The Olson mask pattern

[Rorey]

I've been working on making masks on and off for the last couple of days. Someone here posted a link to the Olson mask (thank you to whoever did), and I finally made one this morning. It took me, a novice at sewing, longer than it will take someone who knows what the heck they're doing. Now that I've made the first one, it's my opinion that this is the best one.

The hardest part is cutting out the six pieces. This design has a pocket for a filter.

Here's the link for the pattern: [link:https://www.regmedctr.org/webres/File/OlsonMask_wPattern_v3-USE%20THIS%20ONE.pdf|

[leftieNanner]

1. I would totally do this!

Except that I don't have any fabric or elastic, and I can't go out and buy it.

My old sewing machine would totally be cranked up and in service if I had some materials.

[Rorey]

2. What I used

For my "prototype" I used a t-shirt that I didn't want. I had only worn it once, and it was of thick, good quality. I had thread. For the ear loops it says to use a hair tie, but I made a different type of mask yesterday and used a strip of t-shirt material. You just cut a strip about 3/4 inch wide and maybe 7 inches long, and pull it. It curls up width-wide. It's a great substitute for elastic, which is virtually impossible to find where I live.

I'll probably mask up and go to Walmart and get some cute material for the outside of my next masks. Or maybe I'll just keep cutting up old t-shirts. You could even use other clothing items that you don't want anymore.

[leftieNanner]

3. Great ideas!

I'll see what I can find in my closets.

[Rorey]

4. Sometimes there are things you don't feel comfortable donating

Mine were some shirts I bought as part of a fundraiser to support the search of a missing person. It's been seven years.