By now, you’ve likely heard about King County’s new face covering rules, and you might be feeling slightly anxious if you don’t already have a cloth mask lined up and ready to go.
Some helpful info: Common accessories like scarves and bandanas qualify as proper coverings, and the CDC website has tutorials for sewing your own mask or cutting one out of an old T-shirt.
Public health officials recommend washing your mask daily or whenever it gets wet. If you’re like me and tend to save your laundry quarters for, ya know, more than one single item, your best bet is probably to steam it with an iron or wash it in the sink with detergent.
I asked our newsletter readers for their favorite local mask-makers, and heard back from several folks. Don’t see your favorite listed here? Send me a note: [email protected].
😷 Gypsy L. wrote to tell us about her Etsy shop NotMyCircusCo, specializing in masks with a clear front panel.
😷 Evergrey member Angela S. suggests Kwezu: “They’re a small, Black-owned business based in Bellevue. They ship fast, come with a removable filter, are fully washable and have fun African-inspired prints. Highly recommend them!”
😷 Margie B. wrote in to tell us about Pamela Oliver of DDivineDesigns. Pamela is based in Everett and making BLM-inspired masks along with chic designs featuring sequins and rose petals.
😷 Member Torrie N. connected us with Projects Petite, an Etsy shop run by local maker Jocelyn Moore. Water-resistant fabric FTW!
😷 Dual Wield Studio is selling masks made by local cosplayers. Thanks to Rebecca S. for letting us know!
😷 West Seattle reader Kirsten F. wrote in to shout out Neo Mask, a donation-supported mask-making effort powered by Neo Nguyen, the mother of state Sen. Joe Nguyen.
😷 Heidi C. is working with Refugee Artisan Initiative, local nonprofit that’s delivered more than 10,000 masks to front-line workers and is now selling them to the general public.
😷 Aimee K. likes Tom Binh: “They’re a local bag company based down in Georgetown, and they pay a living wage to all of their workers. For every mask purchased, they’re donating a mask and listing the donations on a spreadsheet for transparency.”
😷 Jason W. recommends Mac Fashion House: “They’re great! Lots of colorful, African, and sports-themed masks.”
😷 Jane L. suggests Splash Fabrics: “She usually makes laminated fabric aprons, tote bags, cosmetic cases, etc., and has built a crew of sewers all over the city… For every (mask) you buy, they donate one to an organization that needs them.”
😷 Local apparel company Outdoor Research has been manufacturing masks for several weeks now, and you’ll soon be able to purchase one for yourself in Seattle’s two favorite colors: black or grey. (Thanks for the heads up, Ryan O.)
😷 Kat D. gave a shoutout to Scrunchies by Mar, a group of local teens who have pivoted their scrunchie business to making masks — and donated many of them to front-line workers.
😷 Seattle-based DIY author Sanae Ishida has a template and tutorial for animal-themed masks on her website. They’re intended for kids, but if you want to make a mask with whiskers for yourself, I say more power to you. (Thanks to Hannah E. for the tip.)
😷 Reader Julia D. is selling masks through her business Honey Girl Books and Gifts and giving them away to medical workers as well as folks who are elderly or unemployed.
😷 One stop shopping: Our friends at Seattle Made and Northwest Sewn have compiled an online marketplace of local mask makers.
😷 Megan K. wrote in to tell us about her favorite mask-making seamstress, Diana Carol Armitage. She’s located in Madison Park and can be reached via email: [email protected].
😷 Need a mask for work? Nonprofit Masks for Docs is offering free masks for all essential businesses/organizations in the Seattle area. Just look for the “request supplies” button on their website. (Thanks to Laura for letting us know.)
😷 Heather D. recommends Megan Stuhlberg of the shop Stuhlbergs on Queen Anne: “It’s free delivery to Queen Anne or pick up at the shop or shipping to your house. They’re made out of adorable Rifle Paper Co. fabric! Buy on her Instagram, @stuhlbergs.”
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