COVID-19 Efforts
Bias Tape Tools
For those sewing masks with fabric straps, if bias tape is not readily available to them, the process of making bias tape from fabric strips can be quite time intensive and tedious. This tool is a big help in that process! I modified the file from Thingiverse to require less material so that I could print more in less time with less material.
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Credit: Original file for bias tool
View the Facebook page below for videos on how to use the bias tool, or to request a bias tool!
Ear Savers
a.k.a. Face Mask Extenders
For those wearing face masks for extended periods of times, the straps can rub on the ears and cause significant discomfort/pain. Healthcare workers have enough worries right now (how to keep their families healthy, etc), so these ear savers help relieve one of the distractions during their day at work. Those with compromised immune systems and/or those working in other essential businesses and wearing face masks all day also find relief.
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Credit: Original file for ear savers
View the Facebook page below to request ear savers!
Geographical Impact of Efforts
The states in red indicate states that have received at least one bias tool or one batch of ear savers. We have tried to stay focused locally, but when local requests were low we provided to those outside of our local regions.
More Details on Ear Savers
After demand for the Ear Savers slowed down, we switched to the NIH design (https://3dprint.nih.gov/discover/3dpx-013410) to eliminate the steps of cutting, tying and looping the pieces together with embroidery floss. However, we are scaling them down by about 80% so that we can fit more in each print.
