2020 Face Mask Blog
New York Times explains masks and counterfeits, back to CLOTH!
Mask Panorama, November 2022, Exhibited in Sarrow’s #PRIMARY Exhibition
I’m hoping to show at TAG Gallery in November/December, and if so, I will have an installation of masks. Jonathan and I spent many months making them, and shortly before school started last year a few well-paid doctors alarmed the public to say only N95 masks protect us. It defied logic and all the established studies about high-quality cloth masks, but nevertheless, millions of disposable masks flew off the shelves again to safeguard schools and workplaces. Ultimately, it made sense to set a standard for institutions to regulate “cloth masks” used by people, ranging from scarves to single-layer t-shirts.
Since we last made masks, both Jonathan and I have caught COVID-19. The BA-5 version seems weaker than Delta, etc. I rested for three days and returned to work, but Jonathan couldn’t rest, and his symptoms have been stronger than mine ever were. We’d reached a point where we wouldn’t wear masks every time we were inside or with a large group of people. I know people who have had COVID-19 several times. Masks protect us.
I was glad to see the New York Times has come to its senses and endorsed high-quality cloth masks again:
https://www.nytimes.com/explain/2022/coronavirus-questions#covid-masks-counterfeits
Unstable Virus - Delta / Lambda
We have returned to watching the PBS Newshour tonight. I started studying to sell insurance today and the 2nd chapter is all about Risk. The governments and institutions who are opposing mask mandates and not encouraging vaccines, are engaged in moral risks, or more generously, morale risks. Moral vs. Morale Risks
Anthony Fauci and the CEO of United Airlines spoke about the risks. Fauci said more kids are becoming infected because as a population they are less vaccinated than adults, and the Delta virus is more infectious, and spreads easier.
This is arguably an even more dangerous time than it was before for our kids to go back to school in person next week, but we can see our schools are vigilant about managing risk, by testing the children for the virus every week, and checking their heath every day, and enforcing masks. Our kids, and our countries, are in an unprecedented war against an unstable virus.
I’m not yet sure if Covid-19 is considered a severe Hazard or a Catastrophic risk, by the insurance industry, but I realized today that many who fight masks and spread propaganda about Covid-19 are also taking moral or morale risks with Covid-19.
Masks will be required again Because of Delta VarIant
Hopefully, we can help businesses stay in business by wearing masks again. I do nor understand the illogic of those who think masks take away their freedom and then complain when government is forced to close business to stop the spread! Masks will keep our businesses open!!
Karen wearing Empire State Black and White Gingham
California ignores growing Covid cases
As the news reports that LA’s young unvaccinated population is suffering from hundreds of new Covid cases every day, the State announces they’ve adopted the CDC optional mask position for schools reopening.
Our kids, both over 12, are vaccinated, but I suspect the older one will still opt to wear a mask. Unvaccinated children need masks.
We have added new fabrics and still have our popular patterns in stock, elementary and young middle school kids generally wear a small mask, older middle school and high school kids wear medium. Mask up for fall in quality comfort (-:
Free shipping and BUZZ10 is 10% off all orders. Covid Cases Now
JD in a Mickey and Goofy mask, JJ in one of Sarrow Studio’s many navy masks | Joshua Tree National Park
Delta Variant
Faster, Fitter, more deadly to the vulnerable.
Time Magazine, July 4/July 12. 2021 pg.13
Traveling Soon?
Masks are required at airports this summer, it is a wise Presidential Order. We also have some new fabric designs uploading soon! Order your comfortable, fresh new masks today!
SUMMER MASKS!
Pretty in Pink, Pigeons in Flight, and Mickey and Goofy with Donald Duck
L.A. is getting back to normal for summer, but we still need to be careful with masks in crowded rooms and arenas.
Sarrow Studio has gone from recycled materials to fun new fabrics every season, coming up is the second summer of this world wide pandemic, we are still creating comfortable, hand-made masks for families and health care givers.
Many other countries are still seeing high cases of Covid-19 infections, while they wait for their countries to adopt widespread vaccinations like the U.S. We are in such a different place than last summer, thanks to our new President and caregivers who made Covid-19 recovery their number one goal.
I rebranded our shop to “Premium” to recognize the high quality of our masks. Many retailers today offer low quality materials and two layer masks, although much cheaper. We have innovated our masks over the last year to be comfortable, adjustable and useful, with beautiful 100% cottons. We also noticed so-called “luxury” masks are retailing well over $50, and that’s just too much for most families to afford.
Our highest cost premium mask is $20 (Tie Dye masks), and most are $12.50. Our Chambray and one or two limited edition masks are $18. Our four-panel mask is $14. Free shipping is always included. Psst…a Spider Man mask is coming soon!
Have a great summer!!
Adding to the mix: Lavender (just added!) and Turtle & Tiny Bubbles (LTD Ed.)
Our Masks fold and fit in pockets and purses - What is with the CDC?
Tisha Janigan of SHE IS HOPE LA and SHE IS HOPE Realty With SHE IS HOPE Realty, your home sale or purchase uplifts single mother families.
Doctors are flummoxed, citizens are confused, this mask maker is frustrated and angry that the CDC is book ending it’s late response to mask requirements with too quick a withdrawal. Maybe we could have predicted it, but what in the world is driving it? Masks are good for business, good for Labor, good for preventing MANY diseases in general, and as I discussed with a friend today, active carbon filters are just good for airplanes.
