I've been making masks off and on since March 2020, but only in the last month or so did I become kind of addicted to it.
I've done a lot of reading about them and I think I've learned three things: almost certainly, three layers of fabric is best, it may help to use a non-woven synthetic material for the inner layer, and fit matters a lot. Oh, and of course that no hand-made mask can beat the professional masks. I just want mine to be as good as, say, those standard blue disposable masks.
I've been trying to perfect my technique and have made about 15 masks so far, starting with some unbelievably crude first passes with rudimentary ties, followed by some made with rubber bands for the ears, finally settling in with my current recipe: one layer of high-quality quilting cotton, one inner layer of nonwoven fabric, and a third layer cut from a medium weight tee shirt. And I now have pre-made ear hooks or straps instead of rubber bands. I'm making them by hand because I hate using sewing machines, plus my machine only barely works anyway. And it's easy and Zen like. Typical craft fixation.
I've been using Pellon fusible interfacing because I read (somewhere) that it makes a good inner layer. I read that chiffon is good too because "Chiffon fabric, both silk and synthetic, is extremely strong as a result of the twists of the yarns and the tight weave of the fabric." So I ordered some of that and will use it in future masks. I also bought some inexpensive shopping bags made of a fabric-like material (polypropylene) for some masks. It's another non-woven synthetic material that I read (somewhere) can be effective.
I give my masks the very unofficial Bill Nye test: can I wear a mask and
still blow out a lit match held about a foot away? If not, it passes.
There's the "suck in" test: when I suck in air does the mask pull up
tight under my nose? If so, it passes, although I'm a bit lax on that one. Finally, can I see light through it? If not, it passes.
I gave one mask to a friend and although she was gracious in accepting it, her look was a bit skeptical (maybe?). I gave that a lot of thought. Then it occurred to me, duh, giving someone a mask isn't like giving them gloves or a scarf. It's a medical device, more or less. Should I send these off here and there to friends and family even though they might not be as good as the ones they're already wearing? My husband wears one of mine most days and I really think it's better than the blue disposable surgical masks he generally wears. They always buckle out on the sides near the ears, and they don't fit tightly over his chin.
It then occurred to me that none of the commercial masks being sold or given away have been tested because there really isn't, as yet, standardized testing for commercial masks so who knows which are effective and which aren't? Isn't that a depressing thought? I shouldn't even post this, right? But it's sort of true, don't you think? And get this: I read (somewhere) the other day that some European countries (Germany? Belgium?) are going to start requiring that citizens wear ONLY N95s or equivalent when out and about.
So, tell me if you'd wear one of my masks and feel as safe as you currently feel. Assuming you're not wearing one of those N95s or equivalent.
But I've buried the lede: Trump is gone! Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Covid it still here and I haven't seen my baby granddaughter since early September but that bad bad man is gone. Joe and Kamala all the way. What a job they have.
And here is my sweetheart grandbaby, enjoying life in Brooklyn while her parents try to keep up with full-time jobs from their apartment while handing her off to each other.
And finally, look at this mask for singers. Wouldn't Lady Gaga have looked amazing wearing this while she belted out the National Anthem. I loved her on Wednesday.
