Sunday, March 22, 2020

COVID-19 - Sewists you can help!


3-24-20 Updates on mask sewing:

For availability of free kits,
Keep an eye on our emails, website, and social media pages.

You can keep working on mask sewing with materials you have at home, or stop by our store to purchase materials. Please remember:

 - Elastic is in short supply. Instead, you can use ties, made of fabric, bias tape, or cotton twill tape. Each tie should be 18" long.


- Remember to use 2 different fabrics for the inside and outside - tightly woven 100% cotton for the outside and flannel or other soft cotton for the inside.

- Use the PATTERN AND DIRECTIONS HERE.





Many of you may have seen the grassroots efforts to sew masks in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. With the scarcity of masks and the reports of health care workers doing without, it is time to help where we can.

Instructions and drop-off points for the CDC-approved design, ok’d by Allina Health, are available at sewgoodgoods.org

If you would like to use fabrics you currently have in your “resource center”, please note the following guidelines:


Be sure to use fabric that is 100% cotton (tightly woven for the front, flannel or other soft 100% cotton for the back). If you have any doubts about the content of your fabric, please do not use it. (Treadle staff can assist you in determining fiber content.)
Please prewash all fabric on hot and dry on high heat. This step is to ensure pre-shrinkage. Area providers will sanitize the masks.

You will note the instructions involve the use of elastic. If that is not available, you can use fabric ties (self-made ties, twill tape), one in each of the four corners. Each tie should have a finished length of 18 inches.
We have also been working to find more 1/8, 1/4, and 3/8” elastic. If vendors ship as promised, we should have renewed supply on Thursday March 26.

Thank you in advance for your generosity. Treadle customers are the best!

Michele Hoaglund and all the Treadlettes

54 comments:

  1. For the kits: should we pull up to curbside?

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  2. Another question on the kits: will we need to pre-shrink the fabric, or has that been done?

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    Replies
    1. Please prewash all fabric on hot and dry on high heat to ensure pre-shrinkage.

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    2. That is answered in the article. Wash on hot and dry on high heat.

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  3. Do you have any of the kits left. I can come immediately to pick up one.

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    Replies
    1. We handed out all 50 kits. Check back later in the week for more kits.

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  4. I have some 3/8" elastic. Should I cut that into 1/8" wide pieces? I experimented a little, and if I cut nice and straight, it doesn't seem to fray.

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    Replies
    1. You shouldn't need to trim down the width of the elastic.

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  5. I have quilters cotton. But I don't know about my flannel how can I check to see if it's cotton?

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    Replies
    1. Snip a bit of the fabric and burn the end a bit. If the result is blackened ashes, it's cotton; if it's a gooey blob it's poly or something.

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    2. Thank you, I have done this. I know have more than 50 masks cut out. But I'm running short of elastic. When will you have more?

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    3. Elastic is in short supply. Instead, you can use ties, made of fabric, bias tape, or cotton twill tape. Each tie should be 18" long.

      Delete
  6. What width should the fabric ties be? Can we use 1/4" or 3 /8" elastic if we have it? Thank you!

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  7. I was wondering if you have any mask kits left and do they require N95 replacement filters?

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    Replies
    1. We handed out all 50 mask kits. Check back later in the week for more!

      Delete
  8. Thank you for doing this!! I’ll be back. I got a kit and the line walking back to my car just kept going and going. A mom with 2 kids who were worried that they wouldn’t be able to get one made me so sad...I gave mine to them
    They will get more out of making it than I would. ❤️��

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  9. Greetings, would you be willing to make up a kit for sale? Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. The kits were free, first come, first served.

      Free kits are not currently available.
      We hope to have more free kits later in the week.
      Keep an eye on our emails, website, and social media pages.

      You can keep working on mask sewing with materials you have at home, or stop by our store to purchase materials.

      Delete
  10. Was going to head over for a kit. I see you are out. Are you set up to text us when you have more?

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    Replies
    1. Sign up for our emails or keep an eye on our social media pages for latest updates.

      Delete
  11. I read the instructions. If you have input into the instructions posted, it might be useful to add the final dimensions of the masks so people can figure out how deep to make the pleats so they fit well. Especially sewists that are more beginning. Thanks.

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  12. I have fabric I can use, do you have any instructions on how best to cut the fabric to get the right dimensions of the pieces?

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    Replies
    1. The directions are in the post. Check the links above!

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  13. It is wonderful that the kits went so quickly. I know they were not for sale, though is there a way to donate money so more kits can become available?

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  14. How much are you selling the kits for? Can you pre-order kits or is it fcfs?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The kits were free, first come, first served.

      Free kits are not currently available.
      We hope to have more free kits later in the week.
      Keep an eye on our emails, website, and social media pages.

      You can keep working on mask sewing with materials you have at home, or stop by our store to purchase materials.

      Delete
  15. So sorry I didn’t read if anyone else posted this....Joann in Apple Valley will be passing out kits tomorrow at opening. I spoke with them today. They aren’t sure how many per person, but will be ready. See you there!

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  16. Apple Valley store opens at 9am, Monday. Not a lot more information, but I’ll be there to try.

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  17. Joann said they found out they aren’t going to have any today and don’t know when they will. Bummer.

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  18. Dimensions for cutting and folding the fabric?

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    Replies
    1. The directions are in the post. Check the links above!

      Delete
  19. I have 3/4" and 1" elastic. Can I cut it down to 1/4" or will it fray? Any suggestions?

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    Replies
    1. It will probably fray. You can use 18" fabric or bias tape ties instead.

      Delete
  20. Are the kits available to ship to Iowa addresses?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pickup only. Free kits were handed out first come, first served, and are not currently available.
      We hope to have more free kits later in the week.
      Keep an eye on our emails, website, and social media pages.

      You can keep working on mask sewing with materials you have at home, or stop by our store to purchase materials.

      Delete
  21. These hair ties run about 7" when untied. They are soft and very stretchy. If you order from a USA seller, delivery can take place fairly quickly. Just an idea if you are running out of elastic.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Elastic-hair-ties-multi-color-random-lot-ponytail-holder-100-pieces/202144685066?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=502133256328&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

    Sue

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  22. Do you need help putting the kits together?

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  23. Can I pick up a pattern there? I have no internet access and my phone won't open the PDF

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  24. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    Replies
    1. Linda, we are not shipping kits. Plus it's not a good idea to put your personal contact information on the internet.

      Delete
  25. Is it possible to get an email when more kits are available? If so, please let me know how to sign up!

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    Replies
    1. Send an email to tyg@treadleyardgoods.com, or use the contact form on our website.

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  26. Would I be able to use some fold over elastic I have in my stash?

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  27. I am following directions but the 9”x6” seems small, with 3 pleats. Also, only two layers of fabric seems thin. Am I missing something?

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  28. The 9x6 is BEFORE it is sewn, right?

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  29. Can I pick up cotton fabric curbside today?

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  30. Wondering if you have cotton and flannel fabrics to purchase and also elastic for these masks? I could come this weekend but don’t know if I can come in to purchase?

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