I’ve had a sewing machine for nearly 25 years. Mike bought it for me as a gift because I had grandiose ideas of making all of my kids’ Halloween costumes. We had one kid – and the machine sat unused for about ten years. At which point, I decided to pull it out and use it to sew paper. I LOVED stitching on layouts and cards and handmade papers. Never made a Halloween costume. Never used it to sew fabric.

Ever.

The other day, I saw a friend from high school post how she’s making masks for her family and community. She inspired me to rethink my sewing machine and actually use it to sew fabric. (Novel, I know!)

I did some research and found a great local organization called Sew Masks 4 Cincy. They are collecting masks for frontline workers at Tri-Health and other local area hospitals. So I decided to give it a try.

My first attempt was a mask to fit over the N95 which would prolong their usability. Here’s what I learned:

• There’s a reason I don’t call myself a seamstress
• I can’t pin without poking myself so now I’m on a mission to find the mini clothespins from my scrapbooking stash
• The binding tape worked perfectly (yay)
• I was lazy and didn’t change the bobbin thread…and if I could only remember to keep the same side facing up, it would look really cool.
• This one won’t be useable, but I will try again until I get it right

My second attempt, a pleated mask with room for a filter, was much better, but my fabric was upside down for the pleats.

It took me three attempts to produce a decent mask, but it was so worth the effort. Mike has to wear a new one every day, and I’m committing to making at least 50 for sewmasks4cincy.org

More than anything, I’m super pumped to have gotten more comfortable with my sewing machine and have finally used it for its intended purpose. I am looking forward to experimenting with other projects!