Looking for a cloth Blue Mountains mask? We've got you covered

When Holly Ditchburn relocated from Bondi five years ago she initially struggled to get her colourful jewellery, headbands and custom-made children's bunting into local stores. Then a pandemic hit and she was inundated by offers for her colourful fabric masks. In the process it has managed to save the family from the financial distress from putting their travel-based business into "hibernation".

Some 650 plus masks later - including an order of 200 black masks from Scenic World, her baby sewing machine has needed an upgrade and her Gold Coast mum Barbara McAlpine has answered the call and travelled down to pitch in with orders. Husband Michael has been put to work cutting out the fabric, mailing out packages and keeping in touch with customers. The family is regularly working up till 1am to finish orders.

"My husband and I own Travel Bureau - a travel agency in Leura and since COVID-19 we have had to put our business into hibernation. So Holly Lolly Legs with the success of face masks it has enabled us to help support ourselves," she said.

"With the current COVID-19 crisis I felt there was a need to provide protection by creating colourful quality face masks for viral protection and social distancing awareness. Macramé is also a love of mine where I've created wall art, key rings and handbags. I find I obsess over the creation of something, perfect it, share it with the world then move onto to the next thing that catches my eye."

Her products are available online and at Blackheath Creative, Arabesque in Springwood and Foothills Eco in Glenbrook or contact direct at https://www.facebook.com/hollylollylegs/ and www.hollylollylegs.com. Price $25.

As a bag maker selling predominantly at markets (which have been cancelled for most of this year) business had slowed for Hazelbrook-based business Needle vs Thread. Seeing a desperate need in the community for well designed and made masks, Needle vs Thread's owner Kirrily Walker decided to put her 14 years of product design and sewing experience to a new use and make face masks. She developed and tested her own patterns to create well fitting masks in three different sizes, suitable for teens to adults. They are three layers, machine washable, dryer safe and feature a heavy duty, mouldable nose wire which makes them perfect for those struggling with their glasses fogging up. To date she has made 100. Price: $25, Contact: www.needlevsthread.com

People have been queuing out the door in Springwood to get one of Emma Lamont's masks. She has been "working around the clock to have as many of our reusable masks as possible ready ...unfortunately I cannot hold or reserve any, as there are just too many inquiries," she said. All of these professionally sewn masks have four layers of fabric, with two filter layers and pure cotton lining. They all have nose wire stitched in. She recommends hand washing them in hot, soapy water (minimum 60°c). They are available in both adult and child sizes and on a first come, first served basis with a limit of 10 per customer. Price: $25, Contact: Emma Lamont 0404 893 641. https://www.facebook.com/astitchabovespringwood/

Teshy Muralitharan of Springwood pivoted from hand-made clothes to masks recently after requests from family and friends. She has a two for one deal at a reduced cost of $25.50 with single masks $15.95 and three sizes available (regular, large, extra large), but can custom size. The masks have three layers which includes an inside pocket where people can add an extra filter if they want to. This filter however needs to be removed prior to washing. "I aim to cater to all demographics with the range of fabrics that I offer". Contact at: https://teshystudios.com

With five different designers there's plenty of range at Leura's The Nook (133a Leura Mall, open daily 9.30-4.30), which has been selling 20 to 30 masks a day since it was made mandatory in Melbourne. "People are coming in specifically for them," co-director Virginia Burrow said. Designers include Ayako Niki (The Niki Tree), Bhajan Atwal, Christine Thompson (Christine's Millinery), Danette Rowse (Sami Bop) and Simone Lindhout (Promenade). All face masks are made with three layers of fabric and are in individually sealed packaging. Some also have a pocket for an additional filter. There is a variety of styles, with and without nose wire, ear loops made from elastic or stockings, and sizes ranging from toddler to men's. Outer fabric choices include delicate Japanese designs, florals, quirky animals and retro prints, plus a few plain options. They are all hand or machine washable and retail at $20 each. The Nook has sold more than 320 face masks, and the demand does not yet seem to be slowing. "It has been heartwarming to see locals and visitors alike specifically wishing to support Blue Mountains makers by buying sustainable local handmade masks rather than mass produced single-use products," she said.

This fabric and haberdashery store specialises in natural fibres and Australian sewing patterns. It's located in Katoomba arcade and opened in January. Owners Kylie Crowe and Clare Sanders.have been sewing masks since March and have a two week waiting period. Masks are two layers of cotton, so that they are hot washable and have a pocket so that a filter of choice can be added if desired. There is also a a channel for a nose wire. Cost: $15, Contact in store or email enquiries@minervasbower.com.au.

Ali Maynard's main business used to be her Lawson-based remedial massage therapy, with sewing and upcycling furniture done in her spare time. But since COVID she has switched to full-time sewing. "I started making masks for a shop in Glenbrook and then private orders started coming in via Facebook and Instagram and even through random strangers asking me in the street. I feel like I am fulfilling a social service, but it's fun and a good way to use some of my endless stashes of fabric. Masks can be made in shaped or medical pleated design. They are all three-four layers with earloops or straps. I even did some glamour masks for a beauty therapist. I charge $15 each plus postage. Adult or kids size and most are reversible." Contact on https://www.facebook.com/quirkyworx/

This camping and hardware store in Waratah Street, Katoomba is helping the Blue Mountains branch of the RSPCA by selling masks in store for a minimum of an $8 donation. The store's Louise Rowles is donating the fabric and retiree Dea O'Neill is doing the sewing. It's raised several hundred dollars. The wonderfully decorative three layer shaped cloth masks come in different fabrics and are popular with men and women. The store is struggling to keep up with the demand and would love another sewer to help. Fabric donations also welcome. Phone: 47822982.

In addition to these locally-produced masks. IGA, Bunnings and Blue Mountains chemists should have medical face masks in stock as well. It pays to call ahead and check on stock.