It’s April 2020 and for weeks (months, at this point) we have been experiencing a global pandemic from Novel Coronavirus / Covid-19 that has left many of us wondering what the heck is going on, what it means for us personally and how we manage through this unprecedented time.

We started “social distancing” in late February and early March; we prepared our homes and family for isolating as this invisible nightmare passed, but here we are, still waiting for a return to what we know as “normal”. I can’t imagine what our new normal even looks like yet.

My primary concern was keeping my family and loved ones safe. Besides self-imposed isolation, #stayhome, wash your hands, and disinfect everything in sight, what could I do? That “let me fix it” gene kicked in and I started making face masks. Hearing that the supply of medical grade personal protective equipment (PPE) was not only low, but might run out, I realized I wasn’t going to be ordering any for personal use. Never in my 9 years of sewing & quilting did I think I would be making protective gear. But I am; and I’m now making them for others too.

I have zero interest in profiting off of a pandemic. I’m offering these handmade face masks on my Instagram account (@twoterriersstudio) while I have the time and supplies to make them. I’m asking readers to cover the cost of shipping ($7.75 flat rate, USPS Priority Mail) and to make a charitable contribution of $5.00 per mask. In the event of a large, bulk order, shipping fee may increase. I’m accepting payment by PayPal. When I get to the end of making masks, I will be donating 100% of profits to charity, so any contribution over this amount is appreciated. I’m tracking every sale by state, # of masks and contribution and that will be a follow up post at some point. At this time, I am only shipping within the continental United States, as I am doing this from home & not going into the post office. I think it’s a full circle of compassion…I’m using a skill I learned from others to make a product that might help people stay safe, and their contribution is in turn helping someone else. This may be a scary and negative time, but goodness prevails. Right?

I must say, my handmade masks are NOT medical grade; they do not have a filter insert and I would not promise that they prevent Covid-19. I can say that they are made from quality quilting cotton that has been washed and sewn in a pet-free, smoke-free studio by a maker who has practiced social distancing since early March and who shows no outward signs of being infected. For those who have worked with me before and ordered custom totes, bags and other items, you know that I work to make sure your color and style preferences are met. That is not happening with face masks. I’m not taking color preferences or custom designs. This is a function over fashion moment. My masks do feature two fabrics so that the user knows which side was next to their skin and which was exposed to the outside. The masks are all machine-washable and should be washed frequently. If you’d like the pleats to be crisp after washing, a quick press with a hot iron will work.

If you or someone you know needs a mask, please visit my Instagram account @twoterriersstudio and direct message me there with your name and quantity needed. I will follow up as promptly as possible. I am taking time off until April 13th to celebrate the Easter holiday with my family, but will be in communication after that time.

My hesitation in making masks for people outside my immediate family is that there is a VERY fine line between helping others and creating a false sense of security. I kindly ask that anyone wearing my masks please educate themselves with the safety guidelines set forth by your physicians, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or ever-changing, published/professional guidelines. I am not a doctor, a nurse or health-care provider. I know these masks are not foolproof, but I wear mine with the mindset of “better than nothing” if I need to go outside. I cannot and do not ensure this will protect you 100% from an infection. So, I’m happy to make these, but expect that buyers educate themselves as we are all learn about this disease and how to be safe. (UGH, all the disclaimer stuff; wish I didn’t have to say it.)

I wish you all good health in these trying times. Many heartfelt thanks to our healthcare heroes who work tirelessly each day to keep each of us safe. I hope we all do our part to make their jobs easier so that they, too, can return home safely to their loved ones.