August 2013 - Project Finale!!!

TODAY'S THE DAY!!!

This is the final day of our August Project to sew Pencil Pouches in support of Sew With Kids and the kiddos of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

We currently have 97 Pencil Pouches and a variety of school supplies shared in our donation album. Can you help us reach 100 by the end of the day??? :)

Get all the details at the top of the side bar on the right of your screen. 

THANKS for all your generous participation this month!

Pencil Pouch Progress!!!

Just over 1 week of sewing for our August Project!

There is still plenty of time to sew up a Pencil Pouch or 2 in support of our efforts to help the kiddos of the Pine Ridge Reservation be ready for back-to-school. The pouches above were sewn using THIS FREE TUTORIAL. Additionally, you can find all kinds of easy to follow and FREE tutorials on my "Pouches" Pinterest board here. All styles are welcome!

Be Inspired by all the fabulous pouches that have already been sewn and added to our donation album here....AND....be sure to add pics of yours when done as well! :) We hope to easily exceed 100 pouches donated this month....I know we can do it!

Thanks for sewing along! 

EVERY. STITCH. MATTERS.

Mid-Month Reminder!

I can hardly believe it, but it's here!

Time for our Mid-Month Reminder!

There's still plenty of time to jump in and sew along for our August Project, and we sure hope you do! We are making Pencil Pouches along with our friends at Sew For Kids to help the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation be ready for back-to-school!

You can get all the details on THIS POST, including links to free tutorials and shipping address. 

Thanks so much for caring and for being a part of our sewing outreach!

EVERY STITCH MATTERS!

2 Minute Pencil Pouch Tutorial!

Don't Blink!!! Or else you might miss this!

It's quick! Really, really quick!

READY????

Start with a piece of 9''x12'' pre-cut felt. Stores like JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby carry a wide selection of solids and prints.

 Fold the bottom edge of your felt up 4-5" and stitch the sides in place.

Mark where you'll be adding your snap closure, and cut a small piece of fabric to reinforce your snaps. If you'd like to use velcro instead, you'll want to measure and sew that on prior to stitching your sides.

Add your snaps and give it a test drive!

These are FAST, EASY and SUPER INEXPENSIVE to make, so why not make a few for our August Project and provide a Pencil Pouch for a kiddo heading back to school on the Pine Ridge Reservation!

Thanks in advance!

Fat Quarter Shop - GIVEAWAY in support of our August Project!

Let's kick off this August Project sewing with a fun FABRIC GIVEAWAY what do say???

Fat Quarter Shop is giving 1 lucky seamstress a Bear Country School Layer Cake! And this is PERFECT to use with this free Pencil Pouch tutorial that uses 10" squares. Quick & Easy and OH SO CUTE!!!

Look at all those fun  prints!

Who doesn't love the Berenstain Bears anyway!?!?!?

The purpose of this giveaway is to support the August sewing project, so with that in mind, you can follow the Rafflecopter prompts below to enter. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner selected, announced & emailed 8/9/13 and provided 48 hours to respond and claim prize before an alternate winner is selected.

And GUESS WHAT!?!?!?!!
If you can't wait to get your hands on some of these adorable, scholarly prints, the WHOLE Bear Country School collection is 50% OFF in the Fat Quarter Shop!!!!!
Find all the cuteness and savings here!

Thank you so very much for your support Fat Quarter Shop!
Good Luck to all!

August 2013 - Monthly Project Announcement

Are you READY for a simple sewing project that GIVES BIG???

I sure am! And our August Project provides just that!

Once again, we are very excited to be teaming up with Sew For Kids to work together to make sure our little friends on the Pine Ridge Reservation have what they need to head back to school prepared to learn! There are all kinds of items on their list, and I'll share more in just a moment, but our specific focus item of donation from the Hopeful Threads community is Pencil Pouches. Whether you can sew 1 or 100, each is most welcome! Every ONE matters!

Additionally, here is a list of supplies they have indicated would be helpful as well if you'd like to include any with your Pencil Pouch donations -OR- if you are unable to sew this month, these can of course be purchased and sent and will be equally appreciated!

* NEW Backpacks

* Lunch Boxes/Bags

* Zippered Pencil Pouches or Plastic Pencil Boxes

* Colored Pencils, Crayons, No. 2 Pencils, blue & black pens, rulers, scissors, erasers, pencil sharpeners

* Composition Notebooks, Folders, Binders, Notebook Paper, Index Cards, Construction Paper 

* Kleenex, Wet Wipes

This is such a great time of year to get these items at reduced prices! Maybe as you shop for your own child/grandchild, you can add a few extra items for donation. 

