The COVID-19 lockdown imposed on many households had brought back the “maker movement” at the height of the novel coronavirus health-crisis. Aside from being a great diversion in whiling away the day-long hours spent at home, reviving a forgotten sewing hobby or learning how to sew, had proved useful in addressing the face mask shortage.
When clinically-prescribed face masks became an important protective gear against infection, there was lack of their availability to the general public. Mainly because the frontline medical responders and workers had greater need for them as personal protective equipment.
Nonetheless, sewing skills and sewing machines came in handy, allowing even non-professional seamstresses to create cloth face masks for themselves, for family members and even for neighbors.
In other countries where sewing is a popular cottage industry, families were able to earn the much needed income by producing and supplying affordable face masks to local governments, who in turn, distributed them to their respective community residents.
The “Maker Movement” is Bound to Stay as Countries are About to Enter a Period of Recession
The fashion industry is making adjustments in light of the indefinite suspension of fashion shows; coming out with designer masks either with matching lounge wear, or accessories like bandanas, scarves, sashes and even slip-ons.
Yet in a country that is about to enter, or is already in a period of recession, many cannot afford to be extravagant when it comes to wearables. Most especially when there is uncertainty on how long it will take for economies to recover.
The lockdown trend that brought back the sew-it-yourself or the “maker movement” is expected to continue. Mainly because people are still afraid to go out and shop in boutiques and department stores.
Besides, buying at online stores is the new norm and there is an abundance of affordably-priced fashionable face masks and work-at-home wearables being supplied by home-based enterprising and creative sewists.
The return of sewing as a basic skill is expected to last for an indefinite time, with social media platforms providing not only useful resources but also great encouragement and support during these trying times.