Busy Hands, Loving Hearts

My kind friend, Teresa sent me 3 face masks that she handmade for my personal use.  These are so cute, and I am so touched, but the story behind it is even more uplifting.

Teresa has already made 30 so far but is now working on supplying all of her husbands’ work crew. Her mother taught her how to sew, and she is now using those precious lessons, sewing machine, and materials that all belonged to her mother, to spread hope during these unprecedented times.

The front of the face masks

The insides The butterflies and frogs hold the filter materials.

 

Teresa wrote a note that reads:

These face masks were made with love from materials and supplies left to me by my mother. Even the sewing machine was hers from the 1960s!  All mechancial and still going strong!

The smaller mask with elastic ear loops has a pouch to insert a filter material, if you can find any.  Without the filter, it is 60-80% effective in catching bugs, made from 100% cotton fabric.  If it seems too big, loop a ribbon or string thought the ear loosp and tie around your head for a better fit.

The rectangular style mask has filter material inside (inter-facing).  I don’t know how effective it is but have heard that this might be as much as 90% effective in catching bugs, also made form 100% cotton fabrics.  This mask seemed hotter to wear to me but if placed just right, didn’t fog my glasses!

Nothing guarranteed, but I figure it’s better than nothing and at the very least keeps us from touching our faces.

Thinking of you and hoping you stay safe.

In California, it is now ordered that we wear face masks anytime we make a trip outside, and we can only make trips outside for essential business, such as groceries, pharmacy or medical appointments.

These face masks are cute, whimsical and so thoughtful that I am smiling — believe me, I am smiling, even though you can see it from behind my face mask.

Be safe and kind,
~Pali