Local Williamsburg area Quilting Guild making a big difference
Local Williamsburg area Quilting Guild making a big difference
If you haven’t heard of the PPE shortage in the United States right now, well…there is a shortage. And that shortage can lead to healthcare workers being exposed to COVID-19. So to remedy this shortage many have pulled out their sewing machines to heed the call and make homemade face coverings. Though not medical grade, these face coverings can help when other options are not available or to extend the wear of medical grade masks by covering them.
Luckily I caught up with a local hero, Leigh Anne Langston and her fellow quilters who have taken on the challenge and come to the aid the local area medical community.
If you would like to help by sewing masks visit the link at the bottom of this post to learn how. But now on to our interview with Ms. Langston.
I found The Colonial Piecemakers Quilt Guild’s online and wanted to ask if you are involved in sewing face masks for the local medical community?
Yes, we are involved in sewing masks. We began putting information on our Facebook group on March 20. By March 24th, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center contacted me regarding specifications for the type of masks that would best suit their needs. As of this morning, The Colonial Piecemakers Quilt Guild along with Peninsula Patriots and Glory Bee from King of Glory have made over 570 masks. I have personally made 17 and in the process of making 30 more.
Are you making them (selling them) to local residents who would like them for their family?
It is not out of the question but at this time I am making them for medial workers because Sentara has 5,000 primary caregivers and 30,000 hospital wide who need them not counting any office support staff. Plus all the nursing homes, home health care, EMS/Fire Departments, etc. There are some videos on YouTube for a no sew version for personal use that would work for a trip to the grocery store. A quick search for how to make a face mask turns up many options.
Do you have any favorite patterns that you use?
The pattern recommended by Sentara comes from https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/ with the open sides for filter inserts.
What type of fabric have you found works best?
The email that was sent to me from Sentara states “Recommended fabric for the outer portion of the mask includes heavier, non-stretch fabric such as denim, duck cloth, canvas, twill, or other tight woven fabric. Recommended fabric for the inner lining can be either cotton or cotton-blend non-stretch fabric.”
All fabric used should be pre-washed in hot water to tighten up the fibers for the best protection. Remember, these masks are coverings and not a replacement for the N95 but are to assist in prolonging the usage of the personal protective device.
Do you like elastic or tie masks?
Personally, I have been requested to make these masks with the ties as they offer a better fit for different sizes/
How many members are in your group?
The Colonial Piecemakers Quilt Guild (CPQG) has around 200 members.
Can non quilters who want to make masks ask for your expertise as they make masks?
I would be happy to forward the email from Sentara regarding masks. They can email me at publicity@colonialpiecemakers.com. I am also happy to answer any questions about putting the masks together.
How long has your group been around and do you mainly do quilting?
CPQG was established in 1983 and our focus is on quilting.
Does CPQG host events events, classes or shows? And how can people learn about your group or join?
To learn more about us or join they can register online at www.colonialpiecemakers.com. We are currently meeting via Zoom. Details are on the website.
We have monthly meetings, programs and classes. We do not meet in July and hopefully we can get back to our regular monthly meeting on the first Saturdays real soon. Our website also has information about programs, classes and dues.
Thank you to Leigh Anne Langston for taking the time out of her busy sewing schedule to chat with us. And there you have it – some amazing quilters are heading the call and helping our local medical community. But they can’t do it all, so if you sew – you can visit here to see which medical communities need masks or reach out to Leigh Anne Langston at publicity@colonialpiecemakers.com.
Post updated 4/10/20
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