Quite a tongue twister, but that is what Aunty has been up to. Our Hawaii Stitchery and Fibre Arts Guild President – Aileen Kaneshiro – has been busy keeping us up to date with members tips and updates. Some of the masks that I tried out were from her, some from blogging pal Kay of Musings.
The first masks I made (top row) were from a modified pattern of the Olson mask. It is rather labor intensive with a lot of cutting, interfacing fusing, topstitching and turning. It was a bit too small on my son-in-law and a bit too wide on my daughter, but it fit me fine. Elastic tie fitting was the most difficult part of the process and I tried ponytail rings as well as tied elastic straps and cords.
I kept searching and saw a Vietnamese mask that looked easy and reminded me of origami. Thoan makes it look easy but she also has a power sewing machine that can barrel over thick spots. I tried it but my Janome machine couldn’t handle the second to the last step making the casing for the elastic to go through so I busted out my old Bernina for the job.
Now it is like a production line of speed cutting the rectangle pattern, marking sewing lines, sewing straight, turning, ironing, and defining the shapes with simple folds – just like origami. The problem again becomes elastic ties and fit.
“Best Fit Face Mask Tutorial” by Brittany Bailey was full of great tips to solve many of my elastic problems. Her pattern is more structural and must have a wire for the nose bridge. I haven’t tried to make this one because I am currently enamored with the simpler origami mask pattern. However, Brittany’s suggestions for using coffee bag ties or making your own with electrical wire and tape for the nose clip is ingenious. Her alternate suggestion for elastic ties include 1″ wide strips of tshirt or legging material on the horizontal or using paracord or shoestrings with a craft bead is super useful. The craft bead acts as a sizing agent to make the elastic loop smaller or bigger, depending on the wearer’s preference. Brilliant!
Getting elastic has been a problem. Orders on Amazon are delayed for weeks because of an overload of requests. Aunty has found that ebay.com has faster shipping times, though the prices are quite high and many sellers are selling in 10 yard lengths.
It is now back to the sewing room for me. This corona virus quarantine and mask imperative has actually been good for Aunty. It made me clear out a sewing space in my messy messy craft room and help me to use up fabric and feel useful. Days blend together without any commitments or schedules other than rubbish days.
I hope you all are doing well. This is a most unusual and momentous time in everyone’s life. It is both good and bad, a blessing or a curse. It is also temporary – and the world will have more masks than it knows what to do with when it is all over.
You are really a fabulous seamstress, Aunty. I zoomed in on your masks. They are so neat and straight. Beautiful!
Thanks, Kay! My major in college was in Fashion Design since I already knew how to sew and made my own clothes (didn’t we all back then?)
Seems like the elastic is being delivered nowadays. My sister got hers and I also got one of my orders. Soon we will have a glut of elastic on the island. Want some of mine? It is the 3/16″ white (smaller than the 1/4″, but I like it). I also have finalized the “origami” pattern that I really like. Closer to the face and more comfortable, imo. Email me and we can “talk”.
I’m sorry. I totally missed your reply. I would love to see your pattern. When I showed my mask making group the mask you made, one friend sent me a pattern she got that had the American measurements to the Vietnamese mask. I did try your mask on (I know. I know I should have washed it first… aahhh well). Anyway, it feels very comfortable and seems more breathable. I would love to see your adapted version. Not that I need to make more… I’ve given away all the masks that had been on hold with your help. I think I’ve made enough… But it would be fun to make your origami mask.
Aha! Fashion Design! That explains a lot about how come you’re so good at this!!!
I know what you mean about the over production of masks. I’ve already made and given away over a hundred.
It was really hard for me to find the perfect mask pattern. I still haven’t found it. Some people have said the Olson mask was perfect (were they being honest with me?) and one person told me it was too big and I had to pull in the ear area a LOT to fit them. It’s hard to get it perfect.
And now I’m spending this week waiting for elastic from China with about 25 masks waiting to go out to neighbors and friends.
LOL. Your last sentence . . . so funny . . . and so true!
You are so adept at sewing. I am glad you put all that fabric to good use.
You never fail to amaze your readers with your many talents, now as a crafter making beautiful & fashionable masks, now a welcome sight to view attractive styles & fabrics in public. Your step-by-step guidelines, especially on the most difficult part, the ties or attachments, make the process more possible. As a beginner in the mask task, will consider your suggestions on the materials to secure the masks for a better fit. One friend shared using satin ribbons which were found more comfortable around the ears & another friend uses bias tape ties that encircle the whole head. It’s a good idea to insert nose guards.
Mahalo nui loa, Aunty, stay safe & protected,
Tutu
Mahalo, Tutu! I have a feeling that masks will soon become a fashion statement. My next venture will be with kimono silks – I have collected them for years and they are just folded and put away. They would love to be up front and on display.