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Why You Should Rather Buy Cloth Face Masks

We see a lot of people wearing those blue, surgical masks when they go out in public. But, if you think about it, restocking on these and using them daily are neither affordable nor eco-friendly. Here's why we suggest you order fabric masks for you and your loved ones to fight the spread of COVID-19:

Fabric face masks are reusable. After you've worn them, simply pop them in the washing machine for a clean then hang them in the sun to dry (this will also assist in killing germs).
Fabric face masks are affordable. Instead of spending a fortune on the single-use medical masks, stock up on a few fabric masks that you'll reuse repeatedly. No single-use face masks for us!
Fabric face masks are eco-friendly. Instead of throwing away single-use face masks every single time you return home from braving going into public, use and reuse the fabric face masks. This will have a better impact on the environment as well as lower the amount of litter we create.
Fabric face masks can be customised. When it comes to face masks, it's not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Plus, considering this is going to be an essential accessory when we go out into public for the next few months, we would like them to look amazing and match our style. These new accessories can be completely perosnalised, just ensure they are worn and used correctly. Here's the NICD's guidelines on fabric face masks.

Here are a few places where you can order your own fabric face masks online and have them delivered right to your door.

Mzansi Masks

Mzansi Masks are based in Cape Town and create handmade barrier face masks to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 infection and protect you and your loved ones from potentially contracting the virus. There's a wide variety of fabric colours, patterns and designs for you to choose from and their sizes range from children through to adults. Each mask is made with three layers of materials chosen to ensure comfort and protection. These masks are washable and need to be washed after every use. Click here to take a look at the selection of fabric face masks they have in stock. Delivery time and costs may vary due to the high volume of orders and courier availability.

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Kheper

Kheper are known for their beautiful, high quality athleisure wear, ranging from their sought-after Gamer Changer Bra to their ever-popular V-Pop high-waist gym leggings. And to help the country and their customers fight and protect themselves against the COVID-19 virus, Kheper have started making their own fabric face masks in various colours and patterns, available for adults and children. The Kheper masks won't cost you more than R50* (excluding delivery) and offer four layers to ensure your safety.

Details: kheper.co.za | [email protected] | 0793 687 068 | Facebook | Instagram

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Mia Mélange

For those who have never heard the name before, Mia Mélange is a proudly South African brand that handcrafts interior décor and lifestyle products. They have stepped up to the plate to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by crafting fabric face masks, made from 100% cotton Shweshwe (outer layer) and 100% cotton percale with a 200 thread count (inner layer). And due to them using thick cotton fabrics, their masks are made with two layers to ensure breathability. Mia Mélange offer single fabric face masks and also packs of three, five or 10. There's a selection of colours and designs to choose from.

Details: miamelange.com | [email protected] | 082 357 4044 | Facebook | Instagram

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Custom Apparel

Custom Apparel has gone fabric face mask mad! Known for allowing their customers to let their imaginations and creativity run wild and customise their own style, Custom Apparel has heard the call and started to create masks to order. And best of all, they have some interesting and quirky designs to choose from if you're looking for something unique. They have made their masks from A-grade materials with three-layers to do their part to #StopTheSpread. Get your cool Custom Apparel masks at R70* each. Click here to take a look at the designs they have in store.

Details: www.custom-apparel.co.za | [email protected] | Facebook | Instagram

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Ballo

Cape Town based Ballo are known for crafting and creating various fashionable and lifestyle accessories, including sunglasses, hat hangers and pots made from recycled materials. They also have their own clothing range. And to add to their list of products, they now also make fabric face mask. Ballo use discarded pieces of material to make their masks, which costs R150* each. And for every mask purchased from them, they'll give one away for free to someone vulnerable and in need.

Details: www.ballo.co.za | [email protected] | 079 394 6572 | Facebook | Instagram

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House of Hohwa

Looking for the most fashion-forward, on-trend fabric face masks to add to your wardrobe? House of Hohwa is just the place to find these works of art! Zimbabwean-born designer, Kuda Matiza, and his fashion line, House of Hohwa, have partnered with Newtown Junction Mall to make fabric face masks that are accessible to the public. These Iconic HoH Face Masks are absolutely stunning and come in a range of colours. You can get yours from their website at R100* per mask.

