tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983804976554200212024-03-12T22:09:05.814-06:00Angel Babies BlogNurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-83179907810306649992013-03-28T16:10:00.001-06:002013-03-28T16:10:23.050-06:00Featured on Teeny TearsI had my sewing day today and we got an amazing amount done! My closet was looking pretty barren and sad before we started, and it's looking nice and full again. Then I came down to my computer to find that Megan from Teeny Tears featured Elizabeth today on her blog. <a href="http://teenytears.blogspot.com/2013/03/for-love-of-elizabeth-part-3.html">Click here to read it.</a> Thanks Megan!Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-26163280739566159082013-02-14T22:34:00.001-07:002013-02-14T22:34:31.610-07:00Latest donations - bracelet sets, kimonos and hats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21ySE6YlI-rXavhrsH-aro8RFGDOIeY8xbILVZkizdXm4SL019A_Sa1xk4RGFGUdBkdM6Q3z5zKjYlHuThZE4niS4ZZCn8fmvHZCRfblmHwB8Rs5LJuyxbfE76bCJmfazd9kug2vIC4-M/s1600/Feb+2013+Science+Fair,+Angel+Stuff+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21ySE6YlI-rXavhrsH-aro8RFGDOIeY8xbILVZkizdXm4SL019A_Sa1xk4RGFGUdBkdM6Q3z5zKjYlHuThZE4niS4ZZCn8fmvHZCRfblmHwB8Rs5LJuyxbfE76bCJmfazd9kug2vIC4-M/s640/Feb+2013+Science+Fair,+Angel+Stuff+086.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
One of my most darling angel mamas ever, Kassie, has set about making dozens of these sets in the month since her angel was born, a way to heal her heart. To say that I was in awe is an understatement! She and her sister totally outdid themselves!<br />
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Here are the four sizes, largest to smallest, the smallest being for 18-20 weekers with heads about the size of a small plum. The largest are about the size of a grapefruit. The elastic they're set on is very stretchy and soft. I had a large spool donated a couple years ago and we're still chipping away at it. She hand made each of the flowers on the headbands, and no two are alike. I love them!! So creative, so feminine. She also made two bracelets for the babies, so that one can be buried and one can be kept. A very thoughtful idea. The angels are handmade charms from variations of wing beads and other beads.<br />
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Each set comes with a tag telling the recipient that they are made in Chloe's memory. I have a few of my diaper and kimono making volunteers that have been adding these tags and I think they're a fantastic idea. It makes the gift so much more personal.<br />
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She also made me several sets of boy ribbon and bracelets, each different. I use the ribbons to set in the baby boy's hand, with the mom's arm nearby so that you can see the matching charms. Then the family has the option to either keep the ribbon or else bury it with their baby.<br />
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Another amazing volunteer, Dakoti, brought me a HUGE sack full of knitted treasures. Kimonos, diaper shirts, hats and headbands. The kimono on the left is following the original pattern, which we have deamed to be too wide for these skinny little babes. She narrowed it a bit for the two on the right, and they're just right. Stacy has made similar adjustments in her crocheted ones. These just need buttons and then they are good to go! After evaluating both kimonos and diaper shirt sets, we've decided to focus more on kimonos with a separate diaper because they are so much more flexible in sizing. The diaper shirts only fit a specific torso length, and are therefore harder to match to an appropriately sized baby.<br />
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Most of these were made by Dakoti, but I added a couple small ones that were made by someone else. The small ones are appropriate for 18-22 weekers because they are very stretchy. Knit hats tend to flex far more than crocheted ones. The largest solid blue hat with a tail is crocheted, the other two are knit and can flex to nearly double, making them accommodating for a wide range of head sizes. The little girl headband and hat on the bottom are darling as well. Christine just alerted me to a a different type of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Knitting-Sock-Loom-Board/dp/B003VY9RME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360899367&sr=8-1&keywords=sock+loom">knitting loom</a> that accommodates thin sock yarn, has lots of closely spaced pegs, and is adjustable. It looks like it has the potential to be super duper awesome for stretchy hats with the advantage that it's easy enough to use to teach kids how to do it!<br />
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Stacy's been busy as usual, and this is a new pattern she tried for a pouch. I use pouches rarely, but there are some babies that are truly too fragile to dress, and that's when these come in handy. I like that it opens all the way up with the button flap. We determined that it's a little on the wide side at roughly 3 1/4" x 6". <br />
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These are just a few of the outfits Stacy sent me. The tiniest one on the end is suitable for 16-18 weeks gestation. Suuuuper tiny, but oh so treasured by those families. The next size is 20 weeker, the cute dress with adjustable headband would go for 22-24 weeks, as well as the dark blue set with blanket. Stacy's amazing. She's been making so many sets, and also putting a lot of effort in to <a href="http://loveyoumorethanabus.blogspot.com/p/angel-baby-information.html">figuring out patterns</a>.<br />
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I have started a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/496284343755855/">Facebook group</a> where ideas can be exchanged more readily. Please join us! Send a request to join and we'll approve you ASAP. The group is set to "closed" so that we can post information about meeting locations, but we welcome any and all who want to participate.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-78225412997078769922013-01-25T14:18:00.003-07:002013-01-25T14:18:34.269-07:00Bracelet sets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNVzKlVtEd2F81LBJvM1WsHdC54YefiAzwVLDl5qkDO2fegcU6a8-4y7ZbxqlhIO8-xN1oeAC1Yf-2lFAK3-fuqCzl2QqnDe84LamL_1TA3xwW8keaYvHKSJ8P7f8-7YcjRcFOM4FvJC1/s1600/Jan+2013+Angel+clothing+and+bracelets+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNVzKlVtEd2F81LBJvM1WsHdC54YefiAzwVLDl5qkDO2fegcU6a8-4y7ZbxqlhIO8-xN1oeAC1Yf-2lFAK3-fuqCzl2QqnDe84LamL_1TA3xwW8keaYvHKSJ8P7f8-7YcjRcFOM4FvJC1/s640/Jan+2013+Angel+clothing+and+bracelets+006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This post has been long in coming. Apologies to those who have asked me over the last few months and I haven't been able to get it done. One thing I want to to emphasize is that you don't have to make them just like this. For purposes of ordering supplies in bulk (which is cheaper), I have mostly stuck with the same basic design. The photograph above shows two different interpretations of my design, both are fine. As long as the mom and baby's bracelet/bow have a common element that's matching between them, anything goes.<br />
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I make the adult bracelets on beading wire. Sometimes we use closures like the one on the left, but most of the time, again for simplicity, I use a lobster claw clasp and a split ring to hook in to. Total finished length on an adult bracelet should be between 7 1/2" to 8", with an average of 7 3/4". I like to carry a few different sizes with me when I go on shoots. For the 8 mm size pearls, this works out to 10 on each side, two crystals in the middle, and maybe a couple of decorative spacer beads. As you can see, for the 6 mm size pearls, it takes more to achieve the same length.<br />
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All of the supplies laid out: Accuflex beading wire (.46 mm/.019 inch diameter), lobster claw clasp, split ring (to hook the clasp into), two crimp beads, 4 mm jump ring and charm, 8 mm crystals and 8 mm glass pearls.<br />
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Cut a 9" length of beading wire. Thread one end through a crimp bead, then the split ring, then back through the crimp bead the opposite direction. Slide the crimp bead down until there is just a small loop at the end, and smash flat with pliers. Snip off the excess tail. String half of the pearls, then a crystal. Bend the jump ring open, slide the charm on, and bend it back shut. String it on to the bracelet, then the other crystal and remaining beads followed by the other crimp bead and lobster claw. Bend the end of the beading wire around to go back through the crimp bead in the opposite direction, tug on the wire to cinch it down until there is just a small loop for the clasp to wiggle around in, and smash the crimp bead flat with pliers. Snip the excess end, and tuck any remaining tail into the first bead hole. Ta da! Done!<br />
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Baby bracelets are threaded on stretchy cord. .7mm diameter is a durable thickness. You may either knot/glue the ends or crimp bead. I have found that I personally prefer the crimp bead ends. The smallest bracelets should be able to slide easily onto an adult woman's index finger without stretching. The bigger bracelets should fit a newborn wrist, about 3" in length. I find it super helpful to us a little clamp on one end of the stretchy cord to keep the beads from rolling off while I work.<br />
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I came up with ribbons for the baby boys. Bracelets seemed too weird to me. I photograph them with the boy resting in their hand, or for the tiny babies, with their hand resting on top of the center of the bow, next to the mom's wrist with her matching bracelet. These are simply an 8" length of 3/8" grosgrain ribbon, looped into a figure 8 shape and the center of the loops hot glued and squashed down to form a double layer bow. I use a 4 mm jump ring and 10 mm jump ring to dangle the charm off the 1" piece of ribbon that is glued around the center. The top picture is a top view, the next is a rear view.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC_hqCdZhfb9yNAsg2PHuEIJJt-viYRRZdxs-mi1S-_eOwMIpuIQAUZiM4xr5WzdjnFEtF9FJBuhqLMd6-dwAyEKR5AcZ_o1iWwyHmN3kuaAHH8G9JvmUcEFJE7SigsQ84Xi2vq9GuHcj/s1600/Jan+2013+Angel+clothing+and+bracelets+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC_hqCdZhfb9yNAsg2PHuEIJJt-viYRRZdxs-mi1S-_eOwMIpuIQAUZiM4xr5WzdjnFEtF9FJBuhqLMd6-dwAyEKR5AcZ_o1iWwyHmN3kuaAHH8G9JvmUcEFJE7SigsQ84Xi2vq9GuHcj/s640/Jan+2013+Angel+clothing+and+bracelets+014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And the finished product - ta da!Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-49858734276358028532013-01-07T21:52:00.001-07:002013-01-07T21:52:39.044-07:00Knit Hat Patterns (and a BIG link to other great stuff)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My sister makes me the best hats for my angels. Darling, soft, perfectly knitted, and STRETCHY. Stretchy is the key, folks. It's super important when trying to get these on to fragile heads to have some give. I've received a few crochet hats that are reasonably so, but I have found that hands down, the knit ones stretch the best. Amy shared her patterns with me. I'm not a knitter, so they're meaningless gibberish to me, but hopefully some of you smart knitty type people will understand it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlimck5o0tolMJMrXeZKrZqkgWrr8KxjKCWmIrATRFlySasjSnvTT7a4CwnDll7I0UamXOdfb2cH7d08KgycAhCd1XWou3BxNyHVhrL-V38AQucBpDys8SBSVKhcmq5RVj169_AxHOeiIj/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlimck5o0tolMJMrXeZKrZqkgWrr8KxjKCWmIrATRFlySasjSnvTT7a4CwnDll7I0UamXOdfb2cH7d08KgycAhCd1XWou3BxNyHVhrL-V38AQucBpDys8SBSVKhcmq5RVj169_AxHOeiIj/s640/IMG_0285.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Small Hat With Basket Weave</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">(5.5 inches in diameter)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Fingering weight yarn, #2 or #3 needles.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Cast on 48 stitches. K1 P1 first row. Repeat 7 rows. K2 P2 one row, repeat on second row. P2 K2 one row, repeat on second row. Repeat this pattern 2 more times. K2tog, P2, repeat to the end of the row. K1 P2 one row. P1, K2tog, repeat to end of the row. P1 K1 one row. K1 P1 two rows. K2tog, P2tog one row. Bind off.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AIkBJJy9a8_0MZgkmhR5ThZW9Go-y_GctWPKw2NY4_LTqlI7tGIZoTtzvbQqenVG24i9MdA5zRAhkgpmIyD-6QqFfj4f7QYY5rpo3629YiunYuFw6bSU9y8i4eGI4Wmlt72n1eSuwkwc/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AIkBJJy9a8_0MZgkmhR5ThZW9Go-y_GctWPKw2NY4_LTqlI7tGIZoTtzvbQqenVG24i9MdA5zRAhkgpmIyD-6QqFfj4f7QYY5rpo3629YiunYuFw6bSU9y8i4eGI4Wmlt72n1eSuwkwc/s640/IMG_0288.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">This pattern can be made larger by adding on stiches in multiples of 4, and making extra rows before decreasing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Medium Small Hat</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">(6.5 inches in diameter)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Fingering weight yarn, #2 or #3 needles.