If you were to be told 24 months ago that face masks would become an essential part of leaving the house, it would’ve been a mind-boggling statement to comprehend. With the world as it is, masks are viewed as an easy way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and appear set to remain a part of our lives for some time to come.
With the future of mask-wearing indefinite, perhaps it’s time to ditch the reusable masks and purchase a homemade mask off of one of our local producers.
Aylwen Gardiner-Garden is one Yass Valley local who has been selling masks since the pandemic began and she said she prefers sewing shaped masks for added comfort.
“I prefer to sew shaped masks that fit the face and are comfortable on the ears – having two bearded men in the house helped me improve on a design that fitted under the chin, and a friend introduced me to a solid nose metal piece that helped the mask stay put and not slip down. Adjustable soft ear ties cause less rub problems than the disposable masks,” she said.
For Aylwen, the mask-making was inspired by wanting to ensure vulnerable family members were wearing masks that fitted properly.
“I have vulnerable family members and wanted them to wear properly fitted masks that could be washed straight after wearing. While homemade face masks are not the medical-grade PPE – personal protective equipment – or N95 face masks, they still provide some protection against the spread of the Covid19 virus,” she said.
To contact Aylwen for a custom, contactless order email aylwen@earthlydelights.com.au. She spends most of her days outside on her property in the garden, so you’re more likely to receive a reply in the evening.
