Covid-19 has impacted each and every one of us in some way or another. Whether you know someone who has contracted it, were laid off from your job, or simply experienced the loneliness of quarantine, it's safe to say we've all lost something.
When the pandemic hit the US and PPE was no longer easily accessible, I couldn't help but feel compelled to do something about it. Our local hospitals started asking for community members to make fabric masks and soon enough, my inbox was flooded with requests from nurses, senior and special needs workers, and even those who were afraid to leave their house because they were immune compromised.
This whole situation literally guts me to my core. Some of my closest friends are nurses and doctors. Some of Pacific Hound's reps are on the front lines caring for highly contagious people without the proper equipment to keep them safe. I'm worried. Really worried.
So, I asked our community to come together and raise the funds to make fabric masks so that we could distribute them to our healthcare professionals. I've got to admit - I never truly expected anyone to donate money, especially during a financial hardship. With close to $600 raised in the span of 24 hours, we were able to make a ton of masks AND give the rest to charities in need.
Below are the detailed instructions on how to make the fabric masks. We've also included a link to a donation site. It is my understanding that a lot of us want to help, but maybe don't know who we should donate to.
How to Donate:
We personally found Act Blue Charities to be one of the most comprehensive organizations that helps a wide range of people in need from school children to small businesses and of course, the CDC. Any time you donate through them, your money is divided among 8 relief groups.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/coronavirus-relief#
Face Mask Supplies:
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- Ruler
- Cotton or flannel cotton fabric
- Elastic - we used this
- Turning tool - we used this
- Iron
- Sewing machine
Face Mask Instructions:
- Take your fabric and cut two 7x9" rectangles
- Take your elastic and cut two 11" pieces
- Take each piece of elastic and tie a tight knot at the end
- Now, line up your two rectangles with the pattern facing inwards.
- Take your elastic and place it on the inside of your fabric rectangles - the non-knotted side should be visible.
- Using your sewing machine, sew along the perimeter of your rectangles leaving a small gap to flip your mask right side out. I like using this tool to flip my fabric.
- Now you'll want to add in two pleats using your iron.
- Again, sew along the perimeter of your mask
- Now, fold your mask in half (like a book) and sew a small line on the folded corner furthest from the pleats. This will help your mask stay tucked under your chin.
- Final step is to send your masks through the wash!
