Not As Easy As It Looks

After several days of researching mask tutorials and gathering supplies — now at inflated prices, I finally decided on the Olson  pattern which, ironically, required only materials I already had on hand. With the new cross-contamination shopping rules, nothing of what I’d purchased can be returned — even if the package is unopened. 

Oh well.

Why I went with that pattern is because it looped behind the ear — which looked to be a lot more comfortable than the N95 respirator I’ve been wearing and the patterns requiring ties. Plus, there was a pocket to insert a filter, to make the make the mouth/nose area dust/pollution proof — a filter I’d read could be made from vacuum cleaner bags.

So on Wednesday, I began what was to be a 15 minute project. Five hours later …..

I'm happy with the results, but assembly was not near as easy as it was touted to be.

I decided to go for a second 15-minute mask. One hour later …

Denim

Assembly time much improved and I imagine, if I keep at it, I might get down to 15 minutes.

I was thinking of making a bunch and giving them away to anyone who wanted one, BUT then I ran across an online warning that filters made from vacuum cleaner bags are not safe. I forget what material made them not safe for humans to breath in, but didn’t matter. There is a lot of conflicting information out there, and I wasn’t going to risk it. Those bags are in the patio storage area, along with all the additional overpriced supplies that are not going to be used and can’t be returned

All was not lost, however, because I had the bright idea of inserting the N95 respirator I’d been wearing into the pocket.

Doesn’t get any more N95 compliant than that and, as you can see from the first photo, it holds up and covers very well.

However, I won’t be making a bunch for others because 1) I don’t have a bunch of N95 respirators to spare and 2) I didn’t find mask making fun. It’s back to my needlepoint project.

While we’re on the subject of masks, remember Twin 1’s especially made for her mask — the one I’d coveted?

I tracked down the maker and ordered a black one. What came in the mail was not the same as Twin 1's especially made mask, so I was a bit disappointed. Plus, I should have ordered a brighter color. I can't complain though because, though it was expensive and I was fully prepared to pay, when the maker learned I’m Twin 1’s mother, he gifted it to me.

SCORE!

Glittery

THEN, Twin 1 gets featured in Vogue, wearing the especially made for her mask and suddenly everyone wants one. The maker is producing more just like hers and I got word from Twin 1 that one for me is in the mail.  

DOUBLE SCORE!

I’m surprised Twin 1 ─ so focused on doing for others, actually came through for her dear old mom.

My supply of protective masks runneth over.