Taz, Tutorial video maker and papa of hand sewing

When COVID-19 really started hitting Australia in March, I was worried about my family. I have school-age children and we were faced with a new balancing act that consisted of work, childcare, and education. The struggle to get surgical masks and protective equipment became a symbol of my distress. Then I discovered Hong Kong Masks Australia through the referral of a friend.

I was amazed by the design of the Hong Kong Mask filter pocket idea and the filter’s efficiency. The tutorial was easy to follow, and so I started to make my first hand-sewn HK Mask. It took me 8 hours until I finally completed one. Practice makes perfect, and it took me only 3 hours to make the next one. A few days of working was enough to make everyone a mask in my 4-person family. Thank you to HKMA and a Hong Kong scientist Dr. K Kwong, who designed the HK Mask.

When it comes to parenting, you need patience. When I put on my first HK Mask, my children came to me and told me they wanted one the same. It seemed like they had discovered a new toy and were excited to have their tailor-made masks. They chose their favourite fabric pattern and we made the masks together. We enjoyed the time the whole family spent, staying together and working together towards a common goal. Hopefully, with a little bit more practice, they can make their own masks in the future.

Recently, experts' advice on the wearing of face masks became common. I realized things might not get back to how they were before. If this virus has it’s own way, the pandemic will go on for a very long time. We have to consider how we are going to survive. People are going to have to wear masks until there is a vaccine. Buying surgical masks is going to be a financial burden to everyone. We chose to use a reusable fabric mask (HK Mask) which has an amazing replaceable filter pocket idea. We are going to treat it as a daily essential, as well as being an environmentally friendly option. Same as clothes, a washable mask with a piece of paper towel filter is the best alternative to a surgical mask. We need to work together to contain the virus. Let’s make a mask for your beloved family.

- Taz, Melbourne

Thanks for Taz for the hard work and amazing tutorial video that taught many people making mask!