Together We Can Make A Difference

During difficult times of uncertainty and fear, a ray of hope that we can all take heart in is the tendency of the human spirit to rise to the occasion and do what is needed to help others. Throughout history we’ve seen this noble side of humankind step in to aid those in need in a variety of ways, places and times.

As we currently find ourselves in the midst of just such a time of difficulty for a vastly large number of people, many of us are asking ourselves how we can help and what we can do to have any kind of impact on the epidemic we find ourselves in the midst of.

As we know, hospitals and health care centers worldwide are being intensely impacted by the Coronavirus. There are men and women working around the clock in these facilities to help those suffering from its effects, and they are nothing short of heroes. What we haven’t heard as much about is that the surgical style masks that these individuals so desperately need to protect their own health as they go about their important work are in extreme shortage.

Aside from a shortage of protective face masks for medical personnel, vulnerable patients – such as those undergoing chemotherapy – are also lacking protection and are at extremely higher risk for contracting the virus.

How can we as sewists and quilters do our part to help during this time of need?

We have a wonderful opportunity to have an impact…

The public has been asked to sew and donate protective face masks to aid those on the front lines fighting this virus, as well as those who are left exceptionally vulnerable due to their need to have access to health care during this time.

These masks have been approved as sufficiently protective, and will be sterilized upon arrival at facilities where they’ll be used and washed as needed. You can read more about the current need for face masks and how they’ll be used here.

Find free face mask patterns and tutorials here and here.

Find out how to donate your mask here.

Materials You’ll Need*

• Two pieces of fabric

• Material for creating straps to tie or elastic to go around the ears

• A nose piece made of aluminum (can be purchased), chenille pipe cleaners or twist ties.

*Get more detailed information, including patterns and tutorials here and here.

Many of us are staying at home during these challenging times, and that is an important and significant need when it comes to slowing down the rapid advance of this virus. What better way to contribute to those fighting the spread of this epidemic than to put our love of sewing to use to help make a difference. If we all come together to do our part – no matter how small it may seem – we can make an impact and lift up those around us fighting the good fight.

Will you be sewing and donating a mask? Share with us in the comments below.

And be sure to click here to find out how to make your donation.