I wasn’t gonna go there.
There are so many sensationalist tutorial videos on YouTube right now, showing you how to make cloth face masks, that when I started seeing this trend on social media, I said to my husband, “I’m not going to jump on that bandwagon.”
First of all, I don’t like when a crafter’s whole motivation is about going viral or making money. I am not going to be that crafter. I refuse to be that kind of YouTuber.
Secondly, aside from being an online craft enthusiast, I am also a school librarian. I represent not just the internet community but my local community, which includes young, impressionable children. I don’t like to veer off from my usual tutorial in an attempt to gain followers from some other group. It just seems unprofessional to me.
Third, and most importantly, I have ZERO training, when it comes to sewing protective surgical-style masks. I’m certainly not an authority on medical-grade surgical masks in any way, shape, or form. So please bear that in mind.
Therefore, you’re probably wondering why I have decided to create and share a free pattern for sewing cloth face masks in spite of these things.
Well, on Friday morning I woke up and said, “I think I’ll sew some cloth face masks for my family.” (This was before the evening news, when it was announced that the CDC recommended them — I just wanted to show my family some good ol’ fashioned love.) I spent the day sewing masks for my brother, his teenage children, my sister, her toddler, her adult daughter, and her husband.
I was about to start sewing a cloth face mask for my mother-in-law and father-in-law, when the news came on with the announcement that all Americans should start wearing cloth face masks when they go out of the house.
And then my husband said, “So let me see if I’ve got this straight… You’re making cloth face masks for your brother’s family…?”
“Yep,” I said.
“And you’re making cloth face masks for your sister’s family?”
“Yep.”
“And you designed your own pattern?”
“Yep.”
“But you’re not going to share the pattern with your followers?”
“Nope.”
“Well that’s just stupid.”
Yes, I have to admit it… he did have a good point.
So I’m going to give you a free pattern and tutorial videos this week, for making the following:
- A cloth face mask to fit a toddler or preschooler (like my niece)
- A cloth face mask to fit a 14″ to 17″ doll (like my niece’s Consuelo doll, who will be getting a mask too)
- A cloth face mask to fit an adult (like the ones I’m sending to my brother and sisters and their family members)
Because, as my husband pointed out, I’ve already designed the pattern, and I’ve been busily sewing them for each and every member of my family. So why not share?
Just please, please, PLEASE be aware that I’m not an expert in designing surgical-grade cloth face masks! These are just plain and simple cloth face masks that may or may not help prevent the spread of COVID-19. I can’t make any promises. But I can share what I’ve created.
And if any of you are wondering how you might help out from home during the coronavirus outbreak, consider sewing protective re-usable cloth face masks for the following:
- your own family
- your local food bank volunteers
- volunteers at Meals on Wheels
- school lunch staff (who are still serving kids meals, even though schools are closed)
God bless those who are on the front lines. I wish I could do more for them. But this week, I’ll share what I can.
Yes, it makes me very sad when people are using this horrific time to make a profit. Covering your cost is one thing however People are selling crappy masks at a huge profit taking advantage of people. M friend in CA ( Mom of 5) used her own material and supplies and made 300 masks and gave them away. Now she had to buy more material and such and only charges $1.00 a piece and are double lined and washable. So not for profit. And also for everyone she sells she donates one.
Oh bless her! Thank you for sharing that inspiring story. Stay in and stay well, Dodi. We’ll have lunch and catch up on all things “dolls” when this crisis is over.
Hey I only associate with good people. And yes we need to catch up. Been way to long. You stay in a stay safe as well.
LOL! 😀
This is a very bad time right now, everyone should stick together(6ft. apart)
and help one another, more than ever! God Bless everyone that is doing this.
God Bless you Chelly, and your family, and stay well. We can and will live through this.
Thank you for your happy thoughts, Jeretta. I wish you and your family well also. 🙂