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Cast on 56 stitches. K1 P1 first row. Repeat 7 rows. Knit with stockingette stitch for an aditional 1 and 1/4 inches. Begin decrease. K6, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Knit one plain round. K5, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Knit one plain round. K4, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Knit one plain round. K3, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. K2, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. K1, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Bind off.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7RmBpgUZu9rhWKpALeet9n_n5DP_Lt4UlZhJnGDh8irKtfFYEHcxQHe01xT7sGvDTpuy6s6ehhTsdKBj2hZwe7ScRYlnwpZYLCdErWGh2IiAgciv33J1JS8_652aTNtplmjbsTEtHCLV/s1600/IMG_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7RmBpgUZu9rhWKpALeet9n_n5DP_Lt4UlZhJnGDh8irKtfFYEHcxQHe01xT7sGvDTpuy6s6ehhTsdKBj2hZwe7ScRYlnwpZYLCdErWGh2IiAgciv33J1JS8_652aTNtplmjbsTEtHCLV/s640/IMG_0287.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Medium Hat</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">(7. inches in diameter)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Fingering weight yarn, #2 or #3 needles.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Cast on 64 stitches. K1P1 first row. Repeat 8 rows. Knit with stockingette stitch for an aditional 1 and 3/4 inches. Begin decrease. K6, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Knit one plain round. K5, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Knit one plain round. K4, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Knit one plain round. K3, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Knit one plain round. K2, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. K1, K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. K2tog, repeat for the rest of the row. Bind off.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">~~~</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was forwarded a <a href="http://carewear.org/patterns/2012_CareWear_Pattern_and_Information_Book.pdf">GREAT LINK</a> today to a newsletter from Care Wear that is chock full of fantastic knit and crochet patterns for hats, booties, buntings, gowns, bonnets, and blankets. Go take a look!</span></span>Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-40159559431685492502012-11-20T22:16:00.001-07:002012-11-20T22:16:59.398-07:00Latest Arrivals I have had many good intentions of photographing every donation this year and posting the photos. Instead I have done 46 angel photosessions so far this year in addition to 30 other sessions (regular client sessions and around a dozen rainbow baby sessions), on top of daily life and the demands of my real job as a nurse. I have had to just be content with keeping the donation room in some semblance of order. I am SO GRATEFUL for all of the wonderful people that have taken this project and just run with it! There is literally no way I could manage all of this without the amazing army of helpers behind me. The families that receive these lovingly handmade items treasure them so much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvyl5JQq6ECL7l6pdM3yoDvRj5hzrD69ULFGFcf_CtP0W8ZIVLsnJOtnEGgHpsXE2NodVRUnYecLudDXQKVbd7Qt6_W_09eA7f6TR-E0MNBaVaqX17BLbdxaHVt4-_ye90-ofqlIp9GCj/s1600/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+090+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvyl5JQq6ECL7l6pdM3yoDvRj5hzrD69ULFGFcf_CtP0W8ZIVLsnJOtnEGgHpsXE2NodVRUnYecLudDXQKVbd7Qt6_W_09eA7f6TR-E0MNBaVaqX17BLbdxaHVt4-_ye90-ofqlIp9GCj/s640/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+090+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These outfits were designed by a local woman who makes doll clothing. The boy's pants have velcro on the insides to make them completely open for ease of dressing. The dress opens completely down the back. I love the tiny booties and hat that match the blanket. These are appropriate for about a 20 week gestation baby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_T6S2z12X4RcQtp52LOTuY_n50ZDVGhR9I3W6LTWTLtRj2tC8jYhafEpv9pHz-1SC1AsRSBppz7AlNpEGTPZEahmJvF0MGHmDFPH6yhl0MYFmfZPuqm1si_CTdJFCvrhUjp6_OYuBLL9/s1600/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+091+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_T6S2z12X4RcQtp52LOTuY_n50ZDVGhR9I3W6LTWTLtRj2tC8jYhafEpv9pHz-1SC1AsRSBppz7AlNpEGTPZEahmJvF0MGHmDFPH6yhl0MYFmfZPuqm1si_CTdJFCvrhUjp6_OYuBLL9/s640/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+091+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These were also donated, along with several other similar sets in different colors. The kimono pattern was shortened into a shirt with an accompanying diaper and 10" square blanket. The shirt can either be closed by tying a ribbon belt all the way around, or with velcro attachments on the inside of the flap. This set is also appropriate for about a 20 week gestation baby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb-K3iQLZxKi8vQC4l09G3j8fjHr_0nt5yalDvDrRGwIgjcIPqBycTH-LTLq0u-rX7-n6LN82_w30t7NUvl97N-WzlNkRni7Zah2546XSpxvkHRaX5ApUCRzEAfSGROs7og__yia-4ziJ/s1600/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+092+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb-K3iQLZxKi8vQC4l09G3j8fjHr_0nt5yalDvDrRGwIgjcIPqBycTH-LTLq0u-rX7-n6LN82_w30t7NUvl97N-WzlNkRni7Zah2546XSpxvkHRaX5ApUCRzEAfSGROs7og__yia-4ziJ/s640/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+092+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A friend of mine modified the original kimono pattern that SHARE had posted. The small size pattern had too wide and deep of a neck opening. <a href="http://sewmuchtosharedaviscounty.blogspot.com/2012/11/modified-share-gown.html">This new and improved version is much better</a>! I did find that using this microfleece and rolling very tiny seams, it came out a little wider than anticipated. I plan on sewing a little bit wider side seams next time. Chris has also posted a <a href="http://sewmuchtosharedaviscounty.blogspot.com/2012/11/kelsies-bunting-wrap.html">simple flannel bunting pattern</a> that doesn't have a hood. I really like it. I find that often, the hood is bulky and gets in the way a bit - I prefer to just use a hat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg7BE3gKO4wVwvobnOUFigGz1xmaB9eLej7r_EJJHpCYhj_97Rh5kWci7qYf41RgZAJj1CV9rPXnB6ulzY9plSGAq8JOxxz1kHxiYXdUZW9JCh-2izUQdrnFMiRrvA2_Ge1Fmydty8Zys/s1600/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+093+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg7BE3gKO4wVwvobnOUFigGz1xmaB9eLej7r_EJJHpCYhj_97Rh5kWci7qYf41RgZAJj1CV9rPXnB6ulzY9plSGAq8JOxxz1kHxiYXdUZW9JCh-2izUQdrnFMiRrvA2_Ge1Fmydty8Zys/s640/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+093+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The two larger size gowns are the large baby pattern posted on my main <a href="http://www.angelbabiesinfo.com/">Angel Babies</a> page under the "Patterns" tab. The small size boy gown is the 1-3 pound size. The pink kimono is the new pattern posted above. This is just to give you a bit of a size comparison. The two larger gowns were sewn by an 11 year old as a church service project. I love hearing who made all of the items donated, and I love to be able to pass that on to the families I serve!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a3LsaP_m7ycJX7Fzhqj72GS9omOh-RQ9wWwL1lerMBrcml9Ep7zfCcGJFca8mq9uPP2omcnxiJZlkB1z-mWoCZyT5VwH4K7KDhjk4ls9nXHZvJPiT_Ub4L7BIk-gQ9BbznR5_U3xFNtt/s1600/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+096+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a3LsaP_m7ycJX7Fzhqj72GS9omOh-RQ9wWwL1lerMBrcml9Ep7zfCcGJFca8mq9uPP2omcnxiJZlkB1z-mWoCZyT5VwH4K7KDhjk4ls9nXHZvJPiT_Ub4L7BIk-gQ9BbznR5_U3xFNtt/s1600/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+096+small.jpg" /></a></div>
This gorgeous knit dress was knit by Chris from Sew Much to Share. She has promised a pattern some time in the near future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsSpwRmxZrP9NdmDnr_JxiNp-kUyoTW3w3ld0mlbVUwAuccIxTtldeup5cdYjt0JKCut9Im88Vya0SL2QVdTJkFpwI8UtL6t5r94q748UF4sA_em-q-W__PVU0pY8brnZrbBUH4UTiaYL/s1600/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+097+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsSpwRmxZrP9NdmDnr_JxiNp-kUyoTW3w3ld0mlbVUwAuccIxTtldeup5cdYjt0JKCut9Im88Vya0SL2QVdTJkFpwI8UtL6t5r94q748UF4sA_em-q-W__PVU0pY8brnZrbBUH4UTiaYL/s640/Nov+2012+Sewing+Day+097+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These items came from a church women's group in Utah County. The boy outfits open down the back nearly to where the legs come together, and the pink gown opens entirely down the back. I do not have patterns for these, but I would love one, so if you see a pattern, please contact me so I can post a link.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wXvKeOh5BdS7OtlmkBia2diIJuICt59eBqieNCTPctQvez2VXWBdPWEyaUlDi6YiM4KMm5DAvKuo9iipAAfwprTS6NXyLw_RSAQLHMEVXq6WPvPfvgjGy-xZpZfzTe0hZYgvx_JxMmPR/s1600/Nov+2012+Sewing+day+094+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wXvKeOh5BdS7OtlmkBia2diIJuICt59eBqieNCTPctQvez2VXWBdPWEyaUlDi6YiM4KMm5DAvKuo9iipAAfwprTS6NXyLw_RSAQLHMEVXq6WPvPfvgjGy-xZpZfzTe0hZYgvx_JxMmPR/s640/Nov+2012+Sewing+day+094+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Last but not least, gorgeously crocheted gowns from one of my very favorite angel grandmas. I have requested a pattern link from her as well.<br />
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In the meantime, visit <a href="http://loveyoumorethanabus.blogspot.com/p/angel-baby-information.html">Stacy's crocheting blog</a> for some new and updated patterns on her diaper shirt design.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-69820123477151201562012-03-20T17:09:00.001-06:002012-03-21T09:01:51.650-06:00Pattern links: Diaper Shirts, Hats, Headbands and BlanketsI met a couple of ladies from Idaho through the internet that are very talented with a ball of yarn and a crochet hook, and they have been an amazing resource for me. I finally got to meet one of them last week as she was passing through and brought me a huge stack of outfits that the two of them had been working on. She has very kindly typed up her patterns, along with photo tutorials, for diaper shirts, hats and blankets. Click on the links below to see her posts:<br />
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<a href="http://loveyoumorethanabus.blogspot.com/2012/03/more-patterns.html">Diaper Shirts</a><br />
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<a href="http://loveyoumorethanabus.blogspot.com/2012/03/angel-baby-hat-pattern.html">Hat</a><br />
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<a href="http://loveyoumorethanabus.blogspot.com/2012/03/angel-baby-blanket-pattern.html">Blanket</a><br />
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<a href="http://loveyoumorethanabus.blogspot.com/2012/03/angel-baby-headband-pattern.html">Adjustable Headband</a>Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-23180561719779023742012-03-16T11:59:00.000-06:002012-03-16T11:59:18.672-06:00Latest donations - super cute diaper and kimono setsTomorrow is a training session for new volunteers for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, the organization that I am affiliated with as an infant bereavement photographer. I really wanted to have a stack of outfits on hand for the new photographers so that they'd feel a little more prepared to go do their first sessions. I have been utterly amazed and humbled by the donations that have come pouring in, the countless hours of work and materials that have gone in to making this possible. My sewing day regulars really stepped things up a notch and we had an insanely productive session earlier this month, plus several brought me gowns they'd finished on their own. I also received some large donations from other groups of women that have been working on things for a few months, and the timing couldn't have been better. I cannot say thank you enough - words are inadequate for how my heart feels. Every time I look at the daunting needs and feel like I just can't do it all, my little legion of guardian angels gets busy and nudges all sorts of helpers into action. I am blessed!<br />
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In no particular order, because Blogger is being frustrating this morning, here you go:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>These darling little double sided flannel kimonos were made by a local women's group. I don't have a pattern for them yet, but will work on it, because they're a great size for 20-23 week babies. The hat and diaper makes an absolutely adorable set! They have just the ties on the outside that you can see.<br />
