Another important lesson to share is true insight, again by Gina Brueske. She serves as TOPS Board Secretary, Retreat Assignment and Booking Director—and she’s a KOPS!
Gina Brueske’s Lesson
No Need to Be Perfect to Make a Difference!
We moved to a rural area of eastern Washington in late 2007, from a larger city in the western part of the state. Basically you can drive east, west, south or north nearly two hours to a stoplight. We don’t get mail delivered to our home. We have a box at a post office, which is the only business in the nearest town one mile away.
What I’m getting at is that we’re literally alone (or in quarantine) the majority of the time. Our three children and grandchildren all live in different states and aren’t able to visit frequently.
During the pandemic, I’ve felt I should make masks for our family. However, in 1998, I lost sight in my left eye and gave up sewing (except for patching), as I can’t see to thread my sewing machine. Several years ago, my sister-in-law (who is a quilter) gave me some scraps of fabric to make doll clothes for my youngest granddaughter. I ordered elastic for this project and when the elastic arrived, there was also a pattern for a mask but no instructions. I guessed I could figure the pattern out!
I hate to say it took me close to seven hours and many ripped-out stitches to get one mask made correctly. Several attempts were thrown away. All night while sleeping, I made masks in my dreams. I awoke having gotten the pattern down. I got more fabric from a TOPS quilting friend in the area, and with black thread on the top and white in the bobbin, I made masks even though I’m not fast.
What a fun project this has been. With an investment of less than $20, I made over 100 masks to give to family members and friends. Persistence and patience prevailed. I was given supplies, my husband threaded my machine, and I was able to fill a need with items I had and that were given to me. My recipients weren’t picky. “Protection,” not “Perfection” became my motto. I’m loving sewing again.
By Mary Sanford December 28, 2020
Gina what an amazing story. I love your desire to do something good all the while helping to keep yourself busy and to not give up. Persistence certainly paid off many times for you. Great job…your a true inspiration!!!
By Bernice Renchin King November 24, 2020
Neat thanks for making mask and overcoming ability to thread needle when I am sewing if cannot thread needle need a change in my glasses also the little needle threaders are handy love prayers peace
By Dorothy Jarman-Murray November 24, 2020
This is so the Gina I remember from my Washington days, always ready to tackle any situation and come out on top. I have been procrastinating making masks for the family for Christmas, and you gave me the encouragement to get going on it.
Take care my friend, and continue to encourage us with your thoughts.
By Eleanor Thompson November 24, 2020
Th is was a great article.
By Ruth Singer November 24, 2020
I have just had my sewing machine cleaned and It is ready to go so I have no excuses for not finishing up my UFO’S and my granddaughters quilt that I have started
By Petra Schach November 24, 2020
Loved your story, my husband makes masks and has made over 50 for us and friends and co workers. We were waiting for my daughter to send some from Ottawa here in Canada but Bob decided to try himself, took hers apart and the rest is history. Look forward to your next article, Regards, Petra from Thunder Bay On. Chapter 5407
By Maria I Blanco November 24, 2020
Thank you for your nice comments.. Wishing you happy Holiday’s
By Ruth Simpson November 24, 2020
I think you’re terrific!
By Linda Bills November 24, 2020
Thank you for sharing your story. It makes me think of how much we can do – by being persistent! Love this reminder!
By Jan Johnson....spokane November 23, 2020
Way to go!!!
By Annemacpherson November 23, 2020
I love reading your comment and story take care I care.
By Barbara Maas November 23, 2020
Thank you for caring enough to want to overcome your obstacles to make things safer for your friends & family. I also sewed masks for our hospital staff & visitors (along with MANY other volunteers). I’d hoped our Tops Chapter might want sewing masks as a project to help a hospital or community group but no one was interested when I made the suggestion. In fact, some were upset with the suggestion. It’s a time to go beyond yourself, as you did, and give of yourself to others however you can. You need not be a perfect seamstress as you proved. It just takes a willing heart.
By Greta Schnapp November 23, 2020
That’s a great example of “when given lemons, make lemonade”. You preserved, making good use of your time despite challenges, and contributed in a positive way. Way to go, Gina!
By Linda Lannoye November 24, 2020
I loved reading this article Gina, you gave the the desire to try to sew again, been many years, but I have lacked the desire and the confidence to attempt any sewing projects. I know I can do this if I just try. Thanks for telling your story !!!