WAUKESHA, Wis (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- While the inside of Sew Much More sewing store in Waukesha may be empty, it doesn’t mean that demand for sewing supplies is low.

In fact, throughout the morning manger Wendy Rieves can be found answering the phone as customers inquire about sewing machine repair and supplies to make face masks.

Rieves says ever since the CDC recommended the public begin wearing face masks, she has seen sewing enthusiasts jump at the chance to make masks. 

“I think for sewers it is a way of trying to help when they feel so helpless.” Says Rieves

Sew Much More has remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic because a primary focus of their business is sewing machine repair, which Rieves says has allowed them to be able to maintain a limited operation with curbside pickup of machines and delivery of mask-making supplies.

While staff at Sew Much More say they are pleased to see the increase in customers, sourcing materials has been extremely difficult. Under ordinary circumstances, demand for things like elastic and interfacing would be low, however in the midst of Coronavirus, it shot up seemingly overnight. It has left Sew Much More struggling to find a supply.

“It is frustrating, we want to help the cause and we want to keep our customers happy. They are like when is it coming?  I have to say I don’t know when it is coming.” Says Rieves

Despite the frustrations about materials, Sew Much More says they have seen a significant increase in sewing machine repairs. Rieves says it is likely because many people are pulling out their sewing machines for the first time in years in order to make masks, only to discover it has stopped working. ​