Giselle Williams was a wedding hairstylist before the coronavirus pandemic struck the world. Because her business was put to a halt, Giselle wanted to use her time to help.
She saw how there was a rise in the number of people who produce masks. She thought she also wanted to sew, but there were two problems: Giselle does not know how to sew and had no sewing machine.
Giselle and her husband, Darin, had solutions to these problems.
The couple restored a family heirloom, which they never thought would come in handy during the coronavirus pandemic. It was a 1922 Singer model, a sewing machine that was owned by Giselle's great grandmother.
Restoring the sewing machine and learning how to saw
Giselle has not thought much about a sewing machine that she owns. It was a 100-year-old treadle machine that has been idling in the guest room of their home.
View this post on InstagramOk so threading this bobbin has it’s challenges but I’ll get used to it...it’s still fascinating to watch #singersewingmachine #bobbinthreading A post shared by Giselle’s Knits (@gisellesknits) on Apr 15, 2020 at 1:32pm PDT
It served as a decorative piece in their home that took some time before Giselle to remember it. Because it has not been used for a long time, it needed some restoring.
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View this post on InstagramBelieve it or not my hubby is teaching me how to sew on my great-great grandmother Harrison’s Singer sewing machine, circa 1920. His grandma taught him the tricks of the trade so we’re putting it to good use. #grateful #facemasks #sewing #wereallinthistogether A post shared by Giselle’s Knits (@gisellesknits) on Mar 26, 2020 at 2:51pm PDT
Darin had to watch YouTube videos for him to restore the 100-year-old sewing machine. It needed some cleaning, lubrication, and a new leather drive belt for the couple to have a running sewing machine.
It was Darin who taught his wife how to sew. He had a little experience when he stayed with his grandmother, who was a seamstress.
Making the facemasks
The couple wanted to make sure that their time at home is used for a good cause. Thus, they thought of sewing facemasks for volunteers and workers.
View this post on InstagramA few more sewn today, will make every effort to make them daily #sewingfacemasks #frontlinerheroes️ #sewing A post shared by Giselle’s Knits (@gisellesknits) on Apr 12, 2020 at 3:59pm PDT
When the couple was only starting, they had to buy the fabric for the face masks. However, neighbors and friends decided to donate materials as support to the couple's effort.
According to the Good News Network, the couple already made 450 masks for churches, healthcare workers, and other Colorado volunteers.
They have also received requests for masks from frontline workers in Japan and Thailand.
