Beautiful Friends!

I'm so very privileged to be able to share these beautiful pictures with you!

If you helped sew shorts for our July Monthly Project, the bundle being sent to Ghana, Africa has been delivered by the Feeding the Orphans team! See if you see any of the ones you made....

Photographs provided by Feeding the Orphans. Please use only with their permission.

It delights me to see the shorts where they were needed and made to be!

The shorts were part of a greater outreach as you can see in some of the pictures. Little girls were provided dresses while the little boys got our shorts and many even received new shoes too! You can learn more about the service and outreach efforts of Feeding the Orphans on their website here, and follow along on facebook here.

The shorts going to Cambodia are packaged and ready. My friend was actually in Cambodia while we were sewing and will be traveling again end of Oct./early Nov. so I will of course keep you posted on when those safely arrive to their destination.
Thank you again for sewing along and being a part of Hopeful Threads! May these photos provide encouragement and proof that Every Stitch Matters!!!

Your Input Please!

Hi friends! If you have been sewing along this month, first, THANK YOU!!! We have surpassed our original goal of 100 pairs of shorts for Children In Families and are heartily on our way to 200!!! I am so humbled and inspired by your willingness to jump in like this and give with your gifts and resources.

Now, I have a question for you. If you have sewn shorts for donation I ask you to please comment with your opinion as I want to hear your thoughts. Your voice will help make this decision as I'll go in the direction of the majority here.

Once everyone sends their shorts to me, we will easily have 100 pairs to send to Cambodia. I have just learned of another need where shorts could be a real blessing and wanted to ask if you all would like to send anything over 100 pairs to another group? 

I have friends living in Ghana, Africa right now. They are doing a lot of meaningful work building up the communities in the surrounding areas and caring for families and children in need. You can learn more on their family blog here if you'd like. This picture posted on her facebook page yesterday with the following message...

"These two boys represent the typical clothing on the children in the village - for the ones in clothes. Wondering if some friends out there might like to clean out their closets???? Seeing some of the children today made me sad to see quality of life. I'm so thankful for the well from Feeding the Orphans for this village."

Well, my reaction was YES!!! Yes we can help! But not with hand-me-downs. No, these children deserve clothing made just for them. And so, I bring it to you. How would you like to share our shorts this month? How would you like for the shorts we've sewn together to reach Cambodia AND Ghana?

There is no doubt we will sew specifically for Feeding The Orphans in the future, so if you prefer all of the shorts this time to go to Cambodia, that is ok. But, if our impact this month can stretch farther, I think that is a very good thing too. 

Let me hear your thoughts.

And thank you. Thank you for caring the way you do! With your actions.

Love & Gratitude,

Kristy

Mud Puddle Splasher w/ all the features! & REMINDER!

I've used the Mud Puddle Splashers for some basic, no-fuss elastic waist shorts.

I've used it for some simple shorts with pockets.

I've used it for some quick & comfy knit shorts.

And now....now I'm sharing it with ALL the features! And I LOVE them this way!!!

 They look so nice and finished!

This was my first time sewing a faux fly and I was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was! The pattern instructions really make it easy to follow. Additionally I added the side pockets, back pocket, and cuffed hem. 

 

These are now joining the wonderful collection of shorts in our Flickr album!

 ****REMINDER****

For those still sewing or yet to ship your shorts, we are in our FINAL WEEK! There is still plenty of time to sew and donate this month, but just remember our July project is nearing it's end. Thank you all who have committed and sewn this month! There are going to be some very well dressed little boys because of your efforts!

Check our status here.

Have a great week! :)

Kristy

BONUS! Giveaway Contribution from Me!

I hope each and every one of you know just how thankful I am to have you a part of Hopeful Threads! This is a community of talented and caring seamstresses that I am proud and very happy to be a part of!

To show my gratitude for your enthusiasm and support this month I have put together a "Boy Bundle" from my stash as a bonus prize for our giveaway at the end of the month.
 The bundle includes 5 Fat Quarters, some of my favorite boyish sewing labels and buttons!

How to win???

Simple.

Participate in this month's sewing project here at Hopeful Threads. We're sewing shorts to be donated through the organization Children In Families.

Sew your shorts for donation. Take a picture and add it (or have me add it) to our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album. Then, email me for shipping address. Mail your shorts to me!

They'll all be traveling to Cambodia with a friend of mine that makes regular trips.

