Sunday, May 17, 2020

Making It Work; A Creative Makers Life

2020...Making It work is a creative makers mantra and certainly represents my thoughts especially as we experience uncertain times as we self quarantine and shelter at home. 

My Nana often started a sentence with "you go to work and..." For many, the word "work" has taken on thoughts of what we "have" to do rather than what we choose to do. I believe for Nana it was just daily living, it was life, it just WAS. I loved her practical no nonsense way. 

Today as we go out of our homes, we think of far different concerns than this time last year. Simple concerns...How do I shop for groceries safely, see the doctor when needed, get that part to fix the broken faucet and on and on.

Our world has experienced shortages of needed medical supplies as just on of the many side effects of this pandemic novel coronavirus. Because of this specific shortage of masks that help with viral spread,those of us makers, creatives and practical inventors do what my Nana did..."you go to work and...". There have been amazing solutions to making sure to be as safe as possible for all, safe as we go about the business of life. 

I have a beautiful and amazing granddaughter in law Angie who got her degree in fashion design. As my grandson and her began their married life she also began her business career and she opened her own fashion design business, Studio 93. We are so proud of the two of them!
Check her out on Facebook :) As with many, life for her has shifted from her physical business space to her new space...her home. With "shelter at home" directives becoming the norm many business owners have had to rethink how to offer their services... as has Angie. Last year an interview on internet radio sharing about women in business, led to her own radio show weekly. Today she shares her many talents mostly from home like many following worldwide health concerns. Angie hosts her radio weekly shows Fridays on Facebook Live. Now Angie is busy making face masks to assist the health community needs due to this virus outbreak as well. If you wonder how she happened to find herself so busy click here to read about how this came about. 

For all YOU amazing designers, makers, creatives out there I want to send my applause and appreciation for being problem solvers and so much more! 

Let's take a look at some others and their mask making solutions.
   


Lexie Saks from Good Housekeeping shares a simple solution most everyone can put together. 

Do you have a bandana or 22" of fabric? Done.

Another simple no-sew mask from Crafty Caboodle made from stretchy fabric like a t-shirt will also get you covered and on your way. 

But since this blog pays homage to my Nana who was a seamstress extraordinaire I would like to share with you a simple mask like my Nana would have come up with had she been living in this time of covid-19. 

Step 1 Find some newspaper for a surface to draw a pattern.
Step 2 Draw out a basic design for your mask wearer.
Step 3 Lay out your selected pretty fabric and pin to your pattern. 
Step 3 Cut out the necessary pieces for the mask.
Step 4 Sew! 

For those of us who find it helpful to see a video I thought this blogger 
at Treasurie and her patterns made two sewn masks that I think do a great job. 

I hope one of these makers solutions will serve you well and keep you and others safe and healthy.