Mask solution for specs wearers!

I’ve been making civilian masks (100% cotton) for use when physical distancing isn’t perfect. (We’ve been asked to wear face coverings by the grocery store for example.) I’m using the Marfy pattern racheylou referenced with modifications.

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....death-bird

I apply a fabric channel for an optional wire across the nose, and channels on the side for sliding ties rather than ear elastics or fixed ties. I find the ties make the fit more secure.

Experimenting with the wires, I found that if I pressed them firmly around my nose to make a tight seal - it prevented my glasses from fogging up! So, if you are able to get a version with a wire across the nose - try moulding it down firmly for a tight seal. (FWIW - my wires are the bendy plastic thingys used for resealable bags - trimmed to fit. I take them out when I launder the mask.)

I posted these pics on Jenn’s thread, but am reposting them as examples.

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....sing-masks

I’ve packaged the ones I’ve made in individual zip lock baggies after laundering them. In our small community, we are able to physically distance most of the time, however we all tuck one in a pocket when we go out, just in case. I’ve sent most of what I’ve made to family who live in Big City’s where more face covering is taking place.

#1 shows the small version of the mask
#2 shows how the wires were molded
#3 DS#1 modelling a bigger/men’s version
#4 source for plastic thingys (resealable coffee bag)

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4 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I put a wire holder for my husband’s masks. At first I put in a pipe cleaner (called a fuzzy stick). It was kind of a nuisance, so I put in a double length of this garden tie. It’s easier to maneuver. I like your idea of the coffee bag tie, though.

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kkards

Thank you for the tip. Will keep it in mind to try after mine arrive.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES. I noticed this too. If I press the top of the mask against my face, my specs don't mist up.

However, I don't sew, have a machine, or have a mask with a wire channel. Unless you can buy them?

Gaylene

Genius idea for a nose wire, Carla!

I’ve also adopted side channels and ties for my masks. Works much better at keeping the mask securely in place, especially if you need to talk while wearing the mask.

My tip is to cut an old heavier-weight jersey T-shirt horizontally into strips to make the ties. Cut the strips, trim off any side seam bits, stretch each piece lengthwise until you have a 34-38” length (depending on the width of the T-shirt), fold the strip in half lengthwise, and zigzag the raw edges together. Much easier than cutting bias strips and the stretchiness helps keep the ties securely in place once they are tied.

If you are super picky, you can also stitch and turn the ties to hide the raw edges inside of the tube for a neater look.

pil

Angie, I wonder if you could rig a nose wire by wrapping a coffee bag wire (in tape or a thin fabric?) and attaching with fashion tape?

Gigi

For those without sewing machines (that's me!), I found this tutorial for making a bandana mask without sewing. It includes a bread bag fastener as a wire at the top. I haven't tried it yet myself, but it looks promising and well thought out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNAQaIt3QZ4

rachylou

Nice!

And excellent tips - JAileen, Gaylene and Gigi too!

You do sew buttons, don’t you Angie? A simple straight stitch by hand and a little rectangle of cloth would be a fast, easy project. The really RATE in me would also just baste the wire right onto the mask, lol.

Jenn

Angie, I was just looking at these:
https://rendallco.com/

Runcarla

You could always run a bit of masking tape over the wires and seal them in. Afterwards just rip off the masking tape, save the wire, and launder your mask. It’s not pretty, but might do the trick?!

Jaime

Great information, thanks!

Helena

Fabulous Carla!

Preppy Pear

Great idea - I have been wearing my contacts the few times I’ve been out with a face covering, but I might try to rig up a wire in my no-sew mask if I do want to wear my glasses.
My mask hasn’t fogged up my sunglasses...maybe because it isn’t very fitted. I’ve been doing the the Dr. Gupta method with simple folds and hair ties.

nemosmom

How creative, Carla!

Cardiff girl

That is a very professional looking mask,good job!

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