Inspiration
I spend a fair amount of time in my garden using my chipper/ shredder. There are so many leaves, branches, twigs, and trimmings to process every year. This spring, I needed a solution to protect my hair. As other curly girls know, washing our hair every day, or multiple times a day isn’t always the best choice for our curls. Unfortunately, if my hair is getting yard debris, leaves, twigs, dirt, and mold-blown in tiny particles from the chipper, I have no other choice than to wash as soon as I come inside.
I searched and searched for various ideas for how to make a hair scarf that would work like my Hair Kerchiefs of the late 90s 😂, but completely covered my hair. Surely something already existed that could solve my problem.
I kept coming up with blanks. I didn’t want a bandanna or a headband (even though they look cute). Then FB’s algorithm figured it out for me. (SMH). They showed me an ad for a knit tube scarf/ face shield. They had fun patterns, silly faces, patriotic choices, bright colors. I thought I was all set…
Unfortunately, all the colors and patterns I was interested in that they advertised weren’t available. They had some high visibility Yellow which 1. would look terrible on me, and 2. reminds me of a PT belt (any other vets out there? you know what I’m talking about. Not cute, but a little funny).
So I went back to the drawing board. Everything seemed to be out of stock because the tube scarves made good* face masks. They are multipurpose and functional. I tried to search for some name brands, which I was able to find (Buff has some great options). Nothing was in stock. I needed to be out in my garden. Buffs were also a little on the pricey side for buying something I hadn’t seen in person and didn’t know if I was going to enjoy them. ($20-35 depending on the style, print, supply vs. demand. Additionally, some of the higher-priced choices include mosquito repellent).
After looking at the specs, I decided to make myself some. I just needed some stretchy fabric. So I went online and looked at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I was able to place a curbside order and bring home a few options to see what would work. (First time in my life buying fabric without seeing it in person or touching it. It was a risky choice, but I felt it was a safer bet to buy 5 separate yards of some things and see what I could come up with).
*My definition of good is in regards to fit, style, and function. These are not medical grade and cannot guarantee 100% anti-virus protection*
What is a Multiclava?
A multiclava can go by many other names. Neck gaitor/ gator, tube scarf, face shield, etc.
It’s a stretchy tube scarf that can be worn multiple ways.
- Slouched around your neck as a neckerchief.
- Pulled up on your neck as a Scarf
- Pulled up over your mouth like a Gaitor
- Pulled up over your nose (doubled) as a FaceMask
- Pulled over your head as a Hood
- A Headband
- A Diadem (Hairband)
- A Balaclava
- A Hair tie
- A Blindfold/ Sleep Mask
- Accessorize your Dog
- Wrap around your wrist as a Wristband
- A Sarhaine
- A Beanie/Hat
- A Beanie/Hat with a pull-through for your Ponytail!
- Buccaneer
- Hair Scarf
Why Multiclavas?
I have fallen in love with my multiclavas. They work great for keeping the debris out of my hair while I’m gardening and the sweat off of my face too!
Through the height of the pandemic, March – June, I worked remotely. As things began to open back up, those telecommuting were required to come back into the office. There are lots of elevator trips and I wasn’t sure how I was going to navigate the new normal.
The easiest thing for me was to make myself a collection of fun multiclavas that I could wear as cute neckerchiefs to coordinate with my business attire. (I work in an environment of suits and being dressed up, which I enjoy). That level of vanity is at the forefront of my mind. When I have to be in close proximity to others and anytime I’m on the elevator; I pull up my mask. I sanitize my hands if I touch anything, and relax it back down when I am isolated again. I’m probably considered overly cautious to many, and I can accept that. I’m very asthmatic, and I’ve taken a trip to the hospital in the last year for my breathing, so it’s easier for me to go about my life this way.
