# data[].attributes.body
Reading is a great way to learn more about the world around you, and it is essential for being a good citizen! That is why the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum would like to invite you to join our TriStar Reads Team. Tristar Reads is a reading scholarship competition that allows students in elementary, middle, and high school in Tennessee to compete for a $1,000 scholarship. The program also offers weekly challenges where students have opportunities to win prizes and books during the summer. In fact, in addition to the prizes that TriStar Reads offers, the ALLM is also giving prizes to its Team Members, no matter which state you live in. If you read at least five books this summer and record them in your reading log, you will be entered to win one of three book prize packs from the museum. You can learn more, register, and log the books you read at http://tristarreads.com/. One final thing: remember to enter code “Lincoln” so that the ALLM will be notified that you have joined our team! And when you being reading, why not start with one of the Civil War classics described above?

# data[].attributes.body
What are your favorite books to read? Do you enjoy reading graphic novels like Dogman or do you like to read classics like Charlotte’s Web? President Lincoln and Civil War soldiers enjoyed reading, too – you might have even read books that they read or that were inspired by the Civil War!

One of the most popular books in the United States before the Civil War began was Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Written by the abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe, it helped Americans better understand how the practice of slavery hurt the people who were enslaved. Many people were moved by her account, and it came at a time when the nation’s debate concerning slavery grew more heated. Eventually, it became a national bestseller. President Lincoln even requested to meet Stowe in 1862. According to Stowe’s son, the President said, “So you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war." If you visit the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, you can see a first edition copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin along with French vases that depict scenes from the book.

President Lincoln read many books in addition to Uncle Tom’s Cabin. He once said, “The things I want to know are in books,” and declared that any man who gave him a book he had not read was his best friend. He enjoyed reading the works of Shakespeare and the Bible. He also enjoyed books about mathematics and science, and particularly enjoyed reading the works of the Greek mathematician, Euclid. He studied law books to teach himself to become a lawyer. He also made a long list of requests from the Library of Congress while he lived in Washington, D.C., and often sent his personal secretaries to find books on subjects that he wished to better understand.

Sometimes, President Lincoln and his wife, Mary, gifted books to soldiers in hospitals. A book was a treat – soldiers read anything that they could to take their minds off of the horror of war. Many read novels. Newspapers and other periodicals were very popular, too. What soldiers enjoyed reading the most, however, were letters from home. Soldiers eagerly waited for mail, and they were eager correspondents, too. They also passed the time by keeping journals or writing down short stories. Sometimes, a short supply of paper kept them from writing for a period of time. Soldiers could be clever, though. In some cases, soldiers wrote down letters or composed stories on the back of wallpaper!

Once the Civil War ended, many soldiers wrote down their experiences of life in camp. Memoirs, like those by General S. Grant, became very popular. Other stories like The Red Badge of Courage helped Americans see what war had been like for the men who returned home. Some women wrote about their experiences, too. Nurses like Julia Wheelock published their diaries and experiences. Other women fictionalized their experiences, too. For a time, celebrated novelist Louisa May Alcott served as a nurse in the Civil War. She published Volume 1 of Little Women in 1868 and Volume 2 in 1869. In her story of the March sisters, the girls’ father is sent to a Civil War hospital in Washington, D.C. Alcott had first-hand knowledge of such facilities because of her time as both a nurse and a patient. Little Women is considered a classic of literature today.

Below: A vase based upon a scene from Uncle Tom's Cabin

# data[].attributes.headline
Word Search: Residents of the Lincoln White House

# data[].attributes.subject
Word Search: Residents of the Lincoln White House

# data[].attributes.body
Who lived, worked, and played in the White House? It wasn't just the President of the United States! Look for the names listed here to find the different individuals who spent time there from 1861-1865. Some are family, some were servants, and some were guests.

# data[].attributes.body
Tad always looked for ways to help the soldiers because he admired them. Today, you can help soldiers, too. This week, we celebrate Memorial Day as a nation. It is a day that we remember soldiers who gave their lives for the country. In fact, it was born out of the Civil War – soon after it ended, African Americans decorated Union soldiers’ graves to pay honor to the fact that their sacrifice resulted in their freedom. Soon, others began to place flowers on soldiers’ graves in addition to their yearly trips to place flowers on their families’ graves. This week, you might ask your parents if you can leave flowers or a small American flag on the grave of someone who served. Or, you might write a letter to your local Veterans Affairs office or another local veterans association and ask for ways you might help. It is also a good idea to thank the living for their service. There are many ways that we can say “thank you” for the brave work that soldiers do!

