Good Deeds
Look for the helpers, said Fred Rogers. We’ve found quite a few among the community of Shoppe Object brands who are utilizing their strengths to aid in the global fight against COVID-19. From making masks and PPE for friends and front-line defenders, to donating proceeds from sales to agencies of change, we’re so inspired by the outpouring of goodwill by our friends and neighbors. Below, a selection of brands making a difference right now.
“Over the last 2 weeks I flipped all of my production equipment to produce visors for face shields that are being sent to workers in hospitals and other health care facilities – first in New York, but now around the country. I am producing the visor, and I have a partner in Manhattan attaching clear PET to the front and elastic to the back. We sent a shipment of 500+ to NYU hospitals.
We're getting a ton of requests for face shields, the vast majority from organizations that are unable to offer any funding for equipment. I've produced as much as I can pro bono and have set up a Visor Sponsorship product on my website – $4 a visor. All funds go directly towards the production of PPE – at cost. We've also altered our bear model to pay tribute to the heroes protecting us now. Proceeds from our Doctor Bear will help us keep the lights on and 50% of proceeds will be donated to City Meals on Wheels to help provide meals to New York’s most vulnerable citizens.”
locknesters.com
“We are answering the call to help make protective masks for the heroes risking their health to serve communities and people in a time of incredible need. We are making 100% organic cotton masks that are washable and reusable for those working in hospitals, health care, hospitality, food service, grocery stores, and at risk individuals.”
Aplat sets a standard for zero waste design and manufacturing. Made with care in San Francisco, Aplat’s masks are 100% biodegradable, plastic and elastic free, and include an area to insert a disposable filter. Shu’s team has been busy making masks over the past two weeks: 1000+ of these sustainable sturdy masks will arrive to hospitals next week, and many wholesale clients have been ordering for their retail stores to service their local communities.
You can make your own mask using Aplat’s DIY Cotton Face Mask Pattern here.
aplat.com
Utopia Goods is pumping out masks as fast as they can! They have done a complete 100% pivot, selling masks to their client base, gifting, and donating to the medical sector, and anyone experiencing hardship. Their masks are pure hand printed linen lined with 100% cotton voile - they’re not medical grade but they are 80 to 90% protective and must be washed daily. Currently, Utopia Goods is supporting the largest hospital in Sydney, Australia.
utopiagoods.com
“I'm using naturally dyed cotton and hemp fabric scraps from my studio to make face masks. I'm giving them away to the community in Detroit for free, trade, or donation and including them for free with online orders. I made them available for purchase online as well for those who are financially able to and wish to support monetarily. Those who are interested can donate here to help me to continue making these available for free. They are available to purchase here.”
rosemarinetextiles.com
“The mission of this project is to get PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) into the hands of healthcare workers and volunteers on the frontline as soon as possible. Our studio is asking for donations to go towards the cost of materials and shipping to produce face masks and shields. Donations will go towards supplying healthcare facilities in need. If you would like to purchase masks or shields at cost for a specific entity or person you can do so here.
Each dollar donated allows us to make and donate one mask. For example, donating $10 will provide 10 masks to healthcare professionals. Every two dollars donated allows us to make and donate one face shield. For example $10 will provide 5 face shields to healthcare professionals.
If you are a medical professional and have a need for masks and face shields please email us at lizzie@primecutbags.com.”
primecutbags.com
Eskayel’s fabric and wallpaper studio is making masks! In about 2.5 days they’ve sold over 3,000 masks – not for a profit but to cover costs to pay their factory workers and keep 17 people in a job. They then donated a small surplus of proceeds to https://www.directrelief.org. “We ended up donating over $2,000 so far. We had to stop selling the masks temporarily so the factory can catch up with orders but we plan to sell them again as soon as they are caught up - some time this week.”
eskayel.com
Found My Animal has jumped at the emergency call for new masks, starting the Lorraine Community Mask Project, named after a caring woman’s mother who served as a nurse in the run-up to World War II.
