Friday, October 2, 2020

Mask Production 101 with a little giveaway

 

After the 50th mask came off my machine, I thought – “enough”! But the requests kept coming and so another 50 marched through and then out the door. I ran out of elastic weeks ago and resorted to cutting up old t-shirts. They are actually more comfortable than the elastic! I’m sure we are all sick of making masks and gowns and caps, but as quilters we cannot say no to those in need and so… here is 101!

 


My mind has turned to mush during these crazy times and I feel like my quilting has suffered. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. If you have been in production, what was “your” breaking point?

 Simply leave me a comment on or before October 10 for a chance to win a little surprise package. This includes my overseas friends as well, just realize that if you win, it may take a bit longer to reach you.

 I will number each response and choose a winner by drawing a number out of a mask!

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54 comments:

  1. KayOctober 2, 2020 at 11:51 AM

    I was resistant at first to making masks because I was in denial about COVID but when family and friends were in need I needed to step up to the plate. I found it depressing to spend my time making masks instead of quilting. I'm relieved that masks are more plentiful now. But I'm still down with everything going on.

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    Replies
    1. Sharon WayneNovember 2, 2020 at 6:44 AM

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      Delete
  2. cityquilter graceOctober 2, 2020 at 12:25 PM

    i made 5 and that was my limit...until my sister needed a couple so 2 more and that was it...lol

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  3. nestkiOctober 2, 2020 at 12:32 PM

    Like you, I had several breaking points. After 200, I am done, done. It helps that cloth masks are now available in stores such as the grocery store.

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  4. SandyOctober 2, 2020 at 12:55 PM

    Oh Wendy ... I made one! And it was pretty much a disaster. I use an N95 because it makes me feel safer. They’ve been available to the general public here for several months now. I did make three hospital gowns, does that count?

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  5. JanetOctober 2, 2020 at 12:56 PM

    I’ve made a few dozen masks. It’s sorta fun to choose fabrics from my stash that different people will like. I did make a stack for church all out of the same fabric - that felt like work and not play. It’s still time spent in my sewing room... I’d rather be quilting!!!

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  6. Material GirlOctober 2, 2020 at 1:07 PM

    I don’t think that I have made a hundred but at least 80 ish. I made them for family members. Then fir the guys at the max security prison my son works with. I made them for small children of friends. School is going to start here so I made more masks for my granddaughter. I HATE making masks and I’m on my 3 rd order of elastic. 145 yards this time....I’m definitely not ordering more. It’s interesting that “ sewing machine operators” have become so popular. I guess quilting and sewing are being appreciated . Inteeesting times.....

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  7. Janet O.October 2, 2020 at 1:29 PM

    I have been keeping track of the masks made and where they have gone--that is just how I roll. I have made 481. Hubby thinks I should go for an even 500, but I haven't made one for weeks--and don't want to. However, if the 60 or so I still have on hand get used up and people need more, I will churn out a few.
    BTW, I have plenty of elastic, if you want, and I think the soft braided kind is the best.
    My quilting has suffered extremely. Even since I stopped making masks (which was taking any sewing time I could muster), my mojo for quilting has been on life support. Your monthly minis are what keeps me at least in survival mode. :)

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  8. Sharon StroudOctober 2, 2020 at 1:43 PM

    I am over the 300 mask mark. We still need them and I like people to have a variety. It's pretty mindless work at this point. So far I've made for family and friends near and far, the public library, a church, a school, and a riding academy in, of all places, Maine! Each mask has a fun side (sometimes you feel like a nut) and a more sedate side (sometimes you don't) and are reversible after washing each time worn. I try to make at least two for everyone, one to wear while one is being washed. I've enjoyed your adventures and quilts. Keep them coming!

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  9. AnneOctober 2, 2020 at 2:13 PM

    I topped 500 a while back, mostly for bulk appeals from my quilt guild and my church, but the requests have slowed way down so I'm probably done. I started slow but once I worked out my own easy-to-sew pattern variation, I was able to mass-produce them quickly. Contrary to other commenters, I felt gratified and fulfilled, knowing my masks were making a real contribution in the fight against the pandemic.

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  10. Kathleen COctober 2, 2020 at 2:41 PM

    A friend of mine quickly enlisted my help, and others, in making masks for hospitals, nursing homes and group homes. We used our own fabric and then a local quilt shop gave us a wonderful donation. Then I made masks for family and friends-I still make a few as requested. It's my way of helping when there is nothing else I can do. I made 900 masks, working part of every morning. After the first month of mask making I needed to do some quilting and worked on a "coin" style quilt and a liberated log cabin. It felt wonderful to work on quilts with scraps of fabric!
    Wendy, I love your blog and your beautiful quilts. Thank you for writing and sharing with all of us.