I've been gathering a bundle of fun sewing tutorials for a variety of Pencil Pouches and they can all be found on my "Pouches, Purses & Bags" board on Pinterest here. 

I'm super excited to share that this will also be the C.A.K.E. (Crafty Acts of Kindness Everywhere) Project at Morena's Corner this month too! And she has a fun tutorial coming for all you no-sew folks that would still like to creatively take part. Stay tuned! :)
THANK YOU MORENA!!!!


When you're READY TO SHIP:

Via USPS

Theresa and Jerome High Horse

PO Box 317

Wanblee SD 57577

Via Fedex/UPS

Theresa and Jerome High Horse

1272 Sioux Circle

Wanblee SD 57577

**Please note....if you will include your email address or a self addressed stamped envelope, they would love to be able to say thanks! :)

So let's get sewing and school supply shopping and show our support and encouragement for our sweet friends at Sew For Kids and the Pine Ridge Reservation!

Give Hope - Handmade Round-Up

Here's an overview of all of the different handmade items that have been suggested for donation this month to your local foster care service or agency.

Simple projects to Give Hope!

Hygiene Bags

Pillowcases

Plush Toys

Busy Bags

Drawstring Totes

Clothing

 

 Tissue Packs, Biz Card Holders & Phone Pouches

Because Every Stitch Matters!!!
"Give Hope"

Give Hope - Foster Siblings

If there is one group that gets consistently and abundantly overlooked, it's the children of foster families. The biological or adopted children already a part of the home. 

This REALLY, REALLY, REALLY bothers me.

I've actually been racking my brain for ideas of how we could serve these specific children in very special ways, the children who assume the role of "foster siblings" and I would welcome any suggestions you may have!

While not only overlooked, these children sacrifice so much.

They sacrifice their parents time and attention.

They share their rooms...their toys....their clothing.

They see and hear things that they NEVER would have had they not been part of a foster family.

Sometimes they are forced to "grow up" a bit faster or face the often harsh realities of life at an age that may be too tender to understand. 

Sometimes there are no answers to comfort their concerns.

They can sometimes be confused about the hows and whys of the foster system and even become afraid of the possibility of being taken away from their family.

They love unconditionally.

They learn compassion on levels that many adults may never obtain.

They see things clearly for what they are. 

They allow themselves to maintain HOPE always.

They are a friend.

These children are a breath of fresh air and frankly, I am beyond proud and undeserving to be Mama to several of them. 

While I could make a list of material "rewards" to shower on them, if I was asked what would have been most meaningful to my children during some of our most challenging moments as a foster family, they would all have chosen time with their daddy and I. Special "dates" where one of us would take one of the children somewhere special for some undivided attention. Something as simple as a visit to the ice cream shop or a movie or when one really needed some soaking time, an all day adventure to the local theme park. It was always remarkable the impact these times could have on our attitudes and ongoing function as a team. So, while I'm not sure how best to cultivate such, perhaps just as I mentioned yesterday, providing childcare for the other children in the home to allow for this type of getaway on a regular basis might be the greatest way to show support. I suppose tickets to a special event they could attend together might also be a fun contribution.

Either way, I think what is important is that these children also be made aware of their worth and importance. That they be reminded that their sacrifices are not unseen and that what they are doing truly does make a difference. I had a beautiful friend remind me of this during a very difficult time for our family and getting to share that message with my children was a healing encouragement to us all. 

Sometimes, often times, it is the simplest things that have the most significant meaning and lasting impact. The simplest gestures that truly "Give Hope".

"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do so little." - Edmund Burke

Give Hope - Simple Foster Family Support

Here's a list of some practical and simple suggestions to provide support and encouragement to foster families in your community.

Meals

Mealtime can be some of the most hectic time of each day. What to fix? How long will it take? Will everyone be home at the same time? Add to that the adjustment of a new person in your home that you are trying to make comfortable and get settled from a very traumatic day or visitation, and well....you get the picture. It can be challenging to say the least. To have a friend or neighbor show up with a freshly cooked meal....now wouldn't that be nice!? 

Or how about bringing over a few extra frozen meals for you to pull from your freezer as needed?