# data[].attributes.body
Have you ever visited the White House? It is a special house in Washington, D.C. where the President of the United States both lives and works. Sometimes, it is called the “Executive Mansion,” or “The People’s House.” That last name is very important – Americans have long believed that although the President lives in the White House, the house truly belongs to them. Abraham Lincoln found that out when he lived there from 1861-1865.

If you visit the White House today, there are many steps you have to take in order to visit. You might be invited by the President, and that is the fastest way to gain entrance. The way that many people visit, though, is that they write to the Representative of their district. The Representative then seeks permission for you to tour the house. It might take a month for you to hear back from your Representative. When you arrive at the White House, many guards check to make certain that you are who you say you are. In fact, you may go through as many as four checkpoints!  In Abraham Lincoln’s lifetime, though, all a person had to do was walk up to the front door and be admitted by the doorkeeper. Today, you likely will not see the President if you visit the White House. All you had to do in 1865 was be willing to wait outside of his door – and you could gain at least a five-minute interview with Abraham Lincoln!

Many people visited Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Some visited him to ask for favors, like jobs or promotions. Others asked for pardons for their loved ones. In one of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum’s dioramas, or 3-D scenes, you can see a lady begging President Lincoln for her son’s life. He had fallen asleep at guard duty because he was so tired, and that was punishable by death! Mr. Lincoln pardoned her son, saying that he believed the young man would do his duty a good deal better above ground that below it. It was one of his last acts as President of the United States.

Seeing all of the people could be very stressful on President Lincoln. He slept very little, though, so that he could spend as much time talking to the people, his generals, and politicians as possible. To help keep the house portion of the White House separate from the working portion, a special partition, or wall, was erected between his office and living area. Still, many times each day, his sons, Willie and Tad, visited Mr. Lincoln while he worked. Some people did not like that the boys spent so much time in his official office, but Lincoln welcomed them. He did have to stop his youngest son, Tad, from selling tickets to see him – though Tad wanted to sell tickets to raise money to help soldiers, access to the President was meant to be free!

And speaking of soldiers, they were all over the White House! In fact, some camped out inside and on the grounds during the war. Abraham Lincoln often visited with them, and learned about their experiences. As leader, he wanted to learn all that he could about how to help the people he served as president, and he especially wanted to learn how to best help the soldiers who risked their lives for their country. Sometimes, too, he and Mrs. Lincoln brought the soldiers gifts to make their time on the grounds happier. Tad became such a common sight among the soldiers that he was gifted his own soldier’s outfit!

# data[].attributes.body
Download the attached PDF and color an image of Old Abe from the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum's Civil War Music Collection.

# data[].attributes.body
Mascots today, just as in the Civil War, can help us feel brave. Maybe you have felt uncertain with all of the scary news that is sometimes on the television. Adopting your own mascot can help you feel brave. Maybe your mascot will be a faithful pet that lives at your home. Or, if you do not have a pet, maybe you would like to create your own mascot! All you need is a sheet of paper and your imagination. Draw your favorite animal. Why do you like this animal? Do you think that it is brave? Does it need to be clever? Do you like that it flies and reminds you of freedom? Or does it run fast, and can be quick to help you if you need it to be by your side in a flash? Draw your mascot and place it somewhere in your room where you can look at it when you feel uncertain – just like mascots inspired the Civil War soldier, they can inspire you, too!

# data[].attributes.body
If you enjoy watching sports, you have probably seen a team’s mascots. Mascots are symbols of team pride and bravery, and many times, they are an animal. Maybe you have seen Smokey, the University of Tennessee dog, or the University of Kentucky Wildcat. Smokey won his place as a mascot for the inspiring howl he gave before the team. The Wildcat earned its place at UK after a hard-fought game where it was proclaimed that the football team “fought like Wildcats.” If you like to see mascots at games, you can turn to the American Civil War to learn where the idea of a mascot became popular in American culture.

The word “mascot” is French in origin. It comes from the word “mascotte,” or “talisman.” In English, a talisman is something that brings good luck to a person. The word appeared in France in the 1860s, but did not become popular in the United States until the 1880s. Nevertheless, Civil War soldiers had mascots, even if they did not identify their inspiring animals by such a name.

Many dogs and horses became Civil War mascots, and it is no wonder, for many traveled or fought along with their fellow soldiers during battle. The most well-known belonged to the generals of the war – Americans knew Ulysses S. Grant’s horse, “Cincinnati,” just as they knew Robert E. Lee’s horse, “Traveller.” Horses, like their soldiers, needed to be very brave, well-trained animals. Dogs sometimes followed their soldiers into battle, too. The 11th Pennsylvania’s mascot was a faithful dog named Sallie, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that the regiment received as a gift at the beginning of the war. At Gettysburg, she stood with the soldiers at the firing line and barked at the enemy. In the heat of battle, the regiment lost Sallie.  When the regiment returned to collect the wounded and dead, they found Sallie, hungry and tired, but guarding those soldiers who remained on the battlefield. To commemorate her, the 11th Pennsylvania’s statue at Gettysburg includes both a soldier and Sallie, lying faithfully at the base of the statue.