Hope you are benefitting from increased vaccinations, we are so glad and thankful that it’s opened up for children. Thank you so much for your business!
WEARING TWO MASKS
We create tight weave cotton continuous panel masks that fit well over disposable masks, and filter pockets can be added at no cost in the check out. Or, in the checkout, customers can select middle-seam masks that fit over N-95 masks. My husband and I feel very secure in our continuous 3 layer masks (standard), with or without a filter pocket. We also now create a black four panel cotton mask.
French Label Masks - Sarrow Studio introduces our label
Inspired by traditional garment makers and Nancy Pelosi’s branded mask, we are now adding Sarrow Studio labels to our masks! Printed in France, these satin labels add a touch of elegance to any mask!
The first label, sewn a little off center, on our Indigo Shetland posh mask. These labels come in navy, black and white, to coordinate with all the colorful fabrics.
How we've grown!
3 panels standard, now one 4 panel mask, filter pocket option, and we hope to add another design choice soon! Now that we enter our second calendar year making masks, though we have not met our one year anniversary yet, we are feeling more creative than innovative lately! Innovation has been par for the course, actually.
Our new masks are sleeker and more comfortable than the starter masks from March. The majority of our fabrics, in the beginning, were recycled! Now we have dozens of new fabric color choices, and they keep growing. Our sizes fit the whole family, and we are most thankful for adjustable elastic beads!
As our first filter pocket masks go out, let me take this moment to remind everyone to remove the filter for washing, and the filters we include only last for two 8-hour days. We sell five active carbon filters for $1.25, and you can order more on Amazon.
Our next mask iteration, hopefully, is an optional design with a few fun color choices. It will have a removable nose and a filter pocket, standard. It’s inspired by young people, and will probably be more geared for young people!
Just Arrived!
Our posh new fabrics - premium limited edition masks.
We found these wonderful fabrics after seeing an ad for $25 masks!!
Sarrow Studio premium masks are only $18, because we love a good deal! We will post the new masks tonight!
Optional Filter Pocket
We have successfully added a large pocket filter as an alternate option for masks, at no extra charge. The mask with a filter is three layers, and a flexible filter can fit within the seam boundaries of our existing design, with a longer fabric comfortably covering the inside gap (video: we have nudged the gab closer to the edge of the mask).
Just click yes to the “Filter Pocket” prompt at checkout, and indicate which masks you want the pocket to be on. Thanks! We include an active carbon filter with this add-on, suitable for smog and fuel compromised air on airplanes.
VALENTINE FABRIC MASK
Happy Holidays Everyone! All our masks are 3-panel cotton since two orders ago!
Covid-19 has gotten much worse than it’s ever been this month. It is shocking and sad. We are trying harder support small mom and pop shops and local restaurants to keep them in business. A few weeks ago my physical therapist requested 3-panel cotton masks, and she was thrilled that we could do this for her. Then, we heard a doctor recommend everyone to use 3 layer cotton masks or N-95 masks. So this solves an earlier issue we were considering about adding a filter pocket; now we are happy to have 3-panels of 100% cotton standard in every mask.
I recently became concerned about the breathability of our fitted masks when exercising, and was happy to have the adjustable elastic to loosen the front a little while I was breathing heavily. Let us know if you have any questions!
Christmas Cardinal Mask, Size Medium 5, Black Elastic (all elastic ties are adjustable with silicone beads)
Our new 3-Panel 100% Cotton Masks
Dear Customers,
Public health officials and practitioners are now telling us to use 3-ply face masks. I have already made 5 masks like this for a health therapist, at no extra cost, and we are committed to no price change for all our customers! We also offer 10% off of any order with the coupon code BUZZ10, and free shipping over $22.
Order your new 3-panel mask today!
CHristmas & Hanukah Masks coming soon
We will post all our new colors for Holiday Masks tomorrow! After we prewash.
Over 100 masks donated to Valley Community Healthcare!
We are proud to support Valley Community Healthcare in their efforts to serve those who do not have health coverage; this is our latest delivery of “healthcare aqua” masks. As always, our masks are 100% double-paneled cotton. You can find out more about VCH at www.valleycommunityhealthcare.org.
A LITTLE NOTE ABOUT ADJUSTABLE ELASTIC (-:
We are getting great feedback about our adjustable elastic introduction, thank you! It took us awhile to feel comfortable wearing them, until we realized we could tuck the “extra” elastic behind our ears, by pulling the adjustment bead downwards and behind the ear.
When removing the mask, get in the habit of pushing the adjustment beads (silicone) toward the mask so that they will not pop off during the washing process.
We recommend gentle or hand washing, and air drying the masks, and ironing (do not iron the elastic). The adjustable nose may need to be gently coaxed into a curved line again.
3-layer 100% Cotton Seer Sucker Masks with silicone beads
We've teamed up with Brighten Clothing for Tie Dye Masks!!
Check out Stacy Gooden’s Etsy Shop. If you’re looking for a Tie Dye Mask, we are happy to make them to order. Contact us for specific focusing on a chosen fabric, otherwise we’ll pick the best patterns available.
UPDATE: We accidentally left the white elastic and white string tie options off of our Tie Dye Masks, but they are available now.
