A BIG Pillowcase Finish!!!

26 pillowcases finished for our 4th Quarter Project!!!!

 Puppets up next!

This is such FUN sewing!!!!

Join us and sew along for our special year end project!

Get all the details HERE!!!!

 

Pattern Review - Rose Red Woodland Doll by Lella Boutique

May I introduce you to Little Rose Red. 

This sweet pattern comes from Lella Boutique and is the latest sweet stuffed friends I have sewn for our FLUFF Project. 

As with all our FLUFF Project donations, these five little darlings will soon make their way to five special children currently in foster care. 

I can't say enough good things about this sweet pattern!

The pattern pays close attention to detail, which is clearly evident in the construction and personality of your dolls as they are coming together. Well written instructions with illustrations make it a very straight forward pattern to follow. In addition to the sweet doll herself, the pattern includes a removable cape and skirt, so your dolly could easily have a full wardrobe of interchangeable outfits! I chose not to include the cape/skirts with mine since there is risk that they could become separated from the dolls on their journeys to their new homes. 

The pattern calls for a painted face, but I've not much experience with fabric paints for dolls, so I chose to hand embroider the faces on my dolls with french knots for the eyes and simple satin stitching for the mouths. I also used wool flannel for the hair since it was what I had available, and loved the soft texture it provided.

You can find the pattern in both PDF and paper formats in the Lella Boutique shop HERE. One thing she offers that I haven't seen very often, is the option to get BOTH the PDF and paper pattern for only $2 more than buying either of the options separately. I think this is such a great idea!!! This way I get the best of both worlds for a very reasonable price! I love the convenience of PDF patterns and the ease of printing and re-printing pattern pieces, but I must admit, I am a tangible girl. Having the instructions fully laid out in front of me on my work table is definitely my preferred way to work. 

A very warm THANK YOU to Vanessa of Lella Boutique for very generously sending me this sweet pattern in both formats. When I shared with her about the FLUFF Project, she thought it sounded like a great cause and didn't hesitate to show her support. I am so very grateful and know those that receive these sweet dolls will love them! 

Rose Red Woodland Doll Pattern by Lella Boutique

Oh, and don't you just adore the fabric used on the pattern cover!?!?! The print for the dolls hair couldn't be more perfect! This fabric is from the collection Into the Woods, also by Lella Boutique for Moda. The whole collection is beautiful and currently available in multiple colorways....you'll want to search your favorite fabric shops for it!

SUMMARY
Sewing Experience: Confident Beginner with doll making experience
Size Range: N/A
Special Techniques: Sewing, turning and stuffing small doll parts
Pattern Format: Available in both PDF and Paper
Materials Used: Cotton woven prints, wool flannel for hair, floss for facial feature embroidery, Fairfield World polyester stuffing.
Personal Notes: Darling doll that I will definitely sew again! I will adjust placement of the arms a little lower next time to allow them to lay more smoothly, by placing them completely below the shoulder curve.

These sweeties are the 1st for our next delivery box.....which is a little EXTRA exciting!!!!! When we make the next delivery, we will have delivered OVER 1,000 stuffed friends for children in foster care!!!! Unbelievable!!!! And still, going strong! Thank you all so much for caring for some many in this meaningful and loving way. It matters. So much!

Learn more about the FLUFF Project and how you can participate by clicking the image below.

2014 - 4th Quarter Project Announcement.....Are You READY???

I can hardly believe I'm typing this, but this is the FINAL Hopeful Threads' project of 2014.

We've had a great year sewing and filling bags for children in foster care, also, collecting stuffed friends for them and sewing for families facing unplanned pregnancies, but we aren't finished yet!!! Our 4th Quarter Project is another very special sewing opportunity that I would LOVE to have your help with!

For the 4th Quarter Project, we will be sewing Pillowcases & Puppets to be delivered to our Children's Hospital. And this won't just be a normal delivery by me and my family. No, we have a very special lil' fella and his AWESOME family delivering the goodies for us this time!

