#donatemasks

A year ago I sewed my first masks. I had never used a sewing machine in my entire life, there were shortages of elastic, fabric, and thread. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was willing to try- I though that perhaps I would sew for just close friends and family, neighbors in my own community. Then something amazing happened...a friend of mine told me about how she drove past an encampment of homeless, and she wanted to make sure they had masks and the necessary items to stay healthy and safe. What started as a modest donation of 24 awkwardly sewn masks has grown to a project that has donated over 1K masks across two states, and has delivered orders to supporters across the country. I am humbled. Thank you all for your encouragement, love and support, it has been the most spiritually uplifting experience of my life♥️ #masksfornewjersey #donatemasks #maskssavelives #strongertogether https://www.instagram.com/p/CNiP0gxAnY4/?igshid=w9e7wb34axl5

There’s so much I could say, I never imagined in April of 2020 that Masks for New Jersey would generate the level of community support that it has. I’ve been able to make this happen because of all the love and generosity not only to be found in Boonton, but states away as well- each and every one of you is amazing! Your purchases have truly changed lives for the better, and spread the message that even amidst the chaos of the pandemic, those struggling with homelessness, housing insecurities and addiction are not forgotten, that we love and believe in them, and want to see them make it out to the other side of COVID. These masks were, and continue to be, a message of hope ♥️ And I promise, I’ll keep sewing until the day we can all safely gather together again. Thank you for supporting me, I could not have done it without you! #masksfornewjersey #donatemasks #helpthehomeless #communityaction #boontonstrong #handmadeinboonton #boontonpride #urbanegypsy https://www.instagram.com/p/CNGpf-9AKTw/?igshid=12i6kj65nvdeq

Spent most of yesterday and today learning #searchengineoptimization for @etsy Can't provide value if you're not getting seen! I still have a goal to #donatemasks , as many as possible to those with #compromised immune systems, like myself. I was avoiding this like crazy BC of how hard it was in the past. Happy to say once I let go of the dread, and tried again, it wasn't terrible and I've learned a lot! . . . . . #joyinthejourney #buckledown #learnanewskill #expanding #quantumleap #wereinthistogether #myunbreakablestory #passthepositivity #takecareofyourself #thisischronicillness #overcomingadversity #ramyway #rheumatoidarthritis #makersgonnamake #covidcreative #etsyfindsoftheday #maskmaker https://www.instagram.com/p/CAop1kID9oV/?igshid=71d1ezcphkpt

Rather proud of my second attempt at a mask. It’s not as pretty but it’s user-friendly and safer. There’s ear-elastics, wire to keep it flush with my face and prevent glasses-fog, and a pocket for a filter. I found this pattern at craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern, where you can find patterns in men’s, women’s, children’s, and baby sizes. I hope once I get my mother-in-law’s sewing machine I’ll finally be able to churn out enough masks to donate! You can find filter fabric at @getfilti. On a more serious note, I found out today that my 95-year-old grandfather has the virus and it doesn’t look good. I had been hoping I’d get to see him again before he passed but now that looks impossible. Please keep as far from other people as you can when you leave the house for essential errands, wear masks with the tightest weave you can find, wash your hands thoroughly, and if you have relatives or people in your circle who are talking conspiracy theories and not taking social distancing/the pandemic seriously, please have a word with them. You never know who you may be protecting. I don’t want to lose any more loved ones to this pandemic, and I’m sure you don’t either. #sewingproject #facemask #donatemasks #diymask #diyppe #ppe #personalprotectiveequipment #covid19 #coronavirus #stayhomestaysafe #stayhome #protectyourself #pandemic #quarantine #quarantinelife #yesihaverootswhatofit #stayathome #quarantinehair https://www.instagram.com/p/B_We6r1ga8Q/?igshid=jevqa52sgg8o

5 for $25 DM @jamie_mcguff for your order. Still many designs to choose from. Processing time is 10- 12 Business days. . #facemask #homemademasks #homemadefacemask #donatemasks #covidmasks #helphospitals #sewforhospitals #homemade #handmade #hispitalmasks #hospitalmask #medicalmasks #sewmedicalmasks #sewhospitalmasks #hospitalhelp #covid19 #coronavirus #coronavirusmasks #fabricmasks (at Beaufort, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-naaBwl7Go/?igshid=1mni1ezebf610

We donated what we could to @emersonhospital and Rivercrest Nursing home in Concord. Hospitals need masks and gloves bad. These Nurses and Doctors are on the front lines! Please donate what you can. I know @lahey.hospital in Burlington could really use masks for the respiratory therapists! #donatemaskstohospitals #donatemasks #covid19donations (at The Gallery Tattoo Studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Mx5ZZAP32/?igshid=1ly1xn1ytcq9b