MADISON COUNTY — As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout our nation, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is advising people to take more precautions to protect themselves.
Recently, the CDC advised everyone to wear cloth face masks when out in public, and a group of women in Ennis are making sure there’s enough for everyone.
The PieceMakers of the Madison exchanged quilts and blankets to make masks during a time when they’re in high demand.
“It’s whenever we have time. We sit down and we sew, and today, I think we’ve made close to 450, 500,” said President, Sue Sherrard.
That’s hundreds of masks for nursing homes, medical personnel, and anyone who needs it, and these ladies say it’s not a difficult process.
HOW TO MAKE A PLEATED MASK IN 6 SIMPLE STEPS:
Step 1. START WITH A PIECE OF RECTANGULAR FABRIC.
- FOLD IT IN HALF
STEP 2. SEW SEAM LINES AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE MASK.
STEP 3. PUT IN SMALL PIECE OF WIRE IN BETWEEN THE OPENING FOR THE NOSE PIECE.
STEP 4. IRON PLEATS INTO THE FABRIC.
STEP 5. ADD END PIECES OF FABRIC TO THE ORIGINAL FABRIC TO CREATE CLEAN END FINISHES.
STEP 6. ADD ELASTIC OR TIES TO SECURE MASK TO FACE.
And that’s how you make a pleated mask.
The Piecemakers of Madison say they’ll be sewing as long as there’s a need. For more information or to donate fabric, visit the group's Facebook page here.