Cats could also be mascots. Jack the cat patrolled Fort Sumter throughout the war, keeping rats out of both the food and the water supply. Less traditional animals served as mascots, too. Famously, “Old Abe” the Battle Eagle traveled with the 8th Wisconsin Regiment. Named after Abraham Lincoln, he was deeply loved at recruitment events, where his picture was sold to raise money for soldiers. Confederate soldiers hated him, and called him a “Yankee buzzard.” A poet even made a popular song about Old Abe, though he was not the unlikeliest among Civil War mascots. “Old Douglas” the camel traveled with the 43rd Mississippi Infantry and carried supplies, and the 12th Wisconsin Volunteers had a bear that it encouraged to roar across the field of battle before attack!

Once the Civil War ended, some mascots retired. Others lost their lives during the war. The soldiers remembered these faithful mascots. Thanks to the Civil War, baseball, like animal mascots, became a popular American sport. Those teams, populated with former soldiers, adopted mascots, too.  Sometimes, their mascots were ball boys who carried supplies for the team, but many other times, their symbols of luck were the same animals that inspired bravery among soldiers.

When football gained in popularity, some Civil War legends became mascots. Louisiana State University adopted the tiger as its mascot because it was said the state’s troops fought “like tigers” during the Civil War. Vanderbilt’s Commodores mascot took its name from the founder, Cornelius Vanderbilt. While Mr. Vanderbilt was never an actual Commodore in the U.S. Navy, he donated a steamship to the Navy during the Civil War, earning him the nickname. And, of course, Lincoln Memorial University’s mascot is Abraham Lincoln himself, who, before he was President, was a “Railsplitter” with axe in hand.

# data[].attributes.headline
Can't Sew? Don't Worry So: Make a No-Sew Mask!

# data[].attributes.subject
Can't Sew? Don't Worry So: Make a No-Sew Mask!

# data[].attributes.body
Don’t know how to sew? You can also easily make a mask from a bandana (or even a bandana-size piece of cloth, such as you might cut from a recycled cotton shirt) and two rubber bands (or even hair ties). Here is how you can make a no-sew mask:

1.       Lay your bandana flat on a table.

2.       Fold the top and bottom of the bandana to touch ends in the middle of the cloth.

3.       Fold the bandana again from the top to the bottom. This will create four layers of fabric, and what looks like a long, thin rectangle.

4.       Slide one rubber band over the right end of the bandana. Do the same to the left end.

5.       Fold the right end of the bandana over the rubber band.

6.       Fold the left end of the bandana over the other rubber band. The ends of your bandana now touch one another in the middle of a shorter rectangle. Your rubber bands are on looped through both ends of the rectangle.

7.       The hair tie/rubber band will be what holds the mask to your face by going over your ears. Holding the rectangle over your nose and mouth, loop the rubber band over both of your ears.

Good job! You’ve made your no-sew mask. Though you will need to continue to keep six feet of distance when you are out in public, the mask is an added weapon that will help you fight Covid-19.

# data[].attributes.body
Julia Wheelock also worked hard to make certain that she protected her soldiers by focusing on cleanliness. Nurses cleaned soldiers’ recovery spaces and opened windows to let in fresh air and sunlight. They made fresh bandages to keep soldiers’ wounds clean. Today, you can be like a Civil War nurse and contribute to the fight against Covid-19 by focusing on cleanliness, too. We wash our hands well to stop the spread of germs. When we go out in public now, we wear facemasks. The facemasks help us protect others, just like Civil War nurses protected their soldiers. When we wear a mask, we can protect others from catching the virus. Sometimes, we can carry a sickness on our bodies and not realize it. In fact, we may never seem sick! Wearing a mask is like carrying a shield into battle – we can make it hard for the virus to spread to others with our mask.

# data[].attributes.body
Last week, you may have noticed that many adults at home or on television thanked nurses. This was because it was Nursing Appreciation Week, a special time to thank all nurses for the hard work that they do. Just like today, nurses during the Civil War had important and hard jobs to do, and many soldiers were grateful for their help.

