and nurses. Many hands make light work!
I’m still using the Deaconess mask pattern, but I’ve changed my dimensions to make them a little taller based on fit on DH. I’m now cutting my fabric to be 6.75” (.75” taller) x 9”. When I run out of elastic, I could start making masks with ties, or I could just get back to my knitting.
Also Covid-19 related: Have you heard about Going on a Bear Hunt? It’s a way to engage families who are out walking. Leave a bear in your window! We saw many bears on our walk last night.
Bisquee is guarding the house with Tedward and Dr. Bear.
Dr. Bear’s mask is on point!
PDXKnitterati 
Waiting for my replacement sewing machine (a cheapo, but better, I hope, than my 45-year-old one that needs cleaning and stalls after 5 stitches) . . . hoping to make some masks for my local hospital (or neighbors) here in Vermont. Having trouble finding guidance on length of elastic loops . . . please, can you tell me how long you make the loops for your elastic??? Looking forward to your response. -Nancy Rosenbaum
My fabric is 6.75” x 9” and my elastic is 7” long for each earpiece. The fabric is a little taller than in this pattern, but it covers my husband’s chin a little better!
https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask
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PS: My big black Singer sewing machine is over 60 years old, and I love it but it needs service too!
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They are going to be the prettiest masks in the lab.
Or just walking through the grocery store! Or even the neighborhood…
Are you noticing much mask-wearing where you are? I don’t see them while walking in the neighborhood. I ducked into Whole Foods on Sunday, and it was about 40% mask wearing there.
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Wow ! – these are setting fashion standards, Michele ! People will want to keep wearing ’em when it’s all over, I can’t help feeling.
I once made a ‘bedspread’ by cutting a large piece of sunny material and folding the edges under and sewing them. That was back in .. 1968, I think.
Since then, no sewing machine activity at all ! 🙂
I love your fabric combos! I’ve also made masks, and people are so appreciative. When I ran out of elastic, a friend gave me a tip: you can cut strips of spandex 1.5 inches wide, fold in half, then zigzag down the length. You can cut the strip into 7 inch pieces and use just like elastic! It is very comfortable on your ears. Have fun sewing, but keep the great designs coming, too!
Thanks for the tip! I have a pair of leggings with a waistband I don’t like (too pinchy). That can definitely be sacrificed to the cause. Also, the same is true for a brand new pair of footless tights!
I still have fabric, but my knitting is calling me…
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Erin Riley, I made masks with elastic that goes all the way around the head – my dad’s request. The neck strap I measured at 9 inches and the strap that goes around the crown of the head at 15 inches. Same mask style as pdxknitterati. I also made some with ties at a length of 18 inches per tie – those were my mom’s request.
You made some really pretty masks! Nice use of your fabrics, and very cool that you could do some trades with friends for materials 🙂
I had to go to an appointment yesterday, and the martinis seemed a little too festive for the occasion. So I wore the stars side out! Good to have different attitudes on the same mask! Also, good to know which side you’ve been wearing as personal/public side.
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Erin Riley, I made masks with elastic that goes all the way around the head – my dad’s request. The neck strap I measured at 9 inches and the strap that goes around the crown of the head at 15 inches. Same mask style as pdxknitterati. I also made some with ties at a length of 18 inches per tie – those were my mom’s request.
More mask tips: you can create ties from an old t-shirt. Cut strips about 1″ wide, they won’t ravel and are stretchy. For personal masks, instead of a pleated rectangle with 4 separate ties, I created edge pockets and threaded a single tie through each side (loop at the top). I fit the top loop over my head, pull the ties tight (which gathers the edges) then tie at the back. With this vesrion you can also leave the top edge of the mask open to allow insertio of additional protection layers.
Thanks for the tips! There are a lot of great ideas going around, and a lot of masks are needed.
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