How to Sew a Mask & Other Ways Fox Chapel Authors are Giving Back

As the world of book publishing adjusts to confront the unfolding coronavirus, many authors are using their gifts to help others during this time. Fox Chapel Publishing authors have stepped forward with several creative ways that bring us together in this time of need.

Fox Chapel has also offered free coloring pages and puzzles 
to keep little ones engaged during this time at home.

Free Coloring Pages
Free Kids Resources

HOW TO MAKE A FACE MASK WITHOUT ELASTIC

Stephanie Soebbing, author of Simple Quilts for the Modern Home, has created a video on how to sew a face mask. With over 360,000 views, Soebbing assures viewers that the best defense against COVID-19 is to stay home, but if the need for face masks arise in your community this pattern can help. “I have been so proud of how the sewing community has stepped up to help fulfill this need to make sure our healthcare workers, first responders, caregivers and essential workers have some protection against this virus,” Soebbing says. “Sewing masks and helping others to do the same has lifted my spirits, knowing we are working together to help as best we can.” The pattern is available in the video below.

SHOWING THANKS TO HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Artist and author Joanne Fink created coloring pages and cards to thank those in the medical community, which you can download and print from her website. “One thing that we can all do to make a difference is show appreciation for the medical personnel and essential workers who are on the front lines,” Fink says.

Fink also just released new Stay Home “Mojis,” available on the Apple Store, which allow users to send messages such as “We’ll Get Through This,” “Be Well and Stay Healthy,” and “I’m Tired of Social Distancing, I Need a Virtual Hug!”

RESOURCES FOR WOOD ARTISTS 

In the woodcraft space, intarsia artist Kathy Wise is offering a free pattern on her site to encourage scrollers to show their love and support for their local nurses.

The editors of Woodcarving Illustrated magazine are also getting involved by helping woodcarvers stay engaged and connected through weekly projects. “We know how important it is to stay creative during this time,” says editor Kaylee Schofield. The editors encourage carvers to share photos of their creations by emailing them to editors@woodcarvingillustrated.com.

RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN

For parents, grandparents, and guardians looking for resources for their children at home, author Vicki Whiting offers free downloads on her kid-friendly educational site KidScoop. Additionally, KidScoop provides handwashing resources such as a fun handwashing song and free handwashing activity pages.

Emily Arrow, author of The Kids’ Guide to Learning the Ukulele, has created a sing-along program for children called At Home with Emily Arrow. Arrow’s YouTube program is available weekdays at
1 pm EST. You can tune in here.

If you are an author or crafter who has ideas on how to give back—whether it be thanking our medical community or providing resources for children out of school—we’d love to hear from you at pr@foxchapelpublishing.com.