Face masks with face mask piece and folded fabric

This photograph shows fabric and face masks at different stages of production. Bridget Carpenter made several in this pattern and cloth for friends and family during the Covid-19 lockdown period in New Zealand (11.59pm on 25 March to 11.59pm on 27 April 2020). She used wool for the outer layer and cotton calico for the internal layer, attaching elastic loops for the ears.

The face mask has become one of the iconic symbols of the pandemic. Attitudes towards mask-wearing and the meaning of masks have shifted as Covid-19 increases around the world, as political movements intersect with the pandemic, and as health authorities increasingly understand the virus and how it spreads.

Mask-wearing is now a common sight for New Zealanders. Masks became mandatory on public transport in New Zealand from 11.59pm, Sunday 30 August 2020.

Bridget Carpenter
This mask was made by Bridget Carpenter. Her work as a freelance production manager in the arts sector reduced dramatically as a result of Covid-19. With most events cancelled or postponed, Bridget was eligible for the wage subsidy, and it was ‘nice to do something’ while at home during lockdown. She had family and friends in Europe who were wearing masks, and she saw that friends were making them. She didn’t want to wear something disposable, and she knew she would be locked down at home for a period, so she made good use of the time by resting, mending and sewing. She was ‘thankful for the activity’.

Bridget’s bedroom became her home office during lockdown. She rejigged her room to make sure she wasn’t doing all her activities and hobbies from her bed. She repurposed a vintage TV dinner tray table to be her sewing table – it ‘became an essential piece’ of furniture.

She made upwards of 30 masks for family, friends, and colleagues. She used what fabrics she had at hand, or upcycled fabric from old garments – the black and white hounds tooth cloth in this photograph came from a pair of trousers. She used pristine calico for the lining. She bought the elastic at the grocery store – this was the only material she was missing during lockdown. She did a bit of research into patterns, style and cloth, and slightly adjusted the pattern as she went. Bridget wore her mask when supermarket shopping, and ‘trained myself not to touch my face’ so that the mask wouldn’t be compromised.

Covid-19
Covid-19 is a type of coronavirus. It can pass from person to person by droplets, and can manifest with a cough, fever, and respiratory issues. Some people with Covid-19 may not get sick, but can still pass the virus to another person. It can take up to 14 days from the time a person has been around someone with Covid-19 to when they get sick. Key guidance has been to cough into a tissue or elbow, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, not touch the face, clean surfaces, keep a two-metre social distance; and self-isolate if unwell, if recently in contact with someone with Covid-19, or if recently returned from overseas.