Making a Difference: One Mask at a Time
Fred Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” How true that is as we find ourselves in the midst of this pandemic. There are, of course, the front-line helpers like medical personnel, first responders, and those researching possible vaccines and cures. There are helpers like delivery drivers, mail carriers, and grocery store workers. And there are also helpers who are quietly using their creativity and skills to make sure those on the front lines (and everyone else too) have as much protection as possible.
Recently, I posted two different patterns for DIY Face Masks, and I was blessed with the opportunity to share them not just here on the website, but also on the lifestyle shows Midday Maryland and Good Day PA. I have been overwhelmed by the response as you all grabbed those patterns or others from various sites around the internet and started making them. Whether you’ve made one or one hundred, whether you’ve donated to hospitals and nursing homes, or just created them for the people you know and love, your efforts are making a difference…one mask at a time. A little bit of scrap fabric and a lot of love are protecting others, possibly even saving lives, and that’s something worth celebrating.
I took the liberty of compiling the photos many of you have shared with me via Instagram, Facebook, and email to create this video. You’ll also see some photos of the masks being worn by some of my personal heroes, my nurse friends Kim, Stephanie, and Jess, and their teams. I think this little video is a beautiful celebration of creativity, community, generosity, hope, and love. I hope it encourages you and reminds you that we are all in this together and that we all have something we can offer. You’ll notice toward the end of the video a photo of my dad (who does NOT sew) trimming the threads from masks my mom has been sewing. Each of us can do something. Together, we can do so much.
PS. If you’re interested in making DIY Masks, here are links to the two patterns I shared.
DIY FACE MASK WITH FILTER POCKET
Keep on creating, friends!
Amy, I am so thankful that you have given all of us your patterns to use. I have a lot of fabric on hand and a lot of time so I am going to sew a lot and hope that all who need masks now and in the future are blessed. Thank you so very much.
I’m so glad to hear this!