“When we heard NY Gov Cuomo urgently call all sewing machine operators to make community masks—we jumped right in and began making samples—we had already received calls from local caretakers asking for help. Yesterday as we were constructing mask samples in the studio, the most incredible thing happened. A very kind woman named Karen called us and said she would be dropping off a care package. We heard a knock at the door and there on the doorstep was a bag full of supplies including; tea, coffee, homemade biscotti, scrap fabric in adorable floral patterns, elastic, a photograph and a letter, plus a very generous donation towards our mask-making effort. Karen's letter described the beautiful scene in the photograph; her mother Lorraine, who had served as a nurse leading up to WWII, holding her grandson Abe. Karen’s pure generosity is incredibly inspiring during this complicated time. We are making masks in Lorraine's honor to help the community feel safe and preserve medical masks for those that need it most. Thank you for supporting our craft during these times. We want to help, and we are all in this together. Love-FMA”
foundmyanimal.com
It's a crazy mask making world in Sue’s studio! Tulusa is donating masks to their local shelters, and other places in need. So far Tulusa has donated over 200 masks and are now working on their next 250. Tulusa’s face masks are 100% cotton, backed with soft cotton flannel and held on with comfortable elastic strapping. Each mask is unique, block-printed by hand, and washable in cold or warm water. “We are making masks just as fast as we can. Current timing is 7-10 days from order to shipment or for local pick up in Del Ray in Alexandria VA.”
tulusa.com
“In an effort to provide some relief and good will to our community, Sigil is offering a limited number of choose-your-cost, custom-blended high-proof alcohol hand mists for purchase. You have the option to donate $5 to the LA LGBT Center’s food pantry, and/or to pay $5 more to go toward Sigil’s bottom line. To date, Sigil has raised over $3,125 for the LA LGBT Center.
The sanitizing hand mist is comprised of 80% 190-proof organic wheat-based ethyl alcohol (lab-certified gluten free), distilled water, a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, and a dab of essential oils. We are keeping it simple at 1-3 EOs per bottle—at a very low concentration—in order to maintain reasonable cost of goods for you. This is our attempt to provide you with some emotional, mental, and physical comfort in these trying times.”
sigilscent.com
“In these sensitive times, we all need to protect and take care of each other to reduce the spread of the virus. The guidelines for wearing face masks vary across countries, but the authors of different studies conclude that it would be good if face masks were used by the general public as well. Even face masks made of fabric significantly block the transmission of microorganisms and help one avoid catching droplets emitted from others.
However, the following instructions need to be followed: masks need to be put on and disposed of with clean hands; the mask needs to cover mouth and nose; touching the mask when in use should be avoided; when the mask is damp, it needs to be replaced (every 30 minutes to 2 hours). Face masks made of fabric should be washed at high temperatures. When dry, they need to be ironed. Our two-ply cotton face masks are washable and reusable, which makes them an ecological option. Fabric face masks are not as effective as surgical masks, but may still significantly protect you and others.”
ooh-noo.com
Made in Brooklyn, M.Patmos has created a one size, super soft, machine-washable social distancing mask. Their chic and streamlined design is engineered to fit most adult facial structures. Ear loops are knit with high power lycra for added hold on to face. The soft and comfortable lightweight knit is breathable and kind to skin. The masks can be worn with or without a filter (invisible slit for filter). Also, an adjustable metal nose clip encased inside holds mask closer to bridge the of nose for a better fit. M.Patmos’s masks are meant for the general public to wear as per the Center for Disease control advice, and are not designed for medical professionals. To help our community in this time of need, M.Patmos will donate 10% of proceeds to foodbanknyc.org where each dollar donated helps provide 5 meals.
mpatmos.com
Little Korboose is producing two styles of mask: one with a filter pocket and one without. Their masks are both tie backs, as doctors and nurses have requested this type of mask most. “Since we are a no-waste company, we have pounds of organic cotton scraps saved to complete this effort. These are to be washed every day and reused, NOT throwaways.”
