Making masks...

I'm finally making masks.  I don't know what took me so long, but with the infection rate rising dramatically in our area, I, for one, was happy to hear the CDC finally recommend everyone wear a face mask. I suspected we should have been wearing them for the last month, but as much as I hate to admit it, I simply wasn't motivated to make them before now.  It was some form of denial, I suppose.

But knowing we had to run an errand today, I got busy last night and made three (2 for hubs, and 1 for me):

I have a few pieces of girly fabric that suit me just fine, but nothing really masculine for hubs, so I cut up a striped cotton shirt that was in the donation pile.  I got two masks from the back of the man's shirt, and I imagine I can come up with one or two more with the front and sleeves.    

I used a pattern for an Olsen Mask (and benefited from the video at this link).   Video is also below:

And here's what it looks like on me:

Adding a disclaimer:  These masks are for personal use.  I've included information below about the details of these masks I've made that are comfortable for us.  Your sensitivities, or sensibilities may vary.  

I put a 20-gauge wire in the top (and machine-basted it in) so I could shape it on my face - otherwise, breathing with this on steams up my glasses big time.   I'm doubtful it will come through the wash with the wire still usable, but I'm going to try it and see.  The next masks I make, I'm going to take more care to create a neat casing along the top so that a wire can be slipped in and out.  The  really cool thing is, this tutorial suggests using pony tail holders for the ear pieces.  Genius!   I wonder if they would work equally well on the rectangular masks...  I think I will try that pattern, too, and see.   I found four elastic bands in a bathroom drawer, but when we were on our errand today I stopped in at the Dollar Tree and picked up a bunch more.  Thin ones work best, I believe, and have to be more comfortable than thicker elastic.

BTW, here's a tip (I found online in a video of a medical person explaining how to wear various masks) -- to keep from steaming up your glasses while wearing a mask like this:  Fold a tissue several times (lengthwise, until it's about an inch wide) and lay it along the top, but behind the mask.  I did this, and with the wire, the tissue wasn't even visible.  And it worked.  I haven't road tested it - by shopping or moving around a lot, but just wearing it around the house for a while, it seemed to stay in place.  I'm sure the wire helps.  

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Back to the errand we ran earlier today...  I'm really glad to share that our little church (along with some other churches in our small town) are delivering meals to the COVID Response Team at our local hospital.  I signed hubs and I up for today (and a few times in the future).   It's an opportunity  to support some local restaurants and give encouragement to those medical personnel who are working so tirelessly and bravely.  In a time of fear, loss, exhaustion and trauma, it felt good to do something tangible.  

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On a yarny note...  I am half-amazed, half-embarrassed to show my dishcloth knitting for the month of March, but here it is!

I'd call this stress knitting, but honestly, I haven't exactly felt stressed.  Or worried.  Of course, I haven't been struck with sickness, so... easy for me to say.

I've asked myself so many times, "What am I feeling?"

Grieved?  

Oh yes.  

Overwhelmed?  

Sometimes - yes.  I assume we all have had moments where we are overwhelmed by the loss and pain and trauma many are experiencing - if we are not experiencing these things ourselves.  

To be honest, I don't think a day goes by - probably not an hour goes by without realizing at some point that I am distracted.   

Yeah, I think it's fair to say my dishcloths at the moment have been "distracted knitting".  When I couldn't focus on anything more complicated than knit and purl, back and forth, row after row.  When sleep hasn't come until 3 am, or when words for cohesive prayers have been elusive, my hands kept busy.  

I pray you are kept safe and well in this time of uncertainty.

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In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

                                  Romans 8:26-27 New International Version