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.