When Americans are asked to name famous nurses, Clara Barton often comes to mind. Clara was a nurse during the Civil War. She was brave, and she worked very hard. Many people did not think that women needed to be near battlefields during the war. They thought it was better if nurses waited for soldiers to be brought to them. Clara thought that it was important that she go to the soldiers on the battlefield. "I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it,” she declared, “and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them." Because of her bravery and kindness, some called her, “The Angel of the Battlefield.” After the Civil War, Clara founded The Missing Soldiers Office to help families whose soldiers did not return home. She also began what eventually became the American Red Cross.

Men served as nurses during the Civil War, too. Walt Whitman, one of America’s most famous poets, served as a nurse. After his brother was wounded in battle, Walt traveled to Washington, D.C. to take care of him. He was moved by the need of the soldiers that he saw, and decided he would not leave his new role even when his brother recovered.

Whitman’s experience was not unique; many nurses traveled long distance to take care of relatives, but ended up staying to care for strangers. This happened to Julia Wheelock, whose papers are kept by the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. Julia cared about “her soldiers” so strongly that she kept a special photograph album of the men she cared for. Sometimes, because photography was still a relatively new invention, she was unable to receive a picture of the solider. However, some soldiers gave her photographs of children, wives, and mothers that they had in their possession. Julia took care of the photographs, too; her gold photograph album still contains all of the precious pictures that the soldiers trusted to her care.

# data[].attributes.headline
What Did Soldiers Do When They Were Bored?

# data[].attributes.subject
What Did Soldiers Do When They Were Bored?

# data[].attributes.body
Have you ever watched a movie about the American Civil War? It can seem like soldiers marched, drilled, and fought all day long. The reality was actually a little bit different. Certainly, soldiers crossed many miles, and they complained about holding their guns at attention for long hours in their letters homes, but there could be weeks or even months in-between battles. So what did soldiers do when they were not drilling or fighting?

One thing that occupied many hours of a soldier’s day was looking for something to eat. Last week, you learned about how soldiers did not always have the best or freshest food issued to them. Because of this, they often foraged, or searched the land, for berries, nuts, herbs, onions, apples, and other good things to eat. One Union soldier who was stationed at the Cumberland Gap during the Civil War wrote home to his brother in 1862 about his foraging in Claiborne County.  The soldier, Harvey Durkee, grew bored with the lack of action in the area, and so he and a few other soldiers foraged at a nearby orchard and picked lots of fruit from a nearby farmer’s trees. He wrote, “I have got nothing to do but lay in the tent and eat peaches and apples and tell storeys [sic] and fart and so forth and so on anny [sic] way to pass along the time…” Bad manners aside, Harvey Durkee should have perhaps used the extra time to work on his spelling!

Other soldiers preferred to stay in their tents and put their hands to work to pass the time. You may have done that, too, during quarantine. At the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, one exhibit contains a long, wooden chain that a soldier carved from a single piece of wood – he was very bored, and it was a good way to pass many weeks! While carving a long piece of wood may not sound fun to you, he enjoyed it because he liked to carve wood. You may like to draw, color, sew, or use modeling clay or Play Dough. The most important thing to remember when we feel bored is that there is always something that we can do to help pass the time. We just have to remember how we might use our hands to make something useful or beautiful. Or, we might do an activity like the forage in a foot, and learn to look at our nearby world in new ways. Right now, just like those Civil War soldiers 155 years ago, the most important thing we can do is remain stationed where we are currently at. It is up to us to find ways to “pass along the time” as Harvey Durkee said!

# data[].attributes.headline
Fight Home-bound Boredom: Forage in a Foot!

# data[].attributes.subject
Fight Home-bound Boredom: Forage in a Foot!

# data[].attributes.body
Here is a way that you can combine learning and having fun, too: forage in a foot! You will need to find a long piece of string. Take the string outside, and then cast a circle with the string. Get close to the ground. What can you find? At first, you may think that you only see regular old grass. But look closer. Record what you find in a notebook. What type for flora, or plants, can you find in your circle? You might find grass, clover, dandelions, or even wild onions and garlic. Or you might find a type of purple flower that belongs to the mint family: purple dead nettle. Soldiers would sometimes use the plants they found to eat or to make medicines – but they had to be certain that what they found was edible! Today, we are lucky that apps for phones, like PlantNet, can help us quickly identify plants in our backyards. You might even draw what you find in your yard – soldiers did that, too, when they came across new plants. Label the parts of the plants you find. What do the roots look like? The leaves? The stems?

# data[].attributes.body
Wondering what food was like during the Civil War? One of the staples was hardtack, a type of hard cracker that traveled well while soldiers marched. Thanks to the East Tennessee Historical Society, you can make your own! Use the recipe found on their Facebook page - how did you like it? Would you want to eat everyday? Once you complete the activity, don't forget to record your activity under "Advance in Lincoln's Army" for points towards rank!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We hope you have been *hungering* for a new post! To kick off our food-themed week, we *serve* you....hardtack! 
#ETHSeducation
#MuseumFromHome

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn How to Make your Own Dye and Dye Eggs!

