HYATTSVILLE, Md. - April 15, 2020 - When Cecily Habimana was asked to make a face mask for a friend, she had no idea of the numerous requests that would follow. 600 masks later, Cecily is still receiving requests. With the increased need for masks, Cecily and fellow co-owner Tisha Thorne have organized staff and customers to begin making masks for local healthcare workers. To date, the staff has made more than 3,000 masks for healthcare workers and the community. They also have hosted virtual classes to teach people how to make masks.

"I started sewing in March and I haven't stopped," said Cecily Habimana, co-owner of Sew Creative Lounge. "It's great being able to use my gift to help stop the spread of COVID-19, especially in my community."

In the spirit of fighting this pandemic, Sew Creative Lounge is hosting a "Mask-A-Thon" on Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Facebook Live @sipandsewdc. The event is sponsored by African Ancestry. Sew Creative Lounge is encouraging attendees to donate their masks to people on the frontlines working to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

About Sew Creative Lounge

Sew Creative Lounge is the brainchild of fashion designer Cecily Stewart Habimana and sewing instructor Tisha Thorne. Both have been sewing since they were young girls. In 2014, Cecily and Tisha decided to spread their love of sewing by hosting Sip and Sew DC throughout Maryland and D.C. This led to the opening of Sew Creative Lounge in 2017 where sewing and various art classes are offered. Sew Creative Lounge is a place to discover the art and joy of sewing in a fun, social environment. From their signature Sip and Sew DC classes to children's classes, Sew Creative Lounge offers a new way to learn an old skill. http://www.sipandsewdc.com/