Quaran-tivity: Getting Creative in Isolation
Stephanie Marano
I have wanted to get this blog up and running since I launched the website in 2018. But the pressures of my job, day-to-day life and an urgency to complete the His Dark Materials Book Jacket, pushed blogging to the bottom of my to-do list. But here we are… many of us working from home, others like myself out of work for the time being. Forced to slow down and reflect on the things that matter. On what we value and what brings us joy. As I spend this time in isolation, I’m indulging the pleasures of being alone. I tend soak up the energy of those around me and the spaces I inhabit. A mandated quarantine has given me the distance I needed to clear the psychic clutter and make the most of this time at home. I’m grateful for the chance to dig into G.S.T.M. because I know that once COVID-19 pandemic passes, nothing is ever going to be the same. And as grateful as I am to be able to finally put all of my time into this project and actually start this blog, the irony isn’t lost on me as to why that is possible.
Today marks three weeks in quarantine. Since March 16th, the last day I went into my office, the plot of the novella Death in Venice by Thomas Mann has frequently come to mind. I live in Brooklyn, NY and commute into Manhattan for work. For anyone who has taken the New York City subway during rush hour, you know that more often than not you are packed in so tightly that you are either sniffing the hair of the passenger in front of you or tucked into the armpit of the person at your side. But on March 16th the train was virtually empty and the energy was incredibly eerie. That feeling remains.
Toward the conclusion of Death in Venice, the protagonist wanders disinfectant-drenched streets, spotting sporadic notices from the Health Department vaguely waring of an unspecified epidemic. Tourists continue to wander the streets obliviously as authorities deny the seriousness of the matter. I have been following NYC’s orders to stay indoors. But when I do leave my apartment for a walk and some fresh air, the uneasiness I felt when reading this story for the first time comes back to me. And then I realize- this is real life. As romantic as it is to wax nostalgic about fictional narratives, it’s important to remember that we need to be vigilant and tend to ourselves mentally and physically.
Creative expression has always been my go-to means of care-taking, be it for myself or others. I don’t think there’s a more special gift than one you make with your own two hands. So, when I read that the CDC is advising that everyone wear face coverings to avoid the spread of the coronavirus I decided to make masks for my friends and family. I cannot be with my loved ones right now but I can do something to show them my love from a distance.
I made a prototype and took it for a test drive around Williamsburg. I found that the basic rectangular shape obstructed my vision. I knew I could improve it so I went back to the drawing board. After a little tweaking I came up with the design below. With a pinch and a tuck, you can essentially mold the mask to your face. These are made from 2-ply muslin and black elastic. It’s a little Hannibal Lecter… a little Bane… a little naughty nurse… all things considered, I think it’s kind of chic!
They are washable and reusable and I am offering a limited number for sale in the shop. I have also included the pattern below for anyone interested in making one for themselves or sharing with their loved ones. I hope that all of you are doing whatever is necessary to stay positive and motivated in these uncertain times. I hope that you are eating well and exercising and taking good care of your bodies despite being confined to your homes. I hope you are taking care of those around you and that you’re staying a safe six feet away from whomever you come in contact with. And I hope that you are taking advantage of this bizarre moment to work on your side hustles, make art or music or a delicious meal, read those unread books on your shelves, take on those long put-off organizational projects, sleep in, meditate, be alone, just be. Protect yourselves and those around you, darlings. Stay safe <3
INSTRUCTIONS:
**Sew with 1/4” seam allowance.
Cut a rectangle of 100% cotton fabric 12-1/2” L x 9-1/2” W.
Fold in half lengthwise, right sides of fabric facing inward (rectangle will now measure 6-1/4” L x 9-1/2” W). This creates the 2-ply construction.
Place the pattern on the folded edge of your fabric as indicated on the pattern and pin in place.
Cut along the top edge. There’s need to cut right and left edges as we started with the correct width. Do not cut folded edge.
Clip notches (1A, 1B, 2A, & 2B). This is how we’ll create the pleats later. Do not clip beyond seam allowance.
Cut two 7” pieces of elastic. Measure along arrow provided on pattern if needed.
Place one end of your first piece of elastic into the bottom left corner of the mask, sandwiched in the fold. Pin in place.
Pin along left edge. Place the opposite end of this elastic into the top left corner, 1/4” from the top edge, sandwiched between top and bottom layers of fabric. Pin in place.
Pin along the top edge. Place one end of your second piece of elastic into the top right corner, 1/4” from the top edge, sandwiched between top and bottom layers of fabric. Pin in place. Leave the other end of this elastic loose for now.
Pin to notch 1B on right side.
Sew the left side starting from the folded edge. Pivot immediately after passing the second end of your first piece of elastic. Continue sewing along the top edge. Pivot again to stitch along right side. Stop at notch 1B. (Leave an opening on the right side between notch 1B and the fold)
Clip notches along the top edge of the mask. This will allow the curves to lay flat.
Turn the mask right side out and press.
Insert the loose end of the second piece of elastic into the bottom right folded edge. Pin in place.
Fold your pleats by matching up the notches. Pleat folds should be directed upward. Match notches accordingly:
1A to 1a
2A to 2a
1B to 1b
2B to 2b
Topstitch the edges of the mask with 1/8” topstitching. This will stitch down your pleats and secure your the elastic end in place. It will also close up the opening on the right side and give the mask an attractive finish.
Voila! You’ve made yourself a safe and sassy mask!
