Many are asking how they can help others during the pandemic especially health care workers. The Lackawanna and Luzerne County medical societies over the weekend sent out a suggestion....making face masks at home. Tonyehn Verkitus the societies president says they are part of those coordinating a campaign called the "Masked Bandits" You can find more information on the Masked Bandits facebook page, or by contacting the Luzerne/Lackawanna Medical societies or Nada and Company. Instructions are also on line at www.turbanproject.com.
From the Facebook page:
We are welcoming volunteers to make fabric masks for hospitals and physicians as we prepare for COVID-19.Orders for standard/disposable masks are on backorder and many healthcare workers are finding themselves in the position of hoarding and reusing masks as they continue to provide care to public. According to the CDC, homemade fabric masks are an option when protective supplies are not available.HOW CAN YOU HELP?Though not ideal, washable fabric masks can be used by staff and patients. These masks can be sterilized and reused as needed. If you are interested, we can use sewers, fabric donations, deliverers and donations! Please contact Tonyehn Verkitus at info@luzlackmedsoc.org.The details:· Please use the directions below to make face masks· Use tightly woven fabric on both sides of the masks· When you have completed 20 masks minimum please email info@luzlackmedsoc.org to arrange for delivery. We will set a given time for delivery locations.· Collected masks will be delivered and processed for use.How to make fabric masks (pattern is courtesy of The Turban Project):What you will need:Cotton fabric, a pretty print is best.Rope Elastic, beading cord elastic will work (you may also us 1/8” flat elastic)Cut the elastic 7” long and tie a knot at each end (DO NOT knot the ends of the flat)You can make two sizes: Adult or Child1. Put right sides of cotton fabric together2. Cut 9x6 (Adult) or 7.5 x 5 (Child)3. Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner, stop. Sew the elastic with the edge out into the corner. A few stitches forward and back will hold this.4. Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back.5. Now sew across that top of the mask to the next corner. Again put an elastic with the edge out.6. Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.7. Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5” to 2” open. Stop, cut the thread. Turn inside out.8. Pin 3 tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are the same direction9. Sew around the edge of the mask twice.It is so easy to make this. Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally