Get to Know China Little Flower/Little Flower Projects

Today I want to start our month of sewing with explaining the "WHY?" behind our sewing. Let me introduce you to China Little Flower/Little Flower Projects. 

The work of Little Flower Projects was begun by Brent and Serena Johnson in 1995 when they became aware of the great need for specialized care programs for the abandoned children living in China.  In 1998 they began the process of setting up as a registered non-profit in the USA and received 501(c)(3) status in 2000.  Brent and Serena have always donated their time, energy, expertise and resources to the organization and accept no salary or financial compensation for their work.  

Brent and Serena met in China as exchange students in the central province of Shanxi in 1990.  After they were married in the USA, they returned to China and started helping babies, one at a time.  They began with no thoughts of doing this work on a large scale, systematic basis but by 1998 they realized how effective these specialized services  were and had secured funding to open a small 12 bed home for disabled orphans.  From 2004 to 2009 they worked with China Care Foundation to help set up and run a unique set of programs serving disabled orphans in China.  In 2009 they again threw their time and energy into  expanding the work of Little Flower.  In 2011 Brent was invited to join the board of directors of the Beijing Chunmiao Foundation, a registered Beijing-based charity.  In 2012 the Little Flower orphan care projects were fully lodged with Chunmiao but continue to be managed by Brent and Serena and operated by the fantastic Little Flower staff. 

Brent and Serena live in Beijing with their six children.  Brent’s full time job is working as an executive manager for a large international health care company that operates hospitals and clinics across China.  The couple share the responsibilities of supervising the day to day care, medical treatment and education of the Little Flower children, as well as the promotion, fundraising, financial and administrative side of running the organization.   They work with over 160 talented and dedicated Little Flower employees who share the same goal - to make a difference in the lives of abandoned children!

Learn More Here.

Folks, we have an amazing privilege and opportunity to support this beautiful work while doing something we love as much as sewing.....WOW. How lucky are we???

Create H.O.P.E. Designs

 

September 2013 - Monthly Project Announcement

OH MY!!!!

I love what I am privileged to do through Hopeful Threads each month! I get excited about each Monthly Project, but this month, I'm especially PUMPED!!!!! I have been working like crazy behind the scenes to make this an exciting, fun and impact-full month of sewing and am thrilled to finally be able to share all the details with YOU!

For September, we will be having a Create H.O.P.E. Designs Sew Along!!!!

For those not familiar with Create H.O.P.E. Designs, let me proudly introduce you! CHD is the materialized dream of my friend (and 1 of the amazing designers behind Izzy & Ivy Designs!!!) Shasta. She had the incredible idea to bring those within the creative community together in a way that uses something we all share and love, SEWING/QUILTING, to give back to children in need. As soon as I heard the first mention of it, I began stalking her posts awaiting further announcements! I even helped come up with the name! 

My doodles while trying to think of name possibilities.

The CHD pattern collection includes a variety of different patterns from purses, soft toys and quilts to clothing, decorations and MORE! Each PDF pattern is sold for ONLY $5 and the monies raised go to support the work of organizations like China Little Flower, an incredible organization providing care for some of the most fragile of China's orphans. So thankful for their beautiful work!

Create H.O.P.E. Designs has continued to gradually grow and add new designers and we are all hoping that it will just get BIGGER & BIGGER & BIGGER, allowing the impact of those purchased patterns to grow at the same time!

That's where you come in! :)

If you are a pattern designer, I hope you will take a moment to learn more about CHD and find out how you can be a part!!! You can email Shasta directly if you have questions or interest.  

If you are a seamstress or quilter, I hope you will regularly check out the CHD patterns, purchase and use them, and share about them with your friends! If you have a favorite pattern designer, maybe you might even consider messaging them and sharing how you'd love to see one of their patterns in the Create H.O.P.E. Designs collection!

So, in participation with the Monthly Project at Hopeful Threads for September, I invite you to sew along using any of the Create H.O.P.E. Designs patterns! You can get a jump start on Christmas gifts, sew your Little One a new outfit, make one of the stuffed toys for the FLUFF Project :) or even donate your creation to a special fundraiser like Hidden Treasures. Whatever you choose to do, I hope that as you are sewing this month, you will be encouraged and inspired knowing that your purchase and donations are making a difference in the lives of children in need. Thank you in advance!

