Can you sew? Have you a stash of cotton fabric?

Photo by Laura Ingalls Gunn at decortoadore.net

I read a lot of historical fiction about the times of the two World Wars - and even the Civil War.  In those books, women spend a lot of time rolling bandages, knitting bandages, and otherwise making  medical supplies.

If you've been reading or listening to the news, you know there's a shortage of medical supplies in this country that's endangering the lives of medical professionals and first responders.  If you sew and you have a stash of cotton fabric (especially quilting fabric,) you might be able to help by making face masks.  If you are on Instagram or Twitter, search #millionmaskchallenge.

You can drop them off at Joann Fabrics and they will distribute.  Here's a link to their information page:

Joann Make to Give Page

 My internet friend Laura Ingalls Gunn has a great blog post:  https://decortoadore.net/2020/03/how-to-sew-hospital-face-masks.html 

You Tube tutorial:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgHrnS6n4iA

Another You Tube tutorial  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCJcE-r7kcg 

New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/business/coronavirus-masks-sewers.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

Another Times article with patterns, and even a no-sew hack:  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/opinion/coronavirus-n95-mask.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

Yet another Times article!  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/well/live/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage 

If you yourself use face masks, perhaps you can make and use your own (washing in hot water and bleach to sterilize)  and donate your supply of commercially made masks to a medical professional!