Sewing in a Pandemic: Make Masks?
b'COVID-19 or Coronavirus has made its way closer to home. Lisa\'s work as a university professor has shifted to online instruction only. All events--including the university\'s graduation, Lisa\'s epic "50 and Fresh Out of F*cks" Birthday Party in Las Vegas, her trip to Craftcation in April--have ALL been cancelled. (Links for birthday gift donations in the Episode Notes!) Her law librarian husband is working from home three days a week. Her high schooler is at home periodt. And even her college student has reclaimed The Podcast Studio (formerly known as "his bedroom")! These inconveniences pale in comparison to the life-or-death situations faced regularly by the nation\'s health care workers in this pandemic. Lisa talks about making what health care providers call PPE, personal protective equipment. Calls for sewists to make masks are increasing. Patterns, sew-a-longs, tutorials, online classes--some paid, others for free--are on the rise. Lisa explores the construction, benefits, liability, and ethical issues in the push for homemade masks. The episode includes commentary from a nurse currently providing care in the context of COVID9. Special thanks to Shanail for her generously sharing her opinions with us and for her work to keep people healthy.'