FIDM Instructor and Academic Advisor Mary Brannon Shares Tips For Sewers Looking to Help During the Coronavirus Pandemic
While FIDM Students and Graduates have sprung into action in recent days and weeks, creating fabric masks for essential workers, vulnerable populations, and friends and family, others may be wondering how to help. FIDM Instructor and Academic Advisor Mary Brannon, who recently spoke to an alumni parent and medical doctor about the needs of health care workers, shares some ideas for sewers looking to be of service during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mary suggests that interested sewers should first contact their local hospitals to see what their specific needs are, noting that some hospitals have set up volunteer centers to take such calls. When it comes to fabrics, she says natural fibers that breathe, or a blend of 55/45 cotton-polyester, are best for masks since synthetic fabrics do not breathe.
“[The doctor] also suggested the use of Tyvek, a construction material, to make gowns,” says Mary, who has years of expertise in textiles and apparel technology. “Another thing being used is polypropylene as a filter layer in masks, possibly with a jersey t-shirt or soft fabric next to the face, polypropylene in the middle, and a tightly woven fabric on the outer side.”
Even if sewers aren’t able to donate to their nearest hospital, there are millions of others in need of sewn masks. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has urged residents to wear masks made from bandanas, scarves, or other cloth, to help slow the spread of coronavirus when they are doing essential tasks in public.
While there isn’t a statewide mandate yet regarding masks, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently said: “We believe, and we put out guidelines, that if individuals want to have face coverings, that that is a good thing and a preferable thing, in addition to the physical distancing and the stay-at-home order."
Pictured at left: Masks created by FIDM Grads Bruna Andrade and Paul Hagopian; Pictured at right: Health care workers wear masks produced by FIDM Grad Ashli Fell.
