Pandemic Mask Making

Hello again! Today's post is going to be pretty short and sweet- I'm going to recap some masks I made at the start of the pandemic last year. This post may feel a little different from usual, but i think that's only because there isn't much of actual substance to discuss. Anyways, if you're interested in seeing some DIY masks (and an attempt at outfit coordination), please keep reading down below!

When the pandemic took hold last year, everyone was thrust into a mask making frenzy, myself included. Masks are simple to make, and make great use of leftover fabrics. So, it was fun to dive into an easier project for a change. 

The issue of masks is a bit interesting to discuss as someone who lives in Japan. Even before the pandemic, some schools and classrooms would require students to wear masks throughout the flu season each year. And wearing a mask when sick has been long established as common courtesy in public. For these reasons, it seems as though daily mask wearing was easier for the masses to accept (although not everyone supports the practice, same as in the US). 

PATTERN & MATERIALS

When masks became mandatory, it seems every shop was selling mask supplies! My local Craft Heart Tokai was no different, and I found both the pattern and fabrics there. This pattern was printed on normal paper and cost under $1 USD. Although I have now tried more mask patterns in the time since, this pattern has consistently been the easiest and most comfortable one to use. 

I  believe this pattern was really only sold in-store, so I can't really provide a link or source for anyone to buy it themselves, but I'm sure you can find one easily online for a similar mask. There are now countless online tutorials for masks since the pandemic started! 

I knew from the start that I wanted to match the masks I made to the clothing that I wear. So, I selected a lavender linen, a pink cotton, and a flower cotton print. The other masks were made with scrap fabrics or or fabrics intended for other projects. 

There was actually an elastic shortage here when everyone started making their own, so I didn't buy it in store. Instead, I bought a 100m bundle on Amazon -which I'll likely be working my way through for a long time to come!

OUT AND ABOUT

Since completion, I've worn these masks all over the place! I'll insert a random selection of photos below. 

Felt I should mention that the lavender and pink flower cardigan I'm wearing in some of the photos is from a small brand called Spit Spit. It was expensive, but I love the shape and design of it, and I enjoy supporting smaller brands when the opportunity arises. The company's Instagram account is @spitspit.cum. 

The only real downside to wearing a fabric mask (as opposed to the disposal variety), is that they can be quite hot in the summertime! But they work great for the winter. 

CONCLUSION 

Normally, I wouldn't have spent the time to post something like this, as there isn't much real substance. Ultimately, though, masks are easy to make, and although they serve a utilitarian function, they can easily be coordinated and altered to be stylish. As far as sewing is concerned, they're satisfying to make and are easy to sew in bulk out of a number of fabrics. 

I have a growing pile of scrap fabrics, as well as old leggings and t-shirts that I can no longer wear, so I'm considering making a few new masks in a different style. However, I'm not sure if I'll have time for that in the never-ending list of projects and posts to complete. I'd like to also make a matching scrunchie at some point (I used to sew so many all the time!)

Anyways, thanks for checking out this post! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to let me know down below!

To see more of my posts featuring masks, please click here.

To see more projects using scrap materials, please click here.