Quick Update

As of (11/09/07), you have sent:
(5) pairs of hand-sewn boy's shorts
(11) hand-sewn skirts
(1) store-bought skirt
(10) new t-shirts
School supplies: crayons, pencils, pens,
More is on the way. What wonderful people you all are! I will photograph everything before the package is sent and post detailed information about your gifts so that we can all read about and admire each other's handiwork.

Happy Note

From a Supporter:

"Hi there, just wanted to let you know that your blog touched me! I have donated to your very worthy cause. Have a wonderful day!"

(Susan replied with her thanks and attached a photo.)




"Is this the little one who I've helped??? I have tears!! Thank you so much. God sent you to me this morning :)"

Compassionate "Convos"

Caring Questions By Etsy Artisans

Q. I would like to make some clothing for one of the children. What would be the most useful? (skirt, pants?) and do you know the approximate sizes? Or should they be very adjustable? (ex. elastic waist).

A. Thanks for your generous offer! I think skirts for a girl would be best. These children are small and thin for their ages so something adjustable would be perfect!

Q. I have a couple of yards of cotton material that I'm dying to sew into something and this is perfect! Do you know the approximate age/size of the kids? I don't want to make them something that is too small--they need skirts and pants, is that correct? Do they want things like hats (cotton of course-great for shading the head)and stuffies? I have an awesome pattern for a teddy bear that knits in a flash--got it from Bev's Country Cottage, she has a website with tons of free patterns for charity stuff just like this. You can see I'm excited to do this--so many questions!

A. I sent teddy bears last year and realized, hindsight, that they probably weren't the best thing due to the high shipping cost for the boxes. My plan this year is to send clothing ... Oh! and also a non-disposable camera and lots of film so that Tigist can take pictures throughout the year and send the undeveloped film to me. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm!

Q. How about making the skirts for the girls with drawstring waistbands? That way, they'd fit a range of sizes and they won't grow out of them any time soon...same for the boy's pants. Lucky for the boys, I have a pattern I just started using to make my son's pj pants--it's also made to be used with lightweight denim fabric and are quick to sew. The teddys I have in mind are smallish and can be squished together quite easily...put each one in a plastic grocery bag and they can also be used for 'packing material', LOL!

A. You're right - teddys would make great packing material! I'm sure the children would agree:)

On a more serious note, I've neglected to point out that the gift boxes ended up being for many more than 16 children - each foster family turned out to have from 1 to 3 children of their own. So every card was addressed to each child...and Family.

Q. Do you have a rough head count? How many boys, girls-including family's own kids? And I forgot to ask how long the skirts need to be....I saw the Christmas photos on your blog so I'm assuming about ankle length; I know a couple of little girls about the size of the sweeties I saw in the pictures so I can have them try them on for size. Did they need blankets? Boy, I love small charities like this...so easier to do more for, and we know they will actually get the things we get together for them. Since you are pretty local to me, I'd really love to get very involved in helping you.

A. Probably about 34-40 children were involved last year. I appreciate your suggestions and support!

Q. I am absolutely interested in doing whatever I can! I'll start making some skirts in the meantime, but please let me know what else I can do. It doesn't have to be just skirts, right? Little jumpers or something would be okay? I just found a great (easy & cheap!) way to make little baby pants out of t-shirts.. would this be ok too? They are light-weight and oh-so comfortable.

A. The t-shirt baby pant idea is wonderful. Yes, any small item of clothing (new or hand-sewn) is fine and will be much welcomed.

Q. I can't sew, but I'd be more than happy to donate a couple items of new clothing. I can't really afford more than a couple (job hunting at the moment, am single mom on survivor's benefits right now). But I would be more than willing to donate items from my shop.

A. New clothing will be gladly accepted! Thank you so much for your support.

Q. When will the package be sent?

A. I plan to send the package in mid-November because it will take a month to get there. I hope to send mostly clothes, as they are the most needed items.