That's right! We are privileged to have my little buddy Elijah James and his incredible big sister Sky delivering our goodies for us this time!!! This is truly one of the most AMAZING and CARING families I know! What a regular inspiration they are to my family and we are so grateful!

If you've not read about "Super Eli" here before, let me share a bit with you.

Eli is one of those people that defeats the odds. Like, blows them out of the water really.

He was born with the most severe form of Spina Bifida, called Rachischisis, and was given 0% chance for survival. His family had been preparing to say goodbye to him the same day they would meet him. God had different plans. Eli will be celebrating his 4th birthday this December. 

 This child is such an amazing delight!!!!

The contagious joy of this family is something you'll never forget. They overcome obstacles most of us can't even imagine, on a daily basis, and do so full of life and love. The picture above was taken just this week as Eli was in the hospital recovering from surgery. :) I hope you'll take the time to visit his facebook page and get to know them all better......I can guarantee that you'll be glad you did! 

Ok. To the project details. Being that December is a family focused month with lots of celebrations and travel for many, the 

4th Quarter Project will only be active for October and November. 

We will spend October and November sewing our Pillowcase & Puppet gifts, and I ask that they be shipped by December 1st to allow for me to get everything together and to Eli & Sky for them to deliver mid-month...in time for Christmas and in celebration of his 4th Birthday!

You can find a collection of pillowcase patterns & tutorials on my "Pillow Talk" pinterest board HERE.

You can find loads of inspiration, patterns and tutorials for puppets of all kinds on my "Handmade Soft Toys" board HERE.

Ok....to recap....

WHAT?: Sewing Pillowcases & Puppets

WHY?: Donations to Children's Hospital in honor of Elijah James

WHEN?: October & November 2014 (Please ship by December 1st)

Find sewing inspiration HERE, and add your donation pictures HERE.

SHIP TO: Kristy Smith

c/o Echelon Florist

1260 Rocky Hill Road

Knoxville, TN 37919 

So, grab the button, spread the word and let's make this a Project to remember!

As always, if you have any questions at all, feel free to EMAIL ME at anytime!

Thank you in advance for sewing with me for this very special year end project, I know it's going to be GREAT!

You can learn more about Spina Bifida at the Spina Bifida Association HERE.

And, if you are interested in showing your support by becoming a part of "Team Eli" you can follow his facebook page HERE and check out his gear HERE! 

2014 - 3rd Quarter Project Announcement

2014 is truly flying by! 

Don't know if it's our new quarterly schedule or what, but WOW!

Here we are with the kick off of the 3rd Quarter Project!!!

This is going to be another fun and simple to sew project that I hope many can and will participate in! With summer and back to school times falling during the 3rd Quarter, I wanted to be sure that sewing to share would be an easy thing to fit in, and I think we've found the perfect project!

If you know much about me from this blog or otherwise, you know that sewing for children is something very special to me. Using my love of sewing to help support and encourage a family, even more! 

Our family really appreciates living in a community that provides a Crisis Pregnancy Center to help struggling or surprised mothers and fathers prepare for their unexpected bundle. Being a large family, we understand the excitement paired with stresses, uncertainties and general feelings of being overwhelmed that planning for a new baby can bring....and we understand those feeling are all magnified when a pregnancy wasn't planned at the time. We also know full well the blessing a baby is to a family, and if we can be any part of the support and encouragement that shines light and hope on that, well, what a beautiful and encouraging opportunity for us as well! This is part of what makes us so very grateful for the active work and support of the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Some of the incredible services provided by our local Center include free pregnancy tests, educational classes and training, a 24 hour  helpline, as well as, a care closet that helps provide everything from maternity clothing, baby/toddler clothing, diapers, formula, baby gear and more! All things that can help relieve some of the stress and financial pressure of an unplanned pregnancy.