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  11. Quilting BabciaOctober 2, 2020 at 2:50 PM

    I feel like a slacker after reading the above comments as my total is just over 100. At first I made them for the local hospital when N95 masks were nearly nonexistent and my husband donated the few N95 masks he had in his shop inventory. Since then I've sent to family members, our church and a few others. But it never seemed very fulfilling after masks became widely available and I have no plans to make more at this point. Definitely agree with your comment about the brain turning to mush! I think we all have covid crisis syndrome.

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  12. dorthaOctober 2, 2020 at 3:41 PM

    I have made about 70 or so masks. Made some hair covers. I think my mood has more to do with not knowing when activities that I look forward to are back on the horizon. It seems to take the wind of my sails with nothing to look forward to such as Paducah and other quilt shows, birthday celebrations and other holidays. Hoping for better days.

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  13. Theresa WestrupOctober 2, 2020 at 5:29 PM

    I have made about 30-40 masks but I really don't keep count. I feel like a real slacker after reading some of the other comments. I have made and given away 9 charity quilts this year though because I would rather make quilts than masks.

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  14. vincenzo126October 2, 2020 at 5:29 PM

    It's Covid Times. So I made masks...maybe 100. I'm hopeful it helps each person that got them. And as hard as it is some days, I try to be upbeat. My quilting helps. Stay safe, everyone.
    -Jean
    ❤️

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  15. Becky in VAOctober 2, 2020 at 5:45 PM

    I lost count after 75. . .I haven't been as creative and productive as I normally am - I waste time, something that I didn't do much of before the pandemic. We have mostly stayed home since early March. Thankfully, we have email, facebook, blogs, etc., and I have a very good friend who I call EVERYDAY at 2 p.m., and we always seem to have about 30 or 40 minutes of something good to talk about. Family and friends are so important and I MISS QUILT SHOWS!!!

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  16. AnnieQuiltsOctober 2, 2020 at 6:12 PM

    I tried, but my perfectionist tendencies stood in the way. Then my sister and I stumbled upon a perfect partnership. She's made 700 so far, and I provided the fabric from my stash. A few were for family; others were donated to a nursing home and a homeless shelter.

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  17. Debra GOctober 2, 2020 at 6:24 PM

    I made masks during April. After 162 masks, at the end of the month, it got pretty depressing. Mainly i guess because I was only sewing masks, no quilting, and also just because of the dire need for the masks. Since then, I’ve made masks occasional, when someone requested them. And lots more time for quilts. It’s nice to have more balance!

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  18. AngeliasueOctober 2, 2020 at 7:55 PM

    I wasn't making masks bc I recently became a widow, moved, & wasn't into sewing. Then my grandchildren needed them for school so I found a pattern & went to making them!

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  19. JuleeOctober 2, 2020 at 9:15 PM

    I have made around 100...and put away the fabric and the t-shirt bands for later...yes enough is enough...until another request... back to sewing and some online shopping.

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  20. GranChrisOctober 2, 2020 at 9:34 PM

    Every time I turn around someone is asking for masks. Last count the grandkids got 150. They have friends in need. My friends got 200. Please no more mask making. I like to quilt. Yes I have a "dud brain." I'm used to a Lupus fog brain now I have a Dud brain. I share your misery.

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  21. SallyCOctober 3, 2020 at 12:48 AM

    I only made about 20 mask and used t-shirt material instead of elastic but really didn't enjoy making them at all. I was going to make some for friends that worked in a local nursing home but they were not allowed to where homemade masks so I just quit making them.

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  22. Maddie sews masksOctober 3, 2020 at 12:59 AM

    I made about 100. The last I made was for the kids going back to school. Then it got cool and my fingers cut so sore I had to quit. Now I’m getting itchy to get back to sewing again. Christmas is coming. Who knows what Christmas will be like but the holiday will still come. Not sure what I’m going to make, I know I’m going to make pillow cover out of 2 1/2 inch strips holiday material. I think that looks like fun. God bless Everyone who made masks And gave them away. When I gifted a masked I told them to Stay safe and healthy.

    to stay safe and healthy when I get them to them. I guess that was the thing that kept me going was so good that I was hoping to do. Thanks for asking

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  23. ShirleyfOctober 3, 2020 at 3:38 AM

    I made about 50, some for family, some donated.

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  24. ButterZOctober 3, 2020 at 4:02 AM

    I have made plenty of masks and many for my work colleagues. I have not tried the tshirts for ear straps yet

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  25. Pamela ArbourOctober 3, 2020 at 5:09 AM

    I have only made about 150 masks so far. I started doing 20 at a time production style but that got a little boring so I have figured that I can get 10 out quickly and get back to my quilting! LOL But the masks are important and we do have Halloween, Thankskgiving and Christmas coming up!

