It's never been easier to help the people who are helping us.
Joann Fabrics Is Sharing Free Material and Patterns to Help Volunteers Make Face Masks
Updated Nov. 24, 2023
There’s little doubt that the heroes right now are nurses and doctors. Hospitals around the country are overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak and the influx of patients, and they’re running low on everything. Nonetheless, these folks are working around the clock.
Now, unfortunately, we can’t all 3D-print ventilators to help curb shortages. But many of us have basic sewing skills—and even if you don’t, now’s a great time to learn. Joann Fabrics is giving away everything you need to make hospital masks.
Find more ways to help your community right now.
How Can I Start Making Masks?
Joann Fabrics is offering kits that include fabric, elastic and anything else you might need to make a mask. All you need to do is sew.
Of course, Joann has some help for you there, too. There’s a how-to video on their website that’ll walk you through the process, and it also offers a few more suggestions of other ways you can use fabric to help healthcare professionals.
Where Do I Get the Sewing Kits?
Like many places right now, Joann is doing curbside pickup. You can just pull up to the store, and an attendant will give you the number of kits you ask for. It’s that simple. It sounds like they have face mask kits in adult and youth sizes, plus kits for gowns and “other essential items.”
When you’re done, you can head back to the store and drop off the completed masks, so there’s no need to go to the hospital yourself. Joann will then donate them to a local hospital for you, and you can drive away knowing you’ve done a great thing for great people.
And honestly, we’re all stuck at home anyway. For the moment, no one’s going to concerts or hosting fancy dinners. So why not use your extra free time to lend a helping hand?
100 Recipes to Help You Relax and Destress
I love the excellent texture of this easy coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
German Apple CakeWith the long, cold winters we have here, this German apple cake recipe has warmed many a kitchen. The cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert or as an evening snack. I've made it for many parties, and I've always received compliments on it. —Grace Reynolds, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip SconesChocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk —these delicious scones are easy to make. They come together fast. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Jewish Chocolate Chip Mandel BreadThis traditional Jewish mandel bread recipe has been passed down in my family for four generations. It tastes wonderful with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or milk. —Monica Schnapp, Irvine, California
Lemon BreadI often bake this sunshiny-sweet lemon bread when company's due. It has a loaf-like texture. —Kathy Scott, Lingle, Wyoming
Cherry Hand PiesThere's nothing better than a sweet, from-scratch delight like traditional cherry pie. These precious little hand pies always go fast when I sell them at my pie bakery! —Allison Cebulla, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chocolate Chip MuffinsBoth of my daughters love these chocolate chip muffins! I usually double this chocolate chip muffin recipe so I have extras to keep in the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack. —Lori Thompson, New London, Texas
Lemon TartBe patient when making the crust for this lemon tart. It will take a few minutes of pulsing for the food processor to work its magic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Roasted Strawberry Sheet CakeMy Grandma Gigi loved summer berry cakes. Almost any time I’d call her during the warmer months, she’d invite me over to taste her latest masterpiece. This cake is a tribute to her. —Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Biscotti RecipeTake a break and have some coffee or tea with one of these tasty biscotti. It's sweet but not overly so, and it's a crunchy, satisfying snack that's fantastic for when you want to relax and have something simple to eat.
Pumpkin Spice CakeWe sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake "Thanksgiving Cake" because it's a tasty alternative to pie, but we don't relegate it to just that holiday. I think you'll agree it's delicious any time of the year.—Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio
Mini Blueberry TartsI served this recipe to my family while we were on vacation and they were all amazed! The best part: I didn't spend tons of time on it thanks to refrigerated pie crust. Watch your mini tarts around the 13-minute mark to make sure they don't brown too quickly. If you'd like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.—Allison Bell, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Margarita CakeThis margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You'll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other margarita dessert recipes are delicious, too. ?—Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Chess PieChocolate chess pie is all the gooey yumminess of chocolate pecan pie, without the pecans!
Olive Oil CakeGrab your favorite bottle of EVOO and break out the mixer. We'll show you how to make olive oil cake with a hint of citrus and almond.
Cookie SticksIf you have a craving for cookies and you want them now, these yummy strips take just a few minutes to make from start to finish. —Kathy Zielicke, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache CakeThis decadent cake is what every chocolate lover dreams of!
Chocolate Chip Cranberry BreadThis cranberry bread is tender and moist. The first time I made it, it immediately became a favorite for the fall and winter holidays. The tart cranberries complement the sweet chocolate so well.—Jessica Hornaday, Nampa, Idaho
Crusty BreadThis easy crusty bread recipe proves that you absolutely can make a bakery-quality loaf at home—no kneading required. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations with cheddar, herbs and more.