But the fun just keeps getting SWEETER!!!!

These FAB FOLKS are sponsoring our September Sew Along!

And when I say "sponsoring" I kind of mean SPOILING!!!! ;)

As you sew, be sure and snap a pic of your finished project to share in our September Project Album here. Because.....we have an AMAZING list of prizes to be given away at the end of the month from some INCREDIBLE folks in the creative community who are sponsoring our sew along, and winners will be selected from the photos shared in our album!

CHECK THIS OUT!!!!

Aivilo Charlotte Designs - Winner's choice of 3 PDF patterns!

Cute Quilt Patterns - Posy Patch Quilt Kit (includes pattern & fabrics to make this gorgeous quilt!) 

Fishsticks Designs - Winner's choice of 4 PDF patterns!

Hopeful Threads - A+ Portfolio Kit (includes pattern & fabrics to make this fun project!)

Lilybird Studio - Winner's choice of 3 PDF patterns!

The Mean Princess - MASTER Pattern Bundle! (includes each PDF pattern currently available in her collection!)

My Funny Buddy - 5 PDF Pattern Bundle, winner's choice of designs!

Seamingly Smitten - TWO 3 PDF Pattern Bundles!
Petite Kids Boutique - 2 PDF Pattern Bundle!

Izzy & Ivy Designs - GRAND PRIZE BUNDLE! Garden Party Skirts Pattern Book, Monster Mash Pattern Book, Brooklyn's Boho Beachwear Pattern Book +AND+ $100 Gift Card to Fat Quarter Shop!!!!!

I can hardly sit still I'm so excited!!!!!!! 

Please, take a minute to say a BIG "Thank You" to these sponsors! This Sew Along is going to be even more fun because of them!

 It's time to start those machines, get to stitching and MAKE A DIFFERENCE this month! 

Let's go!

FINAL DAY for Little Flower Fundraiser!

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." - Maya Angelou

Today is the FINAL DAY to participate in the Little Flower Fundraiser. 

If you haven't taken a look yet, you don't want to miss it!

And please spread the word to provide an even greater support for this incredible organization and the special care they give. Thank you!

Little Flower needs our support.

I want to help spread the word about their work and gain some funding for them.

The amazing staff and nannies work tirelessly around the clock to help some of the most fragile and vulnerable children in their area. Take a moment to read this post about the way the caregivers give above and beyond. They are truly amazing!

They give even when they know the end result may seem hopeless to others.

And these babies and children KNOW they are loved!

All images from Little Flower blog.

While I'd be most delighted if anyone interested simply made a donation, my "Thirty-One" friend and I thought it might be a greater incentive if everyone were able to get something they could use or gift at the same time....hence the Thirty-One Fundraiser.

It's a great month to purchase from Thirty-One as the special will get you any one of several items of your choice for Only $5 with every $31 ordered!

Ordering is easy and will remain open through next Wednesday, July 18th.

• Visit the Thirty-One site here
• Select "My Parties"
• Choose the Hopeful Threads/Kristy Smith party for Little Flower
• Place your order directly through Thirty-One who will then ship your items directly to you once the party closes. (*Please Note* Gift Certificate purchases are unfortunately not applicable.)
• Enjoy your new items and know that you helped support Little Flower at the same time!  

 You can read all the details about the fundraiser here.

***Don't need anything yourself??? Then purchase a Thermal Tote ($18) or Cinch Sac ($20) and have it "ship to host" and our family will gladly fill it with school supplies and donate it to a child in foster care in our county in your honor!***

Bless & Be Blessed,
Kristy

The REASON behind it + GIVEAWAY!

I just wanted to quickly post a bit about the reason behind the Little Flower fundraiser.

First and foremost....Little Flower needs our support.

I wanted to help spread the word about their work and gain some funding for them.

The amazing staff and nannies work tirelessly around the clock to help some of the most fragile and vulnerable children in their area. Take a moment to read this post about the way the caregivers give above and beyond. They are truly amazing!

