I wasn't going to knit a mask. It seemed like a silly idea. Fabric is porous; knitted fabric is even more so.
But I could line it with fabric...
Once I got that idea, I went on an internet search. Surely I couldn't be the only one with that idea.
And I wasn't. There were several patterns out there, but nothing quite like what I wanted. What did I want? I don't know, nor did I know.
I broke it down into what I thought it should be shaped like. I found a stitch pattern. I started knitting the stitch pattern, but it annoyed me. So, I ripped it out and started over. A bit of this and that, and I had something vaguely mask-shaped.
There were issues. The top and bottom curled. It would do the job...
...but I knew I could do better. So, I started over.
My second attempt took a bit longer. I used the moss stitch, something simple, but more interesting to knit than stockinette. I crocheted an edging. I used I-cord for the ears rather than a flat crochet.
Better. It lies flat, but it's more of a parallelogram than a rectangle. But I needed to go to the grocery store, so it'd be good enough.
Next I lined it...
And that's what I wore to the grocery store.
It's not cute. I can do better. But at least I have something I can wear outside when I need to get food.
I should break down and buy a fabric mask. I probably will. But until then, this will do.
Clever! Now if you could knit one to look like Darth Vadar's mask...
ReplyDeleteNice job
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteVery creative!! Hubby made some masks from bandannas and elastic loops. They are effective but we keep forgetting to bring them with us when we go out and about. It too is suggested here to wear the masks; about half of the people in the stores are wearing them.
ReplyDeletebetty
Pretty in orange ;) Great job!
ReplyDeleteThat's great! And with the orange, they will see you coming.
ReplyDeleteGood work on that. Are you going to keep working on making a "cute" quarantine mask? :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Great improvisation!
ReplyDeleteI knew you would come up with something like this. :-)
I think yours looks nice. It's definitely better than mine! I'm impressed that you know enough to successfully make up your own pattern. And your sewn in liner is definitely better than my cut up t-shirt.
ReplyDeleteAre there even cloth masks available to buy? I looked online, but couldn't find any that would arrive before May.
I think a t-shirt is probably better than a knit mask, but knit is what I do.
DeleteI didn't know of the lag time for sewn masks. I'll have to see if I can find you one that'll get to you quicker.
That's interesting. We don't have to wear masks when we go out in the UK but there are strict social distancing rules. If you go to a supermarket, for example, you have to queue up outside at least six feet apart and then they let in a few people at a time.
ReplyDeleteThey're doing the same here. The mask requirement is new.
DeleteIt looks like it does the job, and that's the important thing!
ReplyDeleteYup. That's all I need it for, really.
DeleteWe have all kinds of rules now - they want you to shop or go to parks for exercise odd or even, depending on your birth year. (If you are a family, use the birth year of the oldest person). Only one person per family in a store, which is fairly new. Masks are encouraged. I never would have crocheted one. I am waiting for a bandanna in the mail to make one I don't have to sew. I've seen some cute masks, but I'm not that talented.
ReplyDeleteYeah, yarn isn't a great way to do a mask. I wouldn't, but I can line it, so it doesn't feel like it's just yarn.
DeleteThey've asked us to do one per household for the store, too. I get lists from my roommates and go. It's weird shopping for three, but that's two less people out and about.
The first one I wore was 95R, we had them because my husband sprayed chemical. Took a little time to learn how to breath in them.
ReplyDeleteSo made a few fabric ones. Next to mouth would go muslin, and between that and designer fabric I insert a light weight interfacing. There washable...When I was getting my washer and lady who help me had crochet mask.
If it works...it works. There are so many diff things going around on making mask. There is one on just folding a bandana a certain way, cutting socks and even those wide headband winter earmuff thingys. Just pull it down over the nose and mouth....I made the bandana thingy before I located some I had packed when I moved. I have a friend making me four right now. With each one you purchase for five bucks she donates two to the medical world. All that matters is for us all to be safe.
ReplyDeleteAll sorts of ways to do it. I know another sewer who doesn't feel right charging money for them, so she's donating all proceeds from hers (she's charging money for shipping mostly).
DeleteRight on. My girlfriend was kind enough to sew me a face mask. Those of us not so inclined are grateful that those of you exist. I had heard that you all down south now have a 'mask order', if I've understood correctly. We're still in the suggestion phase up here.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about everyone. I know L.A. County does. Maybe Orange and Riverside. Not sure about the other counties, but I wouldn't be shocked.
DeleteWhat a great idea! You can make it as cute as you want, and if masks become a long-term necessity, you could have one for every mood!
ReplyDeleteIf they become a long-term thing, I'll need fabric ones. These will be too warm for the summer.
DeleteYea. I think that'd be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI bet you could make some money or just do them and give them out. I could see you have some whimsymlike add a pink tongue or kiss lips.
ReplyDeleteIf you put a little bit of wire in the top seem you could shape it to your nose which would make it more effective and probably comfortable. But great job!
ReplyDeleteDid you sew the lining in? It's a cute mask. I like the bold color. With your skills, you can whip up a fabric mask in no time.
ReplyDelete