My state might be a week away from the end of Shelter in Place, but I'm still making masks like crazy.
If we are allowed to move about freely next week, we most likely will have to do it with masks. It was time to make masks for Lizard and for me.
I will be honest. I do not like wearing a mask. I will wear one when I am supposed to, but I am a true believer in fresh air therapy. In my opinion, non-sick people who are not in health care or related occupations will be healthier sans masks, as long as they practice social distancing and excellent hygiene.
However, many people do not feel safe without a mask, and I do not want to rock the boat. I just hope mask-wearers realize the homemade masks are not going to protect them from the teensy little germs that have been wreaking havoc worldwide. I got a kick out of the meme that says homemade masks in general aren't going to hold back germs any more than undies hold back the odor of flatulence when released.
I dug into my scrap boxes for masks for Lizard and I. Lizard's mask was a breeze. He also does not like wearing a mask. As a temporarily immune-compromised person due to recent surgery and procedures, he isn't going anywhere he would have to wear a mask. Now he has a mask if he needs it, but he hopefully will not have to make use of it in the next few weeks.
I had every intention of making a snowflake mask for me. But when I pulled out a piece of my own Spoonflower fabric, designed with butterflies I crocheted with thread I solar-dyed, I realized the remnant was almost big enough for a mask. So I made it big enough by piecing together some other remnants.
I couldn't believe how thick and tightly woven the Spoonflower fabric is! It feels sturdier than the pillowcase fabric I've been using for nurse masks.
Almost the instant I finished my mask, Lizard's former boss, who last year relocated to New York, where the numbers are really awful now, asked if I might make masks for her family. Five more masks were in the mail the next day.
I haven't been able to use the longarm because I loaded a quilt on it for Lizard about six weeks ago, but he hasn't felt up to quilting yet. So I did some piecing on a new project just to get back into the mood of sewing for fun again.
I made half-square triangles from a charm pack I snatched up sight-unseen when it went on clearance and then didn't like as much when I saw the prints. I've had an idea to make a half-square triangle quilt from that charm pack ever since I ordered the precuts I ended up not really liking. I finished sewing and pressing the squares, but now I can't decide what layout to use.
Linking up with Alycia Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.
Your masks are perfect for you two! i too do not want to wear them - but I totally will. love your new project - its so colorful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alycia! I had my annual physical this week and had to wear my mask for that, and I have to admit, it was fun to see the different homemade masks in the doctor's office!
DeleteI'm not sure about the masks. We are lucky and don't have to wear them, but some do because they feel safer. Maybe it's a gesture of respect like in the Asian world. I've seen Asians wear masks in the purest of air on a lovely mountain nearby. Someone told me they do it not for themselves but for others.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I made a mask for me yesterday. I just wanted to know how it is done. It's red with white dots. I put an inlay inbetween the two layers. It is very hot to wear in the sun.
Stay safe!
Regula
I get very hot wearing mine, too, Regula. And I feel like I can't breathe! I'm quick to remove it as soon as I get in my car because I feel like I'm suffocating!
DeleteI hope your country does well and doesn't see as much turmoil as we are seeing here. You stay safe, too!
wow, you are busy. :) I too don´t like wearing masks. One reason is I have glasses and wearing a mask creates mist on the glas so I can´t see. I hope you all are OK over there. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, the condensation that builds up inside the mask actually makes it less healthy than fresh air, Monica, unless the wearer is in a closed place with no ventilation and lots of germs. And even then, fresh air is safer, but some people do not have that option. I'm certainly thankful I get to work from home for now. I've been told we will be wearing masks at work when we return. I am not looking forward to that.
DeleteI don’t think anyone is a fan of masks. Our daughter is an RN and had a Guillain-Barre reaction to a flu vaccine several years ago. So now, no flu shot for her! She has been required to wear a mask at work all the time. She didn’t like it either, but that is what the company required! She says, you get used to it!
ReplyDeleteYears ago our son traveled to Japan while in the Air Force, and he says that, yes, the mask wearing is a sign of respect for others.
I’ve made them too! Your butterfly mask I’d adorable!
Thank you, Grammajudyb. I don't know anyone who likes wearing a mask, but we're doing it to be good citizens. I'm dreading the day I have to go back to work in the office because masks will be required there, too.
DeleteAwesome masks for the two of you!! Here's hoping Lizard feels well enough to quilt soon. I absolutely LOVE that first layout using your beautiful HSTs. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to to with them.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joy. I am wondering if perhaps I should make a few more blocks so I can make that first layout just a bit bigger. I'm toying with the idea. I've grown fond of the first layout, too!
DeleteI applaud you for your masks & mask making. I have resisted them to the point of just cutting a large square of fabric & wearing it like a bandana. Works for me. I really get claustrophobic with it on. I'd rather sew HST's. LOL
ReplyDeleteBetty, the mask makes my husband extremely claustrophobic, too. He's not going out often because I won't want him exposed, but also because I don't want to make him suffer wearing the mask. I hope they will be truthful about masks soon so we can get over this hump. Masks truly aren't all that healthy.
Delete