Local Highland seamstress, pig farmer uses talents to fight coronavirus
Tammy Brink is well known in her community for her sewing abilities.
People can likely find her at the Buckle store in Fairview Heights hemming jeans for local customers or creating pieces at her home through her alterations and custom sewing business.
Most recently, she has been busy sewing over 1,300 masks for area businesses and community members to keep them protected during the COVID-19 pandemic, and doesn’t show signs of slowing down.
“I have loved to sew since the age of 11 when I enrolled in sewing as a project in 4-H,” Tammy said.
She gives credit to her mom and her aunt, Jean Klaus, for sharing their talent and time with her. Their passion quickly transferred to Brink and she has not stopped since.
When asked how she got started creating masks, Brink said she had free time with prom being canceled, weddings postponed and Buckle closed due to COVID-19. Brink was asked to make cloth home sewn mask by some hospitals, businesses and many individuals surrounding her.
Since March 22, the first day she began sewing masks, Brink has made over 1,000 for the local area. They range in color, pattern and material, depending on what is available for purchase. She mentioned a shortage of elastic but friends and family quickly sourced her extra rolls so she could continue providing for those in need.
Her masks have traveled to Alton, Granite City, Edwardsville, St. Louis, and many places in between. She simply charges enough money to cover the cost of material and donates her time and talent to support those on the frontline protecting the community from coronavirus.
About Highland’s Tammy Brink
Brink, and her husband, Larry, of 37 years, live on a farm in rural highland. They have both been involved in the pork industry since they were 4-H members. They enjoy raising mostly Berkshire hogs and spending time with their family.
They have three children who are all involved in the pork industry as well. Travis, wife Tricia and children Callie and Sadie Brink of Riverside, Iowa; Emmalee, husband Daniel, and children Milly and Hannah Haege of Nashville, Illinois; and Caleb Brink of Nokomis.
Tammy and Larry enjoy helping their grandkids raise and show pigs along with giving back to the youth in the swine industry. They are active with the Illinois Pork Producers Association where they help promote pork products and the farmers that raise them.
This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 4:41 PM.