So I have to share that I've been really conflicted about crowd-sewing face masks. I'm angry when I hear my friends are given 1 mask for 8 shifts or that they aren't allowed to wear masks because they aren't in the ER or Covid isolation ward. This is NOT what our healthcare workers deserve. They need masks, face shields, gowns, gloves... I don't want to be negative, but I don't want to sewing my stash into ineffective masks because it's the charitable sewing project du jour.
So, frankly, I won't be sewing for healthcare workers. But I WILL be sewing for the general public. My state has guidance for EVERYONE to wear masks any time leaving the house. So I'm on deck to help my friends and neighbors who don't sew. WE need to be the ones stopping the spread. WE are the front lines now. The hospitals are dealing with the critically ill, but the SPREAD is happening far beyond the hospital walls.
I made a few already with the precious elastic I have on hand but wasn't thrilled with how they fit or the lack of a filter pocket. I had to try another pattern. Then today I read an article about non woven industrial shop towel fabric for masks performing almost as high as the N95 masks though not specifically tested for coronavirus. And my neighbor asked for a mask to go grocery shopping so I had to set out to do more testing.
The simple rectangle with pleats is definitely faster and easier for mass production, but I used a super easy pattern from @lorrie_nunemaker and am really pleased with the result. A much closer, but comfortable fit, covers my nose, has a filter pocket I inserted the shop towels into. So I can wash the cover frequently and replace the filter. Thanks Lorrie for sharing your pattern!
#millionmaskchallenge
#goodkarmasewathon #covid_19 #coronavirussucks #masksewing #maskpattern #stopthespread
Thanks to @tensisters_handicraft for the elastic so I could join the #millionmaskchallenge. It's amazing how generous and quick to respond the sewing/quilting community is! It's been nice to break out some of my supplies I'd tucked away as we prepare for our move. .
Coronavirus has ground life around us to a halt. I've been pushed into homeschooling with no time to plan or prepare. My kids are coping well but miss their friends, their school routine, their sports, and just the freedom of going to a playground. My own projects and our move across the country have been delayed indefinitely. So, I've really struggled emotionally to wrap my head around the whole situation. .
The #keepcalmandsewamask campaign really spoke to me as I've felt isolated and stressed. I had to visit 3 stores to finally get toilet paper for my family and my anxiety took over as I eyed every surface, every door, every person around as a potential threat. .
I know these masks aren't a solution. Honestly I hope they don't even get used and healthcare workers can get the N95 masks they need to be better protected. But I'm grateful to be healthy, fed, and to have supplies and a few quiet moments to add my little bit to the donation pile. I pray for all those affected by coronavirus and especially for the men and women in the medical field risking their health to fight it.
#millionmaskschallenge #olisoconnects #goodkarmasewathon #andoverfabrics #keepcalmandsewamask #masksforheroes #coronavirussucks #covid_19 #shelterinplace
If you can make masks but don't know where to send them, please consult this list at weneedmasks . org. If you know of any hospitals, offices, clinics, or organizations in need, get them on the list!
#millionmaskchallenge #coronavirussucks #handsewnmasks #coronavirus #ppeshortage #sewing #donationsneeded
Reposted from @alisonglass “Keep Calm And Sew A Mask" Campaign
We're in a critical situation, and our sewing community has the power to do something. Andover Fabrics @andoverfabrics has asked for our help in mobilizing our networks to do what we do best: sew.
Visit the link in profile for an article about CDC compliant masks + instructions for making masks (not suggesting any handmade masks are CDC compliant/the same as medical masks, but responding to requests from some medical personnel as a ‘better than nothing’ something). Tutorials are also listed at the end of this message. If you are able, please consider sewing masks as possible.
To increase your impact, share the 'Keep Calm and Sew a Mask campaign' on all of your social media platforms - or call your friends - to ask them to join you in helping our nation address the critical shortage of face masks.
Andover is gathering information on where to mail or drop-off your masks, and I will share that information with you within the next 48 hours.
Thank you for making a difference.
Alison
Mask Tutorials:
https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/2020/03/18/coronavirus-deaconess-ask-public-provide-medical-face-masks/2865273001/
https://freesewing.org/docs/patterns/fu/instructions/
@orangedotquilts https://www.orangedotquilts.com/simplemask
@jennymsqc
@kidgiddy
#keepcalmandsewamask #millionmaskschallenge #andoverfabrics #andover100 - #regrann