They give even when they know the end result may seem hopeless to others.

And these babies and children KNOW they are loved!

All images from Little Flower blog.

While I'd be most delighted if anyone interested simply made a donation, my "Thirty-One" friend and I thought it might be a greater incentive if everyone were able to get something they could use or gift at the same time....hence the Thirty-One Fundraiser.

It's a great month to purchase from Thirty-One as the special will get you any one of the items pictured for Only $5 with every $31 ordered!

Ordering is easy and will remain open through next Wednesday, July 18th.

• Visit the Thirty-One site here
• Select "My Parties"
• Choose the Hopeful Threads/Kristy Smith party for Little Flower
• Place your order directly through Thirty-One who will then ship your items directly to you once the party closes. (*Please Note* Gift Certificate purchases are unfortunately not applicable.)
• Enjoy your new items and know that you helped support Little Flower at the same time!  

 You can read all the details about the fundraiser here.

To expand the outreach and help gain even more exposure for Little Flower, I am offering this Mini-Organizer from Thirty-One as a GIVEAWAY!

This is the perfect craft-room organizer to hold all of your accessories in a convenient, easy-to-move way! It has 5 pockets around the outside and plenty of space on the inside to store your current working projects. The handle means you can take with you anywhere you go too! You're gonna love it! :)

Here's how to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner to be announced Tuesday, July 17th.

Thank you for your help getting the word out and for showing your support of Little Flower and the incredible care they provide!

Blessings,

Kristy 

Little Flower Fundraiser OPEN!!!

REMINDER!!!

Our Little Flower fundraiser is OPEN and ready for your support!

Hopefully if you have been around here for a bit you have heard about China Little Flower/Little Flower Projects. Little Flower is a very special organization that cares for some of the most fragile of Chinese orphans. 

Little Flower cares for a variety of needs. The list of projects includes:

1. Hospice care for orphans
2. Group educational foster care
3. Special Care for infants
4. Long-term care for severely disabled children
5. Special causes

You can learn more and/or make a donation here.

I have found a unique way to combine several things that are important to me and I'm very excited to share this with you and would be delighted to have your support!

Another image that rests on the sidebar of my blog is this,

Assisting Adoption was created by an adoptive mother (and dear friend of mine!) who knows first hand the challenges adopting families face. Her purpose is to provide an easy and profitable fundraiser for them through Thirty-One Product parties, where she donates her commission to their adoption fund. If you are in the adoption process, know someone who is or would like to support an adopting family when you purchase Thirty-One products, you'll want to read more!

So, I asked my friend if she would allow me to host a party for Little Flower.

I asked Little Flower if it would be okay if I fund-raised for them this way.

All has been approved and this is where YOU come in! :)

From July 1st - July 15th I am hosting a Thirty-One Fundraiser event for Little Flower. The goal is to provide a month's salary for one of the incredible Nannies there. The month's salary is equivalent to $283 USD. The Thirty-One order total must reach $1150 for the commission rate donated by my friend to cover this amount, so that is what we are aiming for. 

Of course, if you have the heart and resources to help cover a month's salary for a Nanny independently, you can do so here, and that would be AMAZING!

+++ IN ADDITION +++

To include yet another thing that is near to the hearts of our family, I will be using a large portion of any hostess credit earned to purchase drawstring bags like these from Thirty-One for foster children in our community.

****AND!****

If we reach the goal, I will also purchase another bag to be given away here! :)

If we are fortunate enough to reach our goal multiple times, I will purchase a bag to be given away here for each time we do!

So here's how it works:

• Visit the Thirty-One site here
• Select "My Parties"
• Choose the Hopeful Threads/Kristy Smith party for Little Flower
• Place your order directly through Thirty-One who will then ship your items directly to you once the party closes. (*Please Note* Gift Certificate purchases are unfortunately not applicable.)
• Enjoy your new items and know that you helped support Little Flower at the same time!  

For the month of July, there is a special incentive when you order from Thirty-One too! :) It just keeps getting better doesn't it!?

For every $31 you spend you get to choose one of FIVE items for only $5!

These items include the Zipper Pouch, Cinch-It-Up Thermal Tote, Thermal Tote, Littles Carry-All Caddy or Mini Zipper Pouch. 

