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!