Is anyone sewing medical masks?

[dem in texas]

I watched the video and read the pattern requirements. If the shortage keeps up, I am going to sew some up. I saw on the local news that the Dallas police dept needs them, haven't heard about any shortages at the hospitals but virus has not hit hard in this area yet.

I have a bolt of muslin and plenty of thread. I don't have elastic. That will require a trip to the store, looks like I will need a lot.

[oldtime dfl_er]

1. Put the call out to my neighborhood

we have an active Buy Nothing group and hoping to score the use of a sewing machine since I don't own one. I want to do what I can to help.

[fierywoman]

2. You can make ties instead of using elastic (if it's a problem getting a hold of

elastic. ) You could also donate masks to grocery stores where you buy your food (for the clerks and stock people.)

[Sherman A1]

7. Thank You of thinking of the Grocery Workers

Having retired from that industry and still having many former co-workers there I worry about them everyday.

We were (and they still are) considered a disposable commodity by their employers and the public in far, far too many instances.

Again, Thank You

[fierywoman]

9. Everytime I've been out since this started I've thanked them. They seemed surprised. Dear people!

[applegrove]

3. Here is the best link i have found.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213140120

[applegrove]

4. I have elastic coming. I've got to get material.

[Generic Other]

5. I just made one and used a shoestring

instead of the elastic. I intend to just sew long strips. The looped part goes around the neck and ties on top. No elastic needed. It has two layers with a pocket to slip in a filter (a dry baby wipe or a coffee filter).

[thecrow]

6. Great idea!

You could even make your own cordage from fabric.
I’m going to start sewing them tomorrow. I have two patterns so far
and a whole closet of fabrics. I don’t know of any local shortages,
but that gives us time to sew. I have been wondering what I can do to help
but because of age I am self isolating as much as possible.
This project will help me pass the time.

[Lars39]

11. Cool pattern!

I don't think I can get my hands on any elastic, so this is a good alternative. Could you share the pattern?

[demigoddess]

17. bias tape, or cut strips to sew, or ribbons. Also I have use Shrug Hug seam binding.

[seaglass]

8. Yes, I made two yesterday but I am the worst seamstress as looking at sewing patterns

for me is like reading a foreign language. At least I learned a lot after making my first one.

I am using this pattern so that a (coffee) filter can be inserted:

https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/

When my mom died I grabbed all her sewing notions thinking they would be useful some day. And of course she had elastic!

[dem in texas]

10. Daughter is going to buy some elastic for me

I am planning on making 100 masks. I am going to wash and dry the fabric today, then cut out the fabric covers tonight. I will have the elastic tomorrow and should be able to sew up the masks in a day or so.

Please note that I am using my old Singer 503 from the 1960's. It sews about 4 times faster than my new Viking.

[dem in texas]

12. Stores sold out of elastic

JoAnns and Walmart were sold out of elastic, clerk at JoAnn's said everyone was buying it to make face masks, JoAnn's on-Line is also sold out. This was bad news for me, but I feel good that so many Texans are going to sew-up face masks for our heath care workers.

This morning I went on Amazon and bought 3 70-yd spools of elastic Only thing it, will take 2 or 3 weeks to receive. But listening to the news this morning, I don't think the mask shortage is going to go away anytime soon. I am going to cut out the mask so they will be ready to sew when I receive the elastic.

[dem in texas]

14. The 3 Spools of Elastic have arrived.

Bought some elastic on Etsy for a ridiculous price, but was able to make 12 masks. In the meantime, washed a bunch of fabric so I would have a variety of patterns and colors. Yesterday, the elastic arrived (took almost a month) so have 210 yards of elastic to work with.

Goal is to make a hundred masks. The senior living center near me posted on Next Door that they are in desperate need of masks for residents, so going to get busy, Going into heavy sewing production. After making a hundred, will decide if I will make more, if not will donate the elastic to some sewing group that is making masks. Feel like we are going to be wearing masks for a long time.

[japple]

13. For those on Facebook (no insults please) there is a group "Maskapalooza"

that is encouraging those with equipment and skills to make masks. There might be someone in your area that has some of the materials you are lacking.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/651061155683952/

Edit to add: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/joann-stores-offer-free-fabric-at-curbside-for-sewing-masks-at-home/?fbclid=IwAR3GbT2M7hc_RCku-_iisLUIT5Qw2-goFvpC43iJidpcVDVarjTdgp8AvxM#.Xnt1nBjiXhc.mailto

[dem in texas]

15. Broke my Last#8 needle on my old Singer

So far I have made about 30 masks and given away all. I have about 30 more cut out, decided to take a breather and work on my purple quilt. Sewing some blocks together, sewed over a straight pin and it broke the needle. Was last of correct size, all I have left are needles for heavy fabric.

Went to Amazon to order a couple of packets - sold out, will not have more until Sept. Yipes! I think the retail stores are going to open here in Dallas on Monday, so will make do with heavy needle until I can get over to JoAnns or Hobby Lobby next Week (if they are open).

[demigoddess]

18. do you have any topstitch needles? Those will work quite well also.

listen to Bob on Superior Needles on the subject.

[dem in texas]

16. I threw in the towel on making masks.

I made over 60 masks, can't sew anymore, so tired of making them. Seems the mask shortage is over, they are available on line and at most senior living centers. I broke down and bought a box 0f 50 masks, if anyone else need them, I will give some of these masks. I am hanging on to my elastic for now, according to predictions, the covid19 virus may heat up again. If so, I may be back to sewing masks again.