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I have been mulling over various fabrics, and we've actually been experimenting with quite a variety on our larger gowns lately, and I am inclined to look for a thin microfleece to try this pattern on. I did a photosession recently for a baby that had weepy skin (a very common problem with angels), and the hospital had a fleece outfit for him that contained the moisture very well. Regular thickness fleece would probably be too bulky for the tiny size gowns, hence the microfleece idea. A simple decorative blanket stitch around the edges would finish it off nicely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKdlY25cT6yLR-dizzfw9vqbGvcXXQUPBtDBalbRwR-HIsEvYC0TDpv88z5amMQf6h1Yd-A5SPURNwqGULM-GJx8dWEGQMQ3WEMCUSMZ53koeJ3A8FVduzwrFDb_F4Rzi0BoB4erN3TyA/s1600/Mar+2012+Kimono+sets+005+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKdlY25cT6yLR-dizzfw9vqbGvcXXQUPBtDBalbRwR-HIsEvYC0TDpv88z5amMQf6h1Yd-A5SPURNwqGULM-GJx8dWEGQMQ3WEMCUSMZ53koeJ3A8FVduzwrFDb_F4Rzi0BoB4erN3TyA/s640/Mar+2012+Kimono+sets+005+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> In addition to the kimono sets, this group made DOZENS of <a href="http://www.angelbabiesinfo.blogspot.com/2011/11/darling-little-diapers.html">tiny diapers</a>, hats, blankets, and also some of the keepsake boxes used by SHARE parent for hand and foot molds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhiYZm_mIuoyglvOVmYKn24aFPQuo9xJmS6bag0p7Yx6jeu-Xzon11bMtOqDBdRikj0gFKHA9TlZT7lbqnjylDB3Q6AoE84PPF9xSvcVQPYqvaeNapvCWMKJ_xjMBIbVzD8h0rzmoTVEI/s1600/Mar+2012+Kimono+sets+011+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhiYZm_mIuoyglvOVmYKn24aFPQuo9xJmS6bag0p7Yx6jeu-Xzon11bMtOqDBdRikj0gFKHA9TlZT7lbqnjylDB3Q6AoE84PPF9xSvcVQPYqvaeNapvCWMKJ_xjMBIbVzD8h0rzmoTVEI/s640/Mar+2012+Kimono+sets+011+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Absolutely wonderful stuff! It was clear that much careful effort and time went in to this, and I am grateful!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSya7g2nzoK8E8-k-q1k1Jf2JHKIaHVe4wBWIUz2YAGV63iAwc8N4uje9YDthWj_ReWPnMqgeSyWlMwU9PecKlpw9NaqLVeTR01auq7_ge5bQzYG4g5E0YvotNLHARR6VbH0HqIfTBx55S/s1600/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+001+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSya7g2nzoK8E8-k-q1k1Jf2JHKIaHVe4wBWIUz2YAGV63iAwc8N4uje9YDthWj_ReWPnMqgeSyWlMwU9PecKlpw9NaqLVeTR01auq7_ge5bQzYG4g5E0YvotNLHARR6VbH0HqIfTBx55S/s640/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+001+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> My March sewing day worker bees. We have a diverse and very fun group of regulars. My abs hurt from laughing so much by the end of the day. Good stuff :).<br />
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</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWs03ewYaIOe9chwSV2HK6PE3nJDDmw-RUmPsz4xzJ3K-IjmJvX4BgZy5K91dz633QjKIgkO3m4Q2do-h5hdpAjhD7KOP4nnXMwE1GL4N1GbYyAsn789QIAJX7E130zFe4CW_4dgjl562/s1600/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+007+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWs03ewYaIOe9chwSV2HK6PE3nJDDmw-RUmPsz4xzJ3K-IjmJvX4BgZy5K91dz633QjKIgkO3m4Q2do-h5hdpAjhD7KOP4nnXMwE1GL4N1GbYyAsn789QIAJX7E130zFe4CW_4dgjl562/s640/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+007+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div> We had a huge epiphany this month. In the past we have used little clear snaps as the closure device on the back of the gowns. They are a pain in the rear to manage - glue in place first, then hand stitch. I have old lady eyes that have a terrible time seeing the teeny little hole in the middle of a clear snap to stitch, and it has been very labor intensive. In the past, I tried sticky dot velcro, but it gummed up my sewing machine to stitch them in place. I snagged a package of regular non-sticky velcro a few days before sewing day, and we cut each strip in half vertically, then 3/4" long pieces of that. Two velcro fasteners on the back of each is about 10,000 times easier and faster than dealing with the snaps. Why didn't I think of this earlier? I don't know. I'm a creature of habit. Like I said before, we've been experimenting with different fabrics as well. Sateen type fabrics can be tricky, and one in particular we were working with was very difficult to iron. It looks fantastic at the end, but was time consuming to get it to that point. A drapy polyester fabric proved to need serging around the edges to keep the fraying in check, but was otherwise not bad to work with and the final product was very nice and doesn't wrinkle. The basic message is to feel free to experiment. Just choose fabrics that are not see through or stiff/scratchy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWoA-BVK3eWUiNbv16QdEiBTcAPUeByFJWNvdqq0Rb3_irakFc-EQ3GdA6G8DeAP5PIXmm_prJZrRy4UNohElX5nAqa_A50YdLgpLHTN6-fQLArijQGUjUl5aIw8mThqyvkG-peJ70ckv/s1600/Mar+2012+Kimono+sets+018+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWoA-BVK3eWUiNbv16QdEiBTcAPUeByFJWNvdqq0Rb3_irakFc-EQ3GdA6G8DeAP5PIXmm_prJZrRy4UNohElX5nAqa_A50YdLgpLHTN6-fQLArijQGUjUl5aIw8mThqyvkG-peJ70ckv/s640/Mar+2012+Kimono+sets+018+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This isn't even all of the gowns I have at the moment! I have another dozen that need a final pressing, but I was running out of space in the closet, so I'll reserve them for after Saturday. AMAZING!<br />
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If you're not aware already, the pattern and step by step illustrated instructions for this basic tea towel gown is available on the main <a href="http://www.angelbabiesinfo.com/">Angel Babies</a> site. Click on the "Patterns" tab. I need to go in and modify a few things on the instructions, but am waiting for my webmaster to get home from his church mission in a few weeks because I invariably mess things up when I try to do it on my own :).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylvphNpz9RaFUUL9sO1LXMCNPuG3DLXACQ33vf2ZisanVYXI2B5ETxZAAESJrORwGKtHJowVk4BUUu3fHmoK20HXoKCZdCzkbxQrA3Ze-jxI50vgUjP184lDVnR5vk850yOWaoXchG3KD/s1600/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+004+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylvphNpz9RaFUUL9sO1LXMCNPuG3DLXACQ33vf2ZisanVYXI2B5ETxZAAESJrORwGKtHJowVk4BUUu3fHmoK20HXoKCZdCzkbxQrA3Ze-jxI50vgUjP184lDVnR5vk850yOWaoXchG3KD/s640/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+004+editsmall.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This absolutely gorgeous gown was hand smocked by a woman in Wyoming. Every single person I showed it to immediately oooooohed and aaaahed. Beautiful craftsmanship. I am waiting for the perfect angel to give it to.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-l7bX18kOOpWyHScN_bHG2Xn6L4ubFqBbxh809rAmJ4ZmkQZ7QkDhsDAceVV7uZ2FYZdx6NV-dI_tdtJWoVHcBD1dERGRHq8MlYTY5S941pCh7ZxIQyq1rDHmje86JbviaL9nXNGm51M/s1600/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+005+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-l7bX18kOOpWyHScN_bHG2Xn6L4ubFqBbxh809rAmJ4ZmkQZ7QkDhsDAceVV7uZ2FYZdx6NV-dI_tdtJWoVHcBD1dERGRHq8MlYTY5S941pCh7ZxIQyq1rDHmje86JbviaL9nXNGm51M/s640/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+005+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdr8_ndRNuI3rItYwCge5LKmuvRmgYIATqTNaYZGSS3hPxbAXNYig1jGJVorPzEIjGmSH6sXTowg4kxVv5qR2nEoLNmXpyW6eLj8hRxOi94T3DKWN1I4Y5EmuRA2t3jzrHufwFk0W-XgbF/s1600/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+009+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdr8_ndRNuI3rItYwCge5LKmuvRmgYIATqTNaYZGSS3hPxbAXNYig1jGJVorPzEIjGmSH6sXTowg4kxVv5qR2nEoLNmXpyW6eLj8hRxOi94T3DKWN1I4Y5EmuRA2t3jzrHufwFk0W-XgbF/s640/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+009+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> These darling little <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/some-tiny-hugs-mini-kimono-and-beanie-set">kimonos</a> were made by the daughter of the talented smocker. The single button size is the original pattern size, and then she experimented with some other lengths. I appreciate having different lengths on hand for different sizes of babies. This pattern has a very clever little hole built in to it for the sash to pull through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrxVopSN0jAZnivYEw0K2jKdVU7_l2ehklmkaY9TOip5r_vsr7vKNnRyuqirL3F9TVVK3omZUcu5OOXrQ-I9uVdI3bVduZAhK2mtp2WVtsYHTKd5hyun3N8diTx2UNyjXafAnpZEfvT7D/s1600/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+011+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrxVopSN0jAZnivYEw0K2jKdVU7_l2ehklmkaY9TOip5r_vsr7vKNnRyuqirL3F9TVVK3omZUcu5OOXrQ-I9uVdI3bVduZAhK2mtp2WVtsYHTKd5hyun3N8diTx2UNyjXafAnpZEfvT7D/s640/March+2012+sewing%252C+George%2527s+blessing+011+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Last but not least, a couple of very talented ladies up in Idaho are on their way to me as I type this with this amazing collection of <a href="http://www.angelbabiesinfo.blogspot.com/2012/01/diaper-shirt-outfits.html">Diaper Shirt outfits.</a> I nearly died of cuteness overload when I saw the wonderful details in the hats, and the coordinating sets. Great stuff!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOpKFFrWmzjwt7AqqruhOIJJgYuWy0I_9PUk91wKQn5q2SC2SKznzfM2rYqCkEYvrL53AxTM6uglMJ6eL_JjDQKVMeiIrAE8yx8G4vUVotTRheGzZwLXwpetmW7VcSU5Fq2S6JKE08-kI/s1600/Outfits+from+Wanita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOpKFFrWmzjwt7AqqruhOIJJgYuWy0I_9PUk91wKQn5q2SC2SKznzfM2rYqCkEYvrL53AxTM6uglMJ6eL_JjDQKVMeiIrAE8yx8G4vUVotTRheGzZwLXwpetmW7VcSU5Fq2S6JKE08-kI/s640/Outfits+from+Wanita.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! The families that receive carefully handmade items are so grateful. Keep up the good work! (And I will try to keep up with posting things more often here - I have a couple pattern posts I need to put up.)Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-26213563966345895332012-02-07T21:40:00.000-07:002012-02-07T21:40:57.032-07:00New crochet pattern links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoau3oPCmza4opC3dwpWjnCf0sCCeGHpd8GSKW8078GR9ajnmPnjezA0VvynOeWQli8jVwzH_L92pHQeb2SKmVK7egBh_P4r0OlmFzgM4_l8QiJRIVixhqt7wJBjaT3eBEfGtHXD0x_DwV/s1600/Feb+2012+Sewing+day+049small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoau3oPCmza4opC3dwpWjnCf0sCCeGHpd8GSKW8078GR9ajnmPnjezA0VvynOeWQli8jVwzH_L92pHQeb2SKmVK7egBh_P4r0OlmFzgM4_l8QiJRIVixhqt7wJBjaT3eBEfGtHXD0x_DwV/s640/Feb+2012+Sewing+day+049small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Some new cute stuff arrived today, and I love the uniqueness! The yellow and pink ruffley style hats on the top have a ribbon to cinch it down, allowing adjustability and greater ease in putting the hat on. The small blue stripe hat was actually made with elastic yarn, which makes it nicely stretchy. The tiny little hat with pigtails is the size for a 16 weeker...very, very tiny. I have indeed photographed a couple of babies that small. My only comment on that pattern is that babies of that size are particularly fragile and difficult to put the hats on, so stretchiness is even more important. The headband on the top row has a unique stitch to the band portion that makes it very stretchy, and once my friend Wendy gets the instructions written up, I will post them. The fuzzy all white hat on the right was made on a round loom. A lot of loomed hats don't work very well because they're gappy and not stretchy, but with the right kind of yarn and careful technique (like the one shown), a very cute and useable hat can be turned out.<br />
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The remaining four hats came from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/little-angels-memory-boxes">patterns found on this page</a>. Thank you, Wendy, for finding this great resource! So many great patterns in one place, and many of them with multiple sizes for babies of different gestation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdsAIYXfEzc8h-2U85cSIr8ViwQ4PnRRi50MZbnXdgRw6Bi6-2RRl3lnL7iW4eYapquGsATZuUTI5CiGEZBB5TBw1wMPww_tUl1gL6Z2BFCjq6RLEKmSYwJkO-JhwtP8NhNRtZS0ahkln/s1600/Feb+2012+Sewing+day+050small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdsAIYXfEzc8h-2U85cSIr8ViwQ4PnRRi50MZbnXdgRw6Bi6-2RRl3lnL7iW4eYapquGsATZuUTI5CiGEZBB5TBw1wMPww_tUl1gL6Z2BFCjq6RLEKmSYwJkO-JhwtP8NhNRtZS0ahkln/s640/Feb+2012+Sewing+day+050small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> I fell in love with this little owl hat! So unique, and so cute! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/round-mini-hoot-hats">Click here to find the pattern</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVVKM2AW76du_5KhDmnk0EHrLH06mDuArKlx-OQ7umz1sem7811tooEedL8b1xZHl3EA_qD6m4t-lMP4SOn-MPG_h5mCAcX4iJmon1UlOur_B8Mfe7QES2tNVYiwZ4Ca5X4Fd82-SM6aP/s1600/Feb+2012+Sewing+day+051small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVVKM2AW76du_5KhDmnk0EHrLH06mDuArKlx-OQ7umz1sem7811tooEedL8b1xZHl3EA_qD6m4t-lMP4SOn-MPG_h5mCAcX4iJmon1UlOur_B8Mfe7QES2tNVYiwZ4Ca5X4Fd82-SM6aP/s640/Feb+2012+Sewing+day+051small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This hat is super cute as well, though according to Wendy, far more time consuming than the other patterns. I love the stripe and curly boinger thingy details. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gumdrops-for-everyone">Click here for the pattern</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwCAXQMO3FItMotWSVnuZ1t1MtyuWUF1qmLQyh2g3Bqdwp2GiF336F1N5v8vES8DbSNQykjT5I-fviM5RRIsb3G_o7eQ2dWdCV9Uvw0AayO2AVtnyCfgXwoqVKf7UqqADwWj_rnFUljxV/s1600/Feb+2012+Sewing+day+052small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwCAXQMO3FItMotWSVnuZ1t1MtyuWUF1qmLQyh2g3Bqdwp2GiF336F1N5v8vES8DbSNQykjT5I-fviM5RRIsb3G_o7eQ2dWdCV9Uvw0AayO2AVtnyCfgXwoqVKf7UqqADwWj_rnFUljxV/s640/Feb+2012+Sewing+day+052small.jpg" width="469" /></a></div>And this hat? Adorable!!! I can't wait to use it along with a little crocheted sleeper sack. Absolutely precious! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tiny-twinkle">Click here for the link</a>.<br />
