Masks Are Hard
I have been sufficiently scared and socially pressured into being a militant face mask influencer. The problem is that all of the pressure is on to make your own masks, and all the how-to videos I have watch have decimated my confidence.
I’m a pretty adept DIY person. I know how to learn to do things by watching YouTube videos. It’s where I learned to repair tube amps, replace power window motors in my car, and it’s even where I learned to sew1! I figured making masks for my family would be a breeze. I was wrong.
I’ve watched dozens of videos, I’ve read dozens of articles, and I’ve studied dozens of info graphics. Rather than instilling confidence in me, they have me completely overwhelmed. I don’t know where to start. I think my anxiety mostly has to do with the urgency of the situation, and the lack of resources I have to work with. This prompted me to take inventory of my situation.
What I don’t have to work with:
- bandanas
- rubber bands
- elastic
- pre-washed cotton fabric
- a washing machine
- coffee filters
- paper towels
- vacuum cleaner bags
- experience with a sewing machine
- time
What I do have to work with:
- a good paying job
- overtime checks
- an Etsy account
Do you see where this is going? At a time when most people are embracing their can-do, DIY spirit, I solved my problem by throwing money at it. Do I feel like a failure? Kind of. Will I learn to use a sewing machine? If I survive this pandemic, fuck yes I will.
- Hand stich ↩