Students turn to mask making during the pandemic
Ms. Dixon-Perkins carefully crafts numerous masks within her own home with a sewing machine. The aesthetic of the mask is considered along with the effectiveness.
May 28, 2020
Students and teachers are turning to sewing masks as a way to not only save money but support service workers.
The CDC recommends cotton face masks and advises surgical masks, such as N95s to only be used by first responders and healthcare workers. The CDC states cloth masks should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. The CDC also recommends wearing a face cloth in places where social distancing can be difficult, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and hospitals.
Senior Marian Frick has taken an eco-friendly approach to mask making. “We have tons of random fabrics around the house, luckily almost all of them are breathable and cotton which is the type of fabric you want for a mask,” Frick said. “We also conveniently have a surplus of elastic.”
Frick uses materials on hand, including a pair of old pajama pants.
“It’s nice I finally get to use some of these funkier fabrics that I wouldn’t have used for making clothes,” Frick said.
Students like Frick have found it’s a productive way to spend their time during the pandemic.
“I’ve had a lot of fun making them because I love sewing and it’s giving me something to do when I can’t get out much,” Frick said.
Frick has made masks for friends and family and even used her social media to reach a larger audience.
Senior Rose Hicks also used her sewing to help others.
“Pretty soon I’m going to make more and box them up for LMH,” Hicks said.
Hicks has been taking extra measures during this time to keep her family safe.
“I have older parents (68 and 66), so I’ve had to be really careful about making sure I don’t get COVID to protect them,” Hicks said. “I quarantined myself a week in advance before the stay at home order was announced.”
Hicks has also enjoyed virtually volunteering for her church by editing their online services.
“As of now I’ve volunteered around 15 hours or so during quarantine just from my home. I really hope I can empower others to do the same,” Hicks said. “I’ve been given a lot of free time and I’d like to use it as an opportunity to bless other people.”
