Up and Running!
If you were to ask me six months ago where my sewing machine was, I’d shrug my shoulders and point to a corner of my closet. Somewhere over there, I think? Never would I have imagined I’d go from not knowing where the machine was, to re-learning how to sew, to overcoming technical difficulties (thread tension, I’m looking at you!), to making 10-20 masks a day that are not too embarrassing to share.
When the shelter-in-place began in my local county several months ago, my main focus was keeping my family safe, stocking up on necessities, and… I’ll admit… lining up some binge-worthy shows. The news around the world and across the nation was overwhelming, and I felt so helpless. Then one day, while looking into hand-made face masks for personal use, I came across information about amazing groups coming together to sew cloth masks for front line workers. What? YES! I started spending a lot of time researching pros/cons of different mask designs. I scoured the internet for fabric, elastic, pipe cleaners, bias tape, filters, sewing tools, you name it. Since I was a little late to the game, a lot of these supplies were either depleted or sold at a ridiculous markup. Capitalizing on this pandemic absolutely boils my blood, so I made sure to avoid those retailers.
It took a few more days, but I was finally (mentally) ready to dust off my sewing machine and to get to work. I remember sitting by my mom as she sewed when I was young. I remember her (now vintage) black sewing machine with an attached green-colored table. Most of all, I remember begging her to stop sewing so she can play with me. She couldn’t though. That was her work, and she needed to make a living. Many, many years later, I bought my own sewing machine. To make pajama bottoms. I made 4 pairs, and then the machine was relegated to a corner of my closet where it kept the dust mites company for several years. The first mask I made was awesome (in my mind!), and I still wear it, but please don’t look too closely at the stitching. I started making masks for my friends and family and collecting feedback (thanks, guys!), and I feel I’m now ready to share my craft with others. Still, please don’t look too closely at the stitching. After all, I’m relatively new at this sewing thing.
I created Mask Slinger to contribute to the existing efforts to donate hand-made face masks for our communities. I wanted to create a way for individuals and organizations to submit requests as well. As many areas are moving to re-open, it’s more important than ever to protect those around us, especially those who are most vulnerable.
On that note… back to “work”! And to watch the SpaceX Launch! How momentous!