LK founder April Nemeth has also created thoughtful Stay Home Kits (get yours here)! The first Kit "High Vibes" launched two weeks ago, and includes smudge sticks, stationery, a letterpress print, and a tea towel / dish towel. Little Korboose will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Feed America and to help individuals and families that can not help themselves during this pandemic. With your purchase and by staying home, you will not only be supporting small businesses you will also be helping to save lives.
littlekorboose.com
“I’m making these for free for friends and neighbors and I made them for my husband's colleages at his hospital. The funny part is that I’ve been leaving them on my front steps for people to pick up and people have voluntarily been leaving things in trade like toilet paper and Clorox wipes. It’s surreal.”
heybluehandmade.com
‘My heart is with the medical workers. Our community has turned to me for donations of Lauren's All Purpose Salve (otherwise known as LAPS) to soothe hospital staff's cracked and bleeding hands. In order to maximize the amount of donations we are able to give we are reaching out to our beloved customers for your help. For every $15 donated here we will send one Travel Jar of LAPS to advocates who have connections with the medical workers. Some of these people are doctors and nurses who are personal friends of Lauren. I will post updates here as this initiative evolves. Let's spread the Tender Touch, together.”
laurensallpurpose.com
With 20 years in the fashion manufacturing industry, Hellen Yuan is making it her mission to provide supplies so health care providers can keep saving lives. By enlisting professional factory workers to sew masks in response to Gov. Cuomo's call to action, Hellen is gathering any and all resources to manufacture these necessary supplies. So far, Hellen has raised over $5600 in donations to create PPE, and hundreds of additional donations in gloves, surgical masks, goggles, surgical bouffant caps, hand sanitizers, and shoe covers.
Hellen has motivated factories in LA (Lefty Production Co.) and NY (Atelier Amelia) to make surgical cloth masks in addition to hiring sewers to sew from home. These factories have agreed to cut the cost and only collect enough money per piece to pay the sewers. Meanwhile, she’s reached out to fabric vendors to get donations of fabrics and trims to the factories. These surgical masks will be made from fabric that can be reused and washed. As of this week Hellen is in the process of creating self-care packages for nurses (including her signature bath brews, inhalers, and shower steams), and setting up wellness rooms in hospitals.
Please consider contributing to Hellen’s PPE campaign here.
hellen.nyc
Fahari Wambura is sewing …. “Reversible. Opening for inserts. Adjustable fabric straps. Fits most. Free to anyone that needs, but especially to healthcare professionals and those in the service industry. I am making in order of who asked first. If I get too many requests — I might not be able to make for all of you that need. Bear with me. Keep in mind that my boys are home, so I will be working at a pace that feels comfortable for me and accommodating to my family. Stay safe. And may we remember—especially in these times when we are all needing — to ask, what can I give to others?”
faharibazaar.com
“I am making masks at home on my own sewing machine with the goal of sewing masks to donate. There’s been so much interest in the masks, and the need seems to be endless. Although we will not be selling them at all, I will be releasing a limited batch of my masks online for customers to receive free with a purchase.”
You can find a step-by-step guide with a how-to-pictorial for Erica’s Mask Pattern here.
ericatanov.com
Voyage et Cie is creating masks for general use and hand sanitizers for their neighbors and close knit community. “I’m just doing what I can by making masks, and hand sanitizer everyday for my customers, family, and friends. It started with a pharmacy that I do business with that I am still supplying. There is nothing here in LA to purchase, so I am doing it myself. I’m offering ‘buy one and get one free’ for a friend!”
voyageetcie.com
Z Wraps are using resources from their eco-friendly and sustainable food storage solutions to create masks to support local communities. “We’ll be selling our masks for just $6 each + shipping. The $6 is just to cover materials and our lovely local local labor. We are taking pre-orders via email at contact@myzwraps.com. There will be a listing on our website soon! And we will start shipping in about a week.”
myzwraps.com
The superb team at Kamawanu have released detailed and beautifully illustrated instructions on how to turn one of their tenugui fabrics into a homemade mask. You simply take the tenugui, fold or cut it in half, fold the top and bottom toward the middle, pinch the middle and fold upwards then pass each side through a loop of flat elastic or a hair tie. Fold the sides inward and overlap on the inside of the mask! An illustrated how-to guide here.