A 67-year-old who has a love of crafts is using her time at home to create face masks with plastic windows, which she thinks could help children in schools and those who have trouble hearing.
Wendy Roberts was put into lockdown by her two daughters back in March – even before the Prime Minister announced the countrywide measures – and has been creating face masks ever since.
Now, the 67-year-old widow who lives in Great Yarmouth, has come up with an innovative design using a square plastic window, which she says will help people lip-read in public.
“I had never stitched with plastic before,” explained Wendy, who enjoys knitting, sewing and crochet. “But a lady asked if I could create her a face mask with a window so people can still see her mouth at work, so I gave it a go.”
More: Face masks – where to buy them, how to make your own and when you should wear oneWendy says she “made the design up as she went along” but was pleased with her end result and managed to sell two to her first customer – who described them as “brilliant” and has since received a lot of interest on Facebook in towns such as Leiston, Aldeburgh and Saxmundham.
Speaking of the face masks, Wendy said: “You can’t buy them like this anywhere, but I think they are perfect for people who work anywhere in the general public, such as shops and offices.
“You don’t know if people are hard of hearing or deaf and many people look at people’s mouths to understand them. I think everyone would benefit from a face mask like this.
“They would also be great in schools worn by teachers, as I think children would appreciate being able to see their mouths and more of their faces. It would be less daunting.”
Wendy says she is “not a greedy lady” and only sells the window face masks for £5 and the originals for £2, to cover her initial costs.
The grandmother and great-grandmother has a passion for crafts and has kept busy during the lockdown by creating things for the Christmas Market in Great Yarmouth, which is spread out over three days.
She has also been making regular face masks and button buckles.
If you are interested in getting a window facemask you can email Wendy about them here.
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