Hand-making masks for health

BABY and children’s clothing brand Our Rabbit are now selling handmade face masks to combat the spread of COVID-19.

As the pandemic continues to persist, health professionals have encouraged Victorians to wear a face mask in public especially when social distancing rules can’t be followed.

In response, Our Rabbit designer and producer Charlotte Sapwell decided to pivot her business to offer masks as a staple.

The young designer said once she began making masks for her online label, it just exploded from there.

“I started making these masks on Tuesday, and now we already have 50 orders for anywhere between 3 to 21 masks each,” she said. “It’s just been crazy.”

Each Our Rabbit mask is made using the World Health Organisation’s design which covers your nose and aims to minimise respiratory contamination and spread.

Ms Sapwell said not only do they offer masks for adults, but they also have sizes especially made for children both under and over six to comfortably wear.

“They’re all three layers and made to a standard size so you can knot the elastic that goes around the ears to fit your head,” she said.

“I’ve been asking customers to specify what kind of fabric they would like because we’ve got so many choices.

“They are also fully machine washable so they can be washed and re-worn.”

Although many businesses felt the negative impacts of the pandemic, Our Rabbit experienced a jump in sales.

Ms Sapwell said they had really felt the Ballarat community spirit and support over this time.

“I’ve noticed that people are really into buying locally at the minute,” she said.

“It hasn’t really impacted us in a negative sense because people are supporting local and handmade. It’s been quite good.”

Orders for Our Rabbit masks can be made via their Instagram page instagram.com/ourrabbit_ or Facebook facebook.com/OOERFashion.