Details: www.digitally4u.co.za | Instagram

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Sexy Socks SA

Buy fabric face masks that are crafted locally by a women's empowerment project! Sexy Socks SA is another Cape Town based brand but they do deliver nationally across South Africa. The masks they sell are made in Cape Town by a local women's empowerment project. And to give back to the community during this difficult time, a portion of the proceeds goes towards providing face masks to those vulnerable and less fortunate. Click here to get your Sexy Socks SA face masks at R55* each.

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If you'd like to make your own fabric reusable face masks, here's a few DIY tutorials that we found on YouTube to get you started on your next sewing project. And don't worry, it's a lot easier than it looks.

Please note: Due to the need of these fabric face masks, stockists and suppliers may be out of stock owing to the high volume of orders. Please be patient, visit their website and sign up to be notified when they restock. Also, prices mentioned are subject to change.

Moosa's Fabrics

Moosa's Fabrics offers a world of fabric. Situated at the Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg, this store is all about premium fabric and variety, they have different kinds of fabric for different purposes. So if you are looking for something that is versatile, this is the place.

The store has a range of fabric for multi-purpose use, fashion, home textiles and more.

Moosa's Fabrics have gone as far as the red carpets and major events in South Africa, dressing and suiting up many famous artists in the country.

Benjamin Woollens Fabrics

The Benjamin Woollens Fabrics store stocks unexpected and unique high quality material.

Known as, "the house of quality", they sell fabric with the most unique patterns and textures. The creativity and authenticity is amazing. Some of the world's major fashion houses get their fabric here.

Pop by for any fabric and sewing items you need.

Black Fabrics

Black Fabrics is a favourite spot for interior designers. With a diverse range of fabrics for walls, textiles and rugs, we are not surprised.

So, if you have been day dreaming about transforming your home, this is the place for you. Black Fabrics has taken creativity to a whole new level, offering unique rugs, a children's collection as well as international brands.

Be sure to pay them a visit the next time you're searching for fabric.

Fiona's Fabrics

If Charlie and The Chocolate Factory was a fabric factory, Fiona's Fabric would be it. Situated in Randburg, this store is the home of fine fabric.

They have a wide variety of fabrics that you can choose from, with different textures and patterns on offer. Apart from selling an array of fabric, they also make curtains and offer a re-upholstery service.

This store is definitely a must-visit!

Do you know of any other fabric spots we may have missed? Let us know about them in the comments section below!

The old adage rings ever true: "Find three hobbies you love — one to make you money, one to keep you in shape and one to express your creativity." To achieve a sense of fulfillment, we must find activities to participate in outside of our careers and home lives. But, finding the time and energy for three separate hobbies can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, as the new year kicks into full swing, we should all be mindful of allowing ourselves a little downtime. Hey, maybe you will get lucky and find a creative hobby that you love doing that also fills your pockets with some extra cash!

Creative Hobbies

These kinds of hobbies are usually the easiest to start and the quickest to be forgotten. Expressing your creative side, in whatever form it manifests, is vital. 2020 has a lot to offer creative enthusiasts. So, do not fret if you aren't in touch with your emotions — there are always surprising pathways to self-awareness.

Bullet Journaling

Bullet journaling was the creative hobby for 2019. Pinterest boards were littered with journal prompts and how-to guides. This expressive hobby is so much fun, we declare it officially past trendy fad stage. Bullet journaling is the new way to organise your life, in the most creative way possible. While it does take dedication, the rewards are ample. Our favourite way to bullet journal is with inky doodles and colour charts. If paint is your medium of choice, we recommend using watercolours to decorate the pages of your organiser. For those of you unfamiliar with the bullet journal, visit your nearest Exclusive Books store or their online shop to find a range of helpful guides.