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Other patterns on the page that look particularly useful include these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peachy-beachy-teeny-tiny-beanies">cute little shell pattern hats</a>, this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-angels-layette">layette set</a>, and this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flyboy-hat-for-little-angel-boys">"Fly Boy" hat</a>. I have photographed three little angels with a condition called anencephaly, in which the brain and the upper portion of the skull do not develop. A hat that ties around the chin is really important for these babies. For the girl that I photographed, we were able to rig up a bonnet with ties that held it in place nicely, but for the two little boys...well, it was a problem. So I would love to have a few of the Fly Boy hats in my stash in various sizes.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-86335835042167043032012-01-19T14:27:00.000-07:002012-01-19T14:27:03.973-07:00Local business shout out!I have been limping by on barely and eventually non-functional sewing machines for the last few months, borrowing ones from my friends for sewing days. One of my sewing day regulars offered to call around to see if she could get any of the local repairmen to donate their services to get a machine running for me.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.sewvaccntr.com/">Sewing and Vacuum Center in West Jordan, Utah</a> graciously offered to repair it, and I dropped it off today. Very friendly folks over there, and I am thrilled to have their support. Every little bit counts, and money that I would have spent on repairs can now go toward fabric to make more gowns. If you have a sewing machine repair need, head on in and tell them that I sent you!Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-68315716158736354292012-01-18T14:45:00.001-07:002012-01-18T14:45:00.089-07:00"Diaper Shirt" outfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8jRZcl9Em0ratohqG4etKdDP2sifBnjmI0ml07vGhy-izJ65r86Q3tQ0397CJTzUt2Ox_SbNlkSTJOH3zJ7T4b7p9iaLuNmhq_vgde7GSpDJM_z70jOiRKaV6_EaiaK9DgujN8umZdjZ/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+044+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8jRZcl9Em0ratohqG4etKdDP2sifBnjmI0ml07vGhy-izJ65r86Q3tQ0397CJTzUt2Ox_SbNlkSTJOH3zJ7T4b7p9iaLuNmhq_vgde7GSpDJM_z70jOiRKaV6_EaiaK9DgujN8umZdjZ/s320/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+044+editsmall.jpg" width="234" /></a></div> A lovely woman in Idaho contacted me a couple of months ago about donating some outfits, and she came up with some really darling and innovative things. I had the best of intentions of taking photos of all of them to post, but needed to use some right away for angels. I at least managed to save these three. <a href="http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/aunt-bs-diapershirt.html">The original pattern for these "Diaper Shirts" can be found here</a>. This one is well proportioned for about a 20 week baby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflxHaDW29yt7RkdhUOGQidfk7QCnVkToURAF_mJ2GSxGN5UMh8eZKcFEobNd-fLa4U5vbrjkWPsCSoT3tNyC-CThHKTmNQHjWEsbav266TnzBvuQt1WDEDXWt4EFkriIEYuWPER6y9Waf/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+046+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflxHaDW29yt7RkdhUOGQidfk7QCnVkToURAF_mJ2GSxGN5UMh8eZKcFEobNd-fLa4U5vbrjkWPsCSoT3tNyC-CThHKTmNQHjWEsbav266TnzBvuQt1WDEDXWt4EFkriIEYuWPER6y9Waf/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+046+editsmall.jpg" width="469" /></a></div> Wanita says that this particular one used the full number of stitches as the original pattern, just with small yarn and an E sized hook. She changed colors on rows 4, 5 and 7.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOFa6rUtngu9-YTWloOR1qL1IYUrNtWh7KJPDXg0ykuHc-tx1kMgRKvZxF8tw53I5PXImvmeHLwLZoJGhBtDSGiA0uGFLoY4T3iULyhgNsuTlh6CKnOxBGUYoyth6FZiqciGvoHFmCfad/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+048+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOFa6rUtngu9-YTWloOR1qL1IYUrNtWh7KJPDXg0ykuHc-tx1kMgRKvZxF8tw53I5PXImvmeHLwLZoJGhBtDSGiA0uGFLoY4T3iULyhgNsuTlh6CKnOxBGUYoyth6FZiqciGvoHFmCfad/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+048+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This tiny little one is appropriate for about a 17-18 weeker. It has been proportionally shrunk down from the original pattern. She used yarn ties on this rather than ribbon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW00J_uAG-5QCCqIjWTSPxNcsEG83kbFQxIeghavfJo9d_HgcROZ3J0eB2jtZZa9kEh4yiLTTyIpqVIgbgLa2Lh8DOLch6uAnQhsGpiWySIGSZqPS_7J78NcGTxEqEqCyynYOWD1dMHVU/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+049+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW00J_uAG-5QCCqIjWTSPxNcsEG83kbFQxIeghavfJo9d_HgcROZ3J0eB2jtZZa9kEh4yiLTTyIpqVIgbgLa2Lh8DOLch6uAnQhsGpiWySIGSZqPS_7J78NcGTxEqEqCyynYOWD1dMHVU/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+049+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM03I1CBNBOYIRjcdStK_hpl-5lgNMCjY68AhPbkVHG-7V840h1c-c7IkSrLD9uvy-AZSvCRjxHZofTzqzT2D9Wxu8FACBWGSXsrDs6yi3zGmPcIuVMO49hr9Dx8ZSKzTHDtwYEz6O4Tp/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+050+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM03I1CBNBOYIRjcdStK_hpl-5lgNMCjY68AhPbkVHG-7V840h1c-c7IkSrLD9uvy-AZSvCRjxHZofTzqzT2D9Wxu8FACBWGSXsrDs6yi3zGmPcIuVMO49hr9Dx8ZSKzTHDtwYEz6O4Tp/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+050+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjI7uez9CkfwWeTCisLbDXGdjvYfqLMlWdVX0Z0C9U89FJuV7n5Kx63OjTgMt0XVKdjkxqjx-xPWn5RjAPXbZNt64YC55WFBxgoSJBE6HpqRf-UDpWy2rO2EDr11FirD7Bj1WvZMNF3pf/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+051+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjI7uez9CkfwWeTCisLbDXGdjvYfqLMlWdVX0Z0C9U89FJuV7n5Kx63OjTgMt0XVKdjkxqjx-xPWn5RjAPXbZNt64YC55WFBxgoSJBE6HpqRf-UDpWy2rO2EDr11FirD7Bj1WvZMNF3pf/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+051+editsmall.jpg" width="421" /></a></div> This one is the basic diaper shirt pattern modified to open more in the middle (and on the backside rather than the front), as well as to add a skirt. <a href="http://sarahsweethearts.blogspot.com/2011/04/little-white-dress.html">The skirt pattern was modified from this dress pattern</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJw5hYCtaRUhwScl741ZbLZ6bd8R0wJ0TYPt29BN-qpkuXtmAoQNVSYcxZO3jInylQzz7XKPyiz9wxZ-0vA2WesGMf9wSpa3z0ANmDR4yRj70C9o-gvThzB3Fpn9b1BQqlP6zADKaY1I2/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+052+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJw5hYCtaRUhwScl741ZbLZ6bd8R0wJ0TYPt29BN-qpkuXtmAoQNVSYcxZO3jInylQzz7XKPyiz9wxZ-0vA2WesGMf9wSpa3z0ANmDR4yRj70C9o-gvThzB3Fpn9b1BQqlP6zADKaY1I2/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+052+editsmall.jpg" width="421" /></a></div> Back side, with ties to keep it closed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhya0hVz_oNjHtv5mfs6kpeGDjG0Hz0A0YzqNdChfxPWyv0CUnbKyPXU5fxACxvAdgnM65-UwcQ8BX3dLwe87tLeW6kQLwX5CicgH-jGBWW-nTrDSU9CkAUDwmTYT6QYU4ezPwxZy_EAqIN/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+053+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhya0hVz_oNjHtv5mfs6kpeGDjG0Hz0A0YzqNdChfxPWyv0CUnbKyPXU5fxACxvAdgnM65-UwcQ8BX3dLwe87tLeW6kQLwX5CicgH-jGBWW-nTrDSU9CkAUDwmTYT6QYU4ezPwxZy_EAqIN/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+053+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>All opened up. This size is pretty small, most likely to fit an 18-20 week baby.<br />
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If you'd like more details about any of these, send me an email and I can forward Wanita's notes to you.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-32175355986278977082012-01-17T14:45:00.000-07:002012-01-17T14:45:19.088-07:00Recent donations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLpnt90n7CkHNn-dPvRqYtvt9ofXErlggxZyfhe5enTvKJY7I1OiYU0hZ9ll-3MGRlDdT3-fJXlHZGxhtRihvRS6SFzvDHV94Ejq4Vetb6RxyxgfOzqdukMmIF0akr297_8kxzWLhCv3n/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+017+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLpnt90n7CkHNn-dPvRqYtvt9ofXErlggxZyfhe5enTvKJY7I1OiYU0hZ9ll-3MGRlDdT3-fJXlHZGxhtRihvRS6SFzvDHV94Ejq4Vetb6RxyxgfOzqdukMmIF0akr297_8kxzWLhCv3n/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+017+editsmall.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend and neighbor has made me lots of cute headbands with little felt flowers. She makes all sorts of fun clippies and accessories as a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SoAdordedCrafts">business</a> and I sincerely appreciate the items she donates to Angel Babies. I find that families really like headbands for their little girls over hats most of the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbikQDdXBf6fKcvFYSL5QBrBpk33xOWwDthJ_vz75zr_cS9e2sTWch80aKeGlwK3L9FYqCCExnMxw3IIkU9WuhPlsLTwd_qS6kvD9P5aIF3JxQE_vym7Hp1Vs9Q8plxjoNO2PPvKQyGb7p/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+035+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbikQDdXBf6fKcvFYSL5QBrBpk33xOWwDthJ_vz75zr_cS9e2sTWch80aKeGlwK3L9FYqCCExnMxw3IIkU9WuhPlsLTwd_qS6kvD9P5aIF3JxQE_vym7Hp1Vs9Q8plxjoNO2PPvKQyGb7p/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+035+editsmall.jpg" width="469" /></a></div> I also have had a number of cute gowns and sleeper sacks crocheted and knitted lately. I love how unique each one of these is! I have a special soft spot in my heart for the ones made by other angel mamas and grandmas - I love to be able to tell the families I serve a little about the people who created the outfits.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6fG1xCZ-qM1gWc0QD7TuJx_F-I7zHDeD2z2AzSM36dIrJnVgVWQ_1oVDc7juFEbAsaEWosvjvxx-E-BVYug2-Rxqw2xEMtRf-I_TuidPrAZMm_Ijm4G6gUuZ1_xi7cord6xYdyDB-umv/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+025+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6fG1xCZ-qM1gWc0QD7TuJx_F-I7zHDeD2z2AzSM36dIrJnVgVWQ_1oVDc7juFEbAsaEWosvjvxx-E-BVYug2-Rxqw2xEMtRf-I_TuidPrAZMm_Ijm4G6gUuZ1_xi7cord6xYdyDB-umv/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+025+editsmall.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQAWqPFrDlexVRP6xFYEnyaUsASo5-ucPxxmTXlP2FpZCZtURUK34QO6sC586HM3RQAsCGh8XXOYJAr1w5oiWQsrWiNDF6-GcMvuap82PJ7UPGAEMX8l_QuPUvg-BhYmfRCRBZ6fd5KlW/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+026+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQAWqPFrDlexVRP6xFYEnyaUsASo5-ucPxxmTXlP2FpZCZtURUK34QO6sC586HM3RQAsCGh8XXOYJAr1w5oiWQsrWiNDF6-GcMvuap82PJ7UPGAEMX8l_QuPUvg-BhYmfRCRBZ6fd5KlW/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+026+editsmall.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DUNTNB6l8WuPdSJakAlv_LO0w-AVsFLhCUCc1L5XtvHcAOS3dGTkIG2mxfYUzk7-I5RaXMVcQ70cLyRe8vUz-KceecrUE-LEvqBfwnAAzX-PGzUK41t9o1Gs-jIUTlD_GMbUjmfZV7jV/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+031+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DUNTNB6l8WuPdSJakAlv_LO0w-AVsFLhCUCc1L5XtvHcAOS3dGTkIG2mxfYUzk7-I5RaXMVcQ70cLyRe8vUz-KceecrUE-LEvqBfwnAAzX-PGzUK41t9o1Gs-jIUTlD_GMbUjmfZV7jV/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+031+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Matching twin set! My friend Jerri did these, and she simple didn't add as many stitches on the gown part of the boy one so that it would be a little straighter down and look more masculine. You can't see it very well, but she added a simple ribbon belt just under the arms that ties in the back and a cute button on each. The boy one has a little star that is just perfect.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR7cUMwnqzq4W8u9vGJwEmpb1cn4uZiAgWGQrt71d2Cfw37TRIZa7WWCA3fjFLFWLZV2zQwF6kimlj0ZpwZxMEanxLXMdEc8qzQFEl_IJtdoHVk5RtroW7YKvhu_ZfhNPP_lWmhuL76VL/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+032+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR7cUMwnqzq4W8u9vGJwEmpb1cn4uZiAgWGQrt71d2Cfw37TRIZa7WWCA3fjFLFWLZV2zQwF6kimlj0ZpwZxMEanxLXMdEc8qzQFEl_IJtdoHVk5RtroW7YKvhu_ZfhNPP_lWmhuL76VL/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+032+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> These were made by an angel grandma (with the exception of the smallest hat, which was made by my sister). She does beautiful work! Scroll down for a closer shot of the detail work on the small pink and white one. I would like to point out that the larger hats are perhaps just a little bit bigger than the proportions of the gowns, so if you're trying to gauge sizes, I'd go just a little smaller.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhcVtbDmnP7fJ4fwD1MnkCT01xnAAU0H-Mvs6VagLuwpqdmpldKqh7rsopzy_fK92Vs8Ctntw7UMcFfRwOZQKOiPFB-cA3XLpNmVIIretBTl1siQTzYxSfml3Rcpzi_ZfhNs3pWdRKNew/s1600/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+034+editsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhcVtbDmnP7fJ4fwD1MnkCT01xnAAU0H-Mvs6VagLuwpqdmpldKqh7rsopzy_fK92Vs8Ctntw7UMcFfRwOZQKOiPFB-cA3XLpNmVIIretBTl1siQTzYxSfml3Rcpzi_ZfhNs3pWdRKNew/s640/Jan+2012+Sewing+Day+034+editsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Love the delicate pink edging and the little rosebud!Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-78484792892628135602011-12-09T15:37:00.000-07:002011-12-09T15:37:12.804-07:00Current needsI just sent my very last <a href="http://angelbabiesinfo.blogspot.com/2011/09/featured-pattern-sleeper-sacks.html">sleeper sack </a>off today in the mail to a family waiting for a teeny little triploidy angel to be born. I have loved the ones I've used so far. They fill an important gap size-wise that I previously didn't have. The sewn gowns work great for babies that are about 1-1 1/2 pounds up to 3 pounds for the small size and 3 pounds up to about 6 -7 pounds for the bigger size. But most of the little 20 weeker peanuts that I go take photos of are less than a pound. Far less, even. I recently did a session for a baby weighing less than 3 <i>ounces</i>. It is a beautiful thing to pull out a little sleeper sack that is just the right size in such situations.<br />
