She had a mission - to sew 1000 masks

Earlier this year, there was a face mask rally. Maybe rally is not the right word. A significant movement. Perhaps even a revolution of epic noble intentions was underway, and sewing groups came together to solve a problem, to save lives at risk from the coronavirus.

I felt like I could help. Right then, sitting in my house in some sort of state-wide lockdown, I felt like I could do something. People of all ages and walks of life were diving in, coming together to make a difference.

It was then that I began my mission to sew 1,000 masks.

I donated my first batch of masks on March 29, 2020, and today, August 24, 2020, almost 5 months later, I completed that mission. Actually, I completed 1001 masks give or take. I am quite sure I forgot to enter a few along the way onto my spreadsheet. My spreadsheet is the keeper of dates; recipients; male/female and adult/child masks; how many were donated; how many were given to family, friends, or front-line workers; and how many were sold (which paid for me to be able to donate most of the masks, a big THANK YOU to those who bought them to help fund the donated ones). I even tracked how many hours it took to make the masks, 500 hours. The only thing I didn't track was the amount of money I spent on fabric and supplies, which I now wish I would have tracked.

When I started making masks, I didn't expect to get so many people needing so many masks. It was just a small way that I could help. I have donated the bulk of my masks, 500, to a Facebook group that I belong to that distributes the masks to anybody that contacts them and expresses a need. I have also donated to the local food bank, missionaries, or anybody else who came to me and asked. In total, I donated over 700 masks.

In March, when we first went into lockdown, I found out quickly I was more social than I thought. I have worked from home for 15 years, so I guess I needed more social stimulation than I thought. I was almost shocked at how being “locked up” was a lot harder than I thought it would be, and I needed something to help me feel like I wasn't going crazy; not being allowed to go out except when absolutely necessary was hard for me. I needed to feel included, valued in some way. I guess this was my way to keep from going “COVID crazy.”

I went through my own stash of fabric and elastic quite quickly and started buying more. All of the local fabric stores very quickly ran out of elastic, and the high-quality fabric was not far behind in being out of stock. I stood in long lines, standing outside in the rain for more than an hour more than once. I was even escorted through the fabric store with my own personal shopper once because somebody in line six feet behind me thought they heard me say I had COVID-19. So, the only way I was allowed to shop was with a shopper picking up all my fabric, etc. It was hard and had it not been for the fact that I was making masks for others, I would have stormed my indignant self out of there, never to return, but I had something bigger to accomplish...my mission. Also, where else would I have gone? At that point, that one store truly was the only fabric store open.

While my masks may not be as good as certified medical equipment, a homemade alternative is better than nothing. I believe that wearing a face make is something that really can have an impact on slowing the spread of the virus and keeping us safe.

These days, we place our faith in small rectangles of fabric to stop the spread of a virus that could destroy our lives. Most of us own not just one face mask, but several ― one for every trip to the store or encounter with someone outside of our circle ― meaning one individual could need a dozen or so masks in their arsenal. Plus, at this point, they say something about our personality, don't they? I have some that match pieces of my wardrobe while others speak to my hobbies...and as long as I have to wear them, watch out for the holidays.

I do feel like this has saved me in many ways. It has saved my mental health. It is helping me help other people. And it’s taking my mind off of everything that’s happening right now: the virus, Black Lives Matter, and the decisive politics. When I sit down and I’m at the sewing machine, I’m in that zone. I don’t have to think about much. I’m not checking out fully, but I’m partially checking out and giving my contribution to helping others.

You haven't seen the last of me as I still of a LOT of fabric, I haven't sewn my last mask, but I am taking a break for a little while (unless, of course, you have a special order). I have crafting orders and crochet orders, as well as birthday gifts and Christmas projects to complete. This mask maker will be back!