|
|
Post by Patter on Mar 20, 2020 13:20:06 GMT
Our church started on this two days ago. We have a local physicians office already in need. We have a large group of volunteers sewing away. I am going to use tea towels to back the front cotton fabric. Here is what I found:  |
|
|
|
Post by LisaDV on Mar 20, 2020 13:31:34 GMT
I think it is a lovely idea, but these types of masks don't do much in the way of real protection. They go over the actual masks. That way they can wear a cover and then whip off the cover and put on a new one as they see new patients. The covers can be washed and reused. And they can keep the same mask on all day. Not ideal but better than completely running out of masks altogether. If it's coming to that, I would definitely volunteer to sew some up. |
|
|
|
Post by craftedbys on Mar 20, 2020 13:52:33 GMT
Someone posted that same link to one of my Facebook sewing groups.
Is there any (easy) way to find out if our local hospitals would accept these? Who would you call?
I am in Memphis so St. Jude is local to me, but there are so many other hospitals in the area as well.
This would be a great way to use up all of my excess cotton fabric.
|
|
Coffee Mom
Full Member
Posts: 200
Dec 18, 2018 0:16:30 GMT
|
Post by Coffee Mom on Mar 20, 2020 14:23:14 GMT
Following! I can sew. I think I have a stash of elastic, I will have to go digging. I just want to make sure that I’d be using the correct type of fabric. All I have are quilter cottons. I’m in Eastern PA (in case anyone else is nearby and has info).
|
|
pyccku
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,817 
|
Post by pyccku on Mar 20, 2020 14:40:59 GMT
You know what would be cool? If Amaazon or etsy or someplace would start selling kits to make these - just a bunch of fabric and elastic that you could order instead of having to go buy stuff. I don't have any fabric or elastic at home, but I would absolutely do this if I did.
My daughter wants me to get her a bunch of yarn; maybe I'll see if I can find the mask "ingredients" as well when I order that.
|
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Mar 20, 2020 14:56:33 GMT
I just ordered a bunch of elastic from Amazon. It will take about 10 days to get here, so I’ll have time to prep the fabric and such. I have a lot of fabric here, especially kid prints. I’d be happy to send some of we can find somewhere accepting packages.
|
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Mar 20, 2020 15:18:10 GMT
I have already started sewing this morning! LOL Easily sourced yes, but today and last night, I tried ordering more fabric and lining from Joann's online and both times their site crashed and I was not able to recover everything I selected out of my cart, (I was going to do a curbside pick up) I got so pissed off that it happened that I did not go back to try again! And, they are SLOW SLOW SLOW to deliver. (and I live literally within 30 minutes of the HQ that ships it) |
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Mar 20, 2020 15:21:39 GMT
If any of you actually make them, I would send them to work with DH. I'm pretty terrified of him going to work since he has diabetes and other underlying conditions
ETA: He is a respiratory therapist in a hospital
|
|
stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,601
Location: In the leaves and rain.
|
Post by stittsygirl on Mar 20, 2020 15:46:56 GMT
Providence in Washington just put out the call for volunteers to sew masks. It looks like it’s going to stay local for now and won’t start for a few more days. They are getting the supplies together and will put together kits that will make 100 masks. I’ve signed up and am waiting for further instruction.
I have a feeling this will eventually be an issue everywhere, so stay tuned to what your local healthcare facilities might need. Every healthcare facility has been impacted by the diminished supply lines but some areas are better off than others.
|
|
Coffee Mom
Full Member
Posts: 200
Dec 18, 2018 0:16:30 GMT
|
Post by Coffee Mom on Mar 20, 2020 16:44:11 GMT
Okay, I have enough elastic to make about 15 masks, maybe a few more if I can salvage some oddballs cuts. Interestingly, some of this elastic came from my great grandmother’s sewing kit. I got it when she passed. She made ammunition during WW2, a true Rosie!
Anyway, I’m prewashing some fabric and hopefully will whip up a first mask up tonight or tomorrow. Michaels has some elastic in stock. I ordered just a little, since I don’t know how many masks I can commit to yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Mar 20, 2020 16:59:10 GMT
Best Materials for DIY Face MasksPatter - read the entire article link above that your chart came from. Even though dishtowels are highly rated, they are not the most recommended material for the homemade masks. Bottom line recommendation from the research shown above:
|
|
|
|
Post by ~KellyAnn~ on Mar 20, 2020 17:05:52 GMT
If this gets the okay from the medical field, I'd like to buy a few of the masks from the peas.
My daughter is a night shift nurse on med/surg and they are woefully unprepared.
