Melanie Testa

Melly Masks

Gentleman Doll

Gentleman Doll is a mask makers YouTube channel of note! I suggest you check it out and subscribe! Gentleman Doll (PDF)wear glasses sAvailable in multiple sizes DIY Mask Making 

Gentleman Doll sometimes provides PDFs for print out, and in the case of the mask you see here, the PDF can be found in the description of the above linked YouTube video.

Their videos are visual, without words or voice over. Gentleman Doll does not center themself in the camera’s field of vision. But, their backlog of patterns and videos is extensive. The patterns are easy to understand, well thought out and fairly easy to execute.

Gentleman Doll uses centimeters, so I have obtained two new rulers to accommodate my explorations with this mask maker  

These mask have a nose wire sewn into the arch of the nose. I am sewing all sizes for my Etsy and for local give away.

This mask goes great with Carrie Bloomston’s Newspaper fabric too! 


I think the most interesting part about making this mask is the origami like folding that transforms the almost rectangular flat piece of sewn fabric into the 3D cup like shape. 


I highly suggest you check your printer settings prior to printing the pdf out! I learned the hard way that my printer was set to print at 87%. You will want to print the pdf off at 100%. 

The PDF pattern is graded to sizes Small (child), Medium (teen), Large (Adult) and Extra Large (Adult). This is what is called a 3D mask, as it has a cup like shape that fits from nose to chin and across the cheeks. It fits onto the face by way of ear elastic.

Being a visual learner, I respond well to learning from Gentleman Doll by watching their videos. I understand some folks might rather have written words to follow, and if that is the case for you, maybe Gentleman Doll isn’t a good fit for you. But if it is, Gentleman Doll has some great content. This isn’t the only mask by Gentleman Doll that I have made!

I am sold on this YouTube channel and all of the work that Gentleman Doll puts out.

To ask is thrilling. To receive…

None of us could have known what it would mean to experience a pandemic, to be asked to ‘shelter in place’, or to wear a mask when leaving home. So many of us have lost our work and income. Some of us are able to work from home, an awesome benefit, if it is possible.

For my part, I went from having a decent job, teaching arts and crafts to middle school kids, to making masks for essential workers and folks who need them. A friend, knowing my predicament, set up a Go Fund Me to help me get paid for making the masks, to help with shipping, packing and getting them into the hands of folks in need. Additionally, I started selling masks through Etsy.

Then, I put a call out for supplies and fabric donations to support these efforts. And you know what? Folks are helping! Folks are enabling me to make masks and give them to those in need!

Look at at all of these supplies!!

Asking for help is hard! It is embarrassing. On the one hand, I want to do this work for free. I want to be a hero who asks nothing of others, but does the thing and gets it done. On the other, I need contribute to my household without placing additional strain on our finances.

I find, asking for help to be a blessing. It contributes to my sense of community and group effort. It reminds me that I am not alone. I am supported, cared for and I know that my efforts and skillsets are valued. And then the verbiage turns to, ‘we’. We are working together to offer masks to local NYC essential workers. 

Because of this, I have had the opportunity to experience my fellow New Yorkers in new and beautiful ways.

Like 2sailingchefs, who works with a local business called Naturally Delicious. Herve, as I have come to know him, received a farm print mask and geez! This print is a perfect pairing for him (click the first link in this paragraph to see Chef in his mask)! Herve went on to purchase masks for his workplace, and you, helped UP his order, with my Buy One, Give One program! We gave three additional masks to this local business.


Thank you for helping me make a difference. Thank you for affording me the opportunity to create goodness. Thank you for allowing me to ask you for help then and providing it. Pins, bias tape makers, sewing machine needles and friendly, caring connection.

Thank you.


#MellyMasks-Buy One, Give one.

#MellyMasks are made using the Nurse Made pattern, with the benefit being that it can be worn over the N95 mask, extending its use. They are made using two layers of quality quilter’s cotton and can be washed and dried. 

There are several ways to purchase or donate masks. 

I am offering masks for sale through my Etsy shop! When you purchase an individual #MellyMask through my Etsy, you are purchasing two masks, one for yourself, and one that I will give away to local essential workers. Check my artist insta to see the giveaways! Right now, my Etsy contains masks made of my own fabric lines, Meadowlark by Windham Fabrics and Florabunda! by RJR fabrics.  

Monetary donations to my Go Fund Me will help me to make, ship and give masks to medical workers, bus drivers, park workers and grocery store employees. My current goal is to get 12-24 masks into the hands of my previous employer (I was let go, but hope to get called back after all this is over). Please consider donating in support of this next push to mask my local peeps! 

It thrills me to be able to give masks to essential workers, I am thankful for your help and support. Being able to stay centered in gratitude, while giving thanks, one mask at a time, is a beautiful thing! 

If you are willing, please help me replenish my art supplies through my Amazon Wishlist.