Jordan originally made a few for the amazing nurses at Woman & Infants Hospital in Providence, RI then ended up making piles for other nurses as well as a few company’s who were in need.  Their shortage of masks was obviously a problem and since we know a few of the nurses from our preemie experience, it hit close to home.  Luckily Jordan’s used to sewing children’s clothing at Hayden & Grant, so she whipped some up to help those in need. 

Here are some quick Frequently Asked Questions for making a cloth mask, including proper materials and where you can source them, if at all.

Frequently Asked DIY Fabric Face Mask Questions

Should I make my own mask?

If you’re staying home and nobody in your family is infected, you don’t need a mask most of the time. But more experts now say that wearing a nonmedical or homemade mask to go the grocery store or pharmacy may be a good idea. Studies of mask use to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including SARS, another form of coronavirus, show a simple mask can lower risk of infection. The effect is greatest when masks are used along with hand hygiene and social distancing.

“I think the vast amount of data would suggest that the coronavirus is an airborne infection carried by respiratory droplets, and it also can be passed on by direct contact,” said Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University, who recently wrote an article about how the coronavirus behaves inside patients. “The mask works two ways — not only to protect you from me, but me from you.” (source)

What are the best fabrics to use? What Materials?

• Recommended fabric for the outer portion of the mask includes heaver, non-stretch fabric such as denim, duck cloth, canvas, twill, or other tight woven fabric.
• Recommended fabric for the inner lining and filter pocket can be other cotton, cotton-blend non-stretch fabric. It can be thinner and softer, but again recommended minimal or non-stretch.
• Polyester or other less breathable fabric will not work as well, due to moisture produced when breathing.
• If using denim or other fabric that is being “recycled”, please be sure it is clean and in good shape. Worn or dirty fabric will not be protective.
• Elastic should be in good shape, with plenty of stretch and of an appropriate size to fit over the ears. 1/16 inch round cord or 1/8 inch braided work best.
• If elastic is not available, fabric ties can be sewn on the mask. There will need to be 4 ties (one tie on each of the 4 corners). Ties should be approx. ¼ inch in width, sewn in such a way that there are no frayed edges, and long enough to be tied into a bow on the top of the head (for the top corner and behind the head for the bottom corner).

Where can I find elastic for my fabric mask?

Most stores have depleted their stock. Many sewing groups are sharing elastic but also using pony tail holders and scrunchie pony tail holders instead. You can also sew ties on the mask and should be 16” in length. You can also cut thicker elastic strips into quarter inch by six inch pieces if you can’t find narrow elastic.

The following are helpful hints shared by seamstresses and sewists which may be useful to you.

• Front and back need to be different colors; in a hurry, easy to tell which is front.
• The 9×14 pattern has no pocket for filter. Pleats can be used in lieu of pocket and works.
• Adding 1.5” to the cheek piece adds additional shielding.

How to sew a cloth mask with a standard sewing machine

DIY Fabric Mask Video Tutorial

Step 1: Place Elastic Between Fabric

Start with two pieces of fabric, 6”x9” fabric. It helps if you have two different colors. Take 6” x 1/4” elastic and sandwich it between the two.

Step 2: Stitch Both Sides with a Straight Stitch

Stitch one side with a straight stitch.

As you get to the bottom, take the opposite end of elastic and sandwich it between the two layers.

Repeat for both sides.

Step 3: Stitch One Remaining Open Sides

Stitch just one remaining side shut, leave one open for now.

Step 4: Stitch Remaining Opening

At this point it’s up to you. You can stitch half or 3/4 shut then flip it and stitch the remaining opening or you can just flip it inside out and use a rough stitch as shown in this tutorial – not as elegant but quicker.

Switch to zig-zag since this one is a decorative stitch shown on the outside of the mask.

Be sure to back-stitch at the beginning and end of this stitch.

Step 5: Make three tucks and stitch

At this point you are going to make three tucks on each side, so two folds that make three different tucks. See picture or video for more detail.

Keep it on the zig-zag switch. Keep the folds bunched and stitch the side. Repeat for the other side.

Cut any loose threads.