For the 3rd Quarter Project, we will be making bibs, burpcloths and blankies to donate to our Crisis Pregnancy Center to be provided to the families they serve. I would like to encourage you to look within your own communities for a similar organization to directly support with your sewing this quarter, but will be more than happy to include any donations you'd like to send to go along with ours too. :) As always, if you don't sew and would like to send along store bought items, those are always welcome. Additionally, our family will be participating in the annual Walk For Life and any monetary donations received this month will be donated as part of our sponsor collections for the Center.

For those shipping donation items to me, your donations can be sent here,

Kristy Smith

c/o Echelon Florist

1260 Rocky Hill Road

Knoxville TN 37919

So, I welcome you to jump in a participate with our 3rd Quarter Project any way you feel led! You can find an abundance of Baby Sewing ideas, inspiration, tutorials and patterns on my "Baby Sewing" Pinterest board here. While I have chosen to narrow the focus to bibs, burpcloths & blankets to help simplify, any baby items you'd like to contribute are completely welcome! If you'd like to share photos of your donations to inspire and encourage the rest of us as we consider how best to participate, feel free to do so in our 3rd Quarter Project Donation Album on Flickr here.

I'll also be sharing about a new baby related project that I am humbled and blessed to be a part of. Watch for a special detailed post about that to come soon!

Email me here with any questions.

Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm as we care for others through our sewing machines. 

Every Stitch Matters.

February 1.....LOTS of GOOD NEWS!

It's the 1st of February and I have lots of fun and exciting things to share with you!!!!

First up, I am honored to share with you the creative efforts of my friend Jessica at Noguchi Designs. Jessica contacted me several weeks ago to discuss a special idea she had to help support the FLUFF Project on going. Her plan was to begin selling stuffed toy sets and for each set that sold, a stuffed toy would be donated to the FLUFF Project for a child in foster care. I of course LOVED IT!!!! Jessica has been stitching away and is now ready to begin filling fluffy orders. Will you please help spread the word? Find out more HERE.

It's THAT time again!!!!

Time for another very special Hidden Treasures auction to help a family on the journey to be connected with their child. Each of the children/families supported through Hidden Treasures is unique. These are  often medically fragile and special needs adoptions, and any support you can contribute either with donations, bids are spreading the word is a blessing. Thank you!
Find out more HERE.

Lastly, I was thrilled to be contacted by Spoonful requesting one of my hair accessory tutorials for a special Valentines round-up! You can read that post HERE. And if you aren't yet familiar with Spoonful.com you're likely to have a nice long visit, as there is MUCH to see and learn and create being shared there!

And remember....we are in full swing with our 1st Quarter Project for 2014. Would love to have you join in! You can get all the details for that right HERE!

Sewing Suggestions with Tutorial Links for the 1st Quarter Project!

Ok, let's get this party started!!!! :)

I figured it might help if I included links to a variety of sewing tutorials that I have come across that could be used for our 1st Quarter Project. Please don't feel limited to these in any way, if you have a pattern or tutorial that you prefer, run with it! This is just a spring board to help us all get started. Oh, and if you do have a great pattern and/or tutorial, Please Share! :) We might love it too!

THINGS WE CAN SEW:

This list will provide links to a variety of FREE Sewing Tutorials for the following items....

Tote Bags and/or Diaper Bags: LOTS of options on my "Pouches, Purses & Bags" pin board here.

This Cargo Duffle from Robert Kaufman is a perfect option for the older teens, especially BOYS!

Pillowcases: There are more pillowcase tutorials than I could count on THIS BOARD that Melissa & I created for a project back in September 2012.

You can also find MANY Pillowcase tutorials from the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge HERE.

Laundry Bags: Marie-Madeline Studios has a darling one HERE.

And this Wash & Go bag from Sew It All Magazine HERE.

Cosmetic/Toiletry Bags & Pouches: Again, there are a bunch of these on my "Pouches, Purses & Bags" board here, but I just LOVE this Overnight Bag from The Purl Bee found HERE.

Hooded Towels: Crazy Little Projects shares a BUNCH of ideas HERE!

Or there is an adorable and easy to sew Hooded Fleece Poncho at Blessings Overflowing HERE.

