Personal Use and Medical Masks

  Hi all,

    I hope this email finds you well during this difficult time.  I have received many emails and phone calls from people inquiring about making masks. I’ve also been in contact with the Regional Emergency Management Team here in Berkshire County (representing 8 local communities) as well as a representative from BMC (Berkshire Medical Center). 

   As quilters, we want to help in any way we can.  If you have the time and materials, there is a need for masks. 

  For those people in or around Berkshire County, here is some information on how you can help.  For those out of the area, please contact your local agencies and hospitals.

Personal Use Masks:

  Here are some patterns that people are using for masks.  These patterns are for “non-medical” or personal use and will be distributed to non-profit(food banks) and other agencies through the Regional Emergency Management Team.  This will help to prevent the spreading of germs but cotton does not keep the virus from spreading.

You might also google other patterns and youtube videos.    There are patterns for both adults and children,

https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/5-free-diy-face-mask-tutorials-using-fabric

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2bZTaKtcQM&t=207s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMm0pXMd8Mg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kwFaRFHKhY

https://freesewing.org/blog/facemask-frenzy/?ck_subscriber_id=596902543

PDF (printable)

https://courierpressblogs.com/pdf/howtomakeafacemask.pdf

 
Medical Use Masks:

This is information from BMC for masks that can be made to be used with the N95 filters (includes a tutorial)

https://mcusercontent.com/b568f465b0c00513a27a30a51/files/96ead3b7-b436-4a71-95e4-32d9832e96da/Medical_Masks.pdf

Two drop points for these masks are at BMC and Berkshire Outfitters.

 
Suggestions on materials:

Please use a high quality 100% cotton.  Batiks have a tighter weave. Some people are suggesting flannel for the fabric close to the face.  You can also use a lightweight interfacing between the layers.  Please prewash fabric.

 
Local Drop Off points:

For local people, we are currently closed but will put a two plastic containers outside our front door for those who want to drop off any masks.  We will get them to where they need to go.



Please stay safe and healthy!

Your friends at Karen's