Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

Fabric Face Masks

April 7, 2020 By Carole

I made 4 face masks yesterday.

Add that to the list of things I never thought I’d find myself saying.

But, given the new recommendations that we all wear face coverings when we go out in public I decided it was time. I basically followed this pattern and instructions. If you have basic sewing skills it’s simple enough. A few things to note:

  • I used quilting fabric from my stash. The masks are 2 layers and I used a different layer for the lining so that we know which is the inside.
  • I did not add a pocket for a filter. I want them to be comfortable and breathable and these are not meant for medical use.
  • I specifically chose this pattern because I wanted a mask that hooked over the ears and didn’t tie since we both have long hair. (And mine is getting longer by the day, I swear!)
  • I stitched a piece of bias tape on the lining so that I can insert a piece of floral wire to shape the top of the mask around the nose. I left it open on one end so that I can remove the wire to wash the masks.
  • The first one took me about 30 minutes. After that I finished 3 more in less than an hour. Should we need more (color coordination matters) I’m sure I can reduce that time.

They are pretty comfortable. I didn’t wear mine for long but the elastic around the ears didn’t bother me. Dale wore his for the better part of the afternoon as he was outside doing yard work. It probably wasn’t necessary to wear it then but it was a good way to get used to it. He reported that the elastic was fine and it didn’t bother him to wear.

I’m headed to the library today to do some paperwork. I’ll be there by myself so I won’t wear it while I’m inside but I will be wearing it when I’m out in public and I hope I don’t feel silly. I hope, instead, that I have the courage to wear it proudly as I protect others.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailA Little Summer Fun for Late Winter Wednesdays Are For Knitting: Chevron Love Slouch Hat Default ThumbnailCranberry Pecan Pie Default ThumbnailThree On Thursday
« Right Now
Looking Back: March 2020 »

Filed Under: Sewing

Comments

  1. Kim says

    April 7, 2020 at 7:20 am

    Good for you, taking care of your family!

  2. Robby says

    April 7, 2020 at 7:41 am

    I wore mine yesterday. Not while driving, but I’m in my own car by myself. I didn’t have trouble adjusting, but I am tweaking the pattern because I have a small face and want the mask a little smaller. Be well!

  3. Vera says

    April 7, 2020 at 8:00 am

    They turned out great! So many people (here, anyway) are wearing them – you should not feel silly!

  4. Kat says

    April 7, 2020 at 8:06 am

    I would be happy to see you with your mask in my neck of the woods! Here is to each of us boldly setting a good example for those around us!

  5. Carol Roe says

    April 7, 2020 at 8:21 am

    I’m making masks this week too. We are firmly part of history now for generations to come.

  6. Kym says

    April 7, 2020 at 8:31 am

    I had to stop in to pick up a prescription yesterday and EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the store had on mask! It was GREAT!
    XO

  7. Patty says

    April 7, 2020 at 8:32 am

    They look great! I wore one to the grocery store this morning!

  8. Bonny says

    April 7, 2020 at 8:55 am

    I went to the grocery store last week, wore my mask, and everyone else there had some sort of face covering. All the cool kids (and the safe, concerned ones) are wearing masks!

  9. Sarah says

    April 7, 2020 at 9:28 am

    Our neighbor made us some masks and I tried it out the other day. Hers have ties and I didn’t find it particularly comfortable, so I may try to make some with loops (I don’t know if I have elastic, but I figure I can use ponytail holders in a pinch). The pattern you linked to looks easy even for a completely inexperienced sewist like me!

  10. Sharon says

    April 7, 2020 at 9:52 am

    Good job Carole, I’ve made them for Al and I too. I’ve passed some out to the neighbors and grandkids also

  11. sprite says

    April 7, 2020 at 10:21 am

    I live in the city & on my daily walk I noticed an obvious uptick in mask wearing between Sunday & yesterday. But it is also virtually impossible to get outside without seeing other people here, so they are necessary.

