I’ve joined most of my sewing friends in producing masks and getting them to hospitals, doctors and others who need them in Southern California.

There are a number of designs available online and most are stitched together with just a few layers of cotton and elastic straps. These homemade masks are not a substitute for the high-grade N95 masks that are the most effective protection against coronavirus. But reportedly some doctors are wearing the homemade masks over surgical or N95 masks, trying to prolong their limited lifespan. I’ll keep making them as long as there is a need.