MILWAUKEE-- Two ladies with a passion for fabric are working to make a difference for those battling coronavirus on the front lines.
Even though they had never met, you could say that Elizabeth Mueller and Hope Holubowicz were sewn from the same cloth.
Hope is a teacher with a degree in fiber art. Elizabeth is a mother and professional seamstress. Both are working to patch a major hole in the fight against COVID-19; a shortage of masks, otherwise known as "PPE" or Personal Protective Equipment.
"My daughter who works in the medical field and she told me, mom, I need this," Elizabeth said.
The need for face masks has reached an all-time high with shortages being recognized worldwide. Local healthcare facilities have even announced their plans to accept donations of unused protective equipment.
"At first I was kinds like, it's not like, you know it's quilting. It's not medical so how effective can it be," Hope said.
"This isn't a replacement for a medical mask, but it is preventing them from touching their face. Any little ounce of prevention can help," Elizabeth said.
While working to make a difference, these woman realize that they can't do it alone. Even if you aren't able to sew, there are other ways that you help.
You can purchase 100% cotton fabric and 1/4 inch elastic, or reach out to Elizabeth or Hope for patterns to make the mask at home. To contact Elizabeth through Facebook, click here. To contact Hope through Facebook, click here.
For updated information on coronavirus from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, click here.