A "Thank You" from Children's Hospital

In case you didn't see this on facebook, I wanted to share here too. :)

A special "Thank You" from Children's Hospital for all of the beautiful stockings and stuffers provided by Hopeful Threads! Thank you for being a part!

Pattern Review - Butterick 3318 Gown

It's that time of year where I start stitching up warm PJs for my bunch. Two of my girls really like to wear gowns, so I decided I'd make them a few. I had so much fun with these that I actually got a bit carried away! :)

I've used the Gown Pattern E from Butterick 3318 with a few small modifications and the result is the perfect gown for my Lil' Bit!

She is currently head over heels for Toy Story, and I just happened across some remaining flannel with good friends Buzz & Woody printed on it, from some PJs I made my boys. If you follow on facebook, you probably remember seeing me share this one already. This is her absolute FAVORITE!!! And she even got a matching pillowcase making for 1 very happy little girl! 

The pattern calls for velcro at the shoulder seams. Velcro can be kind of scratchy, something we certainly don't want, especially for bedtime clothing....so....I made some adjustments. I sewed the shoulder seams and then cut a slit in the center back of the gown about 5-6" in length. Folded the raw edges in 1/4" and ironed, then again, and stitched in place making for a nice finished seam. I added a snap for the closure. The gown is still easy to get on and off without any concern of velcro irritation.

 The gowns were all trimmed around the collar and hemline with either Extra-Wide Double Fold Bias Tape or a plush Fold-Over Elastic in coordinating colors.

Here are a couple of other flannel prints....Big Sissy has matching gowns for these I'll share soon. 

 And last but not least, this one made from a super soft and cozy Hello Kitty microfleece and trimmed with the sweetest "Princess Crown" print Fold-Over Elastic and finished with a Night Owl's Menagerie label. 

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Confident Beginner

Size Range: 2-5 Years

Special Techniques: Attaching sleeves and bias trim.

Pattern Format: Paper

Materials Used: Flannel, Fleece, Bias Tape, Fold-Over Elastic, Snaps.

Personal Notes: With the modifications listed, this is now one of my favorite PJ patterns to sew! It fits great and my Lil' Bit loves wearing each of the ones I've made her. I'm sure to use it again when she sizes up.

BIG NEWS! + Holidays Past - Tutorial Round-Up

In a moment, everything has changed for us.

Our family has just welcomed a precious little one into our hearts and home through foster care. This was a bit (ENTIRELY!) :) unexpected, so I'm likely to be out of the loop for a while as we adjust. I have a couple of posts ready to share with you, but this may delay our kick off for January as we take things day by day. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.

Rachael at imagine gnats is planning a special auction to support the families of CT, so be watching for how you can be a part of that.

And, with Christmas just a week away now, here's a quick share of some of my previous Christmas tutorials I thought you might enjoy! Maybe one will be just right for a last minute project or gift you can create. :)

Dress up those jammies! This tutorial shows you how to add ruffles or cuffs to your favorite pants/shorts pattern.

Yo-Yo Gloves. A fun & easy way to add some seasonal personality to plain gloves.

Make your kid's "Wishlist" part of the holiday decorations!

Free template & instructions for this adorable penguin applique!

Thread Cone Christmas Trees....the perfect way to use up all those empty thread cones!

Easiest Stocking EVER!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Remember...

Remembering Always

Like many of you, I imagine, my thoughts and prayers the past days have been consumed by the families of Connecticut. My heart aches for each individual loss and the overall trauma that extends from the situation. I will continue to pray for and remember all whose lives have been forever changed.

I found beauty and encouragement in this photo and the words of one of my childhood favorites, Mr. Rogers.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

photo borrowed from Public Broadcasting facebook page

Friends, don't wait for tragedy to show love. 

There is opportunity around you each and every day.

Reader's (That's YOU!!!) Choice!

source

Do you have a group or organization that is special to you that you'd like Hopeful Threads to consider for one of our Monthly Projects for 2013??? I'd love to hear from you!

I'm beginning to outline the calendar and have some great ideas for the upcoming year, and would love to include some of your interests too.

A few things to keep in mind....

* We need to be able to meet the need by sewing.

* It's likely obvious, but I'm particularly soft when it comes to providing for the need of a child. Not that I'm not open to other opportunities, just sayin'. :)

* I prefer the opportunity to support a "grass-roots" or lesser known group/organization. There are some really great "Big Dogs" out there that are doing some incredible things....but most of them have a pretty good following and consistent support. I'd like to help where it might otherwise get overlooked.

