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Fix Your Face Mask With A DIY Brace

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You are probably wondering what are we doing fixing masks? Well there is one vast difference between the N95 mask and the store-bought or handmade masks. It is the frame that creates a tight fit against your cheeks.

Former Apple engineer Sabrina Paseman cofounded Fix The Mask, an organisation that offers designs for a brace to make surgical masks more effective as hospitals grapple with N95 mask shortages.

So what is the problem with an ill fitting mask? Germs can get out and Germs can get in!

We have people who have a gaping big side gap that is allowing all the germs in and out, because the mask is not sitting properly on the face.

Here is a great video showing you how to make your own DIY Face Mask brace or face mask bracket using the simplest of supplies. This brace allows you to close the open sides by cupping the mask around your chin and nose.

Did you know there is now FDA Approved, home Covid test? you can read more about it here. 

 

You can also buy a face mask bracket (This link now goes direct to our online store for bulk discount mask supplies)

. It is this cool plastic frame known as a mask bracket or brace, that sits inside your existing mask. It has two purposes.

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Knitting Market Bag Patterns

There are certain things that just make sense to knit at this time of year, and market bags are one of them. We tend to use our canvas bags more often in the summer with trips to the farmer’s market and the library, but string bags and market bags are great to use all year.

I love the Three Oranges Bag by Hana Cho, which looks just like a knit version of a plastic shopping bag, but with three cute oranges stitched on. The bag uses intarsia to make the oranges, but you could use duplicate stitch or intarsia to add a different design if you like. It calls for fingering weight yarn and you can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Sharyn Anhalt’s Market Square bag (also on Ravelry) uses worsted weight yarn and a mosaic pattern to make a pretty bag you’ll want to use every time you go shopping. The bag comes in two sizes and is worked in two colors of the same yarn for a fun mixed up effect that’s almost like weaving.

Speaking of fun colors, the Market Bag from Hubbabubbie Art uses a multicolored cake yarn (specifically Lion Brand Mandala) to produce fun color changes without any extra work. This bag is worked from the bottom up with a crocheted bottom and knit mesh sides. It’s a free pattern on Ravelry.

The Pike Place Market Bag from Blue Bird Pine Shop looks like a massive bag to hold all your market goodies (that is a child holding it, but still). The bag calls for worsted weight cotton yarn and the mesh is worked on extra large needles to help it open up to hold everything you want held.

The Knit Farmer’s Market Bag form Design BCB is another good one, made mostly of mes with a little stockinette for extra stability. The base is also worked in stockinette so items you put in it will sit flat.

This mesh bag from Sheep and Stitch doesn’t have a base, and the body is worked flat before being joined in the round to make the top and handles. That makes it easy to make the bag just the size you want because you can stop knitting whenever you feel it’s big enough. The pattern includes a step-by-step video if you need extra assistance.

And the Eco Market String Bag from Mama in a Stitch has a solid knit base worked in a contrasting color from the mesh body. It’s an easy project that comes out a great size for your market needs without being too huge.

Do you have a favorite knit market bag pattern? I’d love to hear about it!