According to their mission statement, Sew The Curve Flat is a network of volunteers whose goal is to organize and aggregate the grassroots efforts of home sewists and match them with hospitals and at risk communities in their area to provide supplemental PPE in a crisis capacity.
Fabric masks, now recommended by the CDC for every-day wear, are not as effective as medical-grade masks at blocking viral contaminates. But they can be used in a crisis when hospital supplies are depleted or as protective wear when going out into public spaces to reduce the risk of infection.
The Sew the Curve Flat website has recommended mask patterns, and their public Facebook group has thousands of members sharing photos, tips, and humor as they make masks for their communities and organizations all over the country.
To place an order for masks, simply fill out their online form. Sewists who have masks they would like to donate can email inquiries@sewthecurveflat.com directly. Be sure to detail quantity, mask pattern style, zip code, and if the masks are ready to be shipped or delivered.
College Student Designs Mask for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
While standard mask patterns may work well for most people, for the deaf and hard of hearing who rely on lip reading or ASL, standard masks inhibit their ability to communicate. Super Awesome Person™ Ashley Lawrence designed a modified fabric mask with a transparent pane so that lips and facial expressions are visible to facilitate ASL and lip reading communication.
Lawrence’s idea was such a hit that she fully funded her Go Fund Me campaign to offset the cost of materials and shipping to provide masks free of charge to those who need them.
To all the sewists—hobbyists and professionals—who are making and donating fabric masks for those who need them: Thanks for being awesome!