At the end of the month, Tuesday, July 31st, I'll announce the GRAND TOTAL of shorts contributed for our monthly project (we were aiming for at least 100 pairs and have passed that already!) and select winners for all of the sponsored prizes from the entries in our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album!  International seamstresses welcome! Each pair of shorts sewn for donation will be counted as an entry. An entry # is added below the picture as a comment by me once the photo is added to our album. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries, announced here and under their photo July 31st, 2012. Winners are asked to respond within 48 hours of announcement, claiming their prize and providing shipping information if applicable. One prize per winner. *Please note, shorts do not have to be received by me by July 31st, but I do ask that you ship them no later than August 5th.*

If you're sewing along, you can still download the Mud Puddle Shorts pattern at Fishsticks Designs for FREE until the end of the month too!

There is still PLENTY of time to sew and donate a pair of shorts!

Check out our album and all the AMAZING shorts that have already been made! There are OVER 100 pairs! Thank you all so much for making this a reality!

I love sewing with you!

 Be sure and check out the other prizes already posted from Figgy's, Muddy Max Designs & Fishsticks Designs too! And there is still something special to add from Fat Quarter Shop too! :)

Can't wait to see the GRAND TOTAL of shorts for little boys we end up with at the end of the month! SEW EXCITING!
Kristy

Fishsticks Designs - Sponsored GIVEAWAY Contribution!

In addition to very generously providing our fabulous Mud Puddle Splashers pattern this month, Fishsticks Designs is also providing a prize to be given away at the end of the month as part of our Monthly Project Prizes!

While you all have been sewing like crazy for other little boys, Bonnie has made this sweet gift for one of your lil' guys! 

 This adorable backpack was made using one of her newest patterns The Playdate Bag.

Don't you just love it!? I sure do!

 She already has it filled with goodies to keep your lil' adventurer busy for a bit being creative too!

Thank you Fishsticks Designs!!!

How to win???

Simple.

Participate in this month's sewing project here at Hopeful Threads. We're sewing shorts to be donated through the organization Children In Families.

Sew your shorts for donation. Take a picture and add it (or have me add it) to our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album. Then, email me for shipping address. Mail your shorts to me!

They'll all be traveling to Cambodia with a friend of mine that makes regular trips.

At the end of the month, Tuesday, July 31st, I'll announce the GRAND TOTAL of shorts contributed for our monthly project (we're aiming for at least 100 pairs!) and select winners for all of the sponsored prizes from the entries in our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album!  International seamstresses welcome! Each pair of shorts sewn for donation will be counted as an entry. An entry # is added below the picture as a comment by me once the photo is added to our album. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries, announced here and under their photo July 31st, 2012. Winners are asked to respond within 48 hours of announcement, claiming their prize and providing shipping information if applicable. One prize per winner. *Please note, shorts do not have to be received by me by July 31st, but I do ask that you ship them no later than August 5th.*

If you're sewing along, you can still download the Mud Puddle Shorts pattern at Fishsticks Designs for FREE until the end of the month too!

There is still PLENTY of time to sew and donate a pair of shorts!

Check out our album and all the AMAZING shorts that have already been made! There are OVER 100 pairs! Thank you all so much for making this a reality!

I love sewing with you!

Be sure and check out the other prizes already posted from Figgy's & Muddy Max Designs too! And there is still something special to add from Fat Quarter Shop next week! :)

**And....because we've already hit our goal of 100 pairs this month, I'll be adding an EXTRA giveaway to the ever growing prize pile tomorrow from yours truly!**
See you then!

Kristy

Boyish Sewing BLISS!

Just pausing to reflect on the boyish sewing fun I'm having.

How about you? Enjoying your dose of Snakes & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails???

 

 

 

 

Have you seen our album yet???

More shorts coming!

Kristy

Muddy Max Designs - Sponsored GIVEAWAY Contribution!

Here's the next item being contributed to our Monthly Project prize pile!!!

This is the NEW Monster Mash pattern booklet from Muddy Max Designs!

If you aren't yet familiar with Muddy Max Designs, please let me introduce you!

Muddy Max Designs is the "little brother" to the fabulous and well know, Izzy & Ivy Designs. An "All-Boy" collection of fabulous, unique and creative patterns to sew for the little guys in your life. Yep! I'm pretty excited about this myself! :)

One of this month's seamstresses will WIN their own copy of this pattern!
Retail Value = $16.50

It's chock full of 6 delightful monstery projects to please any little one in your life.

Pattern includes a quilt, nap mat, squishy friend, backpack, and pajamas!

Aren't they fun!!!!

My lil' guy already has a couple of these items and he LOVES them!
See my version of Ned's Nap Mat here.

all images used with permission by Izzy & Ivy/Muddy Max Designs

Thank YOU Izzy & Ivy/Muddy Max Designs for this wonderful gift!

Add this to our fabulous contributions from Figgy's and it just keeps getting better! 

(plenty MORE to come too!!!) :)

Oh....how to win???