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So, if you're looking for something to keep you busy in the days between Christmas and New Year's when things slow down, pull out a crochet hook or set of knitting needles and set to work! I have a few small girl dresses, but not a ton, so I'd appreciate those as well. Same with small stretchy hats that would fit over a plum, orange, or grapefruit.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-33141587103019051952011-12-01T20:59:00.002-07:002011-12-01T20:59:33.772-07:00Fighting the blahsI can feel them creeping in. I'm doing better this year than last, but 'tis the season for me until I get past Elizabeth's birthday.<br />
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Tell me your best two ways to kick the angel baby blues to the curb. (I suspect we can all use it at this time of the year).Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-20520292263819770302011-11-19T22:00:00.000-07:002011-11-19T22:00:46.472-07:00Sizing GuidelinesI often get asked about sizing for especially the little bitty micropreemies. It is hard to imagine how small these wee little angels are until you've held one. I found this sizing chart, which should help those of you that are crocheting sleeper sacks and dresses, to make sure that you're getting proportions right.<br />
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<a href="http://www.newbornsinneed.org/html/size_chart.html">Click here to link to the chart</a>.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-54280218419884363292011-11-13T10:27:00.000-07:002011-11-13T10:27:34.742-07:00Service project results - gift boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlytoGX58enr72u0UVFesyiiLgXXQaZvANfL32NVUNaTUY43p1NEtda6tI10xlTM2c9-P4QZhZUqRMf5stwbw_MekmQHmpwO9R6DNG0chKFG2UC0vlXHqSyRqbzFKmrOc6pVGEKR3lHhGh/s1600/Nov+2011+Angel+mamas+010+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlytoGX58enr72u0UVFesyiiLgXXQaZvANfL32NVUNaTUY43p1NEtda6tI10xlTM2c9-P4QZhZUqRMf5stwbw_MekmQHmpwO9R6DNG0chKFG2UC0vlXHqSyRqbzFKmrOc6pVGEKR3lHhGh/s640/Nov+2011+Angel+mamas+010+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> I rounded up a group of my angel mamas and set them to work with a stack of boxes, paint, scrapbook paper, ribbon, and mod podge, and this is what they came up with. I love how unique each one is! Beautiful work, ladies! I know they will be appreciated by the families that receive them. This is an ongoing need, and would be a great one for a youth project, women's group or even a sit-around-after-Thanksgiving-dinner family project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPMm47anD5Cw4iA15nzsrl5UvD0CtsjU93oQMee8B1axwY22lQCRv7DTiDrESHfXrkzrdcQdosKX8n_gscbpAED7r_BQeCNjtqUSupPuYhMxw43MIzC5c-okRZfm2RDhV7nhAwYqkcXxT/s1600/Nov+2011+Angel+mamas+013+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPMm47anD5Cw4iA15nzsrl5UvD0CtsjU93oQMee8B1axwY22lQCRv7DTiDrESHfXrkzrdcQdosKX8n_gscbpAED7r_BQeCNjtqUSupPuYhMxw43MIzC5c-okRZfm2RDhV7nhAwYqkcXxT/s640/Nov+2011+Angel+mamas+013+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaEwd8TNuHlKtdNkJMr3gzKoSCemxKQqDoSzykkmDbVsOELSggB7-v0nDXAt9pHW-g9LB1inxl-LrnPJqWygXkPIDo7JSQ-XtKrZZqgeXW-gZAhG6rr__x-DC8F2WOCRN4e9KJPZwHjYg/s1600/Nov+2011+Angel+mamas+015+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaEwd8TNuHlKtdNkJMr3gzKoSCemxKQqDoSzykkmDbVsOELSggB7-v0nDXAt9pHW-g9LB1inxl-LrnPJqWygXkPIDo7JSQ-XtKrZZqgeXW-gZAhG6rr__x-DC8F2WOCRN4e9KJPZwHjYg/s640/Nov+2011+Angel+mamas+015+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzuj3N1c5dpGXoe3lBVKm-PG8SeH-GUgIUcn-uKQjz6hN3dq9ti_sos0R06TvDUtSF3JY3_3rRJ08QPIT_uBxp3e670PfD5uyhe7NkM78Fx5PzQBaMhGg1S_Cd5YdnKOKhGPX00_OKENE/s1600/Nov+2011+Angel+mamas+018+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzuj3N1c5dpGXoe3lBVKm-PG8SeH-GUgIUcn-uKQjz6hN3dq9ti_sos0R06TvDUtSF3JY3_3rRJ08QPIT_uBxp3e670PfD5uyhe7NkM78Fx5PzQBaMhGg1S_Cd5YdnKOKhGPX00_OKENE/s640/Nov+2011+Angel+mamas+018+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-49985944324326525002011-11-07T14:21:00.001-07:002011-11-07T14:22:13.298-07:00Darling Little Diapers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-pQqjtwKVDX2rSHl_X4O8NIj9NSoKdriCDtTfkEzkx5545eqYdJ6ZOJDDUSdQQYvtCMmBtetb4Y8O6fSw_yhhFY1o2qDC11j2ysY7EC3BM1u5WLjiGqTFsHPSOXUbhN7WYqCEsvrp874/s1600/Nov+2011+091+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-pQqjtwKVDX2rSHl_X4O8NIj9NSoKdriCDtTfkEzkx5545eqYdJ6ZOJDDUSdQQYvtCMmBtetb4Y8O6fSw_yhhFY1o2qDC11j2ysY7EC3BM1u5WLjiGqTFsHPSOXUbhN7WYqCEsvrp874/s640/Nov+2011+091+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> I had several sets of the absolutely darling little diapers donated a couple of weeks ago. I have already used them at two photosessions. These fill a very important gap in bereavement supplies. Our Elizabeth was just under 3 pounds, and the smallest preemie diaper the hospital had fit her perfectly. It's about the size of a maxi pad (sorry - best visual I could come up with :)!) But what about all these teeny little peanuts that are born between 18-28 weeks that are anywhere from half a pound up to 1 1/2 pounds? Most of the time, there simply isn't anything to cover their bums. I have seen nurses fashion a "diaper" out of a piece of gauze, or even cutting up a regular diaper into a small one and trimming down the tabs. None of those options are ideal. That's why I got <i>super</i> excited when I first laid eyes on these.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweZXkKj9ns47PIXOlkTxHNC8Myh6yPKUaHz4RlJzP2IRc-I9IrQHnuUKoHtCHjnSIHqrkJoncLLD5v6hpwaFImfJdfmeDq6vKqi9fuIoeqwijtT_GmZqCYLJnlWpjZPs747ZSJByOLN2y/s1600/Nov+2011+093+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweZXkKj9ns47PIXOlkTxHNC8Myh6yPKUaHz4RlJzP2IRc-I9IrQHnuUKoHtCHjnSIHqrkJoncLLD5v6hpwaFImfJdfmeDq6vKqi9fuIoeqwijtT_GmZqCYLJnlWpjZPs747ZSJByOLN2y/s640/Nov+2011+093+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Here they are on a cutting mat so that you can see the sizes. Each square is one inch. These were made by a woman near me as part of a service project to honor her own angel. She made sets of two of each pattern so that the family will have one as a keepsake if they wish to bury their baby with the other one. It's a very thoughtful gift. I love these colorful patterned ones, but could also use lots of plain white ones. Most of the clothing I have is white, and wild patterns show through.<br />
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You can <a href="http://teenytears.blogspot.com/2011/10/diapers.html">click here to download the pattern</a>.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-78872428778899447292011-10-25T14:08:00.000-06:002011-10-25T14:08:13.461-06:00Service need - gift boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-H5xwppg8lMTwbSppZUInSGMQan7JtFmD9SJIAYhE39NHTpIq1XO6vPuCrOLJWGPOcr4yCGQSMsjg0nmI21hto1KnB1rIGxSg0l88dds0W6Mg4lUt_H4xNeajOl568WQFfAgOPtJ8zJ8/s1600/-2127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-H5xwppg8lMTwbSppZUInSGMQan7JtFmD9SJIAYhE39NHTpIq1XO6vPuCrOLJWGPOcr4yCGQSMsjg0nmI21hto1KnB1rIGxSg0l88dds0W6Mg4lUt_H4xNeajOl568WQFfAgOPtJ8zJ8/s640/-2127.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am contacted periodically by people wanting to do a service project of some sort. It came to my attention this week when I was doing an angel session that <a href="http://www.nationalshare.org/parents.html">SHARE Parent</a>, a bereavement support organization in <a href="http://www.shareparentsofutah.org/">my area</a>, is nearly completely out of gift boxes. Volunteers from this group come and do hand and foot molds at the hospitals that aren't equipped to do it themselves, and they present the finished molds to the families in beautifully decorated boxes like the ones shown. These photos are courtesy of some of my angel family friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Circle, oval and rectangle boxes are all appropriate. They need to have enough space for some padding as well as up to full term baby size molds (generally of each hand a foot for a total of four). These are all made of cardboard, the sort of boxes you can readily get at any craft store and decorate to your own taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aq_ueGoB3kOwhOaxNUHGQWhicpbm_aiQGhdmAbkpCLZ6srxe5GRA3beqHsQSsASWp1FFprWhJSDKknU3YRHnfTsCuGiivYLVV_-TZBzvPbSvCuIEx_0Wp9btqI12W_pZuPc4U2yquPPC/s1600/Box1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aq_ueGoB3kOwhOaxNUHGQWhicpbm_aiQGhdmAbkpCLZ6srxe5GRA3beqHsQSsASWp1FFprWhJSDKknU3YRHnfTsCuGiivYLVV_-TZBzvPbSvCuIEx_0Wp9btqI12W_pZuPc4U2yquPPC/s400/Box1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez6k23mC1GDtWskFX0QcU-wZ-Qqen18bMOcVB1tb0KQ7_Xrtshmf1LNhqXN5GKi26EGUaNStUw9XwUGkX4taO0dN1gT1Qt6ufjX9SRbhnhbx88sZIBV84jsxYOVXrKxoViNmEHhlfbTkI/s1600/DSCF4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez6k23mC1GDtWskFX0QcU-wZ-Qqen18bMOcVB1tb0KQ7_Xrtshmf1LNhqXN5GKi26EGUaNStUw9XwUGkX4taO0dN1gT1Qt6ufjX9SRbhnhbx88sZIBV84jsxYOVXrKxoViNmEHhlfbTkI/s400/DSCF4472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> This family received two boxes - the top one is for the hand and foot molds, and the lower one was from the hospital for their blankets, clothing, and other keepsakes. It is covered in fabric.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZkJy7tV6mVEWJ0TF0RNqZ4tzMbkb7GMDK36nsQa5Wf2xc0dSdzDdSRnQfXh9JYkzVm7AJBG_31iyU7m-kBQe70NlSoEm71hnqNGH6Zxsl_NefswXywk7KbKaRYNgUTeQ-gqNl-QW575e/s1600/DSCF4501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZkJy7tV6mVEWJ0TF0RNqZ4tzMbkb7GMDK36nsQa5Wf2xc0dSdzDdSRnQfXh9JYkzVm7AJBG_31iyU7m-kBQe70NlSoEm71hnqNGH6Zxsl_NefswXywk7KbKaRYNgUTeQ-gqNl-QW575e/s400/DSCF4501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoyAWZS7hD_Vxq-nwuzWaHK34D1TWp7w8Fvc1thfH2ZRTtpQBR3mpmBK7rfeVT44fSj5Z_7X-RPoFQlVKLUlvL8Ja1ocQDdR6Krqf082Avz0kt_DLBOP478uKoubFD_B7mLWKlOs_oFF8/s1600/DSCF4502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoyAWZS7hD_Vxq-nwuzWaHK34D1TWp7w8Fvc1thfH2ZRTtpQBR3mpmBK7rfeVT44fSj5Z_7X-RPoFQlVKLUlvL8Ja1ocQDdR6Krqf082Avz0kt_DLBOP478uKoubFD_B7mLWKlOs_oFF8/s400/DSCF4502.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I think this decoration is beautiful and tasteful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6xkXtltG-mwB1NHfLTb72HO65jWgxYOKK4WWJbl7wsKURCoH3w56dxv84corhX9KLPrMhi8wzam5W-xnYDeXJgSMK1-_Zl8wbnLYftIPiPjQ2Sm1dWmNcPAnX3HOMgCyys6PqzHoUiJM/s1600/DSCF4503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6xkXtltG-mwB1NHfLTb72HO65jWgxYOKK4WWJbl7wsKURCoH3w56dxv84corhX9KLPrMhi8wzam5W-xnYDeXJgSMK1-_Zl8wbnLYftIPiPjQ2Sm1dWmNcPAnX3HOMgCyys6PqzHoUiJM/s400/DSCF4503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> If you choose to make some of these, you may donate them to your local hospital, contact a SHARE chapter in your area, or if you're in the Salt Lake area, I will be happy to connect you with a SHARE volunteer here.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-31463913353181040512011-10-14T21:32:00.001-06:002011-10-14T21:32:00.666-06:00Gowns, Hats, Headbands and the whole shebang<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuaWe7mf-iE4H6ouDnbUxPJEgyZ73ndI4ICa1oFBMFtIB1O3Qk5MnGJLAB0gjyB-OCL1pyAft0eElTCGbN3RkNaxMP_DS0p_MRlU7suSR83kuAbRcWFrSGZzjUHUDTTjwOLAvmgfyxUfW/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+027+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuaWe7mf-iE4H6ouDnbUxPJEgyZ73ndI4ICa1oFBMFtIB1O3Qk5MnGJLAB0gjyB-OCL1pyAft0eElTCGbN3RkNaxMP_DS0p_MRlU7suSR83kuAbRcWFrSGZzjUHUDTTjwOLAvmgfyxUfW/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+027+edit.jpg" /></a><br />
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Here are some examples of crocheted and knitted items that have been donated recently. I LOVE the sleeper sack on the top left and the dress on the bottom left. They are both perfectly proportioned for babies around 20 weeks gestation, and smaller by far than the small size gowns that we sew. The sleeper sack opens all the way down in the front and the gown opens all the way down in the back - very important when dressing wee little babes with fragile skin. Across the top row are two more variations of the sleeper sack, both knit, and a dress that opens all the way down the back. This size of dress is ideal for about a 22-24 week gestation baby. On the bottom row, the pink dress is beautiful. The skirt is a little long in proportion to the torso, which is a problem I see with many patterns, but otherwise it's great. Notice that the skirts on all three gowns are tightly crocheted. No big lacy holes for little feet to get caught in.<br />