Open Dance Classes

Conquer your New Year's resolutions by investing time in a 'get fit' creative hobby, such as dance. Whether it's an open ballet class or toe stomping tap, dance is an excellent way to shed those extra Christmas kilos while expressing your creative side. But, you need not spend a fortune on dance lessons or a hefty gym membership. Many of Joburg's theatre spaces offer free open classes to anyone with an interest in dance. The physical and mental health benefits of dance certainly outweigh the effort you need to put into getting started, so what are you waiting for?

Green Fingers Gardening

We know that gardening may not be everyone's first choice of creative past time. But believe us, it's worth giving a shot. The latest gardening hobby trend is growing your own avocado tree (don't blame the millennial fetish — avos are ridiculously expensive.) With the water crisis becoming our new reality, more gardeners are also turning to uprooting their gardens in favour of succulent plants. Consider nurturing a potted cactus to begin your venture into full scale gardening. Apartment dwellers, fear not. Urban gardening is a major trend that is likely to expand in 2020, as eco-friendly city living is the new norm.

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Money Making Hobbies

Photography

Photography doubles as a creative and money-making hobby. Whether you snap great visuals on your smartphone, or are invested in buying yourself the best DSLR model, this is a wonderful way to pass your time. Being a good photographer means learning to balance your creativity with the analytic principles of composition. This may take years of practice to perfect, so get snapping. Once you have mastered the skill, advertise your talents on social media networks. What started out as a hobby may turn into a full-time job. Check out our list of Instagram worthy venues in Joburg to get started on your visual portfolio.

Pull On Those Apron Strings

If you are lucky enough to be blessed with a talent in the kitchen, why not put it to good use this year? Take your cooking aspirations to the next level by turning your hobby into a part-time business. Whether its baking gooey chocolate brownies to sell at a local market, pickling your own cucumbers or making a weird and wonderful assortment of jams; cooking and baking are both rewarding and can be profitable in the long run.

Never used a spatula before? Or, set flame to your kitchen making toast? Make 2020 the year you learn to cook! You can either risk doing DIY lessons at home or attend a beginner's class at the PnP Good Food Studio on Nicol. Either way, we are sure you will be cooking up a storm by the time the end of the year rolls around.

Design Your Own T-Shirt Range

T-shirts never go out of style. Designing and printing your own brand of quirky tees has also never been easier. To start, grab an old t-shirt from your closet. Play around with adding appliques, cutting and dying the fabric. Alternatively, sketch your ideas or invest in computerised design software to help you map out your creative musings. Visit the Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg to truly understand the versatility and range of fabrics out there. Make sure to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds. (Pro tip: The staff at Moosa's Fabrics on the second floor of the Plaza are always willing to advise newbie clothing makers.)

t-shirt

Keeping Fit

Park Run

Park Run take place all around the city. These events are safe, well-organised and competitively friendly. People of all fitness levels and ages are welcome to participate. If gym really isn't your cup of tea (or coffee), and you are in dire need of a little Joburg sunshine, sign up at your nearest Park Run. You can rope in a bunch of your friends to join you, or if you are more of a lone wolf, create a playlist to keep you motivated along the way. Making playlists may even become a hobby of its own - music lovers will attest that there should be one for every occasion.

Run/Walk For Life

Embrace the Joburg outdoors and join Run/Walk For Life. This scientific-based exercise programme is tailored to your personal fitness level, helping you achieve your goals at a steady pace. Plus, you will be allocated into a group of people with the same fitness level, so no one is left behind. Classes take place three times a week, for 30 minutes each, within safe and secure perimeters around the city. Run/Walk For Life members also regularly participate in marathons and group runs. So, not only will you be investing in a new hobby, but making friends and pushing your limits along the way.

Scuba Diving Lessons

Even though we have no seas or beaches in Joburg, many of us love the water. Instead of spending hours lounging in the pool, push yourself to learn a new skill. The Urban Dive Centre in Northcliff offers scuba diving lessons. They will start you out in the heated pool at their premises, before moving you on to open water training. After acquiring your diver certification, sign up for one of their many diving trips on offer. They even have an underwater photography course! You'll be the ultimate triple threat hobbyist with your creative underwater photography portfolio.

Do you have any great hobbies? Tell us about them!