Simple.

Participate in this month's sewing project here at Hopeful Threads. We're sewing shorts to be donated through the organization Children In Families.

Sew your shorts for donation. Take a picture and add it (or have me add it) to our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album. Then, email me for shipping address. Mail your shorts to me!

They'll all be traveling to Cambodia with a friend of mine that makes regular trips.

At the end of the month, Tuesday, July 31st, I'll announce the GRAND TOTAL of shorts contributed for our monthly project (we're aiming for at least 100 pairs!) and select winners for all of the sponsored prizes from the entries in our Shorts Sewing Flickr Album!  International seamstresses welcome! Each pair of shorts sewn for donation will be counted as an entry. An entry # is added below the picture as a comment by me once the photo is added to our album. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries, announced here and under their photo July 31st, 2012. Winners are asked to respond within 48 hours of announcement, claiming their prize and providing shipping information if applicable. One prize per winner. *Please note, shorts do not have to be received by me by July 31st, but I do ask that you ship them no later than August 5th.*

So what are you waiting for???

Let's get shorts sewing for these sweet little boys and have a chance at some really fun prizes at the same time! We've already passed the half-way point of our goal in our album and a great number more have been committed to by so many of you, so I can't wait to see how many we end up with!!! Thank you all so much for making this a reality!

I love sewing with you!

Kristy

Pattern Review - Bobby's Bathers from Sewing For Boys

I'm having a blast with all this BOY sewing! I think sometimes girl's projects get all the attention....I know with 3 girls in our nest, it's very easy to become distracted with the limitless possibilities for girly creating. That's why I love even more when I find a boy project that's as great as this!

These are the Bobby's Bathers.

 This pattern can be found in the book Sewing For Boys.

I loved making these shorts! The added features of the tie waist and pocket with velcro closure made them fun and interesting to put together, and also added to their charm!

 

 I chose this playful, aquatic print that I had tucked away in my stash for some time now.

 

Paired the "Sassy Sealife" with some perfectly coordinating dots and finished with one of my favorite Night Owl's Menagerie labels that looks like it was made for this project!

I just happened to have the perfectly matching blue cording in my stash too for the tie...I love it when things come together like that!

My lil' guy and I both were pleased with the end result!

 

 This is a pattern I'll certainly sew again!

I made this one using cotton fabrics, but you could also use a polyester or nylon to make true swimming trunks. This is only 1 of 24 projects in the Sewing For Boys book too....so, I'm happy to say, much more boyish sewing fun in store!

Until then....

Hope you're stayin' cool!!!

Kristy

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Beginner

Size Range: 2/3 - 6/7

Special Techniques: None
Pattern Format: Paper (part of book)
Materials Used: Cotton woven prints, nylon cording, small piece of velcro, elastic for waistband

Personal Notes: Very satisfying sewing project and the shorts are roomy enough to last at least a couple of years.

Pattern Review - Mud Puddle Splashers by Fishsticks Designs

I've shared several pairs of Muddle Puddle Splashers I've made for donation in our album so far. But my lil' fella needed a pair too. :)

He picked this dino print since it matched the pair of lounge shorts I had made for daddy for Father's Day. 

 And he loves them!!! He put them on as soon as they were finished and even slept in them. :)

 The Mud Puddle Splashers Pattern is a great pattern to sew!

It offers many customizable features to make your shorts exactly what you want, or what your supplies will allow for. 

We had just enough of this fabric for a basic pair of elastic waist shorts. The versatile pattern made a perfect pair too! They fit GREAT!

The pattern offers additional options for a cuffed hem, faux fly and side pockets. I've made several of the donation pairs with pockets and love how simple they are to add! All little boys love to have pockets to tuck stuff into....I'm going to have to make him a pair with pockets too I think. ;)

These 2 Camo Geko pairs are my latest additions to the donation stack.

Be sure to check out the album and see all the shorts that have been sewn so far for our July Monthly Project! 

Happy Sewing!

Kristy

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Beginner

Size Range: 2T - 7/8

Special Techniques: None
Pattern Format: PDF (offered to support charity sewing)
Materials Used: Cotton woven prints, elastic for waistband

Personal Notes: The versatility of this pattern is limitless! The optional added features of cuffed hems, faux fly and pockets mean every pair you create can be different.

Making Progress???

I want to offer a HUGE "Thank You!" for all the amazing response I've received to this month's project! How's the shorts sewing going??? Have you checked our Flickr Album yet? Yep, there are already shorts there! :)

Let me know if you have any questions and don't forget the pattern being offered by Fishsticks Designs this month as a gift for those participating! :)

Hope you have a great weekend and get to sew at least a little....I know I'm hoping to!

Kristy