* If it's an organization that you have a personal connection to, LOVE IT!!! Either they have done something to support you during a special time and you'd like to repay them with an outpouring  or you already sew for or support them on your own in some way....this is the kind of thing I'm looking for. No random google searches needed....I have one of those search bars too. ;)

p.s. If you have been an active participate in other Hopeful Threads projects, you're likely to have some automatic brownie points. :)

Ok...so email me or comment with your ideas and information about the group/organization. Can't wait to hear from you!!! 

Sponsor Shout Out!

Wrapping up the second year of Hopeful Threads this month, and one group of people I want to offer a special "THANK YOU!" to is our sponsors!

 

While I understand that advertising is important, and I am happy to do my part of spreading the word about our amazing sponsors, sponsorship at Hopeful Threads is about much more than that. 

Hopeful Threads sponsors provide a wide range of support from materials to work with, items to giveaway and $ to cover other expenses. Additionally, several have become very special friends and cheerleaders for our sewing and regularly help spread the word. And a few have even sewn along in participation with our projects. There is no doubt that sponsor support plays a big part in how  much we are able to give back through our Monthly Projects and I am so very grateful!

If you have shown your support for Hopeful Threads and our sewing outreach at any time over the past 2 years as a sponsor, thank you! You have been a part of the mark we are making!

Be sure and see the post from earlier this week that highlights our 2012 projects....very exciting to look back and see all that we have been able to give back as a small community!

If you have interest in showing your support for Hopeful Threads as a sponsor, for a specific project or regular monthly support, I would be delighted to share with you further. Just email me. 

2012 - A Look Back

I just wanted to take a moment to look back over the year and share the impact the Hopeful Threads community has had through our Monthly Projects. Truth is, this is likely only a glimpse of the true impact, but what an inspiration!!!

January 2012 - Bloomers sent to China.

We sent around 100 pairs of bloomers to the Starfish Foster Home in China!

February 2012 - Supporting Fundraisers with our sewing.

While learning of ways to support those fundraising, we also sent bundles of bibs for a Love Without Boundaries Cleft Surgery Team!

March 2012 - Plushies & Soft Toys to comfort children.

We made plush toys for children in our own communities.

April 2012 - Dresses for Dress A Girl Around the World.

We made OVER 300 dresses for Dress A Girl Around the World!

May 2012 - Care 4 Caregivers around you.

We found ways to support and encourage caregivers around us.

June 2012 - Sewing for our families.

We had a lot of fun sewing for our families!

July 2012 - Shorts for little boys in Cambodia & Ghana.

We made OVER 200 pairs of shorts for little boys, more than doubling our original goal and being able to send to TWO countries!

August 2012 - Give Hope to the foster care community.

We made gifts of HOPE for children in Foster Care in our communities.

September 2012 - Remember our deployed soldiers and their families.

With the help of Sew BitterSweet Designs, we sent piles of e-reader covers and pillowcases to our troops over seas to encourage and show our support!

October 2012 - Care for babies and mothers of SD Reservations with Sew For Kids.

Working with Sew For Kids, we helped make sure  families on a couple of SD Reservations were ready to welcome their new babies!

November 2012 - Stockings of Cheer for Children's Hospital.

We made over 150 handmade items of CHEER for Children's Hospitals around the globe!

December 2012 - Rest, Reflection & One Small Thing.

We are pausing to realize and consider the impact One Small Thing can have.

I must say, I am so incredibly honored and proud to be a part of this giving community!!!
THANK YOU!
You are a breath of fresh air, a regular encouragement and reminder to me of all things good, and I am grateful beyond ability to express it. What a difference we have made all while doing something we enjoy as much as sewing! Wow....what a Win/Win!

Always remember, EVERY STITCH MATTERS!

Makin' a List

 It's that time of year when many of us have gifts for our family and friends on the mind. Today, I wanted to offer a list of possible places to consider shopping for some of those special gifts. Each of these businesses/organizations have a greater meaning behind their gifts and offer the opportunity for your gift to give in even more ways....got to love that! :) 

You can learn more by clicking each image link below. 

Thirty-One Products

Unique Jewelry & Ornaments

Sewing & Cloth Diapering Supplies

Boutique Children's Clothing

Coffee With Heart

PDF Sewing Patterns

Global Handmade Gifts

Gifts that Invest in more!

Auctions of HOPE

Gifts that keep giving!

Every product has a story.

World Vision

This is only a sample of the possibilities, there are  so many choices!

Give More.

Shop With Purpose.

Invest in something BIGGER!

And feel good about the gifts you give this season. :)

"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." ~Anna Lappe