Sit and sew COVID-19 masks

Fabric shopping bags from supermarkets will be upcycled to make reusable cloth masks to protect community members from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Birallee Park Neighbourhood House has established a mask-making group that meets each Monday from 9.30am to noon.

Those interested can help sew or cut fabric.

Birallee Park Neighbourhood House Co-ordinator Amanda Skrypczak said bookings were necessary to take part.

“We have four sewing machines and four overlockers, we are just encouraging people to bring their own fabric scissors if they have some,” she said.

“If people want to contribute but don’t feel talented enough to sew or cut, they can donate cotton, cotton-polyester or polyester/nylon as we need a piece of each of these to make these masks.

“We will be following the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria design and preparation of cloth masks and adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.”

Amanda said the project came about as a way to help the community feel safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If people can’t donate time then perhaps they can donate materials,” she said.

Morning tea will be provided.

Bookings can be made on 6059 2590.