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The last two items on the bottom row are buntings. These are ideal for 18-20 week babies that are not in good enough shape to actually dress in clothing. One of my angel grandpas has made several of these for me, and I love that I can tell the families that they were made by him. Notice the open rows of stitching to thread a ribbon through to help tie it shut. I have also at times added a simple square of flannel inside. The bunting on the left is beautiful, but a little bulky with the border. As I messed around with it a bit, I figured out that I can overlap the edges in the front and even thread the ribbon through the corners to pull them down and away from the baby's face.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgLVRmMkJkHV8TTln0SG9ffjEgfgPW-0yx572ygOQYGFQjywMcvddtFCP7t_gZWpez-wL1cSqtrcXuQyyMmuiq637I_7uFgkOWD477Ti0vbe1pn4dgP0St6_idJxSGAf0toit5YAklUWg/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+028+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgLVRmMkJkHV8TTln0SG9ffjEgfgPW-0yx572ygOQYGFQjywMcvddtFCP7t_gZWpez-wL1cSqtrcXuQyyMmuiq637I_7uFgkOWD477Ti0vbe1pn4dgP0St6_idJxSGAf0toit5YAklUWg/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+028+edit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_DGnp2kXUHNxyWVkuRjgRtH2a6Ld1k0tjZa8RL5SbY5P7YXIL0CgvgEV1Mkvc4gBpeuvgwW9-Mzulzu3gj090XdydkbMkhmZdg453AXmEzxKBLujXliRS6AEvzlQJ3m_jLKf-OwRDCP6/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+029+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_DGnp2kXUHNxyWVkuRjgRtH2a6Ld1k0tjZa8RL5SbY5P7YXIL0CgvgEV1Mkvc4gBpeuvgwW9-Mzulzu3gj090XdydkbMkhmZdg453AXmEzxKBLujXliRS6AEvzlQJ3m_jLKf-OwRDCP6/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+029+edit.jpg" /></a></div> Little details like the ribbon belt and tiny bow on the front make a big difference.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5XoxEIYmJiQJPSlNnThKCtSXMS45tlgAKpgSXs2Sb1EqxzxaVG3layyceiz7_1QGIXt7Pfwk-zS6KvyZaq6Xh38eYryfT32FSbHalkcfuZ8vfHOZwu1PLKsiVNTOdt9aohKubnfR7Zfj/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+033+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5XoxEIYmJiQJPSlNnThKCtSXMS45tlgAKpgSXs2Sb1EqxzxaVG3layyceiz7_1QGIXt7Pfwk-zS6KvyZaq6Xh38eYryfT32FSbHalkcfuZ8vfHOZwu1PLKsiVNTOdt9aohKubnfR7Zfj/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+033+edit.jpg" /></a></div> Close up of this gown. If any of you find the pattern for it, please email me or post it in the comments so that I can post it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk42Na1IUDpQw6kGdkiAJt0-lPIaLw-55l2U4ubJdJaNRhsRbFmr8W6kpbJQ9eIjn6Z5Dhq11t5VxKfyotTSfL1sBQneWePK6e_IInli2FxhX_jC3Y_0NPsoorYisiNHyr0PJ4VRBR_QnJ/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+036+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk42Na1IUDpQw6kGdkiAJt0-lPIaLw-55l2U4ubJdJaNRhsRbFmr8W6kpbJQ9eIjn6Z5Dhq11t5VxKfyotTSfL1sBQneWePK6e_IInli2FxhX_jC3Y_0NPsoorYisiNHyr0PJ4VRBR_QnJ/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+036+edit.jpg" /></a></div> I have a wide array of hats and headbands that have been donated. The size up at the top is perfect for 20 week gestation babies.The blue one on the bottom row is normal newborn size. Most of these hats are knitted and are perfectly stretchy. The crocheted ones have a little stretch, but not nearly as much. I LOVE the little embellishments, like the purple flowers and the ribbon threaded through, and the cute things worked in to the pattern like the twisty knot on top. The headbands have stretchy soft elastic bands and a variety of flowers and bows. The largest size would fit a normal newborn head, and the small one on the bottom is perfect for a 20 week gestation baby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X_6SXrc_JS8jJcwkazHyIDl5090b3xN1BS0Zy1_0YzY0GRyj15ABLUB6G1_2boABi7iEEBwczolLRm0rkEORJgqbucTcQK0uMa-_1Hg4344WWJN1FJB3uJLBJsY59HxwU3zCH2OMQazW/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+037+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X_6SXrc_JS8jJcwkazHyIDl5090b3xN1BS0Zy1_0YzY0GRyj15ABLUB6G1_2boABi7iEEBwczolLRm0rkEORJgqbucTcQK0uMa-_1Hg4344WWJN1FJB3uJLBJsY59HxwU3zCH2OMQazW/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+037+edit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4TDEB2OpHrzLrMcPOIJJAM9mVN8lMJdrFSUxcY8TI10YPGTVIbQEMVQZpys8ozk6mSPo19XVmHx3yFHTUmYGfsbYfkY8iGAtIY4jhYb_0ndrZY_dgWTukPzavgEq0RXWOO2pmJfGIDcU/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+038+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4TDEB2OpHrzLrMcPOIJJAM9mVN8lMJdrFSUxcY8TI10YPGTVIbQEMVQZpys8ozk6mSPo19XVmHx3yFHTUmYGfsbYfkY8iGAtIY4jhYb_0ndrZY_dgWTukPzavgEq0RXWOO2pmJfGIDcU/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+038+edit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9tB5xi_NM595Pk1EnpwJcNq5Tkzju_C8W2P-uPAxDHgEv90eEx3NBp61Hj5PEU0OQCMvz-TL72Hb6puSKrX8H6194OZGKZABxj6erHqprrO0_ajMoSgGYjjQZcIarxhjjev-_h4f6Jt6/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+039+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9tB5xi_NM595Pk1EnpwJcNq5Tkzju_C8W2P-uPAxDHgEv90eEx3NBp61Hj5PEU0OQCMvz-TL72Hb6puSKrX8H6194OZGKZABxj6erHqprrO0_ajMoSgGYjjQZcIarxhjjev-_h4f6Jt6/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+039+edit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcfDUKqkzlqpbfpxbjrwDRMED_5oef9zTYaXXgmj4Vh9No2rzyaN56j0IrWL9puQtJKGqrDMd6kPLhRBIvp_Pldx-osoF4OobH3VFgJ8kEWRE86wqvnT8d1UYybllHNNEnJcyADq3d4RR/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+041+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcfDUKqkzlqpbfpxbjrwDRMED_5oef9zTYaXXgmj4Vh9No2rzyaN56j0IrWL9puQtJKGqrDMd6kPLhRBIvp_Pldx-osoF4OobH3VFgJ8kEWRE86wqvnT8d1UYybllHNNEnJcyADq3d4RR/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+041+edit.jpg" /></a></div> I adore these little matched sets. I am waiting for just the right family to use them. Huge thanks to the people who have put the time, effort and love into making all of these items!Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-28782310309771980412011-10-13T23:10:00.004-06:002011-10-13T23:35:38.609-06:00How to hold a successful sewing day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To celebrate Elizabeth's third birthday, I did a one time blitz of making blankets, gowns, bracelets and hats for the hospital I was working for at the time when I realized that they basically had nothing in their infant bereavement stash. I patted myself on the back and thought I was done. But over the course of that year, every month or so, I'd get a call from someone who knew someone who knew that I made gowns, usually a very last minute urgent type of a need. I would frantically drop everything, pull out my sewing machine, and make a tiny gown. It soon became apparent that the need was great. So for Elizabeth's fourth birthday, I made the commitment to do monthly sewing sessions. I have done it ever since, with only one month missed. Over time, I have managed to get a great group of ladies. Each month we have a different mix, but I generally have at least 3 or 4 ladies that are regulars and can show everyone else the ropes. We've got a great system going, which I will share with you so that you can host your own sewing day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJhW_ewsZDPeTW30ES1b47IOwYTiXk9y0Xtj1X9Lmfs7kl0ESM_BWSBAEcZnMF0T3QggQOG4orxQLNjE7_JXlN-SMz1il8bYrBS72Zve6mjNTgRIAeUxbwuwa-e5KYFFIbPX-XUHqUhCy/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+002+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJhW_ewsZDPeTW30ES1b47IOwYTiXk9y0Xtj1X9Lmfs7kl0ESM_BWSBAEcZnMF0T3QggQOG4orxQLNjE7_JXlN-SMz1il8bYrBS72Zve6mjNTgRIAeUxbwuwa-e5KYFFIbPX-XUHqUhCy/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+002+edit.jpg" /></a></div> I spend most of the morning setting up. I generally scheduled it from 10-3, open house style. I realize that people are busy, and they'd love to come help, but may not be able to devote 5 whole hours to it. Starting it at 10 allows me time to get the tables set up, some of the fabric cut and ironed, and the food prepped (more on that later).<br />
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I set up three tables. One for sewing machines, one for finish work, and one for bracelet making. I do it in my home, so I use my kitchen countertop for cutting. This could be done an an additional table. The sewing machine table has an extension cord with a power strip running underneath it so that multiple machines can be plugged in to it at once. The finish work table is stocked with spools of thread, needles, buttons, embellishments like roses and bows, snaps, liquid stitch to glue the snaps in place before sewing, scissors, a candle and lighter to singe the ribbon ends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS7jKj_PflJmxKZrAlBW0E0KRpSMRzvJAIso36iRLD2IoFCZwwxseNTqgRuOk-HLnJQiZTmOWIrtfmLYS5OYK6ktyyKQatdhbi1L-IC_t0h9f71IHrR-D899UnKwifXEM_5EWcPB5IcMb/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+004+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS7jKj_PflJmxKZrAlBW0E0KRpSMRzvJAIso36iRLD2IoFCZwwxseNTqgRuOk-HLnJQiZTmOWIrtfmLYS5OYK6ktyyKQatdhbi1L-IC_t0h9f71IHrR-D899UnKwifXEM_5EWcPB5IcMb/s640/Oct+2011+sewing+day+004+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> I set up an ironing board off to the side. Before the first batch of ladies arrive, I make sure that I have at least a half dozen gowns cut out, side seams ironed, and ribbon and trim precut so that they can grab a gown and get started without any delay. <br />
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As people arrive, if they bring a sewing machine, I put them to work sewing gowns. If not, then I put a person to work on the ironing board, prepping more gowns and doing the final pressing on completed ones. Another person cuts out gowns, trim and ribbons. Everyone else either chooses finish work or bracelet sets. Finish work involves gluing snaps on, then stitching them once they dry, stitching on little embellishments on the girl gowns and bow ties on the boy gowns, and singeing the ribbon ends so that they don't fray. Three or four people on sewing machines can keep that many people busy with finish work without too much trouble.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZTbXlDqk4x2gVqwj_FjDhy75VSBtAiNoZ3AWkCSuNdLWNR5ePG4gfAoUuZ6I-Gh-eBVxj97dQtaw3RJjMPHRwT-YhnyZXdhmeKXRStd-Bors-KpP7_dUOzy02MNRhCtotkDHH7afhgUK/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+008+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZTbXlDqk4x2gVqwj_FjDhy75VSBtAiNoZ3AWkCSuNdLWNR5ePG4gfAoUuZ6I-Gh-eBVxj97dQtaw3RJjMPHRwT-YhnyZXdhmeKXRStd-Bors-KpP7_dUOzy02MNRhCtotkDHH7afhgUK/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+008+edit.jpg" /></a></div> A very important component of happy workers is good food. I serve lunch at noon, generally homemade bread and a delicious salad of some sort (not pictured - this time it was a lovely combination of mixed baby greens, pears, blackberries, blueberries, spiced pecans, blue cheese and a lemon poppyseed vinaigrette), and lunch meat/cheese and more fruit for the kids. I am fortunate to have enough space to turn the kids loose downstairs in the basement. This allows several more women to participate that wouldn't be able to otherwise.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w8KW5V_gmxiVnjAnWQXSBgCyTx5sHb9Ug12w3GIaIXO2lLKHcnd5FcQHxO1nuBACCyJ8-3u72zuBjWvNE3WJ6Ls60APS_RPvKY0JIoU0vfl6lqWmhKVh3g3DJ613DqUIsmKmgAm4x5hi/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+010+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w8KW5V_gmxiVnjAnWQXSBgCyTx5sHb9Ug12w3GIaIXO2lLKHcnd5FcQHxO1nuBACCyJ8-3u72zuBjWvNE3WJ6Ls60APS_RPvKY0JIoU0vfl6lqWmhKVh3g3DJ613DqUIsmKmgAm4x5hi/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+010+edit.jpg" /></a></div> Then it's back to work! No rest for the weary! Jerri's one of my biggest supporters and enjoys playing hooky from work every so often to come to sewing day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvthhpu1-pF9ngnvOh8Dl-NM9vlbeZp5e6yp08ojnvskziU-uP_JHKZZFa8P8f7MkwFJZPgjXUNVWE4HhaULAaSbkzeMuFiOjTSPFl6fTLk7E6YGdtK_QtoeGoZ_nBNK4dXAJxgGY-WN-_/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+012+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvthhpu1-pF9ngnvOh8Dl-NM9vlbeZp5e6yp08ojnvskziU-uP_JHKZZFa8P8f7MkwFJZPgjXUNVWE4HhaULAaSbkzeMuFiOjTSPFl6fTLk7E6YGdtK_QtoeGoZ_nBNK4dXAJxgGY-WN-_/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+012+edit.jpg" /></a></div> Jenn gets a little wild with the iron. I have to reign her in. Notice in the background I have bins of ribbon. My friend Coree helped me find a source to order huge spools - 50 and 100 yard increments - for 5-6 bucks each. It's been a couple years since I ordered, so I will have to verify that the company is still in business. If you're interested, send me an email and I will see what I can find out for you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloDDXTsyxJkLyhyvrnVvZ2S9_lBZPz9SvRLwmS9VnASPaNHepSbAnDK66RjXfqkKte_znuMGYfWTUc_mnBds6n9DmLzfzddFmEnLpLpAi7G3cW8UdPzrWPf7On3frCksGNcO7fIYsthIr/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+014+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloDDXTsyxJkLyhyvrnVvZ2S9_lBZPz9SvRLwmS9VnASPaNHepSbAnDK66RjXfqkKte_znuMGYfWTUc_mnBds6n9DmLzfzddFmEnLpLpAi7G3cW8UdPzrWPf7On3frCksGNcO7fIYsthIr/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+014+edit.jpg" /></a></div> Finishwork ladies. Sewing on snaps and bow ties. Two of the ladies are fellow NILMDTS photographers (the one at the end of the table is the ever wonderful Julie who took our photos), and the other woman is an angel mama.