I'm so worried about our healthcare professionals.
|
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Mar 20, 2020 18:01:11 GMT
Thanks **GypsyGirl**. It's still what I have on hand. I don't have the other items. I believe everyone at church is using two layers of 100% cotton. I am using a tea towel (not a dish towel, and not heavy like you may be thinking). What I think of as a dish towel would be horribly hot and terrible. For the front, I am using 100% cotton on the front. Where was it I read that some places were telling their staff to use bandanas? |
|
|
|
Post by lisae on Mar 20, 2020 19:32:54 GMT
I've looked at a bunch of videos. The one in the OP's update seems very doable. I watched one that had buttonholes to thread the elastic all the way through the mask and a layer of batting between layers. It must take an hour to make each one. I've seen some that are 4 pieces with a seam down the center of front and back that seems to fit well. Some with elastic and some with ties.
For now, I've ordered 1/4 inch white elastic from Hobby Lobby. Walmart is the only store in our county that sells elastic and their website says they are out (though Walmart has the worst website of any major retailer.) I have plenty of cotton fabric and will likely make some with ties and some with elastic.
I hope that production ramps up on the real masks and we don't need so many of these but it is best to be prepared.
|
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Mar 20, 2020 19:39:30 GMT
Many of the masks being made are with 100% cotton (think quilters fabrics) you can also use Tshirt knits that are cotton and also flannel. Some of the patterns show a "gap" like an envelope pillow case would have where a filter can be inserted and removed (filter would be something like non-woven material, (Pellon, interfacing)
I am making mine with a quilter's type 100% cotton on the outside, with a t-shirt knit or flannel on the inside. And they are reversible.
Some are made with elastic for the ear loops, and some are being made with ribbons, so that they can be more adjustable and accommodating to a wide range of face sizes.
While these are not the medical grade masks, my understanding that nurses, healthcare aides, hospital workers/staff WILL wear them.
I am making mine for the nurses and PA's, my neighbor is a PA.
|
|
stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,601
Location: In the leaves and rain.
|
Post by stittsygirl on Mar 20, 2020 20:23:15 GMT
As a person who wears a surgical mask nearly every day, the ones with ties are much more comfortable than the ones with elastic loops, imo. The ties might require more work, unless you use bias tape, but elastic might get hard to come by soon. I’m not sure what the style of the Providence WA ones will be, and I don’t want to buy up anything right now that they might be trying to acquire so I’m going to wait until they have their kits ready for us. Thanks for help guys! I know so many people are going to benefit from it  . |
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Mar 20, 2020 20:45:13 GMT
Thanks for posting this. I got a call from my best friend today who's a nurse in Philadelphia. She asked me to make her some masks. Will be trying different patterns over the next few days and hope to have some good ones to mail her next week. I hope they help! Please let us know what you think of the various patterns! And thank you! |
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Mar 20, 2020 21:23:27 GMT
As a person who wears a surgical mask nearly every day, the ones with ties are much more comfortable than the ones with elastic loops, imo. The ties might require more work, unless you use bias tape, but elastic might get hard to come by soon. I’m not sure what the style of the Providence WA ones will be, and I don’t want to buy up anything right now that they might be trying to acquire so I’m going to wait until they have their kits ready for us. Thanks for help guys! I know so many people are going to benefit from it . My daughter in med school said the same thing--the ties are SO much better. They fit better and are more comfortable. I made one using 100% cotton twill. It's wonderful, and it makes the mask fit so much better too. This was my test so it's a bit sloppy. Now I have my prototype ready to go.  I will not be making any with elastic--only with cotton twill.  |
|
|
|
Post by snugglebutter on Mar 20, 2020 23:34:03 GMT
Patter - what is the width of your twill? I'm trying to figure out what width would be easiest for tying.
|
|
|
|
Post by tinydogmafia on Mar 21, 2020 0:18:49 GMT
If any one of you is sewing and selling masks, please let me know.
I am a nurse in a SNF, (Nursing Home/Rehab) and we are burning through masks so fast you can't imagine. The supply chain is backed up until April! We've asked local nail salons to donate masks, we are so desperate. They told us this afternoon we could wear handmade masks, but I'm just too exhausted to try to learn to sew right now. Also, I am not crafty. lol
I can spend $50-75 on supplies and your time. Please let me know if you're able to give me a hand. Thanks so much! <3
- A very tired nurse
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 2, 2024 15:38:24 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2020 0:38:52 GMT
Is there somewhere that has a pattern/dimensions? Also, any recommended links for the fabric and ties?
