The New Normal Day 3 / Mask requests

Greetings Local Sewists....there is a lot of information out there and it is ALL over the place!  For US, TODAY there is a request for fabric masks...no they are not the same protection as medical grade masks but they are better than nothing, can be used in conjunction with other PPE and will be used by others in less exposed situations and perhaps in non-medical fields that can't get masks or have donated their supply of masks and don't require the same level of PPE.

So, in an effort to direct our efforts to where we can start to help - we are offering a drop off bin outside our front door (It will be there during our modified hours* of 10am - 2pm from Tuesday through Saturday).   *We are closed to the public, but will provide curbside pick up for phone/online orders.  

Please drop your donations off without any packaging - directly into the bin.  We are currently working with St. Joseph's hospital staff who will retrieve them - laundering will commence and they will be placed into service.  THANK YOU!

Here is what to do:

• Do what works best for you as I have been assured that for now, anything is welcome....and needed.  
• Please pre-wash your fabrics, to provide for shrinkage and dye loss. These will be laundered in harsher conditions than our typical household laundry so a little pre-care is a good idea.  
• Elastic or fabric ties...we are out of elastic and we've been told elastic won't hold up to the sterilizing process for long so fabric ties are fine too!  
• If you can leave a pocket opening for a layer of fabric to be inserted - that is ideal.  They are trying to source a filtration layer and will do that if we leave an opening. 
• Please use multiple layers.  A 3rd inner layer is preferred - interfacing, something densely woven for example - batiks are great options!

The videos and tutorials I have linked to here, are simple rectangles and don't require a specific shaped template piece.  I referred to @spontaneousthreads IG post for dimensions and this youtube video that I don't understand it but visually it works!  

• Ties are 2 pieces cut 2inch x 34 inch (I think about 28 inches is better)
• Mask pieces are 3 layers of 8inch x 10.5 inch Update:  this is a large mask...other pattern designs call for smaller cuts which might fit more people 6 x 9 seems about right. 
• If you have the skill / ability to insert the wire or twist tie at one edge as seen in some examples that is a bonus!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=emb_logo&time_continue=2&v=cw0zLTyU53o

Another option:  this gives great tutorial layout for either ties or elastic!  Thanks Cheryl!
http://paradisodesigns.blogspot.com/2020/03/method-monday-no-2-how-to-sew-face.html#more

And here is one that provides for the sleeve/pocket:
easy to sew how to make a face mask

This one includes examples of the wire edge:
https://trilliumdesign.blogspot.com/

Another Option:
Deaconess - How to make a Face Mask

How to make a Face Mask We are welcoming fabric masks from our community as we prepare for COVID-19. Thank you so much for your interest and care.

www.deaconess.com

Of course - should you be in need of fabric...we're happy to select some items for you and have a kit ready and waiting for you to pick up!

Please let us know if you have any questions about what to do!!!