450+ masks (I actually lost count) for Community Hospital respiratory therapists and ultrasound techs, Navajo Nation in Arizona, family, friends and neighbors. I went through several different versions but mostly the triple pleated rectangle and the "bra cup" over the nose types. I added a pleat to the side of the second version because I saw it was gaping on the cheek. I didn't include a filter pocket because the hospital said they wouldn't be adding one. The fabric, linings, elastic and ties (narrow double fold bias tape mostly) all came from my stash - nothing purchased. Some of the bias tape had 10 cent prices on the packages! I still have fabric (will have forever) but I'm now out of lining fabric, elastic and ties. The last ten I made with 1 inch elastic cut in half, but I doubt that will hold up to washing. I offered to replace it when I can find more 1/4 or 1/8 inch elastic. For some unknown reason, I had a bundle (hundreds) of 12 inch long plastic coated twist ties. I zigzagged three of them together and cut them into 3 inch pieces for the nose wires. Demand has slowed down and hopefully I'm out of the mask marathon! No helpers, just me.

Challenges: exhaustion, arthritic fingers, boredom and wishing I could be working on a fun "meproject". And then scavenging for elastic and tie substitutes.

Biggest mistake: Having run out of white cotton for linings, I found some flannel and cut it to be ready to sew into the 92 masks I was making for the Navajos - I was trying for 100 but didn't make it.. It was only then that I realized that I was sending them to Arizona and the heat would be unbearable! I then found a roll of white cotton drapery lining stuck in a corner and started all over. If anyone has a suggestion for about a hundred 7 x 9 inch rectangles of flannel, let me know!

Biggest regret: After a while the masks did not represent the quality sewing skills that I pride myself in. I didn't match thread colors, top stitching and back stitching showed irregularities, etc. But I decided that speed and utility were preferable to couture quality if I was going to get them done. I wish I had saved the empty thread spools and bias tape and elastic labels, just to look at them or make a wall hanging. I have never seen so many thread spools, including serger thread, go empty. I did some of the sewing on the serger which was a big help. I threaded bobbins a dozen at a time and must have done that dozens of times. As soon as I can, I'm going to have to take my machines to Stony Brook for an overhaul. I can't believe they took the continuous sewing and abuse that I gave them. And, I wish I had kept a scrap of every fabric that I used so that I could make a memory quilt! I didn't see that suggestion until I was almost done.

Trivial post script: I hate wearing my mask and pull it off as soon as I get back into my car! I had to make another one for myself out of thinner fabric because I hyperventilate in the ones made with proper fabric and lining. Fortunately, I don't go out very much.