As you have heard, there is a huge demand for face masks as supply is quickly running out. Local Health Departments, Hospitals, Clinics, Doctors Offices, Nursing Homes, etc... are needed both in the Cortez and Farmington areas. We are more than willing to be a drop-off for any masks that you sew, and we will make sure they are distributed. Please call to schedule when you will be here. Farmington area: contact Alberta Chappell at: [email protected].
MASKS ARE NEEDED AS SOON AS THEY ARE COMPLETED!
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WHAT PATTERN SHOULD I USE??
This pattern has been verified to use by healthcare professionals in both Montezuma County and San Juan County New Mexico.
Look here for the mask pattern, along with video instruction. Doctors were involved in the construction of this mask, and a pocket has been added for a filter that healthcare professionals will add in. Many thanks go out to Canyonland Quilts of Moab Utah for sharing your pattern with us to use!
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Look HERE for a second pattern option that is less complicated to make. Thank you to the Button Counter for a great pattern!
Please read important guidelines below - this list has been added to.
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ELASTIC
Elastic is already difficult to find due to demand. We will have & elastic cording coming in.
It currently looks like elastic is delayed until this Wednesday, with cording arriving hopefully Friday or early next week.
You can make fabric ties in the meantime! Some healthcare professionals prefer the ties.
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Mask Guidelines:
~ For these masks, it is extremely important to use high quality, dense-woven fabric. Batiks work wonderfully, because they are a tight weave.
A lot of cottons that are purchased from big box stores are too thin, not tightly-woven, and therefore not the best for a mask.
~ Two layers of batiks should be used. Flannel is too loose of a weave against one layer of cotton.
Be sure to wash fabric in hot water before assembling your mask to allow for shrinkage that can occur.
~ Denim, duck cloth, canvas and such can also be used.
~Polyesters or other less breathable fabrics do not work for masks, due to the moisture produced with breathing.
~ Elastic needs to be in good shape, with plenty of stretch and an appropriate size to fit over the ears. 1/16" round cord, or 1/8" braided elastic work best.
~ If elastic is not available, fabric ties can be sewn on the mask. Four ties are needed (one tie on each of the four corners). Ties should be approximately 1/4 inch width, with no frayed edges, and long enough to be tied into a bow on the top of the head (for the top corners and behind the head for the bottom covers).
~ Extra wide double bias tape can be used. You can purchase this, or make your own.
~ Non-coordinating fabrics, thread, binding strips are fine... but a well sewn mask with no frayed edges, missed seams , or holes is important.
