COVID-19 and DIY Mask

I was hesitant to write this post but this is such a significant time in our history (World History) that I thought I should take a few moments to reflect. 

In the last few weeks, my emotions and thoughts have been a roller coaster. I generally feel that in time ( I don't know how much time.) we will get past this pandemic but I also feel great concern about the future. I worry about the number of people that will die from this virus, I worry about the individuals that have lost their jobs, I worry about the children that are not attending school, I worry about the hit the US economy is taking, I worry that the cases will increase in the fall, I get angry over the political games that have caused lost lives needlessly, etc.

I have had to reduce the amount of time I watch and read the news, it's overwhelming. Sewing is and will always be my salvation. Since the CDC's recommendation of wearing DIY mask, I have started making mask. I was extremely hesitant to make cloth masks because I know they are not very effective but after doing some research, I learned that using filters and a nose guard help to increase a cloth mask effectiveness. 

There are a vast number of tutorials available now but I found one that I really liked. The blogger made 3 different styles of mask, 4 sizes in each AND included SVG images! This is the link for the tutorial:
https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/

Huge thanks to those on the front lines! I know you are putting your lives on the line and are exhausted and overwhelmed. I appreciate all you are doing to help the sick. I encourage anyone that has the time and ability to sew, to make masks and donate them to local hospitals and other first responders, there is a great need. 


A few samples of the masks I have made.

As you can see, the elastic is not consistent from mask to mask. Because of the increased need for masks, elastic is sold out everywhere. I improvised and used elastic headbands for some, works just as well. 

As of this writing, there are a total of 557,571 cases of COVID-19 in the US and 1,850,527 cases worldwide. A total 114,245 deaths worldwide. My heart goes out to those who have died and their loved ones. 

My "Corona" Quilt

These are absolutely challenging and uncertain times. Our normal life has changed and no one knows for sure what the future holds. Being home more has given me time to be creative and sew. I made this lap quilt as a birthday gift for a friend. I call it Corona Quilt because I made it during the time of the outbreak.

This is the finished top. It reminds me of stained glass. 

After it was quilted and washed!

The sewing technique I used, I learned from the Quilting Marine. This technique does not follow a pattern but by just selecting random pieces from your fabric stash and sewing them together. The video link https://youtu.be/x4ptBGYZTmY  

for the technique I used. I was gifted some African fabric remanent and this was the perfect way to use them. 

Art Is Life!

Arashi Fabric Garment

I entered my 1st ever sewing challenge, #sewcomfortable hosted by https://www.soveryjo.com and https://faithstjules.com. The challenge was to make a comfy outfit since most of America has been asked to stay indoors. The jersey knit fabric from my last project was ideal for this.

This was created from Simplicity 8790 version C. I modified the pattern a bit. I didn't want to put the big pocket in the front because I did not want to cover up the pattern on the fabric so I added inset pockets. I would classify this pattern as easy. The dress is roomy and soft and feels great, I will definitely make another one.

Art Is Life!

Reverse Shibori-Arashi Style

Shibori is one of my favorite ways to dye fabric. In this particular project, I used Arashi and in the reverse. Most often when fabric is dyed, color is added, in this case, I removed color as an experiment. In addition to removing color, I worked with more fabric than I normally do. Typically, I work in small batches but this time I used 2 yards of fabric.

These are the supplies I typically use for Arashi: fabric, twine (in this case light rope), Rit Color Remover, PVC pipe, and face mask (always use a mask when using powder dyes).

Before I dye any fashion fabric, I wash it to remove any starch or any other finishes. I make sure the fabric is wet (as in the above photo) because it takes the dye better when wet. Squeeze out the water so that it's not dripping wet.

The diameter of the PVC pipe is 4". I folded the fabric in half lengthwise and started to wrap it around the pipe. I made sure the fabric was as smooth as possible.

As I roll the fabric on, I make sure to roll it on as evenly as possible. Keep in mind to NOT roll the fabric on too tight, doing so will make it 1. harder to push down the pipe and 2. absorption harder.

2 yards rolled on!