Almost every New Zealander is staring down the barrel of a weekend spent inside our homes and if you're looking for an activity, you may as well make it a productive one.
If you've gotten slack with your mask use over the last year and you're not sure where the bunch you bought during the last lockdown are, why not have a go at making your own?
There's no better time to do it: Following the nationwide move into lockdown, Ardern announced on Wednesday it's mandatory for New Zealanders aged 12 and over to wear masks while visiting essential services currently open during COVID-19 alert level 4 such as supermarkets, pharmacies and service stations.
The rule has also been extended for when people are using public transport. It's previously been mandatory for masks to be worn on buses, trains, ferries, and planes - but they now must be worn in bus terminals and taxis too.
As many masks have sold out from online retailers, it can be tough to get your hands on some at level 4.
But thanks to this easy pattern provided by haberdashery store Spotlight, even the most novice sewers amongst can attempt a little crafting.
Grab any scraps of fabric you have hanging around and give it a go!
Things you'll need:
- 1/2 Yard (0.5m) of 1/8"(3mm) -1/4"(6mm) wide elastic
- 2 pieces of fabric: 7 3/4" x 7 1/2"(19.5cm x 19cm) (Suggested fabrics: Tightly woven cottons)
Steps:
- Cut two pieces of elastic each measuring 7"(18cm) long.
- On the outside, pin ends of elastic to one face cover section, centering at large circles. Baste.
- Pin face cover sections together. Stitch outer edges in a 1/4"(6mm) seam, leaving an opening.
- Turn cover right side out, sew the opening. Stitch close to finished edges.
- To make pleats, on the outside, fold along solid lines through all thicknesses. Bring folds to broken lines. Baste 1/2"(1.3cm) from finished edges.
- On the outside, stitch along basting. Stitch again 1/8"(3mm) away from the first stitching.
Don your newly made mask and head out on your daily Government-sanctioned walk with pride!