Or even a gift card to a local family friendly or fast food restaurant would be a welcome gift and relief for any busy family! 

Last minute? No worries! Just order a pizza to be delivered to their home courtesy of a friend who cares and make someone's day!

Appointments

This was a biggie for me! I don't know what I would have done without the help of family and friends. With 4 children of our own at the time, and an additional placement of 1 or 2 children, there were enough weekly appointments to make your head spin! Doctors. Dentists. Therapists. Activities. This is in addition to regular visits from social workers, case managers and arranging parental visits when required. Needless to say, it makes for a very hectic schedule. To have someone offer to ride along with me and entertain the children while I took only the specific ones in that needed to go was something I never took for granite! There were even times that someone would meet me at a nearby playground and allow the kids some playtime while I attended appointments with the others. Not only were their extra eyes and hands a blessing, the time they took from their day and spent with me was always an encouragement as well.

Childcare

Free babysitting is a gift with immeasurable value!

Whether it allows for some one-on-one time with a child that just needs a little extra attention or a date night out for mom and dad, having another person that cares for your family provide this much needed time away is priceless! It can refresh and renew relationships and equip you for the challenges you don't even know are ahead.
If you have children close to the same ages as children within a foster family, this can also work out as a great time for them to have some "kid time" too!

For the most part, each of these things are very inexpensive and mainly consistent of us just giving of our time. When we give of our time it not only fulfills a specific need, but it also reminds people that we care for them. A beautiful way to "Give Hope" if you ask me!

Give Hope - Foster Care "Closets"

I mentioned last week how new clothing for children coming into foster care was a significant need, and I also said I would share a suggestion for hand-me-down or second hand clothing donations. 

Well, here it is! :)

We've already covered the fact that children often come into foster care with very little of their own. What I want to talk about today is how a foster family prepares in advance for the placement of a child or children in their home. For comparison, this is very, very different from preparing for a new baby or adoption in many ways. Not only will you likely not know the gender of the child that will come to live with you, but you will not know the age either. Many foster families accept children in a particular age range, but that can be a very large range. For example, newborn-toddler, toddler-school age, elementary-high school....there is no way to be fully prepared.

Imagine if your home is approved to receive a child in the age range of newborn to 6 years or from 9 years to 16 years. And of either gender. See how overwhelming it can get real quick!?

Clothing in multiple sizes.

Shoes.

Bed/crib/toddler bed and bedding.

Carseats and boosters if necessary.

What about bottles, formula, diapers for babies?

And personal hygiene items for teens?

It's a lot to consider.

Most homes don't allow for the extra space to store a variety of supplies to meet every possible need. So, here's where my idea for a "Foster Closet" comes in.

This can be a single closet in your home or a donated space at a local church or business. A place where donations of clean, good quality, used clothing and general care items can be sorted and stored and made available to foster families as needed. Some fostering agencies have these already and will gladly accept your donations.

While most states provide a one time "clothing allowance" for a child in foster care, like many things, it can take a while to get. A "closet" like this can provide for immediate needs and lift that initial concern and financial burden for families providing foster care. What a blessing! 

So, as you sort through clothing at the end of the season, consider how you might be able to offer the items in good condition to a family providing foster care in your community. I can assure you they will be grateful.

Thanks for caring!

Give Hope - Clothing

Probably an obvious need, but nonetheless a very significant one for children in foster care is clothing. As I've mentioned before, children can often come into foster care with very little of their own, and in more serious cases, their personal items, including their clothing can even be contaminated due to exposure to harmful things in the environment from which they were removed. While the foster system is set up to provide them with a clothing allowance, often times this can be delayed and doesn't provide for the immediate need. 

While "hand-me-downs" in good condition are of course a welcome option, (I'll give you some great ideas for those next week!) providing a child with a new outfit can have an impact far greater than simply clothing them. 

New clothing can influence a child's self-esteem, confidence and yes, even provide HOPE in these very difficult moments.

These are simple knit skirts I've sewn and labeled with a little size tag.

Whether you have the materials on hand to make some clothing items yourself or would like to purchase new items, clothing is a perfect donation item for children in foster care!

Don't forget!!!!

Today is the FINAL DAY to use your 25% OFF discount code from Contemporary Cloth!!!

Shop from this great selection of designer fabrics and use the code "GiveHope" at checkout!!!

Thank you all for joining with me in an effort to "Give Hope" this month!

