Sewing For The Frontline
April 21, 2020
Sewing For The Frontline
Fabric Stores Essential During Virus Pandemic
By JESSICA WETZLER
Daily News-Record 4/18/20
Peggy Simmons turned her quilting setup into a face-mask making production weeks before elastic, thread and sewing needles were hard to come by.
And with help from local fabric stores, Simmons has been able to donate more than 300 masks to people across the United States.
Nearly a month ago, Simmons began making fabric face masks for her family and friends. Needing additional materials, she placed an order with Patchwork Plus, one of the largest quilt shops in Virginia, located in Dayton.
While placing an order, Simmons began speaking with one of the employees about the face masks and eventually come to an agreement that Simmons would make masks for the store using donated fabric and materials.
“If people have the need, you got to do it,” Simmons said. “I try to not turn anyone down.”
When she has face masks ready, Simmons waits in the parking lot — Ziploc bags filled with masks ready to be handed off to those who need them.
“Anyone who comes by, we make masks for,” said Cynthia Hay, one of the four co- owners of Patchwork Plus. “She has given to the University of Virginia, nursing homes, doctor’s offices ...she just gives them away.”
Since Simmons has been donating masks, she has also received donations for herself to keep her project moving.
Most recently, Simmons received a call from someone in Pennsylvania asking for face masks. She is also filling orders from the U.S. Navy.
“It is women like Peggy doing this,” Hay said. “It’s crazy what women are stepping up to do.”
Fabric Stores Essential During Virus Pandemic
By JESSICA WETZLER
Daily News-Record 4/18/20
Peggy Simmons turned her quilting setup into a face-mask making production weeks before elastic, thread and sewing needles were hard to come by.
And with help from local fabric stores, Simmons has been able to donate more than 300 masks to people across the United States.
Nearly a month ago, Simmons began making fabric face masks for her family and friends. Needing additional materials, she placed an order with Patchwork Plus, one of the largest quilt shops in Virginia, located in Dayton.
While placing an order, Simmons began speaking with one of the employees about the face masks and eventually come to an agreement that Simmons would make masks for the store using donated fabric and materials.
“If people have the need, you got to do it,” Simmons said. “I try to not turn anyone down.”
When she has face masks ready, Simmons waits in the parking lot — Ziploc bags filled with masks ready to be handed off to those who need them.
“Anyone who comes by, we make masks for,” said Cynthia Hay, one of the four co- owners of Patchwork Plus. “She has given to the University of Virginia, nursing homes, doctor’s offices ...she just gives them away.”
Since Simmons has been donating masks, she has also received donations for herself to keep her project moving.
Most recently, Simmons received a call from someone in Pennsylvania asking for face masks. She is also filling orders from the U.S. Navy.
“It is women like Peggy doing this,” Hay said. “It’s crazy what women are stepping up to do.”
