SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The fact that medical workers in the United States are in need of face masks to protect them against COVID-19 has been well-publicized in the media.
To help with an anticipated need at Barton Hospital in South Lake Tahoe, the Barton Foundation has created a homemade face mask sewing project after members of the community reached out to see how they could help.
Staff researched the best safety options and there are three masks volunteers can use, one with a filter and two simpler versions.
Prior to starting, contact the Foundation about fabric choice if using your own.
Filter Pocket Mask
Before starting, watch this video for the filter pocket mask. The pattern is in the photo above (mask filter 1 and 2).
The Foundation hopes to have the filter material in their office this week. Once that arrives they will contact seamstresses with another video for instructions for those who wish to help create the filters with these masks.
Simple Masks
Click HERE for video of the First Option Simple mask. The pattern is in the photo (face mask simple)
Click HERE for video of the Second Option Simple mask. They use 6″ x 9″ cotton fabric and 7″ length of 1/4 inch elastic for their basic pattern. If you can, please add on the nose piece using a grocery twist tie. Click HERE for instructions on how to do this.
Those interested in sewing can make as many of the masks as they can. Please email the Foundation at foundation@bartonhealth.org for a project sheet and actual-size pattern.
The Barton Foundation has a drive-thru area at 2092 Lake Tahoe Blvd (next to Chicken in a Barrel, across from the Fire Station) to drop off masks, which will be open 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
They are working on putting together packets of materials for making masks. Those packets will include fabric, bias tape, tie to use in place of fabric ties, cotton thread, elastic and grocery twist ties for the nose piece to be zigzagged stitched on.
Please contact the Foundation if you wish to collect (or have delivered) a packet of material and they will arrange for some to be left at the drive-thru or have it delivered to you. Contact them for any questions on putting the masks together or for a pdf of the patterns. Contact Angela Moore at 530.545.9070 for questions or to make arrangements on pick up or delivery.
They are also looking for donations of fabric, bias tape and other mask-making materials.