From Cooking to Crafting: How I Took Up Sewing Food-Themed Face Masks During the Pandemic
It seems that everybody and their mamma has purchased a sewing machine, thread and fabric in order to take up this creative hobby during the pandemic. Home sewing has seen a surge during this COVID-19 pandemic, as more governments had recommended cloth face masks as an alternative to the medical-grade equipment.
My kitchen table, once a home for stylish table-settings and food items, has now turned into a factory of sorts, topped with my sewing machine, mounds of fabric, and strewn with loose pieces of thread.
I’ve been dabbling with sewing for years (being a geeky cosplayer will do that for you). I brought out trusty sewing machine earlier this spring with a plan to make masks, similar to a lot of people who took note of the need for the new mandatory face covering.
Since my in-person cooking classes had grinded to a halt, I decided to use one of my hobbies to make food-themed face masks to help keep my business afloat (and frankly, to keep me busy during months of quarantining).
Sure I could’ve ventured into virtual cooking classes, but for me, it felt like so much planning was needed (plus, I need to invest in a new tablet/laptop). Why not temporarily turn my love of cooking into something fashionable?
After multiple (socially distanced) trips to the fabric store, and researching several patterns, I was able to solidify a design for a facemask that’s super comfortable!
And I don’t only have food-themed fabric styles to choose from, I also extended to Christmas/Holiday-themed ones as well!
Coming soon: beard masks for the men! Bear with me though… I’m still tweaking the pattern.
If you’re interested in purchasing any of my handmade masks, please check out my Etsy shop: moneekco.ca.
If you need a handmade mask in time for Christmas Day (as this would make a great stocking stuffer), and live in the Toronto area, I can schedule a safe pick-up option, or you can choose Xpresspost delivery method at checkout.
All my masks are:
- Washable and Reusable
- 100% cotton
- Double layered fabric
- Reversible colours
- Have a filter pocket that fits most PM2.5 filters inside
- Adjustable ear loops made from stretchy, recycled cotton t-shirt yarn
- Include a neck strap to hang your mask when not in use (e.g. eating, driving alone in your car)
- Ear loops can be adjusted for a customized fit.
My special holiday-themed designs have:
- Three layers of fabric (cotton with a polyester built-in filter)
- A built-in nose wire to reduce sliding
I hope you all are coping well with the current state of the world. Remember to take care of yourself and think of others.
Thanks in advance for all your support!