That means you could buy that bag or gift you have been wanting and get the perfect lunch tote for one of your kid's for the new school year for ONLY $5!
When you've reached the $31 mark with your order, simply place the $5 item of your choice in your cart and it will show up at the discounted price. Easy! There is also $5 personalization all month long too if you want your items personalized. :) 

Here's a pic of a couple of my favorite Thirty-One items all packed up for a day at the zoo.

The Organizing Utility Tote is the first bag I've found that can carry ALL the water bottles we need for our big family! And the Lil' Expressions Mini Zipper Pouch peeking out the top there is personalized with a cute little image resembling each of my kiddos....love it! Grammie loves her's like this too, it makes a perfect gift! :)

So look around the easy to read PDF summer catalog here, and let me know if you have any questions.The fundraiser will close July 18th at which point your orders will be processed.

This is my idea of a WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!

And I'm hopeful that it will be a great success!

Feel free to share with others, and thank you in advance for doing so!

Kristy

Fundraiser to support Little Flower!

Hopefully if you have been around here for a bit you have heard about China Little Flower/Little Flower Projects. Little Flower is a very special organization that cares for some of the most fragile of Chinese orphans. 

Little Flower cares for a variety of needs. The list of projects includes:

1. Hospice care for orphans
2. Group educational foster care
3. Special Care for infants
4. Long-term care for severely disabled children
5. Special causes

You can learn more and/or make a donation here.

I have found a unique way to combine several things that are important to me and I'm very excited to share this with you and would be delighted to have your support!

Another image that rests on the sidebar of my blog is this,

Assisting Adoption was created by an adoptive mother (and dear friend of mine!) who knows first hand the challenges adopting families face. Her purpose is to provide an easy and profitable fundraiser for them through Thirty-One Product parties, where she donates her commission to their adoption fund. If you are in the adoption process, know someone who is or would like to support an adopting family when you purchase Thirty-One products, you'll want to read more!

So, I asked my friend if she would allow me to host a party for Little Flower.

I asked Little Flower if it would be okay if I fund-raised for them this way.

All has been approved and this is where YOU come in! :)

From July 1st - July 15th I am hosting a Thirty-One Fundraiser event for Little Flower. The goal is to provide a month's salary for one of the incredible Nannies there. The month's salary is equivalent to $283 USD. The Thirty-One order total must reach $1150 for the commission rate donated by my friend to cover this amount, so that is what we are aiming for. 

Of course, if you have the heart and resources to help cover a month's salary for a Nanny independently, you can do so here, and that would be AMAZING!

+++ IN ADDITION +++

To include yet another thing that is near to the hearts of our family, I will be using a large portion of any hostess credit earned to purchase drawstring bags like these from Thirty-One for foster children in our community.

****AND!****

If we reach the goal, I will also purchase another bag to be given away here! :)

If we are fortunate enough to reach our goal multiple times, I will purchase a bag to be given away here for each time we do!

So here's how it works:

• Visit the Thirty-One site here
• Select "My Parties"
• Choose the Hopeful Threads/Kristy Smith party for Little Flower
• Place your order directly through Thirty-One who will then ship your items directly to you once the party closes. (*Please Note* Gift Certificates purchases are unfortunately not applicable.)
• Enjoy your new items and know that you helped support Little Flower at the same time!  

For the month of July, there is a special incentive when you order from Thirty-One too! :) It just keeps getting better doesn't it!?

For every $31 you spend you get to choose one of FIVE items for only $5!

These items include the Zipper Pouch, Cinch-It-Up Thermal Tote, Thermal Tote, Littles Carry-All Caddy or Mini Zipper Pouch. 

That means you could buy that bag or gift you have been wanting and get the perfect lunch tote for one of your kid's for the new school year for ONLY $5!
When you've reached the $31 mark with your order, simply place the $5 item of your choice in your cart and it will show up at the discounted price. Easy! There is also $5 personalization all month long too if you want your items personalized. :)

Here's a pic of a couple of my favorite Thirty-One items all packed up for a day at the zoo.

