As COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly, makers of all ages are taking to their sewing machines to create and donate face masks to health care providers, developing a movement of “masketeers.” While most homemade masks do not block the virus, nurses, doctors and others on the front lines are able to place cloth masks, which can be washed, over medically grade (N95) masks as extra coverage, ultimately extending the use of the respirator mask.
And, in early April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans across the country to wear some form of face covering in public, including cut T-shirts or bandanas, as the coronavirus continues to spread, increasing many people’s desire to acquire a face mask of some kind.
In Northern Virginia, three local makers—Sue Henry of Tulusa, Rebekah Murray of Virginia Dare Dress Co. and Skylar Raiyn Johnson of Sew Fly Sky—are doing their part to contain the virus by designing, painting and sewing fabric face masks for local residents to purchase. Below, find detailed information about each business owner’s recently launched designs.
Sue Henry of Tulusa
Based in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Sue Henry is an artist specializing in block-print designs and textiles. In addition to collections of table linens, pillows and handbags, Henry has recently released a collection of hand-printed face masks made entirely of 100% cotton, held on with comfortable elastic strapping. Initially, the masks were donated to health care workers in the region, but the demand was so high that Henry decided to sell the products as well. The designs vary in color and style, including prints of a lion, butterfly and a rose, all made by hand, so no mask will look like the other. The best part? They are all machine-washable in cold or warm water. // $12; ships in seven to 10 days
Rebekah Murray of Virginia Dare Dress Co.
As part of her recently launched campaign #VDDCoSendingLove, Leesburg resident Rebekah Murray is shying away from making dresses for the time being and is instead sewing fabric masks, as well as offering DIY mask-making kits to raise support and funds for health care workers on the front lines. Since starting the campaign on April 1, Murray has already raised funding to supply over 1,000 respirator masks and has garnered support from over 100 at-home volunteers. By making donations of $25, $50 or $100, all of the proceeds will go toward supporting at-risk health care providers. While Murray is not currently selling masks for personal use, as the Virginia Dare Dress Co. team is focused on the campaign, she has started a log of requests and plans on offering masks for sale in the near future. To be added to the inquiry list, click here.
As part of the campaign, Murray has also released a collection of dresses to be pre-ordered and set to arrive at your door in the summer. With every purchase, a percentage of the proceeds will go toward supplying medical-grade masks. // minimum of $25 donation required
Skylar Raiyn Johnson of Sew Fly Sky
At just 12 years old, Gainesville resident Skylar Raiyn Johnson has already made a name for herself in the fashion industry. This spring, she has joined seamstresses in the fight against the coronavirus by stitching homemade face masks for first responders, nurses and doctors on the front lines. While at first Johnson was donating all masks, which are available in black, gray, pink, green and blue, she has since started selling the reusable, washable masks to residents of Northern Virginia and beyond. Proceeds from all sales will be donated to local health care facilities. // $7, not including shipping
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