Carrot Sheet CakeWe sold pieces of this to-die-for carrot cake at an art show. Before long, we sold all 10 cakes we had made! —Dottie Cosgrove South El Monte, California
Dream Cupcakes My grandchildren absolutely love these cream-filled cupcakes, and I hope the chocolaty treats become a favorite in your home as well. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
Chewy Salted Peanut BarsMy rich bars are studded with the all-American peanut. I like to think famed peanut farmer Jimmy Carter would approve. —Ann Marie Heinz, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Homemade Boston Cream PieBoston cream pie is an elegant-looking dessert that is so easy to prepare. Our dinner guests always enjoy it.—Jane Uphoff, Cunningham, Kansas
Overnight Cinnamon RollsThe wait may seem hard, but these overnight cinnamon rolls are worth it. These rolls are made with a doughy, moisture-rich dough packed with cinnamony goodness and are the perfect addition to your weekend brunch spread. Serve them piping hot with the decadent glaze dripping down the edges.
Banana Skillet Upside-Down CakeMy grandmother gave me my first cast iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
Bake-Sale Lemon BarsThe recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin, who is famous for cooking up farm feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois
Chocolate Pistachio BiscottiChocolate, pistachios and cranberries make a dramatic, delicious trio. Introducing the cranberries to this recipe added tartness, texture and color, too. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Cherry Rhubarb CrunchMy husband's grandmother gave me this recipe, along with a bundle of rhubarb, when we were first married. I had never cared for rhubarb, but after trying this dessert, I changed my mind. Now my children dig in too! —Sharon Wasikowski, Middleville, Michigan
Big Soft Ginger CookiesThese ginger cookies are soft, easy to make and loaded with the flavors of fall.
Favorite Frosted BrowniesThese are my tried-and-true brownies for many holidays. Everyone always agrees that they are absolutely yummy! I sometimes top them with candy sprinkles for a little color. —Barbara Birk, St. George, Utah
Nantucket Cranberry TartWhile everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it's a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut
Coconut Chiffon CakeToasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it's a lovely end to meals throughout the year.
Chocolate Chip BlondiesThese chocolate chip blondies are a comforting treat that's ready in just 30 minutes. Meet your new go-to potluck dessert!
Caramel BarsA cross between a cookie and a candy bar, our decadent salted caramel bars with chocolate are a grown-up version of your favorite childhood indulgences.
Dutch Apple CakeMy husband and I came to Canada from Holland more than 40 years ago. This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
Chocolate Malted CookiesThese cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I've ever tasted … and with six kids, I've made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Moist Chocolate CakeThis moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
Lemon Bundt CakeWhen life gives you lemons, make a gorgeous lemon Bundt cake. We will show you how to make this citrusy cake which has a triple dose of lemon. Yum!
Brownie CookiesTake these deeply fudgy cookies to a party, and you're sure to make a friend. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them over-the-top good. —Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Cast-Iron Chocolate Chip Banana BreadI love this cast-iron banana bread because it cooks evenly every time. The end result is so moist and delicious! —Ashley Hudd, Holton, Michigan
Tiramisu CookiesTiramisu is a wonderful dessert, and these tiramisu cookies spin the classic flavors in a completely different direction. And unlike regular tiramisu, they're portable: You can drop a few in your bag for treats on the go.
Lemon Popovers with Pecan Honey ButterMy mom passed this recipe down to me many years ago. We love the delicate lemon flavor with the pecan honey butter. The popovers are a nice addition to any dinner, but they're especially delicious at breakfast with a bowl of fruit and yogurt. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Plum Good CrispThis is a great crisp that goes well with any meal, but you can also serve it as a breakfast treat or snack.When it's warm, it can't be beat! —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Brown Sugar & Chocolate Swirl CheesecakeSearching for a dessert superstar? This chocolate swirl cheesecake is the one that people ask for again and again. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Raspberry Breakfast BraidWe also like using blackberries, Marionberries, a mixture of raspberries and blackberries, or all three in this quick and easy pastry. —Tressa Nicholls, Sandy, Oregon
Frosted BrowniesThese Frosted Brownies have an amazing chocolate frosting that you'll adore. Sit back and savor every bit of the chewy brownie base and rich, fudgy frosting.
One-Bowl Chocolate Chip BreadMy family hops out of bed on Valentine’s Day because they know I’m baking this quick bread for breakfast. They’re major chocoholics, and the easy bread always hits the spot. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Rustic Fruit TartMy husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan
Bee Sting CakeThe bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin SconesPumpkin scones are known for being especially moist and tender, thanks to the high moisture content of pumpkins. These scones are simple to make, with a decadent glaze topper for a just-sweet-enough breakfast treat that'll leave your taste buds—and your belly—satisfied.
ShortbreadI live in Missouri, but many of our family recipes come from New Zealand, where I lived as a youngster. I proudly claim a Down Under heritage! These special-occasion cookies bring back warm and sweet memories of my childhood, and I'm going to make sure they're passed on to the next generation in my family—no matter where they live. —A. Swenson, Camdenton, Missouri
Hazelnut Cake SquaresWhen one of my daughters is asked to bring a dish to a church function, a birthday party or any special occasion, she asks me for this recipe. It is so easy to prepare because it starts with a cake mix. It doesn't need icing, so it's perfect for bake sales too. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Chocolate Zucchini BreadOur chocolate zucchini bread surpasses any regular zucchini bread by miles. Save up your zucchini bounty so you can later enjoy this bread bounty.