That’s all folks

Thanks for following along! Please note, the example above is far from perfect since we wanted to get this tutorial out as soon as possible. You can of course spend a little more time on your stitches so they look better, but that’s up to you! If you’re a little more advanced you can use a serger like Jordan did with the examples below. Here are some nicer versions Jordan made the other day.

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Fresh Picked Friday [Vol.96]

A fresh new take… Pineapple Mojito

Getting your mini dressed… handmade Mustard + Stripe Harems

Pumpkin EVERYTHING... Pumpkin Doughnuts with Maple Glaze

Crafts with the kids… DIY Yarn Pumpkin Garland

A fresh Fall table-scape… antlers + white pumpkins

What’s for dinner… Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Have a wonderful weekend!

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I’ve finally found a recipe that not only comes close to theirs, it may even be better!  I’ve been making my new potato salad recipe all Summer and it has gotten rave reviews every single time. My classic potato salad recipe seems too good to be true because it couldn’t be easier to make and the ingredients are so basic, but it’s the combination that’s KEY.  So without further ado, here is the Award Winning Classic Potato Salad recipe…

Award Winning Classic Potato Salad [simple recipe]

This recipe makes a large batch of potato salad, enough to serve a party of 15-25 as a small side.  I like to make it as a dinner side for my family of 5 and keep it for leftovers all week!  However, you can cut this recipe in half if you’d prefer to make a smaller portion.

My favorite way to enjoy potato salad at home…

Did I mention my kids are obsessed with this too?  If you know my kids you know this is nothing short of a miracle!

Follow this link for more recipes you’ll love!

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I always knew I wanted kids, I thought I had it all figured out.  But I remember driving home from the hospital after spending three months in the NICU with my premature twins, and having a miniature panic attack.  Did I have the strength to raise twins?  How could I be sure I was doing it right?  Why couldn’t the hospital just send me home with a checklist on how to raise happy, polite, productive members of society?  Well, somehow it all fell into place pretty quickly, and although life can get pretty hectic at times, we usually prevail (otherwise, there’s wine).  So, when Harrison Grey was born 20 months later we knew a bit more of what to expect.  I remember trying to decide on Chinese takeout or pizza on the way home from the hospital…

So now here we are with two two-nagers and an eight month old.  The days feel long sometimes but weeks & months are passing faster than the speed of light.  Sometimes I still wonder if I’m doing it right, and mom-guilt is a now frequent rider on my roller coaster of emotions, but I love my children with all my heart and I do my very best to raise them with my own patented blend of patience, kindness, tough love, pizza for breakfast, and early bedtimes.  Obviously each mother has her own personal style, but in an effort simplify my own, I’ve built a list of 14 of the most important things a mother can do for her child (IMO).  Most of my feelings are pretty basic and universal, and many are instinctive- but (similar to my Uncomplicated New Baby Checklist) sometimes I feel that raising tiny humans doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it.

14 of the Most Important Things a Mother can do for her Child

1. Remember that a child is a gift, the richest of all blessings.  Do not attempt to mold them in the image of yourself, or anyone else.  Each child is an individual and should be permitted to be themselves.
2. Don’t crush a child’s spirit when they fail.  Teach them to do their best, and never compare them to others who have outshined them.  Failure is inevitable, and most often forces us to re-asses our direction and further our strengths.
3. Don’t just say it, do it.  Children follow by example, and rarely by advice.  Live a life you’d want your child to lead.  A child can spot a hypocrite long before they can define the word.
4. Let them dance. Cheer them on, dance with them.  Encourage your child to find their silly side and never let it go.
5. Children crave consistency & boundaries.  Always present a united front.  Never join forces with your child against your mate.  This can create emotional conflicts within your child (as well as yourself).  It can also create feelings of guilt & insecurity.
6. Don’t make threats in anger or impossible promises in generous moods.  Threaten or promise only which you can live up to.  To a child, a parents word means everything.  A child who has lost faith in his parents has difficulty believing in anything.
7. Do not smother your child in superficial manifestations of “love”.  The healthiest love expresses itself in day-in and day-out training, which breeds self confidence and independence.
8. Share secrets together. Communicate. Talk. Talk about anything. Listen to everything. Ask questions. Share dreams, hopes, concerns. They are more than just a child, and you are more than just a parent.  Be available when they need you.
9. Teach them there is dignity in hard work, whether it is performed with calloused hands that shovel coal or skilled fingers that manipulate surgical instruments.  Let them know that a useful life is a blessed one and a life of ease and pleasure-seeking is empty.
10. Discipline your child with firmness & reason.  Don’t let YOUR anger throw you off balance.  If they know you are fair, you will not lose their respect or love.  And make sure the punishment fits the crime.  Children have a keen sense of justice.
11. Do not try to protect your child against every small blow and disappointment.  Adversity strengthens character and makes us compassionate.  Trouble is the great equalizer.
12. Remember that anger and hostility are natural emotions.  Help your child find healthy outlets for these normal feelings or they may turn inward and erupt effecting their physical & mental health.
13. Teach them manners.  The world is a happier place when made up of polite words & smiles.
14. Teach them to own their actions.  Life is filled with an endless array of paths & choices.  Allow your child the freedom to find themselves & discover their direction.  Allowing them this freedom means teaching them to take complete responsibility for their actions & choices.  A child should feel the pride that comes from a great achievement, as well as the consequences that come from poor choices.

*This list is a compilation of my own tips along with some of my favorite from a 1996 article in The Record by Ann Landers.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my favorite motherhood tips! Do you follow any of these already? What are some of your favorite little tidbits on motherhood?

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Fresh Picked Friday [Vol. 95]

Feeling this… light grey farm house kitchen

Must Make… Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Pretzels

Crushing on this… Chunky knit + boyfriend jeans

You need these… bathroom cleaning hacks

Your body will thank you later…DIY Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub

What’s for dinner tonight… Chicken Parmesan Sliders

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Fresh Picked Friday [Vol.94]

Always good to know… how to frost a cake

Get ready for Fall with these… DIY concrete pumpkins

Just in case you missed it… The Margajito Cocktail

East Entertaining…DIY Nacho Bar

Because I always forget…how to contour highlight & bronzer

Get your Fall wardrobe ready… casual Fall 2017 style

Have a wonderful weekend!

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The Margajito Cocktail [Mint Margarita]

Before you get started, you’ll want to be sure you have fresh mint and fresh lime. This cocktail just isn’t the same if you replace those two with syrups or concentrates!

P.S. Mint grows like a weed, so if you plant a few sprigs of it in a pot you’ll have a surplus in no time!

Print

The Margajito Cocktail [the ultimate mint margarita recipe]

Course Drinks

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes minutes

Total Time 7 minutes minutes

Servings 6 oz Drink

Calories 168kcal

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Blanco tequila [always use 100% blue agave]
• 1 oz. Cointreau
• 1 half lime cut into wedges
• 1/2 tsp. simple syrup
• 1-2 sprigs of fresh mint
• splash approx. 1 oz. of club soda
• crushed ice

Instructions

• In a shaker muddle mint, lime wedges and simple syrup until lime juice is fully extracted.
• Add tequila and Cointreau along with crushed ice and shake
• Pour into glass and top with club soda. Garnish with fresh mint and a lime wedge.
• Enjoy!

Start by muddling the mint, lime wedges & simple syrup together…

Then add tequila (Camarena is one of my favorite tequilas for at home cocktails!), Cointreau and crushed ice…

Give it a good shake, top with club soda, garnish with fresh mint & lime and ENJOY!

Now I’m just going to overload you with photos of this magical cocktail…

My favorite part about this cocktail is its pure & refreshing flavor. It’s not overly sweet, heavy or strong, so it’s the perfect refreshing Summer cocktail!

For more yummy cocktail recipes, click here!

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You’ll need to grab a few things from the store first.  Pick up a bag of good chocolate chips (I love Ghirardelli ), salted pretzels, and Kraft caramel bits.  The first time I made these, I made the mistake of buying the individually wrapped caramel squares which were a pain to unwrap… so do yourself a favor and just get the unwrapped bits !  The last thing you’ll need is course salt like kosher or sea salt, I didn’t need to buy this as I always have it in the house anyway!

Simple Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites [10 minute recipe]

It even looks amazing as one giant piece!  You could break it apart by hand for more of a bark style treat, or cut it with a knife if you want more uniform look.

I decided to cut mine into little squares this time…

Seriously, you guys, look at these things…

Ready to plate in minutes!

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