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  26. The Joyful QuilterOctober 3, 2020 at 5:29 AM

    Kudos for reaching 100 masks! Who doesn't love a drawing? Best of luck to all of your readers, Wendy.

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  27. Rosemary B❤️October 3, 2020 at 5:57 AM

    I have not sewed 100+ masks. I did sew about 25 though.
    My mind turned to mush too!! I am certainly relieved to know I am not the only one.
    I agree about the ear straps and I will try the t shirt strips.
    I am so glad you are coping though.... we do have our moments. Best of luck to all of the entrants. I could use a little surprise as many others of us.
    Happy Saturday

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  28. elincpOctober 3, 2020 at 6:22 AM

    I sewed masks but did not keep count. A fellow friendly Etsy seller from China sent me 100 yards of elastic for free that I distributed to others who were sewing masks. She also sent disposable masks that I sent to a local hospital. That made me feel better. Then I switched to skull caps which was way more fun. My daughter is a nurse and said the skull caps were a big hit at her hospital. :)

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  29. Sharon MOctober 3, 2020 at 6:26 AM

    Requests keep coming! I covered my immediate family and grandchildren. Tee shirt strips seem to be more comfortable than elastic.

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  30. SherrillOctober 3, 2020 at 6:31 AM

    I did get to a point where I just said DONE and quit making the masks (although requests have pretty much stopped). But every once in awhile, I'll run across a pattern for a 'different' mask and will try it out. The last one claimed to be no fog for glasses wearers and I must say I do like it. But I bought something on etsy that's not elastic and so much more comfy..not sure exactly what it is but I like it!

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  31. JustGailOctober 3, 2020 at 6:44 AM

    I only made about 20 or so masks, still have a few spares on hand. I made primarily for family, but did I sell a few after an acquaintance saw me in a store with one on. Even sewing that small number, I found it depressing. It wasn't so much that it was not fun sewing like making a garment or quilt, but SO much conflicting information on style to sew, fabrics to use, different places requiring certain features, etc made it difficult to even decide which version of mask to sew.

    Oh and let's not forget - it seems like so many expected us to donate our stash and time. Yet again our time, effort and supplies were deemed so valuable but yet not worthy of proper compensation.

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  32. CathyOctober 3, 2020 at 6:56 AM

    That's a lot of masks. I've made about 45 masks. I even gave mine away. So now I've got make one for myself. Hugs

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  33. LorisOctober 3, 2020 at 7:24 AM

    It's oddly encouraging to hear of others not finding this time as helpful to quilting as we would think. I think I have more time and yet I'm distracted and not accomplishing much. I guess I'm glad to not be alone in it and hopeful that like many things...it will pass :-)
    I haven't counted the number of masks. I used up 100 plastic wire things for the nose piece and then finally changed to a pattern with no pleats (YAY!) that don't really need them and lost count. The fires here in my state of California in August pretty much stopped my sewing except for masks. The fires aren't near me and thankfully many of them have eased up a bit. So I'm getting back to it and found a jelly roll to make a quilt to send to the effort in Oregon to give to families that have lost their home. This will likely cheer me as much or more than the family receiving it. Praying we will get through this stronger and kinder! Thank you for encouraging us!

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  34. LindaOctober 3, 2020 at 9:10 AM

    Like you, I am using the strips cut from tee shirts instead of elastic. And yes, much gentler on the ears :) This whole deal with Covid and social distancing has caused a lot of anxiety in people. It's kind of hard to find joy right now. I haven't quilted in quite a long time. So looking forward to things getting back to normal.

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  35. Chris K.October 3, 2020 at 10:53 AM

    I haven't kept count, maybe 40-50. I make one or two from time to time just for us, as I have a lot of elastic bought from Amazon.

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  36. audreyOctober 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM

    I only made about 25 masks and found it incredibly depressing. It really felt hard, like I was pushing, pushing myself. I figured I'd make more later if needed, but thankfully my family found other ways to get masks. It's been a really odd year for quilting. At first I thought things would eventually return to 'normal', but just lately I've found that my entire mindset has changed. Will it ever go back? I'm not sure, but no longer feel as stressed to have my output be so different. I just quilt what I like, when I like and encourage myself that it's a feel good hobby with lots of therapeutic benefits. If I have stacks of unfinished projects at the end of this time in life, who cares? At least I'll be reasonably sane. lol

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  37. Chookyblue......October 3, 2020 at 6:03 PM

    haven't made a mask and hope I don't need one.....we have been fortunate to not have any covid in our region and I have limited my trips to places anyway........
    Interesting you have hit a quilting wall....I understand how this could happen........as I have continued to work and it's been much harder then usual I have felt jealous of those who have had lots of time to sew and create.....I feel my creative juices have amlost died.......