Golden Apple PiePies are the dessert I like best to prepare. This one's the favorite for family get-togethers, and it has been awarded blue ribbons at a couple of local fairs. —Theresa Brazil, Petaluma, California
Pineapple Upside-Down MuffinsFor a modern version of upside-down cake, we use pineapple and a sweet batter to make fun muffins with a cherry on top. —Suzeanne Longwill, Ortonville, Michigan
Banana BreadOur best ever banana bread is soft, moist and filled with a caramelized banana flavor. It’s easy to see why bakers love this recipe!
Raspberry Crumble BarsTo give these fresh, fruity bars even more crunch, add a sprinkling of nuts to the yummy crumb topping. Everyone will want to indulge. —Leanna M. Thorne, Lakewood, Colorado
Best Ever Crescent RollsMy daughter and I have cranked out dozens of these homemade crescent rolls. It’s a real team effort. I cut the dough into pie-shaped wedges; she rolls them up. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter CookiesWe cream shortening instead of butter for this dough, resulting in an ultra-rich-tasting version of traditional peanut butter cookies. Also nice? They take less than 30 minutes to prepare.Â
PizookieWhat's better than a chocolate chip cookie? How about a giant chocolate chip pizookie!
Pina Colada Zucchini BreadAt my husband's urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show—and won first place! You'll love the cakelike texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania
Magic BarsThese rich bar cookies will melt in your mouth! They’re ideal to have on hand for a snack. —Pauline Schrag, Theresa, New York
Heavenly Cheese DanishThis tempting cheese Danish bakes to flaky perfection's shines with the simple gloss of an egg wash. It tastes just as decadent as any breakfast pastry you'd find in a bakery or coffee shop. —Josephine Triton, Lakewood, Ohio
Blueberry Coffee CakeWith juicy blueberries and a lovely, cinnamon-tinged crumble, this blueberry coffee cake with sour cream is delicious at any time of year.
Vanilla-Glazed Ginger SconesGingerbread is a flavor that works with all sorts of delicious holiday baked goods. To glaze these ginger scones, just dip a fork or spoon into the glaze mixture and then drizzle over the tops. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Pumpkin BarsPumpkin bars with cream cheese icing are a delicious (and surprisingly easy) festive fall treat. Flavorful, moist and oh, so simple, you'll be making these on repeat!
Peach Cobbler BreadI developed this recipe to take advantage of our wonderful Georgia peaches. My husband, Andy, says it tastes just like peach cobbler.
Fluffy BiscuitsIf you're looking for a flaky basic biscuit, this recipe is the best. These golden brown rolls bake up tall, light and tender. They're good on their own, but taste even better served warm and spread with butter or jam. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet ShortcakeThis scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favorite. The recipe is over 100 years old, and I remember my grandma making it. We still carry on the family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida
Swiss Beer BreadThis recipe is a favorite of my family because it isn't greasy like most of the other cheese breads I have tried. It will not last long! —Debi Wallace, Chestertown, New York
Caramel Cashew CheesecakeWhen a friend served this luscious cheesecake at a birthday party, I left with the recipe. Every time I make it, rave reviews and recipe requests come my way. —Pat Price, Bucyrus, Ohio
Key Lime Blondie BarsHere’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These Key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas
Black Forest Upside-Down CakeThe divine flavors of this simple Black Forest cake will impress your guests and leave you with many requests for the recipe! —Kimberly Campbell, Wheeling, West Virginia
Caramel-Pecan Monkey BreadThe kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist a caramel-coated treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Red Velvet CakeOur red velvet cake recipe is traditionally southern with light, tender, ruby-red cakes held together with a rich vanilla frosting.
Cast-Iron Apple Nutmeg Coffee CakeI'm not a great baker, but I do love coffee. In an effort to practice my baking, I use up the morning's last bit of coffee to make this cake—literally. It is super moist and crumbly, and tastes as if you dunked your cake right into a cup of hot joe. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Hazelnut Madeleine CookiesThese soft, cakelike cookies have a delicate hazelnut flavor—perfect for making great memories! They’re baked in the distinctive shell-shaped madeleine pan, available in kitchen specialty stores. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon-Blueberry Pound CakeLovely, lemony pound cake studded with blueberries is a stunning summertime bake that's worth turning on the oven for. The velvety cake gets its rich flavor from a trifecta of cream cheese, butter and lemon yogurt.
Sage Fontina FocacciaThese rustic loaves have plenty of sage flavor—a tasty addition to any feast.
— Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Originally Published: March 30, 2020
