Luke 24:6-7 “He is not here; he has risen!”
My sweatshop was in full swing with mask production in mass production. There wasn’t any elastic in the area so most of the masks I made had ties. I actually liked the ties better because you could have a more fitted tightness compared to the elastic. Also there were posts in the mask group that talked about how the elastic was chafing the ears. I immediately thought they should be using Bag Balm on their ears for the soreness and chafing, but I digress.
My assembly line was almost like Henry Fords.
As I would pick out a fabric from my stash, I would press it, fold lengthwise in half and in half again, what I call a quarter fold. The main reason why I do quarter folds is because the fabric then fits on my reversible cutting board that I place on my ironing board for a better height for me when cutting.
Then I cut 15” strips and then refolded it for the 8” cuts (below.) I get four 15” x 8” masks from one strip. {For my original mask pattern and directions, check out my other blog page, The Masks.}
Even though I lined up on my cutting lines, I usually always counted each inch for an accurate cut. Surprisingly 18 minus 8” equals 10. Every time. I could just lineup on the 10” line, but I still counted it. With the remaining 4 – 5” I cut side pieces.
Next, depending on how much fabric I started with, I would cut the rest into 2” strips for ties. For this piece there wasn’t quite enough for masks and I thought it was kind of busy sew it became ties. I didn’t want the doc getting dizzy from the swirling lines!
1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
After sewing masks for a week, I decided I probably should clean my machine. Yes, there were a few dust balls.
With my assembly line, I usually would have 4 – 6 masks pressed with pleats ready to start sewing the next day. I also had some ties ready from my trusty bias tool maker.
Since there wasn’t any 1/4” elastic anywhere in the County, my niece-in-love found some headbands sew I was able to make a few masks with elastic.
For the masks with elastic, I attached 8” top and bottom bindings first (opposite of how I do them with ties) and center a twist tie on the top for the nose piece.
One headband cut in half for the elastic is pretty close to the 7” recommended when using 1/4” elastic. For a stronger hold for the elastic, I use a close zigzag before …
… adding the short end bindings.
Turn binding and stitch-in-the-ditch.
A ‘Snubber.’ Do you see it? I don’t think anyone else will notice either.
It’s interesting how the Lord multiplies seed. With all the fabric I’ve used for masks, you would never know it with all I still have left. He’s amazing!!
2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
As I finished a mask I added it to the pile. I didn’t really keep count. I had already delivered fifteen masks. One day I was going to drop off about twenty masks and decided maybe I should take inventory. There were 107. I didn’t think I had that many.
I counted out 50 masks for the drop off. I laid hands on them and said a prayer for all the doctors, nurses, janitors, housekeepers and dietary staffs that might be using them; that they would be healthy and strong through the coronavirus. That they would have wisdom, kindness and empathy in all their tasks. And that the Lord would bless them and their families.
Another fifty masks ready for delivery. Can you see the ladybug?
I forgot to take a picture as I stuffed the masks into the hole in the cover. When I got back to the car I saw the guy checking the bin. He only looked in and shook the bin, I think to make sure the donations were down far enough that no one could reach in and take them out.
It was strongly suggested that everyone wear a mask whenever out shopping and practicing social distancing.
Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppin’, Easter’s on its wayBringin’ every girl and boy
Baskets full of Easter joy
Things to make your Easter bright and gayHe’s got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue
There’s an orchid for your mommy
And an Easter bonnet tooOh! here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity, happy Easter DayHere comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppin’, Easter’s on its wayTry to do the things you should
Maybe if you’re extra good
He’ll roll lots of Easter eggs your wayYou’ll wake up on Easter mornin’
And you’ll know that he was there
When you find those chocolate bunnies
That he’s hiding everywhereOh! here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin’ down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity, happy Easter DayHippity hoppity, happy Easter Day
COPYRIGHT: Writer(s): Jack Rollins, Steve Nelson
The Nose Bump 