Face Coverings - Helen Ruth Scarves

So the latest addition to our Summer wardrobe is the face covering or mask. I was a bit hesitant at first whether to make these or not, mainly because I wanted to be understand what level of protection they provide, and secondly it felt weird to be selling something that was necessary for health rather than just a fashion choice. As time has gone on and I’ve seen all the amazing designs out there, I came to the decision that why not have the option to have a fun cheerful mask that we’ll enjoy wearing? And if it encourages others to also wear a mask, then all the better!

My masks are made from two layers of poly cotton with a side opening allowing for the option of inserting an additional filter (paper towel or coffee filter have been recommended). The ties are made from recycled tshirt yarn, which has a slight stretch and is comfortable to wear. They slide through a channel at the side of the mask so you can draw up to bring the mask more snug around your face.

Just to be clear, my masks are not medical grade and only provide a certain level of protection. From what I have read, fabric masks will not necessarily protect you from picking up the virus, and social distancing measures still need to be obeyed, however they are effective at preventing you from passing on any bugs if you are carrying the virus unaware. This is an excerpt from a BBC news article

”Do face coverings work?

Coronavirus is spread when droplets are sprayed into the air when infected people talk, cough or sneeze. Those droplets can then fall on surfaces.

Homemade cloth face coverings can help reduce the spread from people who are contagious but have no symptoms or are yet to develop symptoms. This is called asymptomatic or presymptomatic transmission.

Scientists in Singapore suggest the contagion risk is especially high in the 24-48 hours before an infected person is even aware they might have the disease.

There is a risk of contamination when taking a face covering on and off – the WHO has issued advice.”

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Please wash your mask before it’s first use

Hand wash or machine wash in 40 degree soapy water

Spin dry or roll in a towel to remove excess water, then dry thoroughly before next use

As well as keeping the price on these as affordable as I can, I also wanted to do some good with the proceeds – so have decided to donate 25% to charity from every mask sold. Initially I was donating to Grampian Women’s Aid following on from our charity raffle in May. Delighted to say I made a donation of £240 at the beginning of June. I have now switched to raising funds for anti-racism charities, currently a bail fund and racial justice charity fund in the USA.

Another benefit of wearing a reusable masks is to help to avoid adding to plastic waste problem that comes with disposable masks. This quote is from a Guardian article on masks and gloves ending up in the ocean;

” Conservationists have warned that the coronavirus pandemic could spark a surge in ocean pollution – adding to a glut of plastic waste that already threatens marine life – after finding disposable masks floating like jellyfish and waterlogged latex gloves scattered across seabeds. ”