  12. Karen Woodhall says

    April 7, 2020 at 10:30 am

    I’m so happy you’re championing masks! I tried a scarf around my head yesterday and that was dismal! It kept slipping. I’m working on my neighbor supplying me a couple as l have zip for sewing or knitting skills. But – I love the blog!

  13. Becky says

    April 7, 2020 at 11:24 am

    I think your masks look great, and you are so smart for making and wearing them. Never feel silly for doing the right thing!

  14. margene says

    April 7, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    I just came in from the grocery and many people who were shopping and those working with the public were wearing masks. I think the people who didn’t are in the minority and they looked a little sheepish for not following guidelines (IMO). 🙂

  15. Vicki says

    April 7, 2020 at 12:21 pm

    I’ve made a half-dozen or so from a few different patterns… different shapes and different “attachments.” Since elastic isn’t shipping for another month (at best), I’ve tried a few other things, including stretched jersey ropes and I really liked them (and I have a TON of that material!). I went to the grocery store yesterday and wondered if I’d feel silly… and I didn’t, not one little bit. I wasn’t in the majority, but I definitely wasn’t alone.

  16. Jan says

    April 7, 2020 at 12:53 pm

    ??? I’m going to try your recommended pattern now. I heard on the news today that some grocery stores and pharmacies are now refusing entry to anyone not wearing masks. People will be scrambling!!

  17. Patrice says

    April 7, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    I’ve been sewing masks for a couple of weeks. My husband is a vet and he asked me to make some masks and surgical caps for the clinic to use, sanitize, and re-use to save the disposable PPE for our local hospital. I hope you didn’t feel too weird wearing it in public – I went to the store today and I bet 95% of the people had masks on. But here in SoCal it is now required. Stay healthy!

  18. Juliann says

    April 7, 2020 at 9:35 pm

    Thanks for the link. I made one this afternoon with a similar pattern. When I wear it my glasses get fogged up so not sure how that works. Love your fabrics

  19. Michele/pdxknitterati says

    April 8, 2020 at 4:08 am

    Well done! I sewed masks this weekend, too. I had to borrow my mom’s machine; my machine is having issues.

    I had a tidy pile of 20 masks, and I’m sending some away and sharing with family, and the rest will be put to good use somewhere.

    Come by my blog and check out the pretty fabric!

  20. Helen Brewster says

    April 8, 2020 at 9:47 pm

    Great work, Carole.

  21. Mary says

    April 9, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    They look great, Carole! My first batch is done now … I will say the last two went WAY faster than the first ones, but whoa, I don’t think I’ll ever be down to 10 minutes!!

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 15 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
15 of 75 (20%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

