Due to the shortage of hospital masks and other medical equipment during the COVID-19 Pandemic, a grassroots movement took hold. People all over the country began sewing masks to donate to hospitals, nursing homes and anyone who needed one.
I started out making masks for my family. Then friends began asking me to make them one...or two....or more. I started mailing them to friends.
When I first set this up back in April, I requested a donation to offset the postage and cost of materials. As the Pandemic has endured and my budget has tightened, I can no longer afford to continue the project without setting up a set rate per mask.
Masks are now $5.00 USD each, but I am keeping the shipping FREE in the US. For one mask, the $5.00 will cover the postage, with a little left over to go toward materials. For orders of multiple masks, the first mask covers the postage and the rest goes to materials.
I also randomly donate masks locally and give as gifts. My goal to put a mask on as many faces as possible has not changed. If you are in need of a mask, I will be happy to gift you one. Just contact me by clicking the REQUEST A MASK button below.
I hope everyone understands why I had to change to a set donation in order to continue the project.
Click on the PayPal DONATE button below to donate. The amount is up to you and every donation is greatly appreciated.
To request a mask, click on the REQUEST A MASK button to send me an email.
ABOUT THE MASKS
I sew the masks using cotton fabric with as tight a weave as I can find to block as many particles as possible. These are not going to stop the COVID-19 virus completely as the virus is very small. Still, it is what is recommended. My masks have two layers of fabric. One side is always going to be flannel as it is comfortable to wear against your skin. The second layer is a cotton print or flannel. If both sides are flannel, the mask is easily reversible. Some of the cotton prints may be soft enough to be worn against the face, also making the mask reversible. I do not recommend wearing the Day of Dead fabric against your skin as the glittery part is a bit scratchy.
Cotton helps keep the mask breathable, but it can get a little warm inside. As you breathe, moisture may collect. If this is a problem, add a folded paper towel inside to absorb some of the moisture. This can help keep the fabric from getting too damp.
Because everyone is making masks, fabric choices as far as color and patterns may be limited. I will try to honor requests for certain designs and colors, but can make no promises. After running thru my modest stash of fabric on hand, I have been ordering fabric online. Just as with the stores, selections are limited. Seems that every time I submit an order, I am notified that one or more selections are sold out.
Since the fabrics are cotton, they can be machine washed and either dried in the sun or tossed in the dryer. As logical as hot water and high heat for the dryer seems, the mask may shrink, so I recommend warm water and a medium setting on the dryer. I have also seen the suggestion of using an iron on the COTTON setting and ironing the damp mask until dry. I have not tried this myself.
WARNING! I have also seen the suggestion of putting the mask in a ziplock bag and microwaving for 1-2 minutes, DO NOT DO THIS! At best, you will just scorch the fabric At worst, your microwave will catch on fire.
Click below to be added to my Mask Request list. Please include your name and contact info in the email as well as how many masks you need. If you are here from my Facebook or Trivia groups, I may already have you on the list. When your mask is ready to mail, I will contact you so you can donate at that time if you wish. Thanks everyone and be safe out there!
There are several patterns online for making your own mask. The pattern I use is one I found online and takes me about ten minutes from cutting the fabric to trimming the threads. I am adding links to some of the more popular patterns, including a no sew version you can make from a scarf or a bandana and rubber bands. Also check out the Happy DIY Home blog for more mask ideas and other really cool content!
