Are you protecting yourself and your loved ones?
We’ve all heard the daily reports stating there aren’t enough face masks for our health care providers! Every day I think about those who work in our markets,police and fire departments,postal delivery along with millions of others facing the COVID-19 threat each and every day. My son-in-law just started a new job and is required to wear a mask to work, submit to thermal temperature testing as he travels to and from the office each day. All measures which will we pray will keep him safe!
More than 2 million cases have been reported around the world!
Recently I decided to dig out my 40 year old sewing machine to start making masks! You can too! You don’t have to purchase fabric, recycle your favorite t shirts and sheets. T shirt fabric is soft and makes a wonderfully soft liner fabric. Choose two different colors, this way you’ll be sure to use the same side close to the face!
You’ll need
- Cotton fabric- 2 pieces
- Elastic or cording
- Thread
Elastic is tough to find!
This is where we get creative! I used elastic headbands for these masks but you can use hair ties as well. Beading elastic, Butchers twine, clothesline and cording can work as substitutes.
- Cut 2 pieces of fabric 9”x6” (adult size) or 7.5”x5”(child size)
- Elastic: cut (2) 7” pieces of elastic, Cording/twine cut (2) 34” pieces of cording/twine
Begin by...
stitching the fabric (right sides facing one another) together along each of the 9” edges. Turn right side out and press. Press (3) 1” pleats on mask and pin in place. Stitch pleats in place along edge.
Using elastic…
Pin elastic under top and bottom corner and stitch in place. I usually stitch two or three times to assure a tight hold!
Using cording or twine…
turn 3/8” under on each end/ press and pin. Now, top stitch ¼” from edge leaving enough room for the cording to pass through.
Ready to go! A cheerful mask!
I have 40 masks ready…
to send to the local hospitals this week. We used elastic decorative trim for these masks! Fun! I’m sure the health care providers will love them.
We have a group of ladies cutting fabric, sewing and delivering completed masks to those in need throughout the community. We practice safe distancing by working in our home; supplies are picked up and dropped off on front porches! I hope you’ll try making these for your loved ones. I’ll be sending masks to my family members this week. Many communities are now requiring masks to be worn outdoors! Be safe and stay healthy!
And as always, blessings to you all!