The @aliedwards prompt for today is a full body sh The @aliedwards prompt for today is a full body shot and I have the perfect photo for it. Here I am at the polls today with my friend and State Representative Alyson Sullivan. It was a great day out there in the sunshine. And I won my re-election to the Board of Selectmen! #aepiecesofus #eastbridgewaterma #iwonagain
My take on @aliedwards today’s half face prompt My take on @aliedwards today’s half face prompt ... half of mine and all of Jackie’s. It works for me because his is cuter! #aepiecesofus #halfface #nanalife #attaboyjack
Today’s @aliedwards prompt is eyes closed. It’ Today’s @aliedwards prompt is eyes closed. It’s how I meditate. It’s how I focus. It’s how I roll when I need to take a deep breath and get through a moment. #aepiecesofus #eyesclosed #thisisme
Today’s @aliedwards Pieces of Us prompt is Face Today’s @aliedwards Pieces of Us prompt is Face Forward. If there’s anything I’ve learned in my 55 years, it’s that facing forward is the best way to live. All the things in life, good or bad, can be resolved this way, our problems only multiple if we try to skirt around them. True satisfaction comes from looking life right in the eye, doing your best, and finding the joy. #aepiecesofus #thisismyface #faceforward
These hands. They are 55 years old and they show t These hands. They are 55 years old and they show the wear and tear of those years. The washing and moisturizing, the attempts to hold the approach of aging at bay. They’ve held and comforted so many loved ones, they’ve changed diapers and checked out books at the library, they’ve typed countless words, they’ve cooked and cleaned and done everything I’ve expected and I appreciate every bump and age spot and ... they are mine. #aepiecesofus #piecesofme #myhandstellmystory
I knew I had to take a photo of my feet while ridi I knew I had to take a photo of my feet while riding the bike for today’s prompt for @aliedwards Pieces of Us, as there would be no Peloton journey for me if it weren’t for my feet, strapped into those shoes, clipped into those pedals, and going round and round to make me stronger. #pelotonjourney #thisisme #clippedin #aepiecesofus
Daffodils from my garden and Easter decorations fr Daffodils from my garden and Easter decorations from my childhood = an explosion of spring! #daffodilbouquet #frommygarden #igrewthemmyself #easterdecor #easterceramics #happyspring
Friday night plans: crescent pizza rolls and Jesus Friday night plans: crescent pizza rolls and Jesus Christ Superstar. Happy Easter weekend! #fridaynightsnacks #crescentpizzarolls #martinitime #easterweekend2021 #eastertraditions
Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #cocktailhouratho Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #cocktailhourathome #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #mezcalsalami #bacongoudaspread #mudpie #charcuterieboard
So grateful for these heaters on early spring even So grateful for these heaters on early spring evenings like this one. #decklife #outdoorliving #deckheaters #hellospring #earlyspring #rushingtheseason
Spring! #crocus #springcrocus #springflowersmakeme Spring! #crocus #springcrocus #springflowersmakemehappy #springishere #welcomespring #purplecrocus
Happy Pi Day! Today I made a wee cherry pie for me Happy Pi Day! Today I made a wee cherry pie for me and my guy. This 6” Longaberger pie plate is perfect for two. #happypiday #cherrypie #imadeitmyself #homemadepiecrust #longabergerpottery #piday2021
Guess who just joined the Peloton Century Club! 💯 rides 🚴 since October 20. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve sweated, I’ve cursed, and even when I hated it, I still loved it. Thank you to @iamicaniwillido for all the inspiration and especially for that Broadway ride. And thank you to @awayfromtheedge for always having my back. #pelotoncenturyclub #peloton #iamicaniwillido #thisisme #changingmystory @onepeloton
My yellow crocuses are about a week later than usu My yellow crocuses are about a week later than usual this year BUT there are  6 flowers instead of the usual 3 so I’m calling it a win! #springhassprung #crocuses #yellowcrocus #inmygardentoday #springflowers #cmonspring
I sure was happy to come home from work and find t I sure was happy to come home from work and find the deck furniture set up and ready to go. He might be pushing the season but I’m not going to complain! #springisintheair #onmydeck #pushingtheseason #60degreesinmarch
Today I took a drive to pick up these hothouse ane Today I took a drive to pick up these hothouse anemones and tulips from my favorite local flower farm @crossstreetflowerfarm and they have me jonesing for spring! #crossstreetflowerfarm #hothouseflowers #anemones #springbouquet #springflowers #treatyoself
Aerogarden is doing it’s thing, I’m hoping for Aerogarden is doing it’s thing, I’m hoping for an herb harvest soon! #the100dayproject #100daysofiphonephotos #aerogarden #growingherbsindoors #dill #parsley
I didn’t order groceries today so our snacks are I didn’t order groceries today so our snacks are from the larder, summer sausage, Swiss cheese, some crackers and hardboiled eggs. Even without the fancy snacks I’m still celebrating that the weekend is here! Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #happyfriyay #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #cheeseandcrackers
Ms. Pajama Party amaryllis is definitely having he Ms. Pajama Party amaryllis is definitely having her moment. #amaryllis #pajamapartyamaryllis #100daysofiphonephotos #the100dayproject
Has it really been a week since I posted here? Who Has it really been a week since I posted here? Whoops! Let’s catch up! I’ll start by sharing this photo of my Pajama Party amaryllis, she’s in bloom right now and she’s a stunner. #100daysofiphonephotos #the100dayproject #pajamapartyamaryllis #amaryllis #winterblooms #whiteflowerfarm
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in