Life in the time of COVID-19…and how it changed my life at home.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I know that it’s been a while since I’ve updated. Parenthood and getting settled into routines have definitely taken time away from planning events and craft projects. I am currently a furloughed Teacher at my children’s school. My specialty is Arts and Crafts, with focus on Science. I miss my students dearly! I hope to go back once things are settled and provided a position is available for me.

When quarantining began my goals were quite simple: ensure my children actively participate in their virtual learning, prepare meals, spending quality time with the family, and stay informed on the virus and on current events. But as with most things, once the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, I got a bit restless and needed something more to occupy my time. While consuming all of this news and information regarding the virus, precautions to take, and how to manage, I became curious about masks. I did a deep dive on cloth masks and which types were deemed acceptable by the medical community. I decided to try my hand at it, and made some for my parents, in-laws and friends. I enjoyed making them and I decided that maybe I could make more to help out those in need of them and maybe make a little bit of money while i’m out of work. What started with a few masks, exploded to now nearly 700 masks being sold up to date.

Looking back to a few months ago when I first started taking orders to make masks, I definitely made a few mistakes. But like most things, the more masks that I made, the better the finished product was. And once I became confident in making them, I turned my attention to improving them even more. I began to modify to improve things like durability, breathability, comfort, moisture wicking, antimicrobial, maintaining shape, and ability to adjust. And I’m really happy with where I am with the masks now, while remaining open-minded to further innovation. I’ve had the pleasure of making masks for local neighbors, medical providers and all essential workers and have received pretty wonderful feedback. I’m really pleased that they’re a hit.

People have asked me where I learned to sew. They chuckle when I tell them that my mom is a master seamstress and owns an alteration shop in Houston, Texas. I was exposed to sewing at an early age and have many memories growing up helping out around the shop. I would help her thread the machines, refill the bobbins, put all the pins back into their pin cushions and greet the customers on the weekends. As I got older, she trusted me to handle some of the smaller jobs like hemming pants and skirts (by hand) and adding buttons.

Now that I’m a wife and mom, I still sew things from time to time. In fact, my biggest sewing undertaking (prior to mask-making, of course) was for my daughter’s 2nd birthday party. In 2019, I handmade little stuffed elephants and to give to my daughter’s guests as party favors! The two weeks leading up to the party were exciting, but also extremely stressful. I was excited because I loved how great they turned out and I couldn’t wait to see her classmates’ reactions when we gave them the elephants. It was also stressful because it took me forever to finish over ten elephants. Overall, they were a big hit! No regrets!!!

Making masks has definitely been a journey these past few months! I find sewing these very therapeutic, especially when I need a break from my two little rugrats. I am truly grateful to have an understanding husband who helps me hold down the fort so I can go to my happy place, aka my craft room.

Stay safe and healthy friends! ❤

Special shout outs to all the small businesses where I almost exclusively order my materials in creating the masks. If anyone is interested, I’ll be happy to share the names of the businesses with you.

Legal Disclaimer:
The mask is not intended to act as a medical device or other medical product, and should not be used as a replacement for conventional and approved personal protective equipment, including surgical masks or respirators. No warranties, either express or implied, are hereby given that the mask will prevent infection or the transmission of viruses or diseases. The mask is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should always consult a doctor or other healthcare provider.