TammyLynn Blogs: May 2020

**Mask updates at bottom of post**
Well, I started making facemask yesterday, and a few people want to what method I'm using. There are loads of methods out there, this is the one I chose for myself. I thought it might work better with glasses, so far so good. I'm not actually finished working on the ones I've made so far, I'm waiting on supplies so that I can add a nose support to help keep the mask close to my face.

This is my face mask making experience so far.

After hearing, watching and reading many professionals talk about the pros and cons of wearing a homemade face mask, I decided that we need to be wearing them when in public. They will not keep us from catching Covid-19, but they go a long way in helping stop the spread. Many communities around the globe are now recommending that we wear them too.

EDIT: Adding a message from our local Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC
Follow this link: Public advised to cover faces in enclosed spaces.

Follow this link for a video of Dr Ellie Cannon talking about wearing face masks. (Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to embed the video)
TWITTER LINK: Dr Ellie *Wash your hands* on wearing masks.
FACEBOOK LINK: @Dr_Ellie explains more

So, I bought a sewing machine. I've not sewn in years, looking forward to getting back into it.

First problem, finding a sewing machine to buy! Everywhere is closed and I didn't want to buy one over the internet. Finally found one at Argos in Stroud, though not the one I originally wanted. Sewing machines seem to be very popular right now! haha

Second problem, finding sewing supplies. Again, everywhere is closed. I'd normally go the closest local shop down in Stroud, Sew & So. So I put my feelers out and ask my local friends via Social Media and they came back with lots of help. One was another local sewing shop a bit further away, but still really close, In Stitches, which is just down the road in Cainscross. They aren't technically open but they are opening up on a one to one bases to help supply necessary materials for those making scrubs etc for essential workers and the odd customer like me. :-)

Thrid problem, which mask to make? Which will be best for me and my husband? I did a lot of research but I didn't document any of it. So sorry, but you can do the research yourself, just google it! :-) In the end, I chose a design that I thought would work best with our glasses. So far so good! Added bonus that it fits snuggly around my face, I know it does because when I breathe in and out the material moves in and out like I'm breathing into a paper bag.

Here is a link to the video tutorial (below in a bit, first I'll tell you about my method) that I mostly followed. (I'm not great at following instructions or directions and I like to make my own modifications) I'm going to use soft cotton pipe cleaners for the nose bridge support. I say going too as they haven't arrived yet. On the next masks I make I'm also going to extend the bit that goes along the face where you attach the elastic that goes around your ears, I feel I need more material to fold over for the elastic to go through. I like threading it through as appose to sewing it in as it gives me the option to change my mind or tweak the fit later.

What materials did I use? I used some cloth remnants I bought from In Stitches when I picked up my other supplies for the outer coverings. ( I also intend on using some material from old clothes we have as well) I looked closely at the threads and tried to pick those with tighter weaves. Best for filtering ya know. For the inside layer, I used an old high thread-count pillowcase that we already had. I think the thread count is 300, it's quite tight. For the first mask, being the overachiever that I am, I doubled up on the inside layer. Figured it'd be better at filtering, and it probably is, but there is a slight problem. It's not so easy to breathe through, so having the filter pocket just became mute. Remember when making your mask, you have to be able to breathe with it on! haha

Speaking of breathing, you don't want it to be too easy either, the mask needs to be securely against your face, no gaps for air/germs to escape or get in without going through the filter of the mask. It's not very pleasant, but we will only be wearing them for short periods of time. You also shouldn't be able to blow a candle out with your mask on. But you should be able to breathe!

For the second mask, I only used one layer of the high thread count pillowcase. For the filter, I slipped in a paper towel folded into thirds. I'm hoping this will also help with moisture build-up in the mask as well.

OK, here's the video I mostly followed for my mask. Look in the info section under the video on YouTube for more information. I'll also add a direct link to the pattern under the video below.

Direct link to the pattern that I followed from the video above: THE OLSEN MASK

Here are some more photos of the masks I've made so far. Remember, these aren't quite finished yet, I'm still waiting on nose support supplies. (You should be able to open the images up lager by clicking on them) (NOTE: The mask doesn't fit Lucy very well, as she doesn't have a human-sized head) (Also Note: I found that my glasses held the mask down enough so that my glasses didn't fog up, I'm still going to put the wire nose support in though as it doesn't work with my husband Peter's glasses)

Here is one of many videos explaining why it's a good idea for us to wear a mask:

There are many different ways to make a mask and many different materials that you can use. I can not cover them all, I am not an expert. The information in this blog post is just what I learned and where it led me.

PLEASE NOTE: The masks being discussed here are for general public use. These are not for medical purposes. We don't need those types of mask, those are for the professionals. So please leave them for the professionals.

Here is a link to some helpful information on materials for mask making at home. Follow this LINK: Ultimate Face Mask Materials

This medical professional did a lot of research on homemade face mask.

Here is another popular method being used, a lot of people around here are making them in bulk to help essential workers etc. LINK: Make Face Masks with Missouri Star Quilt Co. **Includes Videos.

I quite liked this one as well. LINK: DIY Face Mask Tutorial **Includes Videos.
A video from the same lady:

And if you don't want to sew a mask but would like a quick easy to make a no-sew mask using an old Tshirt you have lying around the house, Here is Clay Sinclair from The People's Republic of Stroud showing us how: (Note: Make sure you can breathe through any artwork on the t-shirt!)

Follow this link for another video on how to make a simple no-sew face mask from Dr Ellie Cannon. Link: DIY face mask: Dr Ellie Cannon makes a protective covering from a piece of cloth.

I hope this information helps some, please feel free to share any information that you have in the comment section. Remember, there is no right or wrong way for everyone, find what's right for you. Stay safe!

Tips for wearing your mask:

You should wash your hands well before putting the mask on.
When removing mask don't touch the front of the mask. (Don't cross-contaminate!)
After removing mask, maybe lay in the sun until you can wash it. (or toss in the laundry)
You really should wash it after every wear.
Washing in high temperatures and ironing your mask will help sterilize it.
Your face mask should fit securely to your face, no gaps for air to easily get in.

PS.... NOTE: This blog post is subject to change! As I receive or come across more helpful information I may update this blog post.

UPDATE on wire support for the nose: 19 May 2020
I've added the wire support for the nose to help seal the mask around my nose and help with glasses steaming up. And I must say, it works a treat!! Yay!! The wire I used was soft cotton pipe cleaners. I didn't sew them into the mask as I was worried about rusting and not surviving many washes. I just did a couple inch long straight stitches on either side of the nose to help hold it in place. This makes it easy to shape the wire and easy to put it in and take it out.