In between four Zoom calls today, I spent time working on sewing fabric face masks. I’ve made myself the challenge and promise to make a mask to give away for every two that I sell (see my shop on Etsy). I plan to give away in groups of 25 to whatever organization might need or want them. I’m getting close to needing my first group of 25 masks completed. I have had them all cut out but haven’t finished them. I’ve been wondering why exactly I’ve been dragging my feet with them.

I realized is that while the pattern was seemingly simple enough, there are parts to it which I’ve been objecting to design and craft wise. I made the first mask the way the directions called for. I learned that it’s not as simple to put together as it appears and is more fussy and time consuming to make than I had thought. And the fit has been okay but not great and certainly not adjustable.

Unfortunately I had gotten too organized too early and cut the fabric for 25-35 masks of this type. I’ve been very, very slowly working my way through the pile and have not been as happy with the sewing techniques called to use. I’ve been making adjustments here and there to make it better in my mind.

Some of my delay could maybe be blamed on perfectionism but I did try to let some of that go knowing that what I made would be good enough. I knew that I would like it better if something was different. I just needed some time to sit with it and tinker and try different things to see what would change.

Today I had a big design breakthrough with the possibility of using a different kind of elastic than I had been earlier. It sounds kind of funny to be so happy about it, but it makes me pleased to know my concern with fit can be addressed with the new elastic. I ordered some last week on the off chance it would work different than the type I had currently. It arrived a day or two ago and I had a chance to try it out with the other style of mask I’ve been making. It works really well there. I needed to see it and use it first to see if it would behave differently before I got too excited about it.

I was feeling dissatisfied with what I was making. I was making to give away to people, but I didn’t want to give these unknown people something that looked nice but which didn’t actually fit. That was part of the reason I was putting off finishing them. Now I’m happy with the way they are turning out and will finish up the masks to donate in a few days. Then I will change the pattern to something else. I’ve figured out how to make this work to my satisfaction, but it’s not a pattern to use long term.

It is satisfying when design, process and execution all work together to make something well. I love when the puzzle pieces come together. Have you had a moment like that recently?

Face masks are now a necessary part of life probably until we have a working vaccine for Covid-19 and most everyone is protected.

That being the case, what kind of mask do you want? Would you like the option of elastic or ties with your face mask? Would you like it to be reversible and have a pocket to add a filter or liner? Would you like it to be washable and reusable? Would you like high quality craftsmanship and good cotton fabrics?

I’ve made fabric face masks for my family. I’ve tested the mask fit and then because of my family’s preferences added elastic loops AND a long fabric cord to use to secure the mask. I personally use the elastic loops vs. the tie about 50-50. The tie/cord is useful because the mask can be worn around the neck until it’s needed for use.

I now am making masks for others and have started putting some of my finished ones up in my Etsy shop. I have lots of fabric and lots of elastic so I will be adding more options weekly.

For every two masks that are ordered, I will donate one mask.

The masks that I’ve been making come from an online pattern from Sewitonline.com. The masks are reversible with two distinct colors of fabric. There is a pocket between the layers if you wish to add a filter or additional layer of fabric.

I suggest hand washing and air drying the masks. They will last much longer and be in better condition. The masks can be put in the washer if necessary. Tie the ends of the fabric cord together so it doesn’t unthread itself in the wash.

Let me know if you’re interested in particular colors or sizes. I have a lot of fabric to choose from!

If you are local, we can make arrangements for a drop off. Otherwise I have them for sale in my Etsy shop because of the better shipping rates than if I went to the Post Office to send them

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Craft and Design Decisions

Handmade reversible and washable fabric face masks for sale