Your local mask-maker
June 3, 2020
Caden Swearingen
Caden Swearingen
Charlotte Woods of Cassville making masks to fit local demand
When masks became mandatory for employees at many essential businesses, they became harder to find. Cassville seamstress, Charlotte Woods, is using her lifelong love of sewing to help the area meet this challenge.
Woods has been sewing since she was a little girl.
“I used to beg my mom for fabric scraps, a needle and thread.” she said. Woods used to make her children’s clothes, as well as her own. She started making alterations about 20 years ago; Woods has been making them at 4th Street Cleaners in Cassville for the past few years.
“I’ve been sewing all my life; it’s what I love to do,” Woods said.
Glenda Cassity, owner of 4th Street Cleaners, found instructions online for fabric masks. Woods began to make them, then Cassity posted them on her Facebook page. Woods has seen a steady flow of orders ever since.
“I’ve probably got around 30 bins of fabric scraps in my shop that we have used for the masks and straps,” Woods said.
She also uses thin flannel from the bins to line the masks. Wood’s masks are machine washable.
In addition to the masks she sells, Woods and her sister make and donate masks to area nursing homes who are experiencing mask shortages. These masks are made from Olefin material, which is the only fabric that nursing homes are allowing their employees to use.
“Knowing I’m helping prevent the spread of this virus, specifically in older people who are prone to COVID, is very rewarding,” Woods said.
If you have questions or would like to place an order, visit 4th Street Cleaners at 104 4th Street in Cassville, across from Sunrise Restaurant, or call (417) 847-3412. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Woods has been sewing since she was a little girl.
“I used to beg my mom for fabric scraps, a needle and thread.” she said. Woods used to make her children’s clothes, as well as her own. She started making alterations about 20 years ago; Woods has been making them at 4th Street Cleaners in Cassville for the past few years.
“I’ve been sewing all my life; it’s what I love to do,” Woods said.
Glenda Cassity, owner of 4th Street Cleaners, found instructions online for fabric masks. Woods began to make them, then Cassity posted them on her Facebook page. Woods has seen a steady flow of orders ever since.
“I’ve probably got around 30 bins of fabric scraps in my shop that we have used for the masks and straps,” Woods said.
She also uses thin flannel from the bins to line the masks. Wood’s masks are machine washable.
In addition to the masks she sells, Woods and her sister make and donate masks to area nursing homes who are experiencing mask shortages. These masks are made from Olefin material, which is the only fabric that nursing homes are allowing their employees to use.
“Knowing I’m helping prevent the spread of this virus, specifically in older people who are prone to COVID, is very rewarding,” Woods said.
If you have questions or would like to place an order, visit 4th Street Cleaners at 104 4th Street in Cassville, across from Sunrise Restaurant, or call (417) 847-3412. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Charlotte Woods of Cassville putting the finishing touches on the mask
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Charlotte Woods of Cassville in her shop
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