Well, maybe “fail” is too strong a word. Maybe I should just say the final result wasn’t what I expected. . .
To be clear, the problem had nothing to do with the pattern. It’s a very good one.
I’ve been intrigued by the three-dimensional face masks I’ve seen some folks wearing. The boxy shape seems to fit the face well and allows for plenty of breathing room. I decided to make a new mask for the Dear Husband using the 3D Face Mask from SeeKateSew, billed as “the most comfortable face mask.” I picked this print from Andover Fabrics that I bought last year to make the DH a new apron (which hasn’t happened yet):
He’s the gardener of the family and I thought this fabric would make a fun mask for him to wear when he’s outside working in our yard or tending our community garden plot.
I did make one adjustment to the pattern:
That’s my freezer paper pattern in the foreground, with extensions on the side to allow for a generous ¾” casing for the ear loops rather than the narrow ⅜” casing the pattern provides. The freezer paper pattern can be used over and over again — no pinning because the freezer paper is pressed directly onto the fabric, where it is easily peeled off after the fabric has been cut.
The printed directions by SeeKateSew are very clear, as is her website tutorial. The mask came together very easily. Here’s what it looks like from the front:
Here’s a look at the inside . . .
. . . and here you can see I added a sleeve at the top for a removable nose wire:
When the mask was done I could tell it would be too small for my husband. “No problem,” I thought. “I’ll adjust the pattern to make a bigger mask for him. I’ll keep this one for myself.”
Then I tried it on:
Do you see what I see?
Those peas! They look like teeth . . . and the peapods? They look like lips. Green lips.
And see the roots on that bunch of green onions?
Chin whiskers!!!
You made me laugh. Thanks,
I needed it! Carolyn B
Love it! I’ve been wanting to try this pattern too.
I made a 3D mask using the Martelli large template. Also followed a YouTube video from one of their employees who had different instructions and I liked the way hers turned out. The fit is the best of all the masks I have made. And as far as inserting either elastic or stretchy ties, her method was much easier and there is a more finished look to the masks. You could still use the pattern you downloaded as it is the same as the Martelli one and you may want to watch the YouTube Martelli Mask to see how it is finished. Thanks for sharing all of your masks. Stay safe.
Thanks for the tip, Mary! I’ll check it out.
Too funny! I don’t really think people will notice the pea teeth, pea pod lips or onion whiskers. I just see veggies!
Hi Kristi. If only! 😉
LOL!
Oh my gosh, it also looks like your pink nose is running! Were that not already SO funny, you look like you are wearing a feed bag! But, you are adorable in any case.
I just have to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. Thank you.
You are a beautiful quilter and a wonderful sewer.
Your mask put a smile on my face! The best laid plans.
I am downloading the pattern, thanks again.
Keep posting everything you make!
A fan,
Susie Kainula
Well, of course you planned the mask that way, the lopsided ‘smile’ of the peas! 🙂 I like having a lot of mask options… Are you sure it won’t fit DH? Suzette in Bend, where my produce market (open-air) people would love a mask like that… But I am sort of tired of making masks, and need to be working on a quilt for a little boy!
Hi Suzette. I’m sending you an email to get your mailing address so I can put that face mask in the mail to you. I love the idea of someone at a produce market wearing it!
You are so generous! The young woman who waits on me is often wearing a mask made of blueberry fabric, so I know she will like this mask. Thanks in advance, Dawn! Suzette
I guess you really have to check out where the pattern on the fabric lands on your face! It does look like a great shape tho. I like how it has some space and doesn’t press against your nose. Breathing is important!
Hi Dawn, It is 6:30AM in France, and I was reading along, with interest, and thinking what perfect fabric this is for Charlie, DH, the gardener, when I saw the photo of you, wearing the mask. Shaking with laughter. I will have to show Joe. He will get a kick out of it as well.
What is the lining, or backing of the mask? It looks like some re-usable masks that we recently bought.
You definitely win my “First Morning Laugh” trophy!
Hi Anna. The lining of the mask is cotton fabric, kind of a tweedy-looking print. Glad to win your trophy! LOL
Oh Dawn, you just gave me the best laugh. Thanks.
I love it! I think it looks great!
Too funny! Looks like a comfortable design though, if you can withstand the reactions of those on the other side!
lol!
Just too funny. I would still wear it, just because we all can use a good laugh these days.
Extending the sides on this was genius. Thanks for the idea!