ASK FOR A MASK

In the current crisis, mask wearing should be encouraged. Nobody knows whether they are infected or not. Wearing a mask may give you some protection from others, and will protect others from you should you be infected.

I make and give away washable cotton face coverings. Please ask me for one if you live in or around Nottingham. (I'm sorry, I can't make enough to supply everywhere!)

First, choose your fabric, and decide whether you want to collect your mask from Gedling, or have it posted.

Then contact me via facebook or email.

OR, BETTER STILL, USE THE FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

I have given away over 1000 masks. The last ones have all gone to charities and similar organisations - Sharewear, Nottingham & Notts Refugee Forum, Phoenix School foodbank, St Ann's foodbank, Host Nottingham . . .

I have decided to stop making them for individuals (unless you have a special request - e.g. hard to find size, special fabric; just ask) and concentrate on sewing for charities. My current batch is destined for Nad Grill.

If you're a local (Notts) charity or good cause that would like some free cotton face masks, please do contact me.

WHO ARE THE MASKS FOR?

My masks are for whoever needs a mask (Nottingham area). If you are willing to wear a mask in public places, I am willing to give you one (while stocks last).

So that as many people as possible can have them, I impose a limit of two per person (not per household - tell me if you are asking for more than one person).

Most of my masks are one size to fit all adults. There are also some a little smaller for children..

I have given a bundle to Sharewear Clothing Scheme, and would be happy for other charities and volunteer organisations to contact me to ask for a bundle. (Please remember I am only one person, and can't supply 100 masks for you.)

Obviously there is a limit as to how many I can make, particularly if I spend too much time faffing around on this website, so apologies in advance if I have to say "no".

Finally, a lesson from Cummings: these are my rules, so I can bend them as much as I want. But at least I won't be hurting others by doing this.

WHO HAS RECEIVED MY MASKS?

When you Ask for a Mask, I don't ask who you are or why you want it. But some people tell me anyway.

I have had elderly people who are fearful in the shops. I have had families wanting to see each other (socially distant). I have had a family where one member has cystic fibrosis, and until they received masks the children couldn't play out. I have had key workers, carers, NHS staff, who need a mask to wear on public transport. I have had people wanting to do their social duty by minimising any possible virus transmission risks. There has been a couple anxious about their hospital appointment the next day, and how to get a mask for it.

And I have had the man who was fed up of tying a sock in front of his face when he went to the post office.

HOW MUCH ARE THEY?

I am doing this in the gift economy. There is no charge. This is a small nod towards the more humane, social, caring world I would like to live in.

You are welcome to donate to one of the many organisations trying to alleviate misery in the current situation (e..g. Himmah, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum, other food banks or homeless organisations) if you like - they will be able to use it well.

If you want to give me something, I will be able to make good use of new woven cotton fabric, non-fusible sew-in lightweight interfacing (Vilene L11), and flat elastic around 3-10 mm wide.

However, it is not necessary to give anyone anything; your mask is a gift; wearing your mask in public is your act of generosity.

WHAT DO I GET OUT OF THIS?

I get some kind of mental health. Being creative is good for me. Helping others is good for me. Trying to create a more co-operative, caring society is good for me.

Being able to make a contribution in this small way helps me feel that I have a bit of control of my life, and helps me to live with the raging fury at how many people have suffered and died because of too little, too late, from the government.

And I want to do all I can to get back to being able to travel safely again, because I miss my grandchildren.

If you want a mask made to order from your own funky fabric, please contact me. It should be woven cotton. I will make a small charge of around £3, to put towards buying materials for more masks. Cheers.

Anchor 1

If you don't hear back from me within 48 hours, please assume something's gone wrong, and either try again, or email me.

Please give 2nd choices as well - your first choice may have been taken. Thanks.

GO STRAIGHT TO FORM TO ASK FOR A MASK

If you're a local (Notts) charity or good cause that would like some free cotton face masks, please do contact me.