Pattie Blackburn - Sewing masks during the pandemic.
Pattie Blackburn was one of the women who sewed masks for the 2020 project to address COVID-19. The following is an oral history taken at that time about why she volunteered for this important project.
What motivated you to start sewing masks? Back in January 2020 I was at a Water Aerobics class when a friend said she would help me clean and service my portable Singer sewing machine. It really hadn't been working for several years. We got it in working order but I hadn't yet used it for any projects. Back in March I first saw the need since I’m a volunteer at Bluegrass Navigators (Hospice). I was able to begin using some fabric and elastic that I had in the basement to create face masking using a pattern I got off the computer. I didn't keep a total count but I do know that I was able to make and donate at least over 50 fabric masks to following: Sayre Christian Village, Kroger employees, Hospice volunteers, Government workers in Washington D.C., Library worker in Tennessee, church staff members, Senior Citizens, Park and Rec worker, office workers, family members and friends.
How did you learn how to sew? I was age 8 when I entered my first 4-H sewing project in the County Fair. My grandmother, mother, and older sisters all helped to teach me the love of sewing.
How long have you been sewing? Due to my sewing machine poor condition and arthritis joints in my hand and body I hadn't been sewing for a long time.
What is your favorite tip or piece of equipment? Describe the area where you sew. Since I hadn't had a working sewing machine for years, I found myself using the kitchen bar, table and great room. My husband was very patient to walk and move around the face mask making projects for many days during the early part of this Covid-19 quarantine.
What part of the mask project has been the most meaningful to you? Knowing that during the beginning of the quarantine I was able to use my time meaningfully.
What had been your biggest frustration? Sadly, using my hands to cut, fashion and sew had resulted in a flare up of discomfort with joint inflammation and pain. Therefore, I had put the sewing machine back up into the closet.
When members in the future look back on our work, what would you want them to say? I love that our DAR ladies have taken to heart the need and spent our time answering the need to sew face covering to help others in this time of need.
Anything you want to add about your experience with the Lexington Chapter, DAR?
As a citizen of the U.S A. I stress the need to have us join and work together during this crisis. I encourage each person to pray, educate themself and use this time to reach outside themselves to help your fellow man.