At first we were told, no need for face masks.
But now, after some rethinking, they’re telling us, yes, we should all wear them because they actually do help prevent the spread of the corona virus. Makes sense to me.
So for now, it’s time to adjust my focus from kimono silk jackets to kimono silk face masks. As is explained in this New York Times article, several layers of tightly woven cotton is the best. Tightly woven so there are fewer little spaces for the corona viruses to sneak in. Cotton because it is a very absorbent fiber. And more layers for more protection.
I wanted kimono silk on the top so I used 2 layers of tightly woven cotton muslin for a lining and a middle layer. I pre-washed them all in my washing machine using hot water and detergent. Yes, you can wash silk.
Finished, it’s about 9 by 6 inches. With soft cotton elastic for over the ears.
In order to fit closely around the nose, it has a channel on the inside layer for a wire, I used a pipe cleaner folded in half for extra strength, chenille wrapped for softness.
It was pretty fun to make. So why not make more? Which I did, all weekend in my studio, sewing masks with two layers of cotton muslin and a top layer of kimono silk. Each, a one of a kind, a little different depending on where they were cut from the kimono silk.
I’ve added them to my web-shop as a fund raiser, all money collected will go to Feeding America, our nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. They’re a wonderful organization that helps supply food banks, food pantries and meal programs across the US.
I’m charging $25 each.
I’ll continue to add more, so please check back.
Awesome if you’ve made your own! Or have a friend who’s made one for you. Or if you’d like to make one but haven’t yet, go for it! There are many patterns out there, I used this one.
We’re all doing our best aren’t we? Let’s keep it up!
When you make more to re-stock, I’d love to have one.
Thanks Judith! I’m running up the down escalator sewing up more. As soon as I can I’ll add more to my web-shop.
Brilliant idea, to use the masks as a fundraiser for the food bank. And the masks are beautiful, of course.
Thank you Deborah. I had tears in my eyes after visiting the Feeding America website. It’s so important. I’m happy I can help even a little bit.
So happy to have your email and know you are well. It came later than usual, so I wondered about you fromover here in Australia.
Lorraine, on Sunday, instead of writing my blog, I was sewing masks!
Would love to order a mask when you have restocked. Thank you..
Thank you Ann so much for your inquiry. I am so sorry to say that my mask making days are over. It was so gratifying to make them and send the money from those sales to Feeding America. The entire project went way beyond what my expectations had been. But my other projects have called me back and I have stopped all masks production.
I believe that there are so many other people making them now, from little home shops listed on Etsy to larger production companies.
I do appreciate your note. Thank you again for checking in.
Please take care and stay safe!