Caption: My husband and my in-laws wearing masks.
Now is the time to roll our sleeves up and help out where we can. I was reading this article from the NY Times about making face masks when the pandemic broke out. It mentioned "The best-performing designs were a mask constructed of two layers of high-quality cotton...with an inner layer of flannel.”
It was up cycling at its best. A previously unused product turned into functional, beautiful, masks that gave back to the food bank and keeps my peeps healthy.
Caption: Table full of masks
A bell went off in my head and I went to the way way back of my studio. I found a stack of high-count cotton shibori pillow cases that hadn’t sold and a full bolt of organic flannel cotton. And I was off to the races. The mask factory was open.
Caption: Cut up pillowcases
Caption: Pinned cases ready to be sewn
I made indigo, walnut and grey masks to start. I put one post up on my Instagram and they sold like crazy.
Caption: Sewing like mad.
But I wanted this new product to give back to the community so I donated some of the proceeds to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
I was super excited they featured me in their blog. I’ll donate to them throughout the year when I can.
Finding that I’d run out of my first batch of cases, I took another batch of marigold (yellow), madder (pink), and walnut pillowcases, overdyed them with indigo and sewed up a limited edition pastel batch.
I was also excited to be featured in KatWalkSF's influencer blog!
I can’t tell you how good it felt to create this win-win-win. It was up cycling at its best. A previously unused product turned into functional, beautiful, masks that gave back to the food bank and keeps my peeps healthy. That's craft!
Caption: Me on the way to the Post Office.
Now I’m inspired to find other ways of giving back throughout the year, either through donations or needed supplies. I’m wondering how else can my sales support local communities in need? Have you volunteered or donated time or supplies anywhere in your community? I’m open to ideas! Please put your ideas in the comments below.
Hey Kathy, it was great to see you that Sunday. And thank you for the thoughtful card!