The Birds during Stay At Home

The birds come in pairs these days---the Bluebirds, the Blue Jays, the Cardinals.  The Tufted Titmouse, the Carolina Wren. the red-bellied Woodpecker, the Downys, the Finches---they all come to light up my day on this cold, drizzly more-like-February day then end of April.  They delight my heart as they flit from limb to branch to suet to feeder, then start the flight paths all over again.

Happy Easter

Hoping the Easter Bunny hopped down the trail to your house today.

First Homemade Face Mask

I used Dee Mallon's tutorial deemallon.com to make my first fabric fabric face.  She did an excellent tutorial, very easy to follow.  I'm really pleased with it.  Now I need to make a couple for my sister and brother-in-law (by request :) ).  I found the no-sew t-shirt face mask tutorial after I made this one.  So I will give that a try to.  It looks like it would be really comfortable.  (Tutorial for t-shirt mask in previous post, by permission)

Easy and Fast No-Sew Mask by Linda McDermott

Easy and Fast No-Sew Face Mask

T-Shirt material is one of the recommended materials for making homemade face masks. To save money, clean old t-shirts work just as well as new ones. Making your own face masks will free up supplies for the medical community.

Start your mask with a piece of paper that measures 9” x 6 1/2” (or 9 1/2”x7” for extra large)

Fold the t-shirt and place the 9” side on fold.

After cutting through both sides of the t-shirt you will end up with two pieces. When you UNFOLD them they will each measure 9”x13”, see next photo, to make two masks. Washing the mask after wearing is recommended, or putting it aside for a few days, so having 2 or more masks on hand helps to have a clean mask available.

An unfolded piece that measures 9”x13”.

Refold the rectangle piece so each 9” end falls in the middle and overlaps about 1/4”-1/2”. This will be the inside of the mask.

Pinch and snip a small slit close to the edge like this. Make 6 small slits or holes on each side about 1/4”-1/2” from each edge.

Snip with tips of scissors.

Notice the little slits on both sides.

Cut out two narrow strips 11” long for ear straps.

Place the mask right side up and run the strips through the slits like this.

Gather the mask edges like this and tie a knot on each end of the ear straps.

And you’re done!

If you want to add a filter for extra protection, there is an opening on the back to slide in a piece of coffee filter or paper towel.

Cut filter like this.

This is for demonstration only. Make it as snug as you feel comfortable.

If you want to use the graphics on your t-shirt, cut it like …

Place the 9”x 6 1/2” pattern next to the collar and fold t-shirt.

Or cut out a full 9”x13” rectangle and proceed like the other mask.
You can also use this size paper to make the masks instead of the 9” x 6 1/2”.

When you fold and overlap the two 9” edges, like the other mask, the edges will be higher up so most of the graphic will show in front.

Done!
Remember to wash your hands before removing your mask or touching your face. Wash hands.
And don’t touch your face.
Good luck and be safe.

Updated 4/1/20 with correct size on first photo and other clarifications. Also, this is a standard size I thought would work for most. Make any size adjustments to best fit you. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions.