Hear that? That’s the clattering and whining of sewing machines working late into the night right across Victoria.
As a result of the most recent directive from Captain Dan that the whole state must mask up, sewing machines everywhere have been dragged out of dusty hallway cupboards and put to work.
We’ve put together a list of those who are sewing masks for the community. Some haven’t sowed in years, and some are well known local designers. All are doing their bit to ‘Mask Up Victoria’.
Fern & Frost
Wattlebank #twohoursout
In 2014 Annebelle van Tongeren walked away from a three-decade 
career as a television stylist to seek out calmer climates on average in the Bass Coast with partner Martyn Frost.
Now the couple offer a range of wellbeing products on their store including pure cotton face masks made to order.
Kangaroo Jack Tours
Torquay #oneandahalfhoursout
Great Ocean Road tour operator Kangaroo Jack has always had a 
strong relationship with the First Nation community of the region.
When tours were put on hold, they partnered with members of the Indigenous community to print traditional designs onto face masks to supply to the local community and beyond.
15% of sale proceeds will go to Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre which provides educational programs for the community.
Evie Lala
Healesville #onehourout
Sarah Miles is a talented illustrator in Healesville who normally 
spends her time making kids and baby toys and clothing accessories.
Head to her Etsy page where you will find she has put her cute design aesthetic to good use with quality disposable facemasks.
Lizzie Alsop
Mornington Peninsula #onehourout
Lizzie moved to the Mornington Peninsula ten years ago and was 
instantly inspired by the coastal environment. It has since become a central motif for her acrylic painting with overlapping iconography and hues of the land and seascape.
Her designs are printed on the masks with water-soluble inks and are currently only available at Wise & Co Dispensary in Balnarring.
Bettie & Me
Ballarat #oneandahalfhoursout
Lizey Jane has been collecting and selling vintage fabric in Ballarat 
for several years. With the pandemic resulting in mandatory face mask for everyone, Lizey is sewing as many masks as she can in between homeschooling three kids.
View designs here and email maskupvic@gmail.com to place an order
Clare Elizabeth
Bellarine Peninsula #oneandahalfhoursout
Local Bellarine Peninsula artist has put down the brush for the 
moment to concentrate on sewing masks.
Head to her Instagram account to pre-order a latex-free, breathable fabric mask in your favourite design.
Mimi the Label
Bendigo #twohoursout
Co-Founder & Director of JIMMY POSSUM & Mimi The Label, Margot 
Spalding is coming out of her retirement for a limited time to create the much-needed masks for Australia. She personally cuts and makes every mask, these masks are colourful, full of personality, just like Margot herself.
Minnie & Lou
Warrandyte #onehourout
Warrandyte based Minnie & Lou make eco-friendly wheat packs, gift
stationery and art prints from local artist Jacinta Payne.
Their masks are the recommended 3 layer construction and made entirely from upcycled materials, continuing with our efforts to provide earth-friendly products.
Check out their range of designs here
Amy Jade
Elphinstone #onehourout
Amy makes a range of ethical and sustainable products from her 
Farmhouse studio in Central Victoria.
Amy’s pleated Facemasks are designed to fold in or out depending on the size you want and are made from organic cotton.
Two Brown Bears
Ballarat #oneandahalfhoursout
Sarah learnt to sew from her Mother while on extended maternity 
leave with her second son. What started out as a way to dress her two boys, turned into a popular market business with an online store.
Sarah’s masks come in three different sizes with a range of kid-friendly designs.
Okki
Torquay #oneandahalfhoursout
Fiona McPherson was once the Global Fabric sourcing manager for 
Rip Curl. A role that became particularly handy when she launched her own fashion label in 2016.
These three-layered masks are made from the companies remnant end of roll fabrics as well as Fiona’s very own fabric stash that she keeps on hand for inspiration.
Leanne Coates
Kyneton #onehourout
Designer and maker Leanne Coates producers a range of small-
batch garments under the brand name CAVALETTI. Her outlet ‘CAVALETTI gallery’ on Piper St, Kyneton also ranges designs from those who share Leanne’s passion for ‘Slow Fashion’.
There are three styles of face masks currently available, animal prints, botanicals and a range of Japanese Textile designs.
PLEASE NOTE:
The masks made by these designers are re-usable cloth face masks and satisfy the requirement from the health department to wear a face mask. They are not a replacement for medical-grade masks (and have not been tested or proven to protect against COVID-19).