New World

8 Months ago, when I wrote my last post, I had no idea how our lives and the world would change. So many things we took for granted (hugs, meeting friends for dinner, toilet paper), that we now realize how important they are to our well being. Life has slowed down, and we are learning to entertain ourselves without shopping, sports, vacations, etc. We also learned that no matter how rich, successful or connected you are, we are all equal during a world crisis.

My saving grace has been making masks. I have (had) so much fabric, that there was no way I would use it all in this lifetime. Having a large stash, enabled me to start working on them immediately. I had a big box of fabric that was going to be donated to a school or kids program that ended up being used for masks. The first ones that I made were for hospitals and other essential workers. Then I had a few people reach out to order some. I decided to charge a small amount, plus postage, and then use that money to buy more supplies to make more masks for the hospitals.

I donated a bunch through my local sewing store, then I had a friend who is a nurse ask for some, then I found a map that lists all the places that were asking for donations. The Navajo in New Mexico are being hit very hard with this virus, so I made a bunch and sent them to the address on the map. I plan to make more for them.

If you are interested in purchasing a mask, I don’t usually have the same fabric for more than one group. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. But I am washing new fabric every week. Send me a message at kathy@flyingcalicodesign.com , and I will send you pictures of the latest fabric.

Here are some photos of the masks that I made.

These are the first type of masks I was making for the hospitals. They have a sleeve to add an extra filter, and a wire for the nose area.
masks
More masks for the hospital
These were made for Jefferson Hospital Labor & Delivery
Masks in use :0)
This is the mask that I make now. They are pleated, with a pocket in the back and the elastic is adjustable.
Pocket for extra filter.