Tain photographer overcomes 'wonky seams' and finds huge demand for her homemade facemasks
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A photographer from the Tain area has turned seamstress to produce free face masks for front line workers and high-risk individuals to wear for protection against coronavirus.
And Emma Jones has been so overwhelmed with orders that she has now been joined by three local volunteer sewers in a bid to keep up.
She said: “I've had messages from high risk individuals, worried family members, shop assistants, carers and hospital workers with one care home alone requesting 60 face masks.”
Emma, of Hilton of Cadboll, was keen to do what she could to help in the fight against Covid-19, but as a non-driver was unable to travel any great distance so hit on the idea of making face masks from home.
“Countries that are ahead of us in this battle are having massive shortages so it was bound to happen here,” she said. “I am not a seamstress or even a hobbyist but I know the basics.
“I started making test masks with supplies I already had just to make sure I physically could manage to sew well enough.”
She follows specific guidelines on fabric and is using two layers of tight weave cotton and a middle layer of flannel or winceyette as a filler.
The masks can be worn over surgical masks and re-used once washed.
Emma, who moved to the Highlands a year ago, was pleased at the results of her sewing - with only a few “wonky seams” indicating that she was a novice.
She then ordered as much fabric as she could afford - enough to make 80 masks.
“I asked my local community facebook group as to whether these would be helpful and have been overwhelmed with the response,” she said.
As word spread, Emma began receiving donations of fabric and has now been joined in the initiative by other volunteers.
Tain Community Council member Neil Akeroyd also made contact with her and offered assistance in coordinating the project.
Masks can be delivered to the following areas - Tain, Dornoch, Edderton, Embo, Fearn, Inver and Portmahomack, Nigg and Logie Easter and the Seaboard Villages.
“We are currently looking at the best way to distribute masks to those with the greatest needs,” said Emma.
“The ideal situation would be for us to hand the addressed envelopes to the sorting office and for them to be delivered like regular mail by the postman to limit movement. If they could assist us with this it would be fantastic.
“We are also looking into collection points and direct deliveries by community members and businesses if the post in a no-go.”
She added: “It’s all a bit hectic! I'm trying to organise, source supplies, reply to messages, create an online request system, figure out distribution, sew the masks and not mess it all up in the process.
“I'd love a holiday and a haircut at the end of this!"
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