CRAFTERIA - ACROSS Mask

“Bear with my clumsiness as I learn to speak a new language to reach out to you in times of distancing turbulence with loving protection. 未能親手觸摸你的手,只好親手造一個口罩保護你。”

In the spirit of giving and connection, Across U-hub invites members of the Across community and everyone in the community to share your loving concerns to those around you by making your own face mask. ACROSS MASK DIY kits are made available for those who need materials, and not to mention that they are free for everyone! Let’s spread positivity in this time of uncertainty, as you get to learn the valuable art of sewing, and create meaningful masks to help protect others in the community in a safe way — all in one DIY mask kit.

We would also love to see your creations! Don’t hesitate to post your photos and tag us on instagram or facebook. Together We Carry On is a place where we can promote positive ways to face this difficult time and embrace the practice of social distancing.

When?

Date: September 15th, 2020 – June 30, 2021

First-come, first-serve, while quantities last

Where?

Pickup Location: Across U-hub

Please request the ACROSS MASK DIY kit by completing the online “DIY kit Request Form” with details of the quantity and size (S, M or L) of the mask.

Email will be sent to individuals for the purpose of confirming orders and picking up instructions.

Who?

Everyone

Across U-hub is temporarily closed. Please contact us through one of the following methods:

  1. Email: [email protected]
  2. FB/IG: #togetherwecarryon
  3. Voicemail: 905-944-1944

How Much?

Free for each DIY kit
$20 for each ACROSS Mask

Objective

  • Wear your own cloth masks and leave the surgical masks for healthcare workers
  • Make things by hand to care for people from turmoil
  • Spend quality time with your families by sewing masks together

About ACROSS Mask

According to the guidelines of Public Health Ontario and Toronto Public Health, a cloth mask should:

  • Contain at least two layers of tightly woven cotton or linen.
  • Cover over nose, mouth and chin, and be easy to breathe through.
  • Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops without gaping or impairing vision.
  • Be comfortable to wear, in order to avoid the need for constant adjustments.
  • Maintain their shape after washing and drying.
  • Not contain non-breathable materials such as plastic.

ACROSS MASK is designed by Across U-hub that fits all these criterias, and carries few more special features to convey kindness and care 手造口罩,用心縫出關懷 :

  • Reusable with a filter pocket 可重用及安放濾芯
  • Adjustable ear loops 可調校耳圈的寛鬆
  • Removable nose wire for easy cleaning 可取出內藏的鐵線,容易清洗
  • Soft cotton, comfortable, and fashionable 柔軟的綿質布料、舒適和時尚

[ Step-by-Step Tutorial Video ]

FAQ

MY MASK PROTECTS YOU AND YOUR MASK PROTECTS ME
As the Greater Toronto Area begins to reopen, more people are returning to work, re-establishing connections with each other, moving around the city and using public transit. This is making physical distancing more challenging, or nearing impossible. The risk of spreading COVID-19 also becomes greater.

Wearing masks not only helps us keep our respiratory droplets to ourselves, but it also prevents spreading germs to others. The use of masks is non-invasive, inexpensive, and can help save lives. Masks may also serve as a visual reminder to everyone that we need to be vigilant and continue to maintain physical distancing with each other. Beyond all of these important benefits, wearing a mask is fundamentally a mutual effort: your mask can help protect others, and others’ masks can reversely protect you!

Reference: www.toronto.ca

  • WASH the cloth mask with hot water and laundry detergent before using it for the first time, and after each use. AIR DRY, then iron the mask for sanitization.
  • DO NOT TOUCH your mask when wearing it.
  • DO NOT LEAVE your mask tucked under the chin, hanging from your ear, or on your forehead.
  • DO NOT SHARE your mask with others.
  • DO NOT STORE the mask in your pocket.
  • Change your mask as soon as it becomes moist or dirty.
  1. Wash or sanitize your hands.
  2. Insert a wire inside the wire tunnel.
  3. Insert a piece of paper towel or tissue paper (which acts as a filter) inside the inner pocket from the bottom.
  4. Make sure the paper towel or tissue paper fully covers the mask (from left to right and top to bottom).
  5. Position the mask with the nose piece on top.
  6. Hold the mask by ear loops and place loops over your ears.
  7. Mold the nose piece over the bridge of your nose.
  8. Stretch the bottom of the mask to fit under your chin.
  1. Wash or sanitize your hands.
  2. Prepare 2 plastic bags and a piece of paper towel.
  3. Remove the mask by the ear loops without touching the front of the mask.
  4. Put the front side of the mask facing down onto a piece of paper towel.
  5. Throw away the middle layer in a garbage bin.
  6. Remove the wire from the wire tunnel. Wash or sanitize the wire, and then put it in a plastic bag.
  7. Put the used mask in another plastic bag or directly in the laundry bin to be washed.
  8. Wash or sanitize your hands.

Disclaimer

Fabrics are made with 100% cotton or a combination of cotton and polyester. Cloth masks have no virus filtering effect, and need to be equipped with qualified filters. They are not the same as surgical or N-95 masks, which are medical devices and are critical supplies for healthcare workers. They cannot be used to replace other existing public health measures, such as social distancing and hand washing.

Each mask is to be used at the user’s own risk. Across U-hub and any of our staff, volunteers, and Board members shall not be liable for any damages or injuries caused by the usage of the masks.

Cloth masks SHOULD NOT be placed on or used by:

  1. Children under the age of two,
  2. anyone who has trouble breathing
  3. anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance

Please check the most up-to-date recommendations from our local public health unit or from the Government of Canada at canada.ca/coronavirus.

DIY Kits Request Form
Please refer to the “ACROSS MASK Pattern Templates” document to choose your size.