Other Useful Items:

Links to a variety of tutorials for Bibs, Burpcloths and load of other handmade baby items can be found on my "Baby Sewing" board here. 

Links to a variety of tutorials for Headbands/Hair Wraps/Hats can be found on my "Head Gear" board here. 

Again, if you know of others, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. 

Thanks for sewing along this Quarter!

2014 - 1st Quarter Project Announcement

As many of you know, our family is personally connected with our local foster care community. A need that is continually been brought to our attention is that of Hygiene Products for children as they enter foster custody. As I have mentioned before when we have sewn for the foster care community, it isn't uncommon for children to come into care with little to no personal belongings. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the NEED remains the same. The children range in age from newborn - 18 years old. By providing Personal Care Bags for the children, they instantly have something in hand that belongs to them, while at the same time, it will help lighten the instant preparations of their new caregivers.  

For our 2014 - 1st Quarter Project, we are going to focus on how we can meet this need. I'm going to break down the details below with Suggestions of different items that can be sewn or purchased in support of our 1st Quarter Project. I'm trying to simplify and help guide our sewing/gathering with these suggestions, but please do not feel limited by them in any way. 

The need is Hygiene/Personal Care Bags filled with Age Appropriate items. 

Have fun filling them with things you, your children or grandchildren might like, and I'm sure they will find their way to a child who can use every single item included! As always, please don't hesitate to email me with any questions and I will personally reply as soon as I can. Here we go....

THINGS WE CAN SEW:

Tote Bags and/or Diaper Bags

Pillowcases

Laundry Bags

Cosmetic/Toiletry Bags & Pouches

**Additionally, I have had a specific request for Hooded Towels/Blankets since some children are having to be treated for head lice immediately upon coming into care, and may be transported with hair still wet. Having their heads covered is especially important during the cold months we are in. Find a link to several different DIY versions here.

THINGS WE CAN PURCHASE:

Many of these items may also easily be sewn for those interested in doing so. Focus here on what is age appropriate for the age range you are packing the bag for.

Newborn-Toddler Bag: Wipes, diapers, diaper cream, baby soap/shampoo, bibs, burpcloths, pacifiers, bottles/sippy cups, snacks, formula, small age appropriate toy/activity/book. 

5-12 years Child's/Junior's Bag: Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Tootbrush/Paste, Brush/Comb, Hair Accessories like pony tail holders, styling products, etc. , deodorant, lotion, underwear, socks, small age appropriate toy/activity/book.

13-18 years Teen's Bag: Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Tootbrush/Paste, Brush/Comb, Hair Accessories like pony tail holders, styling products, etc. , deodorant, lotion, perfume/cologne, underwear, socks, shaving supplies, menstrual supplies, journal.

TARGET DATE:

The need is immediate, so you can send your items as soon as they are ready, and I will make periodic deliveries throughout the Quarter as I have a box full.

The 1st Quarter Project will run active from January 1, 2014 - March 31, 2014. Seeing as how this is most definitely an on-going need, I will gladly continue to deliver any bags anyone wishes to send on-going for this need as well. 

SHIP TO:

When your item(s) are ready to be mailed, you can ship them to me at the following business address to insure the packages are never left unattended. **Please notify me upon shipping your package whenever possible so I can be watching for it. As always, I will post either on your photo in our Flickr group album or facebook when packages are received. 

Kristy Smith

c/o Echelon Florist

1260 Rocky Hill Road

Knoxville, TN 37919

I will be sharing samples of the bags I put together along the way to provide ideas and welcome any you may have as well! I've created a 2014/1st Quarter Project Flickr Album where you can add pictures of your project donations, which can further serve as ideas and inspiration for others interested in participating. 

Additionally, if you come across any new patterns/tutorials or special sales on items that might be useful for our project, Please Share! I will do the same, and already have pinned many, many sewing tutorials perfect for this project on my Pinterest Boards HERE.

Let's make an impact on this precious community of children and their caregivers this quarter!