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn How to Make your Own Dye and Dye Eggs!

# data[].attributes.body
Oh, no! Don't have dye at home during quarantine? You can make your own Easter Egg dye using the same method that Abraham Lincoln's mom used to dye the family's clothing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hands on History: Ep. 1, Homemade Onion Dye

# data[].attributes.body
Because of their diets, Civil War soldiers did not always get enough of the good foods and vitamins that they needed to stay strong. They needed more vegetables and fruit. Vegetables and fruit could be dried and packed for short periods of time, but it was in short supply. A lack of fresh fruits and vegetables sometimes made soldiers sick.

Our bodies need good nutrition to keep them healthy, just like the soldiers’ bodies needed good nutrition to keep them healthy. Make certain that you eat your fruits and veggies! Maybe your school has sent home apples, tomatoes, or orange slices in the lunches that they provide while we are in quarantine. Have you eaten these foods? These are important to eat – fruits and veggies make our bodies strong. In the fight against Covid-19, we want to be strong so that we can protect ourselves, our families, and our friends. Eat a vegetable or fruit and stand up to Covid-19 today! Visit choosemyplate.gov to learn how to make healthy eating choices.

# data[].attributes.headline
Contribute to the fight against Covid-19: Make masks as a family!

# data[].attributes.subject
Contribute to the fight against Covid-19: Make masks as a family!

# data[].attributes.body
Ready for some #HandsOnHistory? During the American Civil War, civilians of all ages contributed to the war effort, particularly by helping soldiers. Volunteers held fairs with fun games to raise money for soldiers. They put together care packages to be sent to the front lines with treats like candy and warm socks. Most importantly, they made bandages that could help doctors and nurses treat wounded soldiers.

Because of Covid-19, doctors need extra masks so that they can help treat patients. This is where YOU can help. You can join the fight against Covid-19 by making a simple face-mask with your family. Below, you can find a link with instructions to make a simple mask. Make it a family event - you can help measure and cut fabric, while an adult with experience can sew the fabric together.

By doing this family project, you can be like Civil War civilians who helped their soldiers - today, you are helping doctors!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
My allergies have been incredible this year, and by that I mean that they have been worse than they have ever been. (Please, please, please do not suggest medical advice here. Much appreciated.) I see an allergy specialist who gives me 2 shots, 2-3 times a week to help with my symptoms. They have helped a lot; however, Juniper Ash (Cedar Fever!) here in Austin is 6 times worse than average this year, and boy oh boy, do I feel it. She suggested that I wear a face mask when I go outside to help reduce the amount of pollen that is going into my lungs and sinuses. After going to a few different stores to purchase some, I found that many other Austinites had already bought them out. No worries, right? I know how to sew. I will just make one. When I finished, I had many requests for a tutorial, so here you go:

Materials needed:

1. 1 piece of fabric measuring 8" x 14". Until you get familiar with this tutorial, I would suggest a non-directional print. One that has a scattered image printed on the surface such as the one shown.

2. 2 strips of fabric measuring 1.75" (1 3/4") x 6". This will be the accent edge piece. It can be the same fabric as the main piece or a small-scale print or solid.

3. Two pieces of 1/4" width elastic. These will be about 6 1/2" long.

4. Ruler

5. Fabric marking tool.

6. Pins

7. Scissors

8. Sewing machine, threaded.

Fold the main piece of fabric in half, right sides together. Sew along the 8 inch width edge, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Turn this tube shape inside out, so that the right side of the fabric is now on the outside. Press this flat, keeping the seam to one end of the flattened tube.

Place the tube of fabric so that the raw edges are on each side and the seam edge is at the bottom. Using a ruler, measure and mark a line 1 1/2 inches from the bottom edge. Make another line 1 inch above this line, or 2 1/2 inches from the seam edge. Don't use a pencil as you see in the picture, use a fabric pen, or fabric chalk. I used a pencil for illustration purposes.

Fold the seam edge up (or down in this picture, as I turned it upside down...sorry) making the crease on the first line that you just marked. You should have 1 1/2 inch edge here.

Flip the tube piece over. Match the crease edge to the second line that you made earlier. Press. The pleat that you just created will be 1/2 inch deep. Pin the pleat down on each raw edge end.

Now you will mark the lines for the second pleat. Mark a line measuring 1/2" from the top crease of the last pleat, (or 2″ from the bottom seam edge). It was difficult to see the top of the crease in this picture, so look at the finger indicator above.

