November 16, 2022
I'm Masquerading for the time being.
Still doing a few mosaics for fun but I stopped working on my show inventory. All my summer shows have been canceled.
I have bins of fabric from the 80s and 90s. I used to do a lot of quilting and well...I loved shopping for fabric. Here's just a few of them.
I started at the end of March.
While designing and finalizing the design I went through many changes.
Regular elastic was out because you can't even find it now. Using ties is cumbersome for some people including me, I have a frozen shoulder. Also, I started doing this to make some for my aged parents. It had to be easy or they wouldn't put them on. I chose the band material because it's a latex-free option. The same material used in my physical therapy. Super stretchy and strong. I find it very comfortable. My husband who wears hearing aids doesn't even notice it's there and then to add a pair of glasses....regular elastic was too bulky. An opened-up paper clip can be used across the back of the head.
The nose wire was the next hurdle. This was to be a mask that was reusable...washable. I tried different types of wires, some would rust. Pipe cleaner might be soft but after repeated bending in the same area would break. It also was puffy and didn't seal around the nose well..my glasses would fog up. All the research I did on other makers doing masks most were using or suggesting the tin ties. It's what you see on a coffee bag. It's plastic-coated, lays flat, and will hold up. Once you get it formed it will work on any type of nose.
The filter pocket also had to be easy to insert an extra filter. Mine opens up from the bottom. Half of a Coffee filter Cone size #4 works really well. It can also be a pattern for cutting filters from cotton and also the HydroKnit type shop towels (hard to find Scott, Zep, Toolbox)
I took to eBay to see how they would sell. I tried different styles of listings and sold about 125 in a few weeks. Thing is...the fees are rather high so I had to charge shipping....but I streamlined my packing and label making on there.
Selling on my website I'm able to do free shipping for the customer and still make the same on each mask as I was on eBay.
I've gotten great feedback from customers and even repeat buyers. Thanks to all of my customers.
*My family calls your masks "the Cadillac of Masks". I love your new metal clip. Comfortable. *Thank you so much for all of the masks for my family.......we love the design and fun fabrics.......and double thanks for the extra mask in my order.....it will definitely be used. We are isolating here in northwest Colorado but do have to keep living which does involve public places. Your masks are perfect for us.......Ian says they don’t fog his glasses the way other masks do so he will be happy to find four more in today’s mail delivery and my husband loves the sense of fun in the orange ear loops! When I need more masks I will be using this sight in the future. Be well, stay safe, and carry on! Lynn *I am totally enjoying the face mask you made for me. I got used to the harder nose wire but it works really well to keep my glasses from fogging up. I think you did a fantastic job of making the lower part of the mask with a wide opening so I could fit a filter inside. Also, I got used to the band around the ear.*GREAT JOB !! I may order some more in different colors. THANK YOU for making a long nose wire so that it keeps my glasses from fogging up. Some other mask folks are making only have a skimpy nose clip. LOVE! These are the best fitting masks...and I've gotten quite a few. Most of them were ill-fitting but not these! I mean nobody wants to wear a mask but since we should right now, then these are the ones. They come with fabric filters and include a pattern for more filters. How thoughtful is that?! They're also really pretty. ^_^ Shipping was very quick as well. Thank you! Arrived quickly and almost as described... it is A LOT nicer than picture shows. Durable, skillfully stitched, and beautiful material! Btw, you create stunning mosaics as well! Thanks!
