Lockdowns, isolation, and distancing - magnified in times of grief, joy and celebration. Borders and boundaries cropping up left, right, and center, less hugging and leaning in for good conversation, and the effort of trying to understand and negate the harm of something we can’t see with a naked eye. 🦠

Even feeling guilty in the strong, swift and somehow stolen embrace of a loved one outside of our designated  “social bubble”.

I don’t know for sure if masks help. I can’t help but think they do. But that's just my opinion, and I’m not here to debate the topic. About a month ago, I felt compelled to sew, something I’ve loved to do since I was a child and haven't had the time or mindframe to do in about 20 years. 

But I do know one thing, if something that isn’t going to hurt might help, and makes you feel a little better, or safer, a little surer; that’s a good thing.

If you’re going to wear a mask, it may as well be something you like. That much we can control. I ordered a mask from Anthropology, and I really liked it. Gave me a little kick like a shot of good perfume as I’d head out the door. So, I used that for a pattern.

The Masks

🌱 3 layers of soft high quality quilting fabric

🌱 Reversible

🌱 Filter pocket for optional added protection, fits disposable masks or P2 filters

🌱 Fitted in a curved shape for a little extra breathing room between nose and mouth.

🌱 Adjustable shaping over the bridge of the nose for a close fit, reduces glasses fogging

🌱 Soft ear bands with 🐴 Pony Bead slide adjustment

🌱 Flat tailored seams and topstitched.

Shopping Cart Handle Covers 

🌱 These are reversible, quilted, topstitched, and close with Velcro. They feel nice. Long before Covid, I’ve always been a little queasy about by cart handles. And stair railings - far rather slide down one than touch it, but anyway that’s beside the point.

🌱I found one fabric in particular that makes my heart happy. It’s a vintage Cowgirl Spirit pattern. These ladies have got it going on, let me tell you. They are roping, galloping through the desert, riding broncs, playing guitars, fixing horses feet, they set up tipis, like dogs, and I’d like to think they know how be a friend because sometimes they sit on fences together and look pretty happy shooting the breeze. When they are not riding broncs, they wear halfchaps, and skirts long and short. And they have an affinity for Bay horses. What’s not to love! So I look down at these gals when I’m out shopping, my hands feel clean and free, the look and feel of the quilt under my fingers reminds me of better times and things to do than be pushing a cart or wearing a mask during a Covid Pandemic. It’s something small, but it makes me feel a little safer. A little closer to home. 

Go well, be safe.

Kind Regards,

Dixie.