April Project FINALE! Well......sort of! :)

Today is the final day for our April Project - "Fluff For Foster Care".

What a wonderful month of sewing and stuffing for children in the foster care system it has been too!

I am tentatively planning to deliver our "bus" full of stuffed friends mid-May, to allow for all those being shipped to arrive first. I will share photos of our fluff-filled van then and update this post for future reference as well. We are looking forward to delivering all these beautiful gifts and know that they are going to be such a special blessing for the children receiving them, as well as those providing care for them. Very meaningful!

Check our April Project album to see the amazing assortment that has been donated this month! I can't adequately express our families gratitude for the way you have all jumped on board and made this special month EXTRA special!

I shared on facebook when inspiration hit the other day and I just had to put "plans" aside and create. It was just what I needed and also produced some cute toys as my final donations for our project. 

 I had this image of a roly-poly whale stuffie that I just couldn't shake and had to make a reality. So, I went to work.

And these bubbly friends were the result...

 While I was at it, I decided they needed some sidekicks, and so this chunky starfish came next.

Without further ado, may I introduce to you Whaley & Starla....

 This first set is perfect for baby. Textured fabrics, ribbon tags and easy to grip parts sure to please any tiny one. 

The second set is more colorful and detailed with print fabrics and hand-stitched faces.

I had hoped to have a pattern/tutorial to share before the end of the month, but time just wasn't enough. I will still get one put together eventually, and will be sure to let you know when I do. They are simple to sew friends that are ready to be companions to some special little ones!

Thank you all again! What a fun month! 

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow to see what's in store for May....more stitching fun ahead!

*****UPDATE******

See our DELIVERY POST here!!!!
See our ONGOING Fluff Project info here!!!!!

YES! There is STILL time!

 There is absolutely still time to be a part of our April Project - Fluff For Foster Care and share HOPE with a child!

A few quick options include the pre-made stuffie like the pig above that allows for a special hand-stitched touch.....doll panels like the ones below are also a very quick handmade option... 

 ...and of course, store bought stuffed friends like this amazing collection that was donated locally are another great option for those who want to be a part of our April outreach, but might be a little short on time this month. 

See this post about our tentative delivery plans.

See the incredible pile of fluff that will be stuffing our "bus" in our group album here!!!

Thank you all for making such a HUGE impact in the lives of so many!!!!

SHIPPING NOTES - April Project

Hi Friends!

Several of you have either begun to ship your stuffed toys for April's Project or have had questions about when you need to, so just a quick info. post here.....

I plan to deliver the stuffed toys mid-May to allow plenty of time for those last minute finishes to make it to the mail by the first week. So if we could all have a target date for shipping NO LATER than Monday, May 6th, 2013, that would be great! Shipping address and additional info on this post here.

Also, these items are light weight, so remember, most shipping is charged by weight rather than size of the box, so keep that in mind when heading to the post office or printing your labels. 

Be sure to check out my Shipping - How to Save $$$ post too! Lots of good money saving pointers there too. 

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING A PART OF HOPEFUL THREADS AND THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL PROJECT!!!! 

Summer Sewing Up-cycles!

You know it's bad when you start getting excited about worn out knees and wholes when you are doing the laundry! ;) But, with warmer temperatures arriving here, I couldn't wait to turn winter's worn pants into summer's super cute shorts and capris!

For the first 2 pair, I used my quick & easy "Cuffed Capris" tutorial you can find here on my Tips & Tutorials page. (that page badly needs updating I must add! On the list....)

Thanks to the inspiration of this "PIN", I made this pair with some adorable printed bias tape! 

SO CUTE! SO QUICK!!!

My daughter loves them, and I love that we just stretched the life of these pants that much farther! They all look so cute on her and each has it's own "personality". :) The possibilities are endless and they are so fun to make....but beware.....you'll start hoping for those holey pants in your laundry too! ;)

Pattern Review - Elephant Pillow by Precious Patterns

A couple of PLUMP PACHYDERMS to share with you today, for our April Project!

  

 I've had this playful pattern on my "To Sew" list for way too long now and am so glad to have finally made it! These were so much fun to make, simple, straight forward pattern, and I am tickled with how they turned out!

The pattern is part of a trio of designs in this pattern by Precious Patterns.

I have used a few remaining scraps of the Remix fabric from Ann Kelle to compliment the ears on both. My favorite, favorite part......the knotted trunk! 

Love it! :)

 These guys make me smile and I hope they do the same for the special ones that receive them. :)

My only variation from the pattern was how I stuffed them. The pattern is written to use pillow forms, but having plenty of stuffing on hand, I stuffed them all with Fairfield polyester fiber. 

If you are looking for a first ever stuffie sewing pattern, or even a perfect project to work on with your kids, I highly recommend this pattern! The step-by-step instructions and photos are a breeze to follow, and anyone will be delighted with the finished, fluffy result!

I also finished each with one of my lovely new Ananmeone Labels.

There's still time for you to win your own custom labels from Ananemone Labels in our giveaway here. HURRY!!! Ends 4/30/13

Adding these to our April Project Album!

The pile is happily growing and growing!!!

Only a few days left to help us stuff our bus with "Fluff For Foster Care"! 

JOIN US!!! 

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Beginner

Special Techniques: The only thing I would mention is sewing with fleece. It has a bit of a stretch to it, so you just have to be careful not to tug on it while you are sewing or it can cause your project to be misshapen.

Pattern Format: PDF

Materials Used: Fleece, Cotton prints for ear accents, felt for eyes.

