These are crazy days, aren’t they? For us the disruption in our routine is fairly simple. We are parked in an isolated area in our little house and with only the two of us to feed, even our trips to the supermarket are few and far between. Given our age we are in that ‘vunerable’ demographic, and Gary’s asthma puts him at even a higher risk, so we really are taking this seriously. While we do not despair of these things, we long to be able to help in some way. Since we have no community ties (and will be changing communities soon anyway) it’s been hard to find a way to plug in and be a help and encouragement to others. So when my doctor nephew said that the family practice where he works was running low on face masks, I jumped at the opportunity to help!
(Yes, he is plenty old enough to be a doctor!)
The cutting board and sewing machine came out, and the production began!
Although I had plenty of fabric (must’ve been saving it all for times such as these!), I did run out out of elastic for the straps. Thankfully, back in PA, my sister scored 40+ yards at her local dry goods store. I also had a pretty sorry collection of twist ties to use for the nose-shaper-thing, but a sweet SOWER neighbor had a great supply of brand new ones!
Aren’t they beautiful???
After a couple of prototypes I settled on a style/technique,
and got to work!
By the time I had to put the sewing machine away to prepare for our move, I had a sweet stack of 25 –
Elastic ready, reversible and reusable. They are on their way to Pennsylvania for their last bit of assembly (where needed), and then on to the doctor’s office for use.
I know it’s just a drop in the bucket, but still and all I’m honored to be able to contribute in some way, regardless of how small!
Stay safe, friends!
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Way to go Steph. You are putting your talent to work. Some of us in the samaritan’s purse project are stepping up to help Spectrum health. They all have their own style that they prefer. I think they put something in them, ??? For more protection. Blessings to you both
Hi Steph,
So thankful for extra fabric laying around as I too have made about 80 masks. Christy Slack said she and her co workers needed them so got started. I made the ones with the pleats and elastic. When I ran out of elastic I used ribbon for the ties. Tried all over to get elastic but everybody was sold out. Even checked out in Lancaster to no avail. A lot of people are making them in our area. Keep up the good work and stay healthy where ever you travel.