Masks Anyone? 

Three whole years of a life-changing global event. It moves the soul. For me, it didn't quite move me to churn out more quilts. Rather, it stumped my creative juices. I found that making masks during this time did give a sense of purpose - but my eye for color, design, my drive - just wasn't there most of the time. Thankfully, it wasn't completely gone either.

Enter stage left - the Covid mask.   We all had to wear them - we all needed to wear them.  To keep us safe and those around us - all the time.   And in such short supply there was an immediate concern in the beginning - how do we mask millions of people in a short amount of time?    As quilters we had a solution that could work.  Although not completely covid-proof by medical standards, our quilted cotton masks, double and sometimes even triple layered, was far better than no mask at all.   Even in the medical industry, hospitals and care centers were short on supply.    Us quilters had a skill that now could really make a difference in saving lives.

Some of us made masks for the immediate family.  Some made and sent masks to extended family around the country.   Many quilters turned into mask-making machines to supply to their local hospitals and senior care facilities.   The situation demanded and us quilters supplied. 

When making my masks - the pattern was relatively easy. It yielded these odd-shaped throw away pieces - but we fabric lovers don't throw fabric away!    These odd pieces will become a tribute quilt someday - a tribute to those who shared their skill with the world to respond to the epidemic of our time.   

None of us are bucking for another world wide pandemic.  But should there be a need, us quilters are at the ready.  Be safe out there.