The Gallery@57’s multimedia artist Debbie Corleto shared this story about mask making with us:

I started making masks at the beginning of March, primarily for myself, because I had several cardiologist and oncologist appointments, and I was not going to go to these unprotected. Since then, I have made masks for cousins who are essential workers, friends, and my niece, who is a cancer survivor, as well as other relatives who are at risk.

I started making masks without a pattern. Since then, I have found several different patterns. I have changed things up a bit. I wanted added protection, so I added fusible interfacing to the center of the mask.

After I made about 20 masks, my sewing machine broke. Oh well, time for a new one! It arrived Saturday, and I continued making masks until I ran out of elastic. I am awaiting delivery of more elastic now. I am experimenting with a new pattern that does not need elastic; it is made out of t-shirts. Hopefully, once my elastic arrives, I will make more masks to donate to our local Melrose Wakefield Hospital, or where they are needed. 

Debbie Corleto wearing the first mask she made


The Gallery@57’s fiber artist Janis Doucette has also been making masks. She made the lovely pair of quilted masks at the top of this page, as well as the four below. She tells us:

I’ve been making masks solely for family, as well as some friends. Understand, however, that has been limited to immediate family so far because, on just one side, I have about 70 cousins! My mother is from a family of 15, so that could take a lifetime. My extended family includes first responders and health care professionals.

Masks by Janis Doucette

In case you are interested in learning more about mask making, Janis provided this helpful blog post from the eQuilter Blog:
Information about Sewing Masks in the time of COVID-19

We hope you and yours are staying healthy and sane during this worldwide health crisis. 

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