Mask with Filter Pocket

My Mom was one of the original Rosie the riveters at Boeing company!

I started making masks in February in preparation for the pandemic to reach Arizona. No one believed this would happen. Well folks, it happened! It is in every state, some more wide spread than others. It is an invisible war.... 

My first mask I made with things I had on hand. Fabric, hair ties, pipe cleaners and pressed interfacing/embroidery backing. I ordered elastic and more pipe cleaners.

I have been sending or friends have picked up on my porch the masks.  I have sent to hospitals in other states, friends and family. I have been busy. It has been a learning experience for me. Each hospital that I have sent to has had a little different spec on what they want. I have learned that we can get very inventive using materials we have on hand for filters and ear straps.

I have made my pattern as simple as possible with the fewest breaks in sewing.

Turn the mask through the pocket opening, clip the corners, being careful not to clip the knotted elastic.

The pipe cleaner goes into the pocket. Push it to the top along the seam.

Your mask is finished! I used a deconstructed Filtrete Air conditioning filter fabric in mine, but you can use pressed fabric like interfacing or embroidery backing.

If you cannot find elastic, you can use hair ties. My first masks used hair ties. If you don't have pipe cleaners, you can use bread bag ties. 

This mask is not a N-95, but, it is the best we can do during this time for personal use. Some hospitals are desperate for these as they cannot get the N-95.  

Please forgive the writing, I got up and made the mask, photographed the steps and started writing- wanted to get this out quickly and get back to sewing.

Stay safe......#stayhome