Latest Cover Up

In the last few weeks since the home stay orders got put in place, I have been feeling very grateful about the relatively safe and sound situation I find myself in. There has been plenty of time for reflection, spending quality time with my family, extended walks in the sunshine and of course lots of crafting, painting and cooking. I don’t have to look far for the discrepancies between myself and those who are out there risking their lives, losing their jobs or struggle to eat and keep a roof over their heads to stare me in the face.

So I started sewing masks, it’s a small gesture, but it’s what I can do to help. It gives me pleasure to do something worthwhile. You don’t have to change the world by yourself. Give whatever you can at any given time. No effort is too small. Initially I made masks for my friends and family, but now that I’m on a roll I’ve decided to sell them. I will donate 100% of the proceeds to the local nonprofit organization Upward Bound House here in Venice Beach, CA. UBH is committed to helping homeless families with children or seniors with emergency or transitional housing and offers support to achieve long-term stability and independence.

I’ve chosen to use the “Olson Mask” sewing pattern, which has been designed by Clayton Skousen & Rose Hedges for Unity Point Health for their healthcare workers. I like them because the masks fit very snuggly over your nose and chin and with the help of body tape can be effectively sealed.

A special feature is the filter pocket on the inside of the mask. The ones I’m selling in my online shop come complete with a filter made of re-purposed non-woven, washable fabric. Since the filter can be removed, you could replace it with a fancy disposable 0.3 micron filter or just plain coffee filter paper, which is also said to be quite effective. Please note that the mask, with or without filter, does NOT qualify as medical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

You can download the pattern if you’d like to sew your own masks by clicking the link below.

If you’d like to purchase one of the masks depicted in this post, please go to my shop to purchase.

My masks are made from 100% natural cotton. I’ve designed and hand carved the stamping blocks, then printed them on strips of cloth.

Each mask is one of a kind, imperfectly perfect and made with the limited materials I have at hand at this time. Since they’re being made in small batches, I’m unable to offer choice of designs. You’ll receive one of the 4 designs at random. But they are all equally pretty!

I’m now starting with kid’s sizes and as per request more ‘manly’ ones, in camo and/or olive green. So watch this space.

Free download: Pattern & instructions

Click on the image >