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  38. Kleine VingersOctober 4, 2020 at 12:25 AM

    I admire all that made so many masks, I made only 7, but might make more.

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  39. SusanDOctober 4, 2020 at 7:14 AM

    Can you share how to use tshirt material for loops? Luckily I had a stash of elastic but it is depleted! I believe I have made over 500 masks. Alas, still have a hearty fabric stash. Most of the masks were donated through our local guild but our family were covered as well. In April I think I was seeing them 24/7 and getting a little tired of the repetition. Thank goodness for different and colorful fabric. Listening to music and audio tapes help.
    Hello, to Bath, Maine ! Was there 47 yrs ago on our honeymoon. It was so beautiful and friendly.

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  40. Lin McQOctober 4, 2020 at 10:40 AM

    I’ve only made about 20 masks for my immediate family. And of those, the 4 I made for the grandkids were too big. The adults seem to like them though and the men asked for more. I’ve broken my rule of one appliqué project at a time and now have several on the go. Covid quarantine finds me u able to concentrate on one thing too long. I’m much more scattered. Thankfully we are both healthy, but we miss contact with our family and friends. Social media, Netflix and Amazon Prime TV has been my savior.

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  41. Lin McQOctober 4, 2020 at 10:41 AM

    I’ve only made about 20 masks for my immediate family. And of those, the 4 I made for the grandkids were too big. The adults seem to like them though and the men asked for more. I’ve broken my rule of one appliqué project at a time and now have several on the go. Covid quarantine finds me u able to concentrate on one thing too long. I’m much more scattered. Thankfully we are both healthy, but we miss contact with our family and friends. Social media, Netflix and Amazon Prime TV has been my savior.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Lin McQOctober 4, 2020 at 10:41 AM

    I’ve only made about 20 masks for my immediate family. And of those, the 4 I made for the grandkids were too big. The adults seem to like them though and the men asked for more. I’ve broken my rule of one appliqué project at a time and now have several on the go. Covid quarantine finds me u able to concentrate on one thing too long. I’m much more scattered. Thankfully we are both healthy, but we miss contact with our family and friends. Social media, Netflix and Amazon Prime TV has been my savior.

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  43. SallyOctober 4, 2020 at 1:29 PM

    I stopped counting at 63! Ran out of elastic, switched to lace elastic (for underwear) and then started during strips from panty hose. Last 2 more comfy.
    Got burn out around 50 and took a break. Just got creative grids template ruler for the other style (yeah!!! No pleats!!!) So going strong again. Tried using up those fat quarters that don't match my fabrics but also take requests for novelty style, if I have some! Quilting has suffered but going strong on wool ornaments while watching tv!

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  44. Randy D.October 4, 2020 at 7:48 PM

    You sure have been productive, Wendy. 100 + masks??!! VERY impressive. I didn't keep track of how many I made at the very beginning because I thought it was going to be so short lived. BOY was I ever wrong.
    It's interesting to read all your comments about how many masks others have made as well as their overall loss of motivation!
    Stay well!

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  45. Andee NeffOctober 5, 2020 at 6:18 AM

    I did not want to make any masks but eventually made about 35 or so...gave many away. Hope to not make anymore though Holiday ones might be cute, haha!

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  46. gladiquiltsOctober 5, 2020 at 7:09 AM

    Hi Wendy. I made several dozen masks during the first few months of the pandemic for family and friends, in addition to several scrub caps for my daughter. I continue to make an occasional mask to replace lost ones or to give to friends. Hospital PPE supplies are better now so less need from us. I have not reached my "breaking point" yet and continue to "quilt up a storm." Maybe that's because I limited the mask production - not sure. I am, however, worried about the coming winter
    and the ongoing isolation it's going to impose. We will all need to be resilient and try to stay optimistic.

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  47. sue sOctober 5, 2020 at 11:23 AM

    I've made about 30 masks for family, friends, and request through my LQS. I keep making them, but it is an ordeal now. I'm using t-shirts as ties; haven't tried them as loop but I will do that next. I feel I am being useful though.

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  48. BarbOctober 6, 2020 at 5:52 AM

    I haven't made nearly that many. Probably about 25. Good for you friend.
    I too have covid brain fog
    (leave my name out - there are much worthier winners)

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  49. Jane DallmeyerOctober 7, 2020 at 5:01 AM

    I worked with the Healthy Ames , Ames Iowa. Group of ladies making masks for several schools. 12,500 is the last count. We even had accu cutter dies of 3 sizes of masks made, and I cranked that cutter one whole afternoon!!! I personally have lost count making over 140 and giving away to family and friends! Stay safe everyone!!

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  50. BarbaraOctober 8, 2020 at 3:37 PM

    I admire your sticktoitiveness in making so many masks! Needless to say we had just moved when Covid hit so I only made about 10. Kudos to all who rose to the occasion!

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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