When I received an email from my Relief Society President that there was a need to make 100 medical masks, I decided to sign up. At first I couldn’t get in, because everyone was signing up and the server was down. I persisted and finally got to pick up my bag on April 21st.
When I picked up my bag there was a line of cars to go up to where they had you put your window down in the back seat so they could put the bag with instructions in. Everyone had their masks on.
The instructions were well written, You first had to sanitize your work area, plus your machine, Before you even started you need to wash your hands, and make sure no animal hair came in contact with the masks.
Here are my tips on how to make the masks.
- Use clover clips. The pins would stick too much to the fabric.
- For binding I use my number 10 foot. This helps my stitches close the masks. Then I flip over and stitch the other side. Some will zig zag, if you feel you can catch both sides.
- Always back stitch at beginning and end where the mask is. DO NOT sew down the whole binding strip.
- Do the steps in batches.
First sewthe masks in half then turned right side out.
Second pleat and clip in place.
Sew them down on both sides.
Then I sewed all the binding on. - I would do them in batches of 20, but completed all steps till you hit the 100 mark.
Masks
Sewing on this BERNINA 790 Plus made this process a dream. It stitches like a dream and has a big throat to be able to view as I chain stitched my batches of twenty in each step.
The 10C foot kept my 1/8″ stitch near the binding edge. Using the straight line as a guide helped keep me on line. It also helped keep the fabric nice and taught, I wasn’t use to the fabric mesh that was used. Using the clips made it stay in place as I stitched the binding down.
“At JustServe, we believe that nothing should get in the way of organizations and volunteers coming together to do good things for the community, so we help make this happen for free.”
Justserve.org
I am thankful that we have opportunities to serve in our community at this time. Covid 19 hasn’t been easy for anyone.
Doing small acts of service can not only help others, but it puts our focus on someone else. It will change our mindset for the better, as we make a positive impact on the world.
Stay safe out there! Keep your hands busy by creating good!
PS. 12.98 hours to make 100 masks from April 21st to April 23rd. Dropped off on April 25th at 10:30am.
That’s a great turnaround time!
Thanks! I dedicated to it like it was my full time job!
I’ve been sewing masks for family and friends. I’m not a fast sewer but am making as many as I can. I use tee shirt strips for the straps and they work great!
Thank you for your support. My husband is on the front lines.
Bless you for your support. Both my two daughters and daughter-in-law are nurses and are on the front lines.