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OUR PROCESS

We maintain a rigorous professional process that emphasizes the quality of materials while supporting local artists, workers, and businesses.
Making Masks

Material Sourcing

  • We prioritize support for locally owned businesses.
     

  • We have purchased and are testing Oeko-Tex 100 certified materials (still in development).
     

  • We have purchased and testing GOTS certified organic cotton (still in development)
     

  • We are using local donations to keep costs low and enable donations to in-need organizations
     

    • All donated materials are burn tested to ensure 100% cotton fiber content
       

    • These materials are washed and dried on high heat
       

  • We are using upcycled or excess materials from costume shops and costume professionals to keep costs low and our process as environmentally conscious as possible.
     

    • Upcycled t-shirt yarn ties: washed hot prior to cutting, creates a soft, sustainable, stretchy solution to the elastic shortage.
       

    • Leftover materials from costumes or even other mask makers ensure a sustainable process where no material is wasted

Cutting and Prep

  • We believe it is better to pay people than pay for stuff. This enables us to support our community and be nimble with our materials.
     

  • Our expert cutters make the most efficient use of fabric, particularly odd shaped donations.
     

  • Fabric scraps are saved for recycling or upcycling on future projects.

Sewing

  • Skilled fabricators work from home studios to maintain social distancing.
     

  • All fabricators are given instructions for workspace clean up and prep to minimize contamination.
     

  • Items are checked for quality by the leadership team and repaired if needed so no one receives a sub-par product.
     

  • In normal times, our fabricators work at such places as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steppenwolf, Writers Theatre, and more!

Delivery

  • Sewing kits are distributed to our local distributed workforce for optimal safety of all people involved.
     

  • Routes are organized by local production managers, who are also facing a work shortage right now, in partnership with local theatre company: Uprising Theatre.
     

  • Routes are planned to optimize efficiency, safety, and carbon footprint.
     

  • Drivers are paid for their time and mileage, putting more artists back to work.
     

  • We use safe, contactless drop offs to stitchers.

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