The finished mask with ties attached. Scroll through the slides to see how it was made. All photos Sarah Maisey / The National
The finished mask with ties attached. Scroll through the slides to see how it was made. All photos Sarah Maisey / The National
Step 1. Find an old piece of fabric, preferably cotton. Cut out a rectangle measuring approximately 22 centimetres by 36 centimetres and lay it flat on a table.
Step 1. Find an old piece of fabric, preferably cotton. Cut out a rectangle measuring approximately 22 centimetres by 36 centimetres and lay it flat on a table.
Step 2. Create a small fold in the fabric, about 1 cm long, that runs across the short width of the fabric. Lie it flat, and pin it in place.
Step 2. Create a small fold in the fabric, about 1 cm long, that runs across the short width of the fabric. Lie it flat, and pin it in place.
Step 3. Repeat four times, pinning folds flat each time. You can do more folds if you like. You will end up with a concertina effect in the fabric (and should end up with at least double layers of fabric across the middle of the entire mask).
Step 3. Repeat four times, pinning folds flat each time. You can do more folds if you like. You will end up with a concertina effect in the fabric (and should end up with at least double layers of fabric across the middle of the entire mask).
Step 4. By adding the folds you may have made the mask the right length to cover your nose and mouth. If you feel it's too long still, fold any extra fabric at either end underneath and pin in place. You will secure this fold in place when you hem the short sides.
Step 4. By adding the folds you may have made the mask the right length to cover your nose and mouth. If you feel it's too long still, fold any extra fabric at either end underneath and pin in place. You will secure this fold in place when you hem the short sides.
By now, it should look like this. Sarah Maisey / The National
By now, it should look like this. Sarah Maisey / The National
Step 5. With a needle and thread (double up the string for extra strength), hem both short sides with a simple running stitch to hold the folds you've just made in place.
Step 5. With a needle and thread (double up the string for extra strength), hem both short sides with a simple running stitch to hold the folds you've just made in place.
Step 6. Then fold both hemmed short sides over again, just a small fold, and stitch that flat. This is just to prevent fraying and to make the sides of the mask extra strong, as this is where the ties will be held.
Step 6. Then fold both hemmed short sides over again, just a small fold, and stitch that flat. This is just to prevent fraying and to make the sides of the mask extra strong, as this is where the ties will be held.
Step 7. Add ties. These can be elastic, ribbon or even shoelaces. Sew on to the short sides of the mask, and make sure to leave enough length to be able to either tie the mask around the back of the head or around the ears, as you prefer. Oh, and don't forget to remove the pins.
Step 7. Add ties. These can be elastic, ribbon or even shoelaces. Sew on to the short sides of the mask, and make sure to leave enough length to be able to either tie the mask around the back of the head or around the ears, as you prefer. Oh, and don't forget to remove the pins.

Fashion

How to make a face mask at home: a step-by-step guide to sewing your own cotton mask

Wearing the protective face covering is now advised by UAE authorities when leaving the house – this DIY tutorial will make sure you have one to hand

Sarah Maisey

April 07, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

As of Saturday night (April 4), the UAE government has told people to wear face masks and gloves when outside the home. The measure aims to protect both wearers and those around them from contracting the coronavirus.

However, if you haven't already picked up a mask from a nearby pharmacy, don't fret.

It is possible to make a temporary version yourself, but remember this is not a medical-grade mask, and should never be used as such. Yet, as a short-term solution, these are acceptable.

“An alternative option, in the absence of a medical mask, is to cover the nose and mouth using paper masks,” Dr Farida Al Hosani, a spokeswoman for the UAE health sector said on Saturday. "Or use home-made masks made of cotton or mixed cotton, making sure to re-wash them."

The premise of making these masks is simple; use the fabric as a barrier to stop germs being released or breathed in. A single layer of cloth will offer some protection, but that can be increased by putting folds into the fabric, and effectively layering it over the face.

This creates a larger surface area that the virus would need to penetrate, keeping the wearer, and those around them, somewhat safer. Most medical-grade masks use this theory, so we will, too.

What will you need?

Home-made masks can be created using only a needle, thread and fabric lying about at home. The below example is made from fabric left over from a cushion cover. Try and use cotton (even an old T-shirt will work) as this is easy to machine-wash and keep clean.

Here's a step-by-step guide

Step 1 Find an old piece of fabric, preferably cotton. Cut out a rectangle measuring approximately 22cm by 36cm and lay it flat on a table.

Sarah Maisey / The National
Sarah Maisey / The National

Step 2 Create a small fold in the fabric, about 1cm long, that runs across the short width of the material. Lie it flat, and pin it in place.

Sarah Maisey / The National
Sarah Maisey / The National

Step 3 Repeat four times, pinning folds flat each time. You can do more folds if you like. You will end up with a concertina effect in the fabric (and should end up with at least double layers of fabric across the middle of the entire mask).

Sarah Maisey / The National
Sarah Maisey / The National

Step 4 By adding the folds you may have made the mask the right length to cover your nose and mouth. If you feel it's still too long, fold any extra fabric at either end underneath and pin in place.

You will secure this fold in place when you hem the short sides.

Sarah Maisey / The National
Sarah Maisey / The National

Step 5 With a needle and thread (double up the string for extra strength), hem both short sides with a simple running stitch to hold the folds you've just made in place.

Sarah Maisey / The National
Sarah Maisey / The National

Step 6 Fold both hemmed short sides over again (this is only a small fold) and stitch that flat. This is to prevent fraying, and will make the sides of the mask extra-strong, as this is where the ties will be held.

Sarah Maisey / The National
Sarah Maisey / The National

Step 7 Add ties. These can be elastic, ribbon or even shoelaces.

Sew on to the short sides of the mask, and make sure to leave enough length to be able to either tie the mask around the back of the head or around the ears, as you prefer.

Sarah Maisey / The National
Sarah Maisey / The National

Et voila, you're done. Remember, this is not a medical-grade mask, but is a good option if you need to go to the supermarket in the UAE, for instance, and can't find a mask to buy.

Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes. 
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com

Towering concerns

Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday

Sweet%20Tooth
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Tomorrow 2021
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)

Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm

TOURNAMENT INFO

Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier

Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November

UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi

New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
The%20US%20Congress%20explained
%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20one%20of%20three%20branches%20of%20the%20US%20government%2C%20and%20the%20one%20that%20creates%20the%20nation's%20federal%20laws%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20divided%20into%20two%20chambers%3A%20The%20House%20of%20Representatives%20and%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%C2%A0The%20House%20is%20made%20up%20of%20435%20members%20based%20on%20a%20state's%20population.%20House%20members%20are%20up%20for%20election%20every%20two%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20bill%20must%20be%20approved%20by%20both%20the%20House%20and%20Senate%20before%20it%20goes%20to%20the%20president's%20desk%20for%20signature%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%20218%20seats%20to%20be%20in%20control%20of%20the%20House%20of%20Representatives%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20The%20Senate%20is%20comprised%20of%20100%20members%2C%20with%20each%20state%20receiving%20two%20senators.%20Senate%20members%20serve%20six-year%20terms%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%2051%20seats%20to%20control%20the%20Senate.%20In%20the%20case%20of%20a%2050-50%20tie%2C%20the%20party%20of%20the%20president%20controls%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results

1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000

2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000

3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000

NBA Finals so far

(Toronto lead 3-1 in best-of-seven series_

Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109

Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109

Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123

Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
FashionCoronavirus