Where to Buy Locally Made Face Masks
Photo courtesy of Angelic Threads
Face masks have become the unexpected go-to fashion accessory of 2020. Yet while they have been mandatory in other countries since the start of the pandemic, it is only with the easing of lockdown restrictions that rules requiring them to be worn are being introduced in Scotland.
The first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP has announced that from this Friday [10 July], it will become mandatory for all people to wear a face covering in shops. They have been a requirement on public transport and in related premises such as train stations and airport since 22 June and many have already been wearing face masks in everyday life.
See what counts as a face covering and who is exempt below.
In response to this new demand, many creatives have set up pop-up enterprises, creating face masks for those who prefer something more colourful, or more reusable than the surgical blue disposable option. And it seems that many people in Govanhill and the surrounding areas are handy with a needle and thread.
If you are looking for a way to up your face mask game, and want to buy local, here are some of the options:
Angelic threads
An voluntary initiative set up on the 3 April by Hibby Hamid, who said: “Having suffered from Covid19 it was clear to me that masks will be required to reduce contagion and as we move out of lockout. Not everyone can access or afford masks, my initiative looks to address that need.”
At full production, they have 30 sewing volunteers who have produced over 3000 masks, many of which have been delivered to those most in need by organisations and agencies.
All masks are made and distributed free of charge in return for a donation used to buy materials for further masks.
Rags to riches
This award-winning upcycling project have “created a collection of decorative face masks with untied elastics (so you can tie to fit your measurements) that effectively cover the mouth and nose, and look absolutely great while they’re doing it. Handcrafted in Glasgow from upcycled cotton offcuts, the production and sale of these masks support local makers and are great for the environment.”
Seamster vintage
A range of brightly coloured masks made from fabric offcuts. They’re on sale in store at 525 Victoria Road for £8, of which £5 goes to Glasgow Women’s Aid. Children’s sizes also available.
Face masks by Harald
These are made by Harald Turek in Pollokshields, Glasgow, from un-used and up-cycled cotton & linen and have a pocket on the inside where you can insert a Hepa or paper filter. The outer layer and inner layer already provide a two layer protection, even without an inserted filter.
Available online or from Locavore
M and m masks
Masks in a wide range of different patterned fabrics. Between the material and the lining is interfacing. This gives the mask an extra layer and slightly stiffens it. Made in Pollokshields.
Made in Strathbungo
These local sewers create funky face masks from double layers of washable cotton, shaped to fit adult or large child, with fully adjustable ties. Can be posted for £1 each or available for local collection.
Saff’s masks
Cotton masks created by a professional costume maker, handmade to order in fun prints and colours. Prewashed 2 layers of pleated 100% cotton and 2 layers of non woven filter layer. Wired nose bridge & head elastics which can be cut and knotted into ear loops if preferred. Fully washable. Adult and child sizes available.
Creatively fascinated
Two layered style masks with optional filter & nose wire pockets, £10 for one or £15 for set of two & a wee travel/washbag for keeping spares during elongated wear & so they can just be chucked in the wash after use without being handled. Items are made from upcycled fabrics.
Law design studio
Non-medical grade face masks with elasticated ear straps, silicone beads on straps enable the mask to be adjusted to size. made with deadstock surplus fabric offcuts. Available in 100% linen (black, light grey, white and oatmeal)
anna bochsler
These fabric face masks are sustainably made from fabric offcuts of various colours and patterns. Order on a pay-what-you-can basis. Anything over £5 will be donated to local charities.
Fancy nancy
Made by ‘fabricaholic’, Wendy, these masks are approx 20cm wide by 15cm long and are 100% cotton so you can just throw them in the washing machine and there is also a space at the bottom to insert a filter. They are £5, this includes delivery and £1 from every mask will be donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Kay tinsley
Making tie dye cotton face masks w/wo filter slot and nose wire £7/8. Other fabrics are available too. Based in Kings Park.
If you know of someone making face masks who should be added here, please send details to hello@greatergovanhill.com or comment below
What counts as a face covering?
“By face coverings we do not mean a surgical or other medical grade mask but a covering of the mouth and nose that is made of cloth or other textiles and through which you can breathe, for example a scarf or religious head covering that covers the mouth and nose. You may also use, if you prefer, a face visor but it must cover your nose and mouth completely.
Religious face coverings that cover the mouth and the nose count as face coverings for these purposes When applying or removing the covering, it is important that you wash your hands first and avoid touching your face. After each use, you must wash the face covering at 60 degrees centigrade or dispose of it safely.
Face coverings should not be used for children under the age of five years.
Individual discretion should be applied in considering the use of face coverings for other children including, for example, children with breathing difficulties and disabled children who would struggle to wear a face covering.
Similarly, discretion is allowed for people who have a health condition, disabled people and those who need to communicate with a person who has difficulties communicating (in relation to speech, language or otherwise) where wearing a face covering would be inappropriate because it would cause difficulty, pain or severe distress or anxiety or because it cannot be worn in the proper manner safely.”
Euan’s Badge
If you are exempt from wearing a face mask, you can order one of these badges to: “quickly signal to people why you are not wearing a mask. The idea behind it is to make the user feel more comfortable visiting places where the majority of people will be wearing face coverings.”