Now mark another line one inch above the last line that you made (or 3 inches above the seam edge). Using these lines as your guide, repeat the steps that you followed to make the first pleat.

You should now have two pleats, each one being 1/2 inch deep. Repeat the steps you used to make the second pleat, so that you end up with three pleats total. Press.

This is what your main piece should look like at this point.

Using a 1/8" seam allowance, baste stitch the raw edges.

Repeat this step so that both raw edges are basted as shown in the picture above.

Pin one elastic piece to the raw edge, making sure not to twist it before baste stitching it to the edge at both ends. I placed mine 1/8" from the top and bottom edge of the main pleated piece. Baste elastic in place 1/8" inch from raw edge. Repeat, to attach remaining elastic piece to the other raw edge.

Your pleated piece should now resemble the picture above.

Fold each accent strip of fabric lengthwise in half, matching raw edges, as shown in the picture above. Press.

Place the strip on top of the elastic. Make sure the raw edge is facing outward, and the creased edge is facing the main body of the pleated piece. It will be a little longer on the top and bottom and that is okay, as we are going to fold some of that to the back.

Tuck about 1/2" of the top edge to the back as shown in the picture above.

Pin all layers in place.

Trim the other end of the accent strip, so that it is about 1/2" longer than the bottom edge of the main pleated piece.

Fold the bottom edge of the accent fabric strip to the back, just as you did with the top edge.

Pin both ends in place.

Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch the length of the entire edge, making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.

Open the the accent fabric strip seam by flipping it outward away from the main pleated piece, then press.

This is what the mask should look like if you flip it over.

fold the ENTIRE accent piece down toward the main pleated piece, encasing the raw seam. You will now see the accent piece on this side, but not at all on the flip side. Press. Pin edge down.

If you are a good sewist, you will change out your presser foot to a straight stitch foot. If you are lazy, like me, you will keep that 1/4″ presser foot on your machine and struggle your way through this next step. 😀 Stitch this accent strip down to the main body of the mask, sewing along the edge, making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.

This step isn't necessary. It just gives it a nice finished look, and helps to give that elastic a little extra stability. Stitch down the edge of the mask close to the elastic side.

The front of your mask should now resemble the above picture.

The back of your mask should look like this. Following the previous steps, attach the remaining accent fabric piece to the other end of the mask.

You should now have a reusable, washable mask that measures approximately 4″ x 7″ (unopened).

It took a few hours to put this free tutorial together for you. For this reason, I am greatly appreciative for any mentions that you can give me if you should use this tutorial. If you post a picture on social media, you can use the hashtag: #buttoncountermask. Feel free to share this page, and please tag me in your pictures so that I can see your beautiful creations. Last, I appreciate constructive criticism, so if you notice something that doesn't look right, or does not make sense, bring it to my attention. I am happy to clarify any steps where you may have questions.

Enjoy!

P.S. Obviously, the elastic length can be adjusted to your facial measurements.

EDIT (March 24 2020): Because this tutorial has recently been used on a large scale, I will be adding a few things here as frequently asked and answered questions, suggestions, and reminders.

1. This tutorial was happily shared by me over a year ago. This is not a new tutorial created in light of the current virus pandemic. I am not in charge, nor affiliated with any organization or entity requesting masks to be made. There are multiple organizations that are using this tutorial for their requests. If you have any question regarding what their requirements are, you really, really, really need to ask them. Please understand that I cannot and will not tell you what you should use, or how you should make your mask different from my tutorial.

2. Keep in mind also that there are multiple entities that are using this tutorial for their requests. One entity may have completely different requests regarding features than another entity. (for example one organization is requesting a 4 layer mask, while another is fine with the two layer, as their thoughts are that they can be doubled up or used as a cover or liner to another kind of mask.) So, there is no correct or incorrect mask. Who are you making your mask for? Those are the people to whom you direct your questions.

3. CHILD OR BABY MASK: After much thought, I have decided that it is in my best interest to NOT supply a mask tutorial for anyone other than an adult. One of my reasons for this is that I feel that a mask could pose as a choking hazard, and I do not want to have any part of that scenario. My suggestion is that you really should ask each individual child's doctor or provider what their guidelines are, and go from there.

4. I will not be held responsible for any mask misuse or malfunction.

5. ELASTIC OR TIES? The main reason why my tutorial uses elastic is so I don't have to tie it behind my head and mess up my hair. That's it. So, if you are making the tutorial, and you don't like the elastic, or if the person who you are making your mask for, requests ties; by all means put ties in yours. My pattern is very easily adapted to your preferences. There are organizations specifically asking for elastic, and some that are asking for ties only.