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfs7jzS-FAEx0NC-zeuDvXms8rgpIn9nfPw5O9pjEEbzbROQoBpB4tO40Ogva8_ubd03mL2OKWmaydsPlb7ov3hpzEfMw-pC1OYQphttPcbQkZaeBvtXxv_qYeik4B983PHFz3VBM29I7/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+017+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfs7jzS-FAEx0NC-zeuDvXms8rgpIn9nfPw5O9pjEEbzbROQoBpB4tO40Ogva8_ubd03mL2OKWmaydsPlb7ov3hpzEfMw-pC1OYQphttPcbQkZaeBvtXxv_qYeik4B983PHFz3VBM29I7/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+017+edit.jpg" /></a></div>Confession: I hate sewing on the snaps. I have a hard time seeing the clear snaps against white fabric. Therefore, I am always grateful to hand that task off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf47STK71DP5NdQteTfIJah_mOY9m125VI7kZyH8JMrOOw3teWeX506HbmTMHncKgkkgdiiaG-Fj1EBEzh4JkFp1BkRSR3iLuJLI2lpvZ8ZnZRAbGmr2ds8CeB3wIlS3JVb5RnmDkrLQ5l/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+019+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf47STK71DP5NdQteTfIJah_mOY9m125VI7kZyH8JMrOOw3teWeX506HbmTMHncKgkkgdiiaG-Fj1EBEzh4JkFp1BkRSR3iLuJLI2lpvZ8ZnZRAbGmr2ds8CeB3wIlS3JVb5RnmDkrLQ5l/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+019+edit.jpg" /></a></div> Another one of my angel mamas working away. I order my beading supplies in bulk from <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/">Fire Mountain Gems</a>. There's no real right or wrong way to do the bracelet sets - just make some aspect of the mom and baby ones match. For girls I do large pearl bracelet with pink crystals and a charm for the mom and a small pearl bracelet with small pink crystals and a matching charm for the baby. For boys I do a large pearl bracelet with blue crystals and a charm for the mom and a ribbon bow with the charm dangling from the middle set on a bar pin for the baby. Many other people have made sets for me out of different styles of beads. That's great! Just make them match. (Just realized I didn't take any photos of the finished product of any of these. I will add one when I do.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-2bOkscYuVr932gjNoA_pyNM8Cdcmu6D_sWxxH_GwAVhvgV8WnXAw8CeSKqxYO013nU6QYTz4wIPo-V7aQco4GwYDSlcj2aC3dvlixqAk7zQDezSsh2CH7M0v-DTp4pEh8qVC3n9XIhe/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+020+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-2bOkscYuVr932gjNoA_pyNM8Cdcmu6D_sWxxH_GwAVhvgV8WnXAw8CeSKqxYO013nU6QYTz4wIPo-V7aQco4GwYDSlcj2aC3dvlixqAk7zQDezSsh2CH7M0v-DTp4pEh8qVC3n9XIhe/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+020+edit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OwoyBR1R-seHkzZvqHJWtk1TFrLcRzYZXJfNbuRaulT7FzFR0sCqdxcfckRFpgPAlGgwaeJLBkt50WO9b1fm3ESRu0mzl9t_tI59JjweK0peib6KQCVv4dMB5EIGnv_lvBxx52Tyk8ua/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+021+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OwoyBR1R-seHkzZvqHJWtk1TFrLcRzYZXJfNbuRaulT7FzFR0sCqdxcfckRFpgPAlGgwaeJLBkt50WO9b1fm3ESRu0mzl9t_tI59JjweK0peib6KQCVv4dMB5EIGnv_lvBxx52Tyk8ua/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+021+edit.jpg" /></a></div> We have a good time at sewing day. Good company, good food, and making things for angels - you really can't get better than that!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0-LoEbc8el1rSA8eLUKi10x0EJ50RUoC0n0nGQi4i-D_skrhpMxViTzk-XNcHJcW0HzCqKPjlCfoVcdfwGb167CsAkEqLjOLxeh9zv-GtAiCb2no9kbdqTR-eXdPPLjh91n_F9-NzDlm/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+023+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0-LoEbc8el1rSA8eLUKi10x0EJ50RUoC0n0nGQi4i-D_skrhpMxViTzk-XNcHJcW0HzCqKPjlCfoVcdfwGb167CsAkEqLjOLxeh9zv-GtAiCb2no9kbdqTR-eXdPPLjh91n_F9-NzDlm/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+023+edit.jpg" /></a></div> It sometimes gets a little chaotic with kids milling around and stuff everywhere, but really, the process flows pretty smoothly. We've got it down pat. Char, in the middle, likes to do things in a stack. She'll sew all of the side seams of a half dozen gowns, then all of the sleeves, etc. She's quite efficient at it. When we get the right mix of ladies, each of us like to do different parts of the gown, so we'll assembly line the process. Otherwise, we each just do our own individual gowns. Either way works.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5zdR0Bb-nme9cHsVMNe_ql4oLw0e_zWLN_9FzifcrbKV_8xqHJQ1zYa2kIOq0-ID2Tm4nsvhsonEWEx58sJDvpNIOsDestvFnkduYA2Tq-R2YEBe43DdLMBg17NGZVh4INF_6xa1eRp6/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+024+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5zdR0Bb-nme9cHsVMNe_ql4oLw0e_zWLN_9FzifcrbKV_8xqHJQ1zYa2kIOq0-ID2Tm4nsvhsonEWEx58sJDvpNIOsDestvFnkduYA2Tq-R2YEBe43DdLMBg17NGZVh4INF_6xa1eRp6/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+024+edit.jpg" /></a></div> This is a relic from a church group that did a sewing day for gowns for me. Since they had women that were all new to the process, the lady in charge separated out all of the tasks even more, and had instructions like this on each table. I would highly recommend this if you're doing a sewing session on a scale of more than 8 or so people, especially if none of them have sewn this particular pattern before. I'd also like to point out that on the Angel Babies main page under the Patterns tab, I have the pattern downloadable in addition to step by step instructions with photographs. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pSy7-PvzRFqLnPIJ5d-WxscDiOn7geFeg8OZyCwIYRSoXsaSet5dzrVmrc22FXO6V12prEsETKfUCPsa95eg91TVLhCITlOxdtG2XZT16OoHpXzbIiC3-UK_LMPdLTm5NGyYvnb62Oeh/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+026+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pSy7-PvzRFqLnPIJ5d-WxscDiOn7geFeg8OZyCwIYRSoXsaSet5dzrVmrc22FXO6V12prEsETKfUCPsa95eg91TVLhCITlOxdtG2XZT16OoHpXzbIiC3-UK_LMPdLTm5NGyYvnb62Oeh/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+026+edit.jpg" /></a></div> Finished products of gowns in both sizes. I took this photo on top of my cutting mat to show measurements, not because I think the green checkerboard look is particularly nice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4P6KhQWP8F-Fl_ZKHR62cdV_iYiB_tOiv1Q6gy-LmZAtiWPyXty2Ojwxf6wjzuaixhHs5MwwDUQbtpgIK47ORiZp2HKfwVKDWZGbCFbd039LAlK6wJlfY6DqeE6dOOpIs8TqsGrn_Fjc/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+048+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4P6KhQWP8F-Fl_ZKHR62cdV_iYiB_tOiv1Q6gy-LmZAtiWPyXty2Ojwxf6wjzuaixhHs5MwwDUQbtpgIK47ORiZp2HKfwVKDWZGbCFbd039LAlK6wJlfY6DqeE6dOOpIs8TqsGrn_Fjc/s1600/Oct+2011+sewing+day+048+edit.jpg" /></a></div>Here's a days' work. Plus another 12 gowns that just need finish work. In the past, I would spend three or so days after my sewing day trying to complete all the finish work. I drove myself crazy. I finally realized that it's actually good to put everything away right at the stage we wrap up at. I hang up the complete gowns that have had all the finish work done and a final pressing. The ones that haven't had snaps put in get put into a bag, and the gowns that are ironed but not sewn get put into another bag. Then we pick right up where we left off the next month and no one has to wait for someone else to do a step to get started.<br />
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So, to summarize, here are some tips for success:<br />
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<ol><li>Advertise well in advance. I do this on my blog and on facebook. I like to allow 10-14 days for people to plan, if not more.</li>
<li>Purchase your supplies well in advance. Use coupons and buy in bulk - it drives the total cost way down. You will need fabric, ribbon, trim, thread, liquid stitch, snaps, buttons, and embellishments for the gowns. For the bracelets you will need pearls in two sizes, crystals in two sizes, charms, jump rings, clasps, crimp beads, beading wire, stretchy cord (for the girl sets), ribbon (for the boy sets), glue gun, bar pins, and little bags to put the sets in.</li>
<li>Set up tables for each major task. Cutting, sewing and finish work, plus a bracelet table if you are doing that as well. Set up an ironing area. Have extension cords and power strips available.</li>
<li>Before the event starts, have a few cut out, side seams ironed and trim cut and ready to go so that there is no delay in putting anyone to work.</li>
<li>If people are unfamiliar with the work flow, put instruction cards on each table. You may also want to print out a copy of the pattern instructions.</li>
<li>Feed your worker bees. Everyone works better on a full tummy!</li>
<li>Enjoy the company of other people as you do something wonderful. Take pride in your work and know that you are making clothing for angels :).</li>
</ol><div>When you're all done making a series of gowns, I suggest contacting your local Labor and Delivery unit. Ask for the infant bereavement specialist. This may be a nurse, chaplain or social worker. Arrange a time to drop the items off. You may also contact an area coordinator for <a href="http://www.nilmdts.org/">Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep</a>. Go to the webpage and search for photographers. Area coordinators are highlighted in red. They will then be able to distribute the items to their photographers.</div>Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-69155844178757556412011-10-04T16:39:00.002-06:002011-10-04T20:12:33.107-06:00Partner Organization: Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRg2MHw11z9yCav2KoeEIw1Dlx_LirvAGYdtap0MM0V7s3QBXEjOlV0mfTrN_5kVaknGieHH1iwMj57gaxmSe0gNGSTZ2ASOSKuj-JlXQOrJKETYJLVADP9jX4vikGNz0BJXvQvovKFx2/s1600/NILMDTSLandingLogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRg2MHw11z9yCav2KoeEIw1Dlx_LirvAGYdtap0MM0V7s3QBXEjOlV0mfTrN_5kVaknGieHH1iwMj57gaxmSe0gNGSTZ2ASOSKuj-JlXQOrJKETYJLVADP9jX4vikGNz0BJXvQvovKFx2/s1600/NILMDTSLandingLogo.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>One of my absolute favorite non-profit organizations is <a href="http://www.nilmdts.org/">Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep</a>. When I was pregnant with Elizabeth 6 years ago, it was just in it's infancy. A person suggested that I look in to having photographs taken at the hospital after she was born by one of their volunteers. I will confess that the idea initially sounded uncomfortable and weird. I had many fears about how she would look, particularly if she was stillborn. At the time, the handful of webpages I could find of other babies with Potter's Syndrome, none had good photos and some of their babies had pretty pronounced physical quirks.<br />
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A few weeks down the road, as I started to realize that this was going to be our only opportunity to make memories with our baby, I finally went to the organization webpage and searched for photographers in my area. The search yielded exactly one person for the entire state of Utah. And she happens to live just a few blocks away from me. What are the chances?? I contacted her, and was immediately reassured by her kind and welcoming nature.<br />
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Things got a little mixed up once we went to the hospital. I made the mistake of not letting her know that I was headed in to Labor and Delivery. (As a photographer now, I sincerely appreciate as much lead time as possible so that I can make arrangements to leave my kids to go do a session.) I simply put on my birth plan to have the nurses contact her once I'd delivered. Well, they messed up. A couple hours in to Elizabeth's three hours with us, I asked about it, and the nurse got flustered and said she hadn't been able to reach Julie. We called her ourselves, but by that point, our doctor had taken several photos on our camera, and I told her to not worry about coming, that we had plenty. This is a mistake that I still regret to this day. If there's one thing I've learned, you can never have too many photos! It's your only chance to document a precious time. Julie felt so bad, and offered to photograph our keepsakes from the hospital, retouch the photos we had taken, and come to the funeral home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eP32hCZ8eEFs6kalWhGPELvgQN45cEau7UFp_jUzMcK9Y9w0F8roWEPR3WgDlzyju-KOSReSaoP0FFbrzy0qoKXp0CEkZ9H3AE3U6eIC4Y-rhhX8efeU2a0CxS4jiw9a3zN05EoLyLMT/s1600/IMG_3429-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eP32hCZ8eEFs6kalWhGPELvgQN45cEau7UFp_jUzMcK9Y9w0F8roWEPR3WgDlzyju-KOSReSaoP0FFbrzy0qoKXp0CEkZ9H3AE3U6eIC4Y-rhhX8efeU2a0CxS4jiw9a3zN05EoLyLMT/s640/IMG_3429-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Julie did a beautiful, amazing job on the photos she took at the funeral home. I am SO grateful that she came and did that for us. Again, I was afraid of how Elizabeth would look once she had been prepared by the mortician, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that she looked like a gorgeous little doll. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm8dgYG7MoptMJe96isPXIWD7HE8uSKAoxv9E5bzvMGvjvnetnlplYTeBkrpqPm8StAvvnRnd11KEQal-ewEwr8vIFAUHN4w1jEazzIoPJ_hCemGA_pEeflfc2ORrnzXa6LgvE94Wr1Bb/s1600/IMG_3447-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm8dgYG7MoptMJe96isPXIWD7HE8uSKAoxv9E5bzvMGvjvnetnlplYTeBkrpqPm8StAvvnRnd11KEQal-ewEwr8vIFAUHN4w1jEazzIoPJ_hCemGA_pEeflfc2ORrnzXa6LgvE94Wr1Bb/s640/IMG_3447-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth in the hands of her Grandparents</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
