INDIANAPOLIS — StitchWorks, a cut-and-sew facility, has been commissioned by Eskenazi Health to manufacture 2,500 reusable, fluid-resistant isolation gowns to be used by health professionals. StitchWorks was set to open to the public in March 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
photo courtesy of StitchWorks
PPE provided by StitchWorks helps keep health care professionals safe.
Eskenazi Health had been experiencing a shortage of safety equipment due to the increased wear of non-reusable gowns during the pandemic. To respond to this need, StitchWorks has compiled a team of more than 70 experienced stitchers local to Indianapolis, each of whom are contracted to create at least 25 gowns per week. The reusable gowns produced by this team not only offer a long-lasting solution to the shortage but also provide a pop of color to brighten the lives of the health care workers serving on the front lines. The project recently hit the 1,000 gown mark, but still has a long way to go. All experienced stitchers in Central Indiana who have immediate availability, access to a straight-stitch machine and a serger, and the capacity to complete 25 gowns a week should complete StitchWorks’ intake form to apply to help contribute to StitchWorks’ efforts. Pre-cut supplies will be provided and contracted participants will receive $9 per completed gown. Local health organizations in need can also purchase gowns, in quantities of 50, through the StitchWorks website, www.stitchworksindy.com
StitchWorks is an initiative of PATTERN, a 501c3 public charity that serves Central Indiana’s creative community. Originally created to provide production services to local apparel designers and industrial sewing classes to the greater public, the facility shifted focus after Governor Holcomb issued the Stay-At-Home Order in March.
“The opportunity to do this project in partnership with Eskenazi, Dallara, and Indiana Fashion Foundation has been the silver lining in an otherwise incredibly challenging situation. I’m not surprised in the least at how our community has stepped up, and I’m thrilled that people who know how to sew are getting much-needed recognition,” said Polina Osherov, PATTERN’s executive director. In addition to producing gowns for Eskanazi, this shift in focus includes coordinating and providing materials to a group of volunteer stitchers who are sewing masks to be donated to groups in need as a part of the Million Mask Challenge.
Still in the pilot phase, StitchWorks has until the end of 2020 to raise the necessary funding to prove the surrounding community wants this amenity. Now more than ever, StitchWorks’ services are greatly needed, but the facility can’t continue without help. Those wishing to support Stitchworks’ efforts can assist by:
• Donating to help keep the facility running and support the purchase of needed materials.
• Filling out the to apply to sew gowns for Eskenazi Health.
• Volunteering to sew masks from home by filling out the intake form and joining the Million Mask Challenge Indy on Facebook.
• Ordering isolation gowns or PPE from StitchWorks’ online store.