6. ELASTIC LENGTH: I have read that a few of you recommend longer elastic; however, mine ended up being slightly loose. Therefore, I will not alter my pattern. I have stated in the tutorial that elastic length will need to vary due to the fact that human heads are not uniform (Thank goodness).

7. I don't have a PDF or printable version of my tutorial. If I decide to do that, I will; but it will be in my own time. I have received many hateful comments (that I deleted) demanding that I provide this. I need to remind those few sour apples that I am under zero obligation to do so. If my absolutely free visual tutorial isn't to your liking, I invite you to go find one that makes you happy. If you are a person who often finds themselves using the words "I need you to...", you might fall into this category.

8. I am completely honored that many of you are using my tutorial, or even certain aspects of it to help people in need. Even if you are using a completely different tutorial or pattern and just stopped by to check this one out, I applaud you for being a maker during this time. I cannot express enough how happy it makes me feel to see so many humans getting together to do something for the greater good. Please continue being that human. Those are the best ones.

I am signing off now to take care of my family, who needs me now more than ever. Thank you all for your kindness and understanding. God Bless.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My allergies have been incredible this year, and by that I mean that they have been worse than they have ever been. (Please, please, please do not suggest medical advice here. Much appreciated.) I see an allergy specialist who gives me 2 shots, 2-3 times a week to help with my symptoms. They have helped...

# data[].attributes.body
Being a soldier during the American Civil War could be tough. On the feet, it could be tough because of all the miles marched. Plus, the shoes were not as comfortable as the ones we wear today. It could be tough on the back, too, as soldiers slept on the ground. The sleeping bags that we use today are much more comfortable than a 19th century sleeping mat! Soldiers complained about sleeping on the hard ground many times in their letters to home. The thing that Civil War soldiers complained about the most, however, was the food.

Do you avoid foods that you do not like very much? During the Civil War, soldiers could not avoid foods they did not like if they wanted to remain full. A soldier’s rations, or daily food allowance, largely consisted of dried beans, side meat, and hardtack. Dried beans were a perfect addition to the soldier’s pack because it was easy to carry and did not spoil, or rot. In fact, the reason that all of these foods became necessary to soldier life was because it could be carried around for long periods of time without the need for refrigeration. Side meat contained lots of salt, a natural preservative that kept the meat from rotting. Have you had jerky before? It was a bit like that! Wondering what side meat looked like? We have a piece of 155 year old side meat in our collection at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. It looks about as fresh as it would have in 1865.

And what, you may ask, was hardtack? Hardtack was a type of hard, salty cracker that soldiers ate while on the march. In fact, hardtack was so hard that it sometimes chipped soldiers’ teeth! It was perfect to eat while traveling because soldiers sucked on the salt in hardtack to pass the time. If they ate it with a meal in the evening, they usually dipped it in coffee to soften the crack.

Mmm, sounds appetizing! Check out our other columns to learn how you can eat healthy (unlike some unfortunate Civil War soldiers) and make hardtack!

# data[].attributes.headline
How Did Kids Help Out During the Civil War?

# data[].attributes.subject
How Did Kids Help Out During the Civil War?

# data[].attributes.body
Kids during the Civil War contributed to the war effort in a number of ways. In a previous issue of Lincoln Letters for Kids, we told you about Johnny Clem, a 9 year-old who joined the Union Army. The majority of kids didn't join the army like Johnny, but they still found ways to help during the war.

One way that kids helped was to help raise funds for soldiers. They held fairs, like the one mentioned in the newspaper article attached to this story. Like the fairs of today, they hosted games and gave out prizes. The money that people paid to play went to help soldiers.

Some children helped their parents cut and roll bandages out of fresh cloth. To make this fun, sometimes adults and children hosted bandage-rolling parties. They also had knitting and sewing parties - the things that they made went to keep soldiers warm. Others wrote letters to cheer soldiers up - they might make cheerful drawings, or tell soldiers how brave that they thought they were.

Some boys and girls helped soldiers by visiting them when they were wounded. They read stories to soldiers, or even wrote letters home for the soldiers' families.

The war was a family effort - men, women, and children contributed to the effort to end the war. It took everyone - even kids!

# data[].attributes.body
Join Lincoln's Army at the rank of Private! You can keep up with other members through the official Lincoln Letters that appear here. All you need to do is ask your parents to contact us at the link below this message.

