I’m taking a break from calligraphic art to do some sewing. Due to a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), some of my friends are lacking what they need to feel safe on the job.

If you are riding the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) these days, you may spot workers wearing some snazzy face masks. Big thanks to Cherryl Moote for donating fabric from her quilter’s stash. It was fun to figure out how to sew masks using accessible materials—like shoelaces for ties and foil baking pans for nose wires to assure a firm fit! Here’s a sampling of the first batch of masks, ready for delivery.

Many thanks to all frontline workers for keeping the city operational.