This week’s reflection comes from Xandi Garino.
How to make your own fabric mask
Information and advice changes quickly these days. It is one of the maddening aspects of modern life. In the early days, when COVID-19 first arrived in the US and it became clear we had a global pandemic on our hands, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advised us that masks were not needed. Now, as we’ve learned more about the virus, those recommendations have changed: we are advised to cover our faces when venturing out. We now know that individuals can infect others for days before they, themselves, have symptoms. Because we cannot test everyone yet to see who has the infection and who doesn’t, we don’t know who to avoid; therefore, we distance ourselves from everyone. That’s where face coverings come in.
My Mom, wanting to do her part and contribute, started making face masks. She’s very creative and has clever hands. I’m a clinician and very familiar with how medical masks feel, so together we searched the internet, found a pattern we liked and modified it a bit. We were both very satisfied with the results. We started with the second mask pattern demonstrated here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmR2P4-b2Uc. We then made two modifications. First, using bias binding, my Mom made a pocket at the top and inside of the mask and inserted a pipe cleaner. This gave the mask good body and allowed it to sit snuggly around the nose and cheeks. Then, she took 2 small tucks at the bottom to snug it up under the chin. The mask is made with 3 layers of quilter’s cotton.
For those who don’t sew, there are many solutions also available online. This is an easy option: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgp7DSGN33k. In general, bandanas are not thick enough to be effective, but this option works because it is folded into many layers. Whichever style you prefer, remember to wash your mask regularly.
There are two important points to stress about face coverings. First and foremost, please do not use medical grade masks (like the now-famous N95s). Donate those to the medical professionals who truly need them. Second, there is a proper way to put the mask on and take it off (called, donning and doffing). Before putting on the mask, wash your hands. Don’t touch the parts of the mask that touch the face. Instead, put it on and take it off by the ties or elastic ear pieces. Also, masks and face coverings are not effective if you do not cover your nose! If you don’t cover your nose, don’t bother wearing a mask.
While you are doing your part to protect yourself and others, remember that many more people recover after being infected with COVID-19 than have serious illness. Be well. Be strong. Stay connected.
Xandi Garino
SUUS member since 2018