It’s been over a month since we’ve been quarantined due to COVID-19. While the country has been making masks for healthcare workers since before then, on April 3 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all people going out in public should wear nonsurgical cloth masks, mask-making officially became the ultimate art & craft of the pandemic. From huge manufacturing plants to indie designers, to retired seamstresses and anyone with a sewing machine, masks are being made by the thousands and will surely be remembered as the must-have “accessory” of 2020.
Indy’s creative community, PATTERN included, stepped up as expected with a flurry of mask-making to meet the need. We rounded up some of our faves to help you, help us support local.
StitchWorks is selling hand made tie-dye masks, fabric masks, and isolation gowns. They are participating in #MillionMaskChallengeIndy and would love your support so they can buy materials to continue making donation masks. Some of the organizations that have received mask donation include Community North, Eskenazi Health, Child Protective Services, and many others.
PUP is aiding companies like Community Health Centers, child care centers for families of first responders, and long-term facilities who are experiencing a shortage in masks. PUP also created special IMPD face coverings for “the family and fellow officers attending the funeral of fallen IMPD Officer Leath.” They are asking for material donations which can be dropped off at their studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – noon. Their address is 160 Steeples Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46222. If you need to schedule a different time or have any questions, please email them at shop@peopleup.org.
Jerry Lee Atwood
He’s known for his custom suits, but those are taking a back seat as Jerry is creating these amazing, one-of-a-kind masks! Selling at $70/each, he asks for serious inquiries only and wants customers that the turnaround time is approximately two weeks. Inquire by DM on his personal or brand Instagram.
From Star Wars to Tiger King, Jess West is making some awesome pop culture masks and we’re huge fans! She is making each mask to order and asks you give her 4-6 business days to make your mask followed by 1-3 days for shipping.
Fashion designer Codi Banks is also making masks! She’s offering three different options on her website: adult masks with elastic straps, adult masks with a tie strap, and children’s masks. All of her masks are reversible, made with 100% cotton fabric, and have filter pockets. Customers are able to select which fabric they would like their mask made from.
Made with natural, breathable linen, Christina Jobe’s Aura Energy Shield masks are tailored and lined with a “signature, soft and supple Pure Woven Silver fabric.” The straps on the sides of the mask are adjustable. When placing your order, put as many as you need and note that it will take them 5-7 business days to complete your order. Both adult and child face mask sizes are available.
Designer Wil, crafts his masks from pieces of denim, camo print fabric, and bandanas. Each mask has tie straps for easy adjustment and they are 100% washable. Contact him via Instagram to purchase a mask!
Emily is a local designer who offers a variety of different masks! She’s got it all, from black and white to abstract prints to her signature bright color masks (as shown above). Each mask is made with 100% washable cotton fabric and she even offers free shipping. Some of her masks do have filter pockets and come in a variety of sizes.