Kristy

Monthly Project Announcement - August 2012

I get excited about the announcement of EVERY SINGLE Monthly Project around here! It's always so fun to finally get to share what I've been working on behind the scenes for weeks and sometimes even months prior. Several things have fallen perfectly into place to align the ideal timing for this project that include, our Thirty-One fundraiser and the backpacks/totes we were able to earn to be filled with school supplies....the delightful "Skirting The Issue" sew along last month at Project Run & Play....and the release of the fabric collection "Pieces of Hope" from Riley Blake Designs that I have been most anxiously anticipating!!! (more about all of that throughout the month!)

All of the projects we work on here at Hopeful Threads are meaningful and special to me and my family in a variety of ways. Today is no different. Except.....except that maybe there is an even greater personal connection to this month's project for our family. Let me share bit...

The theme of our August Monthly Project is "Give Hope"!

While I would consider this the underlying theme of all of our projects, we are going to focus on how we can Give Hope in very specific ways this month to a very specific group of people. That group of people make up the US Foster Care System. We will look at 3 groups within US Foster Care, 

1. Children in Foster Care
2. Families providing Foster Care
3. Workers of the Department of Children's Services (DCS)

For those who may not be aware, our family served as a state certified "Foster Home" for the past 2 years. We were also very blessed to adopt our daughter through foster care earlier this year. (BIG YAY!!!!!!) :) While I do not in any way wish to create a spotlight on our family where this is concerned, I just want to clarify that we indeed have a very unique and personal inside look at the US Foster Care System that I am looking forward to sharing with you. 

I do not wish for this to become overly dramatic or emotional....though the nature of "The System" itself very often is. 

I also am not looking to climb any soap boxes in this arena, since as you can imagine, there are MANY!!! :)

And, I most certainly am not trying to convince ANYONE to become Foster Parents....that is a VERY personal, family decision. Period.

What I do desire, is to offer a glimpse of the needs and how you can GIVE HOPE to those involved with Foster Care through simple gestures. Things that at times may not seem like that big of a deal but can leave a lasting impact. Things that may go easily overlooked but are still greatly needed.
I'll also share about different organizations that support those in the fostering community and am happy to answer any questions I can. Just email me here.

So, I HOPE you will join me for this adventure!

As always.....LOTS of FUN in store!

XxXxXx,

Kristy

Monthly Finale & Winner!

I'm so excited to share that we not only met our goal for our August monthly project, but if you've been following along with our updates on facebook, you already know, we have exceeded our goal!!!

FINAL COUNT:

290 Cloth Pads/Liners

128 Shields

 YAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

You all have blown  me away with your enthusiasm and participation with this project! Thank you so much to each of you that has helped spread the word and a special thanks to each of you that has sewn along with me this month, I've soooo enjoyed your company, AND.....We did it!!! We reached our goal! And just imagine the difference these pads will make in the lives of young women across the world! The time and materials you contributed are truly an investment in their lives!

I know many of you have or will be sending your pads to Days For Girls and if you want to continue making pads, I know they would welcome your continued support!

I just received word that the ones I had sent to Cambodia had been received and she would be taking them into the village on her next visit. She commented how the women there especially appreciate practical things, so I look forward to hearing their reaction to these! :)

Now for the WINNER of the amazing Back To School Prize Pack filled with all these goodies...

 
2 Izzy & Ivy Designs Patterns

The Messenger Bag

Addy Jo Skirts

 With a fabulous size range from 1-14!

+++++++PLUS+++++++

Your choice of 3 Whimsy Couture Sewing e-books AND 2 Yards of Designer Fabric!

+++++++PLUS+++++++

 I will be including this Large Coloring Bag pattern AND a stack of 55 of my Scrappy Charms!

+++++++PLUS+++++++

A kit to create  FIVE clipboard locker magnets, perfect for back to school!  These are so fun, and even your kids will love creating these!

a Custom Graphic design, of your choice...

AND a $10 Papa Murphy's Pizza Gift Card

The Winner, drawn by my personal assistant is......

Brooke!!!
 Congratulations Brooke!!!!
I'll be sending you an email shortly, BUT...if you see this first, just email me with your mailing address and the email you prefer for contact.

Again, thank you all soooo much for spreading the word and sewing along!
And thank you to Izzy & Ivy, Whimsy Couture and Carlee @ Ladybird Ln. for helping to provide this great prize pack!
 
I'll announce the monthly project for September next Tuesday, the 6th after the holiday weekend!