10,000 Masks for Oklahoma

05/08/2020

We have slowed waaaay down but I still have several kits of masks needing to be sewn. Can you help sew 25 masks? No rush. Take a week or two (or even three!). I have both patterns: pleated or fitted, cut and ready to go. Would love to finish these up and get them donated to the hospitals still waiting. Please let me know if you can help.

04/18/2020

FAQ about joining with 405 Mask Makers:

1. Do we still really need masks? Isn't this going to be over soon?

I would love nothing more than to tell you this is over and no longer needed. I dream of masks in my sleep, and would really love to go back to nice beachy dreams. But the reality is this ISN'T over. Medical clinics, grocery workers, fire fighters, nursing homes, etc are still at high risk for transmission and are begging for masks. Even when the governor "opens the state" there will likely still be a need for masks in public places. We'll do our part to help people stay as safe as possible.

2. They are doing a different pattern than I was working on. Can I still help? Theirs looks more complicated!

YES! The short answer is we are offering two patterns now. Both are valuable and needed. Pick what you want to do. We'll continue to hook you up with supplies and get both styles of masks where they can do the most good.

The longer answer: This is one of the best parts about joining forces. We have two different patterns to work with. The pleated mask we've been doing is simpler. If you're an apprehensive sewer, or prefer to use a rotary cutter for straight lines only... please stick with the pleated masks we've been doing. THERE IS NO NEED TO CHANGE. That said -- if you'd like to try something new, the mask they've been making is fantastic and more useful in medical settings. Give it a go. There are all kinds of awesome video tutorials on 405 Mask Makers to help you. We have a template and fabric if you want to cut it (you trace around it -- this is a great pattern to cut if you only have scissors).

3. I live in Edmond. Will it still be convenient for me to pick up or drop off supplies?

Of course! You can still drop off and pick up supplies for both patterns at my home in Edmond. But if you live elsewhere, we now have other pick up and drop off locations. Just message 405 Mask Makers to find a location convenient to you.

4. Where are masks being donated?

See question 1. We are continuing to support the medical community, but have also donated to the Homeless Alliance, numerous nursing homes throughout the state, grocery stores, fire fighters, and essential city workers.

5. Our goal was 10,000 masks. Surely between both groups we've met the goal?

The good news: Yes. Between both groups we recently passed 10,000 masks combined. But the need is still here. Think of us like the Duggars. 10,000 Masks and Counting. :)

5. How can I help?

I'm so glad you asked! We have many needs for both sewers and non sewers. Visit www.405maskmakers.com to sign up, but we have need of the following:

donations: fabric (cotton and flannel), elastic, and pipe
cleaners, plus monetary donations to purchase these items

cutting: fabric, elastic, and/ or pipe cleaners

drivers: getting supplies and completed masks to/from our volunteers and clinics located outside of the OKC metro

sewers: pick a pattern and start sewing. We need you!

04/18/2020

It's here. 10,000 Masks for Oklahoma is now 405 Mask Makers: 10,000 Masks for Oklahoma, and I couldn't be happier. We have pooled resources: fabric, elastic, drivers, mask patterns, even donation sites. Our reach will be so much bigger working together. So it is with hope and smiles that we can make and distribute ALL THE MASKS that I request you visit 405 Mask Makers from here on out. We are them. They are us. For simplicity sake (and because they have a fancy website and way better page) I'll no longer update here. You can sign up for a weekly newsletter that will update you about our progress, see needs, and even request mask donations for groups. Please give them (us) a like and a follow, and don't lose momentum. We are working together -- not slowing or shutting down.

04/18/2020

I laughed til I cried. Then I watched it again. Could be that all these masks are making me a little crazy. Enjoy. But please don't be like Kay. 😂

Kay Pruitt's love of posting DYI videos exceeds her actual skill in this comedic tutorial gone wrong.

04/17/2020

4,273 masks made by 10,000 Masks for Oklahoma. Well done! I'm so proud of you. We started 3 weeks and 6 days ago. That's an average of almost 159 masks made per day, 1,068 per week! You are the best. Thank you for working so hard. This week we donated to Children's Hospital, Summit Center in Edmond, the prison, Kenwood Manor in Enid, and the Senior Residence of Stillwater. We have many more requests; please keep up the hard work!

I need more fabric: both cotton and flannel, plus lots of help cutting (elastic, pipe cleaners and fabric!). I also could use some help with washing and bagging completed masks. If you're in the Edmond area and willing to wash bags of masks, then count and sort them into ziplock bags for distribution, please let me know. I'm wearing many hats and would love to pass one off. ;)

As of today we are officially merged with 405 Mask Makers. I'll post more info tonight on what this means. In the meantime, please check out their website or page (www.405maskmakers.com). I'm so excited to share resources and extend our reach!

04/15/2020

Working on the merger with 405 Mask Makers. We're calling it a merger, but since they are so much better organized, it's really more of a friendly takeover (I begged, they agreed). They (now we) have a newsletter with updated needs as well as information about where the masks are being donated, pattern adjustments, etc. It's pretty fantastic for all things masks. Let me know if you'd like your email added. I believe the next issue is being sent out tonight or tomorrow.

04/14/2020

GREAT NEWS! I AM SO EXCITED!
1. We are up to 3,116 masks collected!
2. We are merging with 405 Mask Makers. They are an AMAZING group trying to get masks to where they are most needed in Oklahoma. They started the same time as us and also recently surpassed 3,000 masks. They have built a superior infrastructure (waaaay better than my dining room table) and have done a fantastic job getting out the word to the news and other organizations. We are excited to share resources, supplies, and reach throughout the state (we already took care of fulfilling and delivering masks to a request they received in Stillwater). Check out their site; I know you'll be impressed. . More details coming! Until then (and let's be honest -- after, too), please keep collecting, cutting, sewing, and spreading the word. I appreciate all your efforts!