When the pandemic first started, Kootingal's Dottie Gilchrist thought making masks was a productive way to provide a community service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Her hand-made, unique, and machine-washable face accessories proved quite the hit locally at the beginning.
But as politicians advised against wearing face masks, the demand petered off quite suddenly.
Just as suddenly, demand has soared and not just from people around Tamworth.
"When we started, we thought we'd do some for our family and do a few local orders, but now we are getting orders from Victoria and north Queensland - we had to get serious"
With the help of her niece Pat Schofield, they have converted the kitchen table into their very own production line. Between them they've made well over 400.
"We are certainly working very hard and fast now," she laughed.
Oh I have a lot of favourites. We have two or three that we booth ooh and ahh over, there are some really pretty ones.
- Dottie Gilchrist
Machine washable, she says it much more financially viable to buy these lovingly made masks over disposable ones. Added to that, they can be chosen to match any outfit of the day, with colours ranging from black to the "prettiest".
"Oh I have a lot of favourites. We have two or three that we booth ooh and ahh over, there are some really pretty ones."
READ ALSO
- Watering Hole Hotels, owners of The Tudor Hotel, purchase Joe Maguire's Pub
- Dolly Talbott's bid to save Aboriginal sites at Shenhua Watermark mine site near Gunnedah dismissed in court
- COVID-19 pandemic: Hunter New England Health issue alert for Port Stephens and East Maitland after positive case confirmed
With three sizes on offer for both men and women, as well as kids masks with beloved movie or book characters, Dottie says there's something for everyone.
To order, head to Dottie's Crafts Facebook Page, or call 0428 603 414.
