Foxcroft Alumna Sews 300 Masks and Counting!

Hattie Peabody Laveran ’85 knows the importance of good health, so when she found out that there was a shortage of masks in her area she knew that she had the skills and the ability to help! Hattie’s business, The Little Pillow Shop, has been a labor of love ever since cancer forced her career path in a different direction several years ago.
After her recovery, the former Director of Admissions for West Hill School was looking for something to fill her time. It was when she placed an order for some decorative pillows and looked at the price, that she found inspiration. “I thought, these are so expensive! This is ridiculous. I know how to sew — I can make them!” So, Hattie dragged her 30-year old sewing machine to a friend's house to re-learn a few basics and began the year-long process of teaching herself to sew again.

Hattie’s husband is a physician at Main Line Health in Radnor, PA, the epicenter for Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 response, and only a mile from their home in Bryn Mawr. When he came home from work and shared that his hospital was in need of more protective masks, Hattie jumped into action and got to work. She found a pattern, stripped the elastic out of a few sets of fitted sheets, and started sewing. As quickly as she could make them, she was giving the masks away. 

Eventually, she ran out of materials and elastic was difficult to find. Of course, a Foxcroft woman does not stop because things get tough! No elastic? Easy fix — she started using t-shirt material for the ties instead. In fact, she discovered that medical professionals prefer these ties because they are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time and they are washing-machine safe. Now, Hattie has opened up her shop to sell the masks and for every mask purchased she donates one in-kind.

Hattie is still going strong — she’s made over 300 masks so far — and her daughter, who is currently in eighth grade, helps trim thread when she is not logged into her virtual classroom.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.