The Organizing Utility Tote is the first bag I've found that can carry ALL the water bottles we need for our big family! And the Lil' Expressions Mini Zipper Pouch peeking out the top there is personalized with a cute little image resembling each of my kiddos....love it! Grammie loves her's like this too, it makes a perfect gift! :)

So look around the easy to read PDF summer catalog here, and let me know if you have any questions.The fundraiser will open 1 WEEK from today on Sunday, July 1st.  ***Monday, July 2nd....delay due to mid-western storms effecting Thirty-One Headquarters.***

This is my idea of a WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!

And I'm hopeful that it will be a great success!

Feel free to share with others, and thank you in advance for doing so!

Kristy

Assunta Store - Another Business with the purpose to CARE!

If you read about the foundations currently being supported by Create H.O.P.E. Designs yesterday, then you have heard of China Little Flower/Little Flower Projects. Assunta Store is a business operated by the caregivers of China Little Flower and all sales support their work. Here's more from their "About Us" page...

 

"About Us

We are Americans living in China; we have been here working with abandoned babies and disabled orphans for the past 15 years.  We never planned to set up a store, yet over the years we have seen a great demand for the items that we use in our projects.  We have had many requests to supply snaps, presses, sewing notions, diapers etc at a reasonable cost; Assunta Store is our answer.  We sell items that we use ourselves, so we are confident of the quality and understand how they work. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our products. 

All sales from this store support China Little Flower.   China Little Flower is a non-profit organization caring for disabled and dying orphaned children in China.   Little Flower cares for orphans in a number of projects:

The Hospice is a special place to provide comfort, love, and care to orphans who are dying.

Special Care for Infants: We provide intensive care to babies who are abandoned with complex medical needs. We focus on caring for babies born prematurely, those with club feet, and babies with birth defects or illness requiring skilled nursing care.

Group Homes allow disabled school age orphans to live in a supportive family environment while attending school and aquiring life skills that will allow them an independent future.

Long Term Care: In this program we care for older disabled orphans with severe mental and physical impairment. These are children who have no hope of ever being adopted or living independently as adults. 

You can learn more about Little Flower's orphan care projects by visiting the Little Flower Projects website.  Updates are often posted to Little Flower Projects's blog and Facebook page.

China Little Flower is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization registered in the state of Nebraska."

I have purchased from Serena, the mama behind it all, for years. Aside from providing high-quality, excellently priced products, she also provides top-notch customer service and expedited shipping. Some of the products Assunta Store offers includes KAM Snaps, size labels, decorative appliques and sew in labels, elastics, threads, cloth diapering products and fabrics. Many of these are products I would be buying anyway, so the fact that I'm able to support these precious babies with my purchases, even better!

Please take a moment to check out Assunta Store and remember them for your sewing needs. I keep a badge in my sidebar to make it easy to find any time! :)

You can also support them with your tax deductible donations. More info here.

Sewing Essential - SNAPS

I use a lot of snaps in my sewing projects, and while I never thought it necessary before owning a press, I have grown to love the convenience and finish that snaps provide.

   

You've seen me use them most recently on the monthly project preemie covers.

I also use snaps regularly for things like bibs,

 Cloth Pads

  Bags and Pouches

as well as clothing.

Snaps are a very kid-friendly option for clothing!

I buy ALL my snaps from Assunta Store.

Assunta offers high quality and well known KAM snaps in every color available! Plus they carry custom colors, engraved and shaped snaps for an even extra touch.

I have always received A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. customer service plus super quick and often FREE shipping! And their prices can't be beat!

Additionally, you can get all the tools you need for applying the snaps whether you prefer a professional snap press or the hand held pliers.

Plus, Assunta offers a LOAD of other sewing notions as well including....

Size Labels

Marking Pens

and Elastics to name a few.

AND, THE BEST PART....the store supports Little Flower Projects!

 A hospice care home loving the tiniest and sickest orphans of China.

I'm not sharing this to intro a giveaway or because they have paid or even asked me to. Truth is, they have no idea I'm posting this. Truth also is, I believe in their products, have purchased them myself for years and even more, I believe in the work they do! If my purchases support that work in even a small way, then I get to be a part, and that is a blessing!