A Falkland woman is spending her time in self-isolation sewing masks for those who may need them.

Becca Hoffmann is a stay-at-home mom who has always been handy with a sewing machine and with more than 20 years of sewing experience under her belt, it made sense to make masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic to help alleviate the shortages of personal protective equipment.

害羞草研究所淚n just two days, I had requests for more than 30 masks,害羞草研究所� Hoffmann said, after only starting the project around March 23.

The masks, which take around a half hour to complete from start to finish, are not of the same medical grade as the N95 masks worn by medical professionals, but it害羞草研究所檚 better than nothing, Hoffmann said.

害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檓 naturally inclined to help people and this gives me a feeling of purpose in a very unsettling situation,害羞草研究所� she said.

Hoffmann said these unprecedented times have caused her to feel anxious, but having this project has helped her focus on something that makes her feel useful.

害羞草研究所淚 feel as though I can害羞草研究所檛 sit idly by when I have the skill to help,害羞草研究所� she said.

In a recent visit to a store, Hoffmann noticed the cashier was wearing gloves and a scarf as a makeshift mask.

害羞草研究所淚 felt so badly, I immediately went home and made him a mask,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淣obody deserves to feel frightened at their work.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淓ven though cotton masks are not as effective as an N95, a small decrease in risk (of exposure) is still something.害羞草研究所�

The masks are made with a high-count cotton-poly blend fabric outside layer and flannel-lining interior. They are form fitting with a quarter-inch or half-inch-wide sewing elastic. Hoffmann said those interested in donating materials to be used for masks should turn to Facebook.

A group called Medical Mask Making - Okanagan is a recently created forum and it is the hub for those interested in donating materials or sewing their own mask projects.

She said she is also looking for others who can sew.

In a social media post, Hoffmann called out to fellow sewers and her post has since been shared more than 120 people. She said her post has reached Facebook users from the Sunshine Coast to Ontario.

害羞草研究所淭he masks give people a sense of safety,害羞草研究所� Hoffmann said. 害羞草研究所淎nd I think that害羞草研究所檚 huge right now.害羞草研究所�

Hoffmann said there are a lot of user groups and organizations that can use free masks, such as seniors homes and care-aid workers.

害羞草研究所淔riends, family, neighbours, people on your streets害羞草研究所� I害羞草研究所檓 sure all these kinds of people would be thrilled to receive free masks.害羞草研究所�

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