|
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Mar 21, 2020 0:46:52 GMT
|
|
janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,204
Location: Alabama
|
Post by janeinbama on Mar 21, 2020 0:53:21 GMT
Okay, I have enough elastic to make about 15 masks, maybe a few more if I can salvage some oddballs cuts. Interestingly, some of this elastic came from my great grandmother’s sewing kit. I got it when she passed. She made ammunition during WW2, a true Rosie! Anyway, I’m prewashing some fabric and hopefully will whip up a first mask up tonight or tomorrow. Michaels has some elastic in stock. I ordered just a little, since I don’t know how many masks I can commit to yet. Old Elastic most likely has lost it's stretch. You know like the bathing suit bottoms that are square after you pull on them. |
|
|
|
Post by christine58 on Mar 21, 2020 0:58:56 GMT
I think it is a lovely idea, but these types of masks don't do much in the way of real protection. Well I was watching the news tonight and these can be put over the (can't remember what they are called) masks and then it will extend their use. These could then be washed or tossed. |
|
Coffee Mom
Full Member
Posts: 200
Dec 18, 2018 0:16:30 GMT
|
Post by Coffee Mom on Mar 21, 2020 1:07:14 GMT
Okay, I have enough elastic to make about 15 masks, maybe a few more if I can salvage some oddballs cuts. Interestingly, some of this elastic came from my great grandmother’s sewing kit. I got it when she passed. She made ammunition during WW2, a true Rosie! Anyway, I’m prewashing some fabric and hopefully will whip up a first mask up tonight or tomorrow. Michaels has some elastic in stock. I ordered just a little, since I don’t know how many masks I can commit to yet. Old Elastic most likely has lost it's stretch. You know like the bathing suit bottoms that are square after you pull on them. Thanks!! These actually aren’t that old (not from 1940s lol), it’s great! Super stretchy, I had made hair scrunchies out of some of it and they have held up great.  |
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Mar 21, 2020 2:01:43 GMT
Providence in Washington just put out the call for volunteers to sew masks. It looks like it’s going to stay local for now and won’t start for a few more days. They are getting the supplies together and will put together kits that will make 100 masks. I’ve signed up and am waiting for further instruction. I have a feeling this will eventually be an issue everywhere, so stay tuned to what your local healthcare facilities might need. Every healthcare facility has been impacted by the diminished supply lines but some areas are better off than others. I'm of the opinion that we're far from peak need right now and we should all probably start sewing as soon as we have our supplies. there will be someone somewhere who wants them. Probably multiples to choose from. I still haven't identified the best pattern but am working with a woman who works at an incredible non-profit based right here, www.directrelief.org. She started an enormous local Days for Girls effort here. She replied this morning that Direct Relief couldn't support our sewing of the fabric masks because they are not "proper" masks (I'm paraphrasing, can't remember exactly what she wrote). Heard from her again a bit ago and thinks that might be changing, to stay tuned. If she shares a specific plan and pattern, I'll be sure to report here. It's heartwarming to see how many of us want to help. Not surprising though. Peas rock!~ |
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Mar 21, 2020 2:03:01 GMT
Best Materials for DIY Face MasksPatter - read the entire article link above that your chart came from. Even though dishtowels are highly rated, they are not the most recommended material for the homemade masks. Bottom line recommendation from the research shown above: Thanks for this! |
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Mar 21, 2020 2:04:30 GMT
I've looked at a bunch of videos. The one in the OP's update seems very doable. I watched one that had buttonholes to thread the elastic all the way through the mask and a layer of batting between layers. It must take an hour to make each one. I've seen some that are 4 pieces with a seam down the center of front and back that seems to fit well. Some with elastic and some with ties. For now, I've ordered 1/4 inch white elastic from Hobby Lobby. Walmart is the only store in our county that sells elastic and their website says they are out (though Walmart has the worst website of any major retailer.) I have plenty of cotton fabric and will likely make some with ties and some with elastic. I hope that production ramps up on the real masks and we don't need so many of these but it is best to be prepared. Do you have a pattern for masks with ties? I haven't seen one yet. |
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Mar 21, 2020 2:05:20 GMT
Many of the masks being made are with 100% cotton (think quilters fabrics) you can also use Tshirt knits that are cotton and also flannel. Some of the patterns show a "gap" like an envelope pillow case would have where a filter can be inserted and removed (filter would be something like non-woven material, (Pellon, interfacing) I am making mine with a quilter's type 100% cotton on the outside, with a t-shirt knit or flannel on the inside. And they are reversible. Some are made with elastic for the ear loops, and some are being made with ribbons, so that they can be more adjustable and accommodating to a wide range of face sizes. While these are not the medical grade masks, my understanding that nurses, healthcare aides, hospital workers/staff WILL wear them. I am making mine for the nurses and PA's, my neighbor is a PA. Can you please share the pattern you're using? Thanks! |
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Mar 21, 2020 2:07:15 GMT
Patter - what is the width of your twill? I'm trying to figure out what width would be easiest for tying. Also the length. And I can't see from your photo exactly where the twill is attached. Thanks Are you starting with 6 x 9" rectangles? |
|
.
I will not be making any with elastic--only with cotton twill.
