The other day, I went through my fabric stash to see if we could sew up some masks. You can see what we came up with on my Instagram highlight here — it’s near the end. We tried a few variations, and they turned out fine, but I admit, I would rather order some. I’m such an impatient, messy seamstress, and every time I pull out the sewing machine I feel such deep gratitude for people who are good at it — because I am quite crummy. : )
If you’re like me, and would rather order a mask, I’ve collected dozens of options for you to choose from. Some are from tiny vendors, others are from big, established shops.
A few notes:
-Not everyone agrees that masks are helpful for everyday wear, but the CDC’s most recent recommendation is pro-mask.
-Be aware, these masks are not considered hospital-grade in any way. But most are washable.
-Some of these tie, and some have ear-loops — so you can think about which type you would find most comfortable.
-Some of these vendors can ship right away, and others will take awhile. Some are sold out and will restock.
-Some are eco-friendly and make use of remnants and fabrics that might be wasted.
-Some of these vendors are offering a buy-one-give-one program, where masks are donated to workers in need. Other vendors are simply selling them.
Please don’t be angry at vendors who don’t have the capacity to donate masks — so many tiny vendors are doing anything they can just to stay afloat right now. Not everyone has the means and resources to donate labor, materials, or time. (If you want to be angry at someone, be angry at Trump and the GOP who is supporting him — remember: so much of this horror was preventable.)
Have fun browsing these masks. There’s so much ingenuity, resourcefulness, creativity, and beauty on display.
Art Bar Blog
Made from her husband’s old button-downs, and she uses tights instead of elastic.
Clare Vivier
Made from the chambray lining of their bags.
Hedley & Bennett
They normally make aprons and other workwear. This was developed with input from a surgeon.
Thunder Voice Hat Company
These are Navajo made and so cool.
Sophie & Lili
So many pretty prints.
Dolan
I think these are the only ones I’ve seen that are in a waffle-y knit.
Sera of London
Happy gingham options that look like spring.
Grey Boy Shop
Gender neutral designs made in Chicago.
Well Made Workshop
In-stock and available. They are focused only on masks.
Printed Pattern People
Really colorful global prints.
State of Flux
Thick and sturdy.
Pipe Dream Hempworks
This option is fully compostable!
May Designs
They normally focus on papergoods, so it’s fun to see their prints on fabric.
Sonson
A really elegant option.
Sara Stubbert
Handmade by a Bay Area designer.
Louise Gray Studio
A handsome tie-on version.
Concoction The Workshop
A small shop with vibrant prints.
Mrs. Bri Jenkins
From an interior designer and mother of six.
Samaria Leah
Denim masks with cord ties. I like the look of these a lot.
Briar Baby
Such sweet prints. They’re currently focused entirely on masks.
Project Repat USA
This is a company that makes t-shirt quilts.
Heather Taylor Home
They make handwoven textiles in Los Angeles.
Pepper Place
Simple modern prints.
Nik y Sol
A Caribbean designer. I love the saturated prints.
Mi Golondrina
Handcrafted by Mexican artisans.
Supayana
From a children’s clothing line.
Thompson Tees
Simple masks from a t-shirt company. They remind me of those simple baby caps for newborns.
Gotham Quilts
Made in quilting fabrics from a New York shop.
Rare Bird
Rare Bird is a huge supporter of indie creators in Oakland.
J C R T
Handsome options from a sustainable menswear company.
Willi
This is a German company. Seems smart for a family so that it’s easy to figure out whose is whose.
Cha Cha’s House
This is probably the most innovative option I’ve seen. They sell hats, and their masks button to the hats.
Millie Lottie Totes
From a San Francisco-based designer.
Katie May Collection
Masks, but make them bridal.
Fiber Masks
Handmade in Utah in lots of patterns. One of the more affordable options.
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Your turn. Any other options you’ve fallen in love with out there? And are you wearing masks when you venture out these days? Do you think of wearing them as the considerate thing to do? Or do you find the sight of them worries you?
