Coronavirus Mask + Gown Making Relief
When wearing masks know the facts. (See CDC post below.) Wash your hands when taking on and off. Wash the mask daily at least. Know that in current studies it is not protecting You but more you from inventing others. Keeping a distance of at least 6ft while making necessary journeys outside and washing your hands regularly while wearing a mask is strongly urged. Pulling your mask on and off while outside risks contamination. Micro Droplets Video
(UPDATES BELOW and marked*) Definitely a double entendre. Something to do while you remain in doors, and help out your fellow man. I reshared another makers instagram post about making your own masks at home to help out while being stuck inside. Because I have no reference materials myself, I thought it may be helpful to compile a few helpful links that we found out there. Definitely reach out if you found one you like more! I'll keep adding.
*CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
*When making masks for hospitals check in with them to see what they prefer and don't just send them in.
*FU Mask Pattern I added a 13" elastic to the top for around head and 2.5' of twill cord for around the neck. Cutting up an old tshirt for straps is helpful tip for those without supplies.
*Instagram helpful video tutorial. My own personal modifications; My fabric square is 8.5"x10" and I used a 42" cord looped all the way through instead of elastic. The cord rests on top of your head and ties down at the back of neck. 
*No Sew Mask: http://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-han…
This is a Great post about different fabrics you can use and their effectiveness. Go here first to determine what you have lying around that is the best option; https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/?fbclid=IwAR2wAgblHodWLjN8LHDQuf8DTJsAy4edi3lWxKuHzwMcN9rKanlPnYfqYTQ
This Instructables post has two mask options, downloadable links and pictures at important steps, just scroll down a bit. Also, child sizes! https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask/?fbclid=IwAR1bfqBvoh1XDUYAPbTbNAMSOknzAXQbBWaXvQv4utsSRpq-F3gYW9XwKvI
Here's a pdf download for the FU Mask And a youtube video that's very helpful; https://freesewing.org/blog/facemask-frenzy/?fbclid=IwAR1P8cz5V-Z1t-Raztq7cxtL4DsVTAgLCkFdYnabR-FolZ2RGhP7xkH5hYA
But where to send them? I had heard that Providence hospitals sent a call out for makers to make them. I would probably look locally to see who needs them in your area specifically. Any suggestions from readers who know who needs them? I will add below here;
UPDATE ONE:
Gotham City Quilts "This probably is obvious, but sewn masks are not as effective as medical-grade masks like the N95 masks which stop 97% of virus-sized particles (the ones we need to demand our government provide).
From the link: Data shows that DIY masks made with a single layer of cotton clothing or a tea towel can remove around 50-60% of virus-sized particles. This means they perform worse than surgical masks and FFP2 (N95) masks. Wearing the homemade masks for 3 hours had no significant effect on the filtration efficiency."
We are in contact with a nurse at Mount Sinai West in NYC who is requesting masks. They can be mailed to:
Mount Sinai West
3G Rehab Unit
ATTN: Sonia Mains
1000 10th Ave
New York, NY 10019
And here are some other drives we've found that you can donate to:
- Atlantic Health System hospitals in New Jersey are asking for masks to be dropped off
- A list of New York facilities asking for masks
- Operation: We Can Sew It in Colorado
- Sarah Lawson of Sew Sweetness has a list of Chicago-area places
UPDATE TWO:
Masks needed but also gowns! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SGh4GStsBs3gYS_tbB017lVFNSfC1aVbbUiCtN9fZlA/edit
Open Jar Studios is building a team of sewers. If you down't have a machine they can even help with that! Go to their page for more info and sign up.
https://www.openjarstudios.com/broadwayrelief
UPDATE THREE:
UPDATE FOUR:
NYC SEWING CALL