Mask Making for the Covid 19 Pandemic

The last few days have seen me researching, sewing, and perfecting masks for friends and family who chose to wear them through this Covid 19 pandemic.  My venture into mask making started over the concern if someone in the household should come down with the virus.  The mask is a great tool for containment.  I happened along some great videos and information from The Fabric Patch Quilt Shop here.  Cindi Rang, who owns the Fabric Patch, put a lot of thought into her masks and made some great "how to" videos.  Why not put some quilt fabric to good use?  I don't have loads of suitable fabric patterns, but I cannot think of a better cause for what I do have.  Here is the beginnings of my final prototype.

I have followed the pattern linked by Cindi but decided to also create a pocket to hold a piece of floral wire doubled on itself.  It works spectacularly to conform the mask around the nose as it contours into the cheek bone.  Also, some of the masks will have a polypropylene liner and others will not.  As you can see, my more premium fabric is mainly themed base.  If you have to wear a mask, I guess you might as well stand out!  lol 

Luckily, my stash included 1/4 inch elastic in white but not a huge amount.  My boss/coworker/friend from work was shopping at the Dollar General and picked me up some hair bands to repurpose.  They should work great for a couple of different installations.  Team work makes the dream work!   If need be, my pack rat ways will pay off in a load of ideas for attaching ties. ;)   It is my week to be at home in our work/pandemic rotation, so I will kick off my morning with some brought to my house  homework and will switch gears to construct some masks in the afternoon.

Nothing can replace following the rules of social distancing:  respecting the 6 foot rule, washing hands, coughing in one's elbow, and not touching one's face.  Plus when leaving a work station at any type of business, sanitize before the next person sets up to work. :)  But a mask to aid in reducing the spread of this devastating virus is not a bad idea, since many carry without realizing it.  If a person must go out and feel the need to wear a mask, I really think these masks are comfortable.  It is a nice gesture to help contain this virus from those around us and especially those essential workers who are physically putting there lives on the line in the businesses that are currently open for our needs. 

Never had I ever thought mask making would be added to my repertoire, but let's leave the PPE's to those who really need it.  We can all pitch in when needed.   TOGETHER, we will get through this!