Personal Notes: FUN! EASY! Great first sewing project! Kids will also love making these!

Ananemone Labels GIVEAWAY!!!

When I shared my label pics yesterday, I said there'd be more, and here it is!!!!

Let me share a bit about these new-to-me labels....you know how I love labels! :)

These custom fabric labels from Ananemone Labels are the softest I've ever used! They would even be perfectly comfortable for the inside of a garment with no itchy or pokey edges. When I shared my thoughts with the owner, she said that was exactly what inspired her to start making her lovely labels in the first place. 

Her selections include custom designs, color logos, fabric care and content labels and even personalized name tags. You can also choose a handy iron-on option if you prefer. 

Here's a sample of some of the designs currently available for immediate order...

Obviously you see which one I picked! :) Love that sweet vintage machine!

I was also able to specify the font I wanted used for my labels, so it could match what I most commonly use for my watermark on my blog photos.

These labels are perfect for personal and/or business use. Ideal for handmade clothing, quilts, knit or crochet items as well. 

For the yarn artists out there, how about this fun variety...

The possibilities are endless!

Whether you send in your own logo to be printed or customize one of the many varieties available, there is sure to be something perfect for every project!

Today, Ananemone Labels is giving Hopeful Threads readers a chance to win their very own Custom Label set!!! You can win 1 sheet of their high-quality, sew-in printed labels, customized with your favorite colors, image or logo. See examples here. 

TO ENTER:

Simply leave a comment below with an idea for the perfect label for your projects....what image would you use? Colors? What would you use your labels on? Whatever you think would be the ideal personalized label.....we want to hear all about it! :)

Winner is.....

Cindi said... 19

The second label is so fun. I would love it with my blog name on it.

BONUS ENTRY OPTION!

 If you are sewing along for the April Project, simply leave a 2nd comment including a link to your photo in our group album, and you are entered again! By the way, THANK YOU for participating in this month's extra special charity project! 

Open to all eligible. For complete giveaway guidelines at Hopeful Threads, please see the GIVEAWAYS page at the top of the blog.

Winner will be randomly selected, announced and emailed 4/30/13, and given 48 hours to respond and claim prize or an alternate winner will be selected.

Good luck to all! These are beautiful labels and I can't wait to see who the lucky winner is!

Thank you Ananemone Labels for this generous opportunity and adorable sewing labels!

Chunky Bunnies - HOPE-filled Donations

I LOVE how this worked out!!!!!!

These sweet stuffies are EXTRA SPECIAL!

Why???

It's more than being irresistibly cute!

It's because, they support the care of children in sooooo many ways!

1st - The pattern I used is the bunny from Chunky Monkey & His Friends....a pattern at Create H.O.P.E. Designs. All of the proceeds of the sale of the high-quality Create H.O.P.E. Designs patterns goes towards providing for children in need worldwide, and these awesome patterns are ONLY $5 each! I'm a BIG, BIG fan of Create H.O.P.E. Designs and the purpose and heart behind it!

Go grab yourself one of these cute patterns and feel good about where that $5 was spent!

2nd - These sweet fellas were made using the fabric collection "Pieces of Hope" from Riley Blake Designs. This collection was created to help support and fund autism awareness and research, with a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the entire collection being donated to Autism Speaks. GOOD STUFF!!!! (psssst....and I heard they are working on a "Pieces of Hope 2" coming soon.....they've got my attention!)

3rd - These little friends will be donated as part of our April Project, "Fluff For Foster Care" and I hope will be a comfort and symbol of HOPE to the children that receive them.  

I finished my fluffy hoppers off with these sweet new labels I just received from Ananemone Labels.

 

These sweet handmade labels are sooooo soft! And don't you just love that sweet vintage sewing machine image??? I sure did! She has loads of other cute ones in her shop too! :) I'll be sharing more tomorrow, so be sure and stop back by ok? 

Keep Sewin' - Every Stitch Matters!!!

Aivilo Charlotte Designs - New Patterns & GIVEAWAY!

I'm very excited to help introduce the newest pattern set from Aivilo Charlotte Designs, the Pixie Shrug and Flora's Twirl Skirt!!!

This set includes an adorable double-layered skirt with all the twirl a girl could ever want! With 3 girls in our home, I know just how important the twirl factor of a skirt is too! ;)

Additionally, it offers the sweetest little shrug to top it perfectly as an accent or a cover-up for those cool spring/summer nights. 

I LOVE THE SIZE RANGE TOO!

The patterns generously cover sizes 2T-12/14 Tween!

And if that isn't enough.....it ALSO includes a matching pattern set for your little girls 18" doll!

In celebration of the new patterns releasing, Aivilo Charlotte Designs is offering a giveaway to Hopeful Threads readers today!

TWO lucky entrants will WIN a pattern bundle of their 3 favorite Aivilo Charlotte Designs PDF patterns! Simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to all eligible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Complete giveaway details on the "Giveaways" page at the top of the blog. Winners will be announced and emailed 4/27/13 and provided 48 hours to respond and claim their prize before an alternate winner(s) is selected.

+++++++++PLUS!!!!!!!!!!!++++++++++
EVERYONE IS AN AUTOMATIC WINNER!!!!

In support of our April Project, Aivilo Charlotte Designs is offering their Seahorse Family stuffed toy pattern FREE for the whole month of April! Download your copy in their Craftsy shop here!

So grab your free pattern and sew with us for a very special reason this month!

Thank you Aivilo Charlotte Designs for this wonderful giveaway and the free pattern you've provided for this month's project!

Good luck to all!