Face Masks

Do not look for anything remotely positive in this post. After listening to the latest White House coronavirus press conference tonight, I simply cannot fake it. I am too scared as should be every American.  The President claims that 'the coronavirus cure can not be worse than the problem itself.' His focus is on the economy and not on us. What good will it be to improve the economy if thousands and thousands of us die? When he was asked if he would listen to the medical experts, he said he would listen to what they say, but their focus might not be his, and he would make the decision about what to do and whether or not isolation measures in any form would continue after the initial fifteen days. He would clearly disregard the advice of doctors from across the country in his desperate bid to rally the economy to help his reelection. Does he not realize that the deaths of thousand might be on his hands? Whom will he blame then???

One more thing... where was straight talking Dr. Anthony Fauci??? Why was he not at the briefing???

As I wrote in yesterday's post, across the country people are sewing protective masks for members of the medical profession. We will not kid ourselves into thinking that these masks are as good as what these dedicated men and women need and deserve, but they are something. That the richest country on earth cannot provide personal protective gear to those on the frontlines fighting this terrible virus is unconscionable.

So many are trying to help in their own small way, that some sewing supplies are now limited, so I thought I might present some alternatives.

The patterns for these masks which are readily available online call for elastic which is now difficult to find. This was 1/2 inch wide elastic which I cut in half.

I also made a number of masks using grosgrain ribbon which I had on hand. Other ribbons would probably be too flimsy.

Stores in our state are closed and there is no elastic available online, but you can make fabric straps which will perhaps stand up better to repeated washings. This may seem basic, but I thought that I would share how I make straps.

First, cut a piece of fabric 2" by 16". You will need four strips for each mask. 

Next, fold the strip in half lengthwise and give it a press.

Open it up and fold each edge into the middle. Also fold up each end. Give this a good press.

 Then fold the strip together to create a 1/4" strip. Stitch the three open edges.

Though these ties do take a bit longer to make, they will hold up better and make the mask more adjustable.

Important UPDATE:  I just came across an excellent video tutorial  A Surgeon's Guide to Sewing a Surgical Mask which I will be using from this point forward.

I wish you peace. Stay creative. Stay well and may God bless us all. The world is a very small place, and we are all in this together.