Good with a needle and thread?
Are you skilled with a needle and thread? Well, if the answer is yes, Horseleap/Streamstown ICA wants you to join their 'Sew for Scrubs Ireland' effort to make clothing for healthcare workers in the region.
Eilish McDonnell, who is President of Horseleap/Streamstown ICA guild, and President of the Westmeath ICA Federation, explains that the initiative is open to members and non-members alike, and came about as a result of a conversation between National President Josephine Helly and Sinead Lawlor, who, with her colleagues in the costume industry has been busy cutting and making scrubs for the past few days for a hospital and a day centre in Dublin.
The scrubs comprise a top and tunic, and trousers. Guild members who would like to make scrubs to meet a need in their community will be supplied with a package including an instruction leaflet and diagram; cut fabric pieces; tape for binding edges and finishing the inside neckline; plus a drawstring for the waist of the trousers.
“The scrubs fabric be cut out and ready to sew so it's to a standard pattern,” Eilish says, adding that the idea is only days old and already there has been a fantastic response.
“The packages will be sent out in a plastic sleeve to anyone expressing an interest. We have enough material to make 1,200 scrubs. 200 volunteers have already come forward, some members, some non-members. Anyone interested should email: manager@ica.ie with Scrubs in the subject line,” she says, adding that the finished pieces will be picked up afterwards for delivery to the facilities where they are needed.
Many healthcare centres are reporting a shortage of scrubs at present for staff, and it's hoped any scrubs made in Westmeath will go to local centres who need them.
With local ICA guilds in Athlone, Tang, Horseleap/Streamstown and Castlepollard and Mullingar, Eilish is hopeful of a good response from members, and non-members alike who can sew and assist with the project in these strange times.
Although she admits her talents lie more in cooking than sewing, she says it's a great way for those who are good with a needle and thread to help out and use the time stuck in their home for a worthwhile cause.