After realizing how hard it was for people to find masks in her community, Diana Eifert put her sewing machine to work.
Now the local woman, who initially started donating masks to family, friends and seniors, has turned her craft into a small business - with custom orders from students as they head back to school.
“I’m still making them,” she said. “I just received more orders, so I’m trying to get them done. I also have some custom orders for teens and children as school is starting soon and they request patterns and colours they will enjoy wearing.”
Eifert is among a growing number of people who started making masks earlier this year to meet a huge demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research suggests physical distancing and wearing a mask in public spaces is the best way to prevent the spread of illness. Masks prevent people from touching their faces and provide a reminder to people to adhere to physical distancing protocols.
Eifert said it took a while to find a mask pattern she liked with the best fit possible. Her grandson Damian, who recently turned four, was her inspiration for creating child masks.
“He wanted me to make him a mask as well. So I had to create a pattern for a little one as there were none available,” she said. “Now he has a blue mask with dinosaurs and bones on, and he loves it.”
Eifert said she is keeping busy making colourful masks for her community - something she considers a necessity.
“I do believe masks help us protect each other, and I would like to encourage everyone to wear them to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Eifert said. “So I sew masks. Originally I donated masks where they were needed, mostly to seniors, who were thrilled to receive one. Then I sold a few, basically at-cost to encourage everyone to wear one.
She added: “I’m still donating where I can. It’s my contribution to the community. It’s not much, but I think every little bit helps.”