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Cathy Rush is caught up in a mask-making craze.

The talented crafter has shifted her focus from turning out dog blankets and aprons to lifesaving masks. As COVID-19 began its creep into Ohio, Rush was compelled to assist in some way. “I felt an obligation to do what I could to help,” she says. Having grown up in a rural locale, she had been sewing and creating useful things from a young age, so she decided to try her hand at mask-making.

It all started with a mask for a close friend. Then, the self-proclaimed “fabric hoarder” pulled out a few scraps and stitched some more masks for other friends in the healthcare profession. Then, she posted a few images of her creations on her Facebook page. As word spread, calls and messages came pouring in requesting her stylishly well-made covers. Rush challenged herself to sew 100 masks. She’s far surpassed that goal, and decided there is no limit to the number of masks she will make.

Rush has made masks for workers at Rainbow Babies and Childrens’ Hospital, MetroHealth, the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. She’s currently working on 100 masks for Cuyahoga County’s Division of Senior and Adult Services, where she serves as chair of the advisory board. She spends in excess of eight hours a day at her sewing machine, turning out tie-dyed, polka-dotted and character-themed masks.

“I’ll keep making them as long as there’s a need,” Rush says. “This is my way of making a difference. I hope my work is saving lives and spreading joy.”