You mission as a member is to learn as much as possible about the events of the American Civil
War and the role of today's good citizens in the United States. Members who are eager to learn can advance from the status of Private to Colonel. For every
Lincoln's Army activity that you complete, you will earn points and earn special opportunities like
free museum membership and free summer camp activities.  Scroll past the sign-up page for information on recording activities!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By filling out this form, you attest that you are the guardian for the child listed below and that said child may participate in Lincoln Letter's for Kids and Lincoln's Army, a history and civics program of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum (ALLM). You understand that the ALLM may send your child emails and/or mailing through the postal system as a part of the program.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sign Up Your Child For Lincoln Letters for Kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By filling out this form, you attest that you are the guardian for the child listed below and that said child may participate in Lincoln Letter's for Kids and Lincoln's Army, a history and civics program of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum (ALLM).

# data[].attributes.headline
Record Your Activity for Rank Advancement!

# data[].attributes.subject
Record Your Activity for Rank Advancement!

# data[].attributes.body
You and your parent or guardian will fill out this form to confirm and record your rank advancement.

In our new advancement system, completing any activity that we post on this page counts as one point. When you complete ten activities, you will advance in rank and receive a special certificate from the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. Please note: you can still complete older activities found in past print issues of Lincoln Letters for Kids, but those activities will only count as one point towards the ten-point advancement plan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Record Your Lincoln Letters for Kids Activity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is a form for you to record completion of an activity found on the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum's Lincoln Letters for Kids page. By filling out this form, you and your parent/guardian promise that you completed the activity and have earned one point towards advancement in Lincoln's Army.

# data[].attributes.body
The telegraph was a new, important invention during the Civil War - in a world where the Internet and phones did not exist, Abraham Lincoln was able to receive important messages from his generals and others thanks to this new technology. Try your skills in the attached worksheet!

# data[].attributes.headline
A New Initiative of Lincoln Letters for Kids

# data[].attributes.subject
A New Initiative of Lincoln Letters for Kids

# data[].attributes.body
Hey, Lincoln's Army Members!

We know that our members are some of the most dedicated history detectives and students out there - we've seen you turn in countless projects, attend museum events, and amaze us with your Civil War knowledge over the last three years.

Now, we're asking you to step up as some of our best citizens. Maybe you have heard your mom and dad, teacher, grandparent, or some other adult in your life talk about COVID-19, a new virus that is making some people around the world sick. Maybe you know that your school is out because of this virus. We're sure that you have questions, and we want you to have answers and feel informed - it always feels better when we understand things, doesn't it? We also want to help you help your community join in the fight against COVID-19! What can you do as a kid, though?

Kids during the Civil War asked this same question. Some kids, like Johnny Clem, actually fought in the war! But for the majority of kids, they helped their families at home. They wrote letters to keep up the spirits of those fighting on the front lines. They grew gardens to help their families have food. Sometimes, they rolled bandages for soldiers, or sang songs to help keep their family's spirits up.

COVID-19 isn't an army that we have to fight, but it is a disease that we all have to work together to end. Because of this, we plan on sharing information here each week to help you better understand COVID-19 and learn how YOU can help your community. We'll even have special guests join us to post in this column with their advice on how we can best stop COVID-19 together.

Right now, the biggest thing you can do to help is stay at home and wash your hands - pretty easy, right? But why do you have to do these things? In the coming days, we'll help you understand, and by understanding we hope that you will answer the call to help your country - it needs each of us right now!

So scroll on down, and learn about some of the ways that you can help fight COVID-19. And don't forget - like all activities that we do in Lincoln's Army, you can record your actions to advance in rank! Make certain to visit the "Advance in Lincoln's Army" section if you have not yet joined. Your country is counting on you!

-Lincoln's Army Headquarters, March 21, 2020

# data[].attributes.headline
Read Lincoln Letters for Kids: Volume 1, Issue 1

# data[].attributes.subject
Read Lincoln Letters for Kids: Volume 1, Issue 1

# data[].attributes.body
Many individuals kept a record of what their life was like during the Civil War - and you can, too!

# data[].attributes.body
Read Lincoln Letters for Kids: Volume 1, Issue 4

# data[].attributes.headline
Read Volume 1, Issue 3 of Lincoln Letters for Kids

# data[].attributes.subject
Read Volume 1, Issue 3 of Lincoln Letters for Kids

# data[].attributes.headline
Read Volume 1, Issue 2 of Lincoln Letters for Kids

# data[].attributes.subject
Read Volume 1, Issue 2 of Lincoln Letters for Kids

# data[].attributes.body
In this column, the ALLM will share NEW Lincoln Letters articles and videos. It's also an area where YOU can share Lincoln Letters created essays (we're always looking for reports from the front lines!), artwork (there's a doodle app here!), or questions about the Civil War - you just need your parent/guardian to create a Padlet account and post your content here!