What I didn't know at the time is that we were the very first family to contact Julie. She'd heard about NILMDTS and signed up a few months prior, but hadn't gotten any calls. Over time, the hospitals in our area have come to realize what a priceless and compassionate gift we are able to offer the families, and on average, our area coordinators field 300 or so calls per year. A year ago, I finally got brave enough (after much practice with photoshop and my camera + external flash) to start doing sessions myself.<br />
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Not only do our photographers go to the hospitals at any time of the night or day to do a private photosession, but they edit the images. This is a huge deal. Many of the babies need quite a bit of retouching in order to help the families remember them in the best possible way. A disc is provided to the family with images, and usually a slideshow as well, for no charge. For an average photosession that I do with a baby that doesn't have very problematic skin, it's an 8-10 hour investment of my time, including travel to and from the hospital, shooting time, and editing. For a difficult editing session, or a session with a large extended family and a higher number of images, that can easily double. Photographers are responsible for providing their own camera equipment, discs, labels, mailing costs, etc.<br />
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NILMDTS has grown from a small handful of photographers to literally thousands of volunteers all over the country. The organization runs primarily on donations, and has a small staff to manage the volunteer applications, session paperwork, training, etc. Julie is now serving as a volunteer board member and trainer. If you are interested in becoming an affiliated photographer, wander around their webpage, and then send me an email if you have further questions. I am happy to teach anyone what I know in order to facilitate them becoming an infant bereavement photographer.<br />
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October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss awareness month, and October 15th in particular is a day that we remember our angels. If you're looking for a wonderful place to donate money in honor of the angels in your life, <a href="http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/donate/">please consider NILMDTS</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5rRtXiFB7o0Gc-012tRCAk_PluQ57zOB5ufEQUOOx9MfEKFmt2ZvuswoNvlHxg9BDcZZgsWHEI5C9dgAlMcWLpI2cHuSSjnHY0ki7lD51Lu2NGT2OAcliYuwgrw_Qxp0scuDfezc6dln/s1600/IMG_3426-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5rRtXiFB7o0Gc-012tRCAk_PluQ57zOB5ufEQUOOx9MfEKFmt2ZvuswoNvlHxg9BDcZZgsWHEI5C9dgAlMcWLpI2cHuSSjnHY0ki7lD51Lu2NGT2OAcliYuwgrw_Qxp0scuDfezc6dln/s640/IMG_3426-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-63117451302976761202011-09-29T09:45:00.000-06:002011-09-29T09:45:22.374-06:00Crochet pattern for gownsI have a few people crocheting me example gowns from this pattern and similar ones, and I will post photos once I get my hands on them. Two modifications I request if you use this pattern are to make the opening in the back go either all the way down, or at least a 6" slit for ease of dressing, and either tighten up the stitch pattern on the skirt so that there aren't so many large holes or hand stitch a simple fabric liner inside the skirt.<br />
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(I also wouldn't recommend ironing on a poodle patch...random. But the iron mark gave me a good laugh.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevs-preemie-gown.html">Here's the link to the pattern!</a>Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-64557982154570156892011-09-26T12:03:00.001-06:002011-09-26T12:26:05.302-06:00Partner Organization Spotlight: Salt Lake Prenatal Massage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_an8Ze3lW9fEQnUTEBXytmCqrSDID4nmvgLlZqenSry91Tl3HXqz-5Fk3VDYQpIL3KRsEIkPziA_SdSEt4kZtO6R5ihr9jcHty8gsrea-DBHwPvepHuAu7NiU1o0FWDrjhG8GEYmY0bK/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+010+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_an8Ze3lW9fEQnUTEBXytmCqrSDID4nmvgLlZqenSry91Tl3HXqz-5Fk3VDYQpIL3KRsEIkPziA_SdSEt4kZtO6R5ihr9jcHty8gsrea-DBHwPvepHuAu7NiU1o0FWDrjhG8GEYmY0bK/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+010+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> I had the pleasure of visiting with Tammy Adams (left) and Rebecca Overson (right) last week at the Salt Lake Prenatal Massage clinic that Rebecca owns. Tammy is an angel mama, and as a result of her experience with massage after her loss, she has created a <a href="http://www.massageafterbabyloss.com/">Massage after Baby Loss </a>program. Tammy and Rebecca are working on gathering data about the benefits of massage in the process of healing, and have created a series of discounted massages for those that are willing to fill out a survey after each session. Tammy has also offered a single free massage for angel mamas in the area. Please contact her for details.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_RWE6B5TZIqCoCGgwPL1SZsFQvMAZscRiDYsK1wNQxSv-N5FtywSiWrklfHW4r4PEggpgVZBE2RSigq5Q74IWBUn7NHiAcge5IMlyLpOyQ1OLGsGjK6_w9anKO_5pvgMZLKOlD_XC0iK/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+014+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_RWE6B5TZIqCoCGgwPL1SZsFQvMAZscRiDYsK1wNQxSv-N5FtywSiWrklfHW4r4PEggpgVZBE2RSigq5Q74IWBUn7NHiAcge5IMlyLpOyQ1OLGsGjK6_w9anKO_5pvgMZLKOlD_XC0iK/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+014+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Don't let the name of the clinic fool you. Rebecca and her staff cater to women of all needs, not just pregnant women. They have set aside one massage room specifically for loss moms that is devoid of artwork or other pregnant reminders that may be painful triggers. I expressed my concern that angel moms may feel uncomfortable coming to the clinic at a time when the waiting room is full of blossoming bellies, and Tammy said they have made accommodations to schedule appointments to avoid that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcVRJ3Io5uF8FRyRUsZnYeHNsugq1dcFtdYu405DI1iI36HHpTHfFasAuxckxMRarL0K54gvsbWN6-445BrVU5KrufWwIUAgnbV29lITCaIhu-81K-mruNK0mECu589w10a7kZh3-Zl3Q/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+015+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcVRJ3Io5uF8FRyRUsZnYeHNsugq1dcFtdYu405DI1iI36HHpTHfFasAuxckxMRarL0K54gvsbWN6-445BrVU5KrufWwIUAgnbV29lITCaIhu-81K-mruNK0mECu589w10a7kZh3-Zl3Q/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+015+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> The waiting area is welcoming and comfortable, the sort of place that helps you immediately relax.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbg27DMMTEdV4FVYMmNWXIb7JSlVePRd7AKJK7AQ9V-ox5WxNgAP3nXLY3bbyWbECICldSrhr8aTzLfP9BYgJsfHhvO4JkodxOmZAP_Tlzb_XEknS0pPF08axBPqhDZbLxeu3UwwVGVKM/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+017+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbg27DMMTEdV4FVYMmNWXIb7JSlVePRd7AKJK7AQ9V-ox5WxNgAP3nXLY3bbyWbECICldSrhr8aTzLfP9BYgJsfHhvO4JkodxOmZAP_Tlzb_XEknS0pPF08axBPqhDZbLxeu3UwwVGVKM/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+017+small.jpg" width="469" /></a></div> Rebecca has hired an impressive staff to work at her clinic. They offer many services beyond massage, including yoga and other exercise classes geared particularly to the needs of their clientele.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquIIFmiLNdS8KhMiOLsm03kmmYusYtdFEqHvaAtbnIcMg1FkylihUihraPg0Ba99DMS89KZhYiIu8GLkaRaKxmzTnQ6pmniPBxs2Zs-cnhqwecyNK5bybgalq6dO-zYbucyaB40cmLH1W/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+018+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquIIFmiLNdS8KhMiOLsm03kmmYusYtdFEqHvaAtbnIcMg1FkylihUihraPg0Ba99DMS89KZhYiIu8GLkaRaKxmzTnQ6pmniPBxs2Zs-cnhqwecyNK5bybgalq6dO-zYbucyaB40cmLH1W/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+018+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XrE-awQwPJMN_3gpANPbLe2BjOS5GxTj1EJXQselthVsjhNCYIW7-V4LDKB8ECvFI1Jgvj3hN06dUYrRr9gaQmJ7D08orz88ASNWB9vjNetwhKcERWj3PDF6A98FotAzN_r_6P5e4INv/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+021+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XrE-awQwPJMN_3gpANPbLe2BjOS5GxTj1EJXQselthVsjhNCYIW7-V4LDKB8ECvFI1Jgvj3hN06dUYrRr9gaQmJ7D08orz88ASNWB9vjNetwhKcERWj3PDF6A98FotAzN_r_6P5e4INv/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+021+small.jpg" width="421" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recognizing that it is often difficult for moms to get child care in order to make it to a massage appointment, the clinic offers nannying on site for a reasonable fee if notified at the time of booking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQYymr4mPRkcmIBi6pt1KxEf2k4GfpIDdjVwOLlXvRjPLu4V42OvZ55gKFFC63mu0EZlI8VVXO9hoGFxaLSGMreZYloUbbgdaGMeEhtnMgH1gjYyM9Ywm97W410nXbMNg418feugF9pCY/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+020+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQYymr4mPRkcmIBi6pt1KxEf2k4GfpIDdjVwOLlXvRjPLu4V42OvZ55gKFFC63mu0EZlI8VVXO9hoGFxaLSGMreZYloUbbgdaGMeEhtnMgH1gjYyM9Ywm97W410nXbMNg418feugF9pCY/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+020+small.jpg" width="421" /></a></div>My daughter checked out the play room and it met with her approval.<br />
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So what's the big deal about massage? I can tell you from personal experience that it is not simply a back rub. Many loss moms have emotional and physical triggers associated with their birth experience that can be worked through with the assistance of a skilled massage therapist. I wish that I had thought of scheduling massages during the time between when I found out that Elizabeth had a fatal prognosis and when I gave birth. I believe it would have helped me process my grief in a more positive manner, and helped me relax and bond with her more fully before she was born. Instead, I remember those twelve weeks as being intensely stressful and full of more negative emotions than positive ones. I am still sad about it. Therefore, I am passing on this resource in hopes that it can help other angel moms have a better experience.<br />
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If you're looking for the nice thing to do for a friend or family member going through a loss, a massage is a great gift. I get asked frequently for ideas, and this is one of my favorites!Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-36906671968909363212011-09-25T15:57:00.000-06:002011-09-25T15:57:24.993-06:00Guidelines for hats and headbandsI often get asked about hats and headbands. They're an awesome gift for bereaved families, and also serve a very valuable purpose of covering bruising and providing support to fragile heads. I did a photosession recently for a family that doesn't speak English as their primary language. The hospital had a beautiful crocheted gown on hand, but nothing for their baby's little head. I pulled out a hat and a headband, and the mom's eyes immediately lit up when she saw the cute little pale pink flower on the headband. It was just the right touch.<br />
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There are a wide range of head sizes. It is easiest for me to visualize objects of comparison. The smallest little micropreemies have heads about the size of a plum. The next size up is about the size of an apple. Then a large navel orange, a grapefruit, and finally, normal newborn size.<br />
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One of my biggest issues with some of the hats I have had donated in the past is their lack of stretch. In order to slide these hats on without damaging fragile skin, they need to be quite stretchy. Preferably stretchy enough to turn them inside out and carefully flip them right side out onto their head. I've had a lot of hats donated that were made on the round looms. Some of them work ok, depending on what kind of yarn is used, but many of them are pretty tight. The more flexible ones are either sewn from stretchy fabric, crocheted or knitted.<br />
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I <i>love</i> hats that have a little bit of character. Little embellishments like a flower, pom pom or a button, or a pale blue stripe as an accent make it so much more personal of a gift. One of my favorite hats that I've photographed was a cute beenie style hat with a crocheted purple flower on the front that matched the accompanying blanket. Just like I posted in the previous post about yarn colors, though, stay away from rainbow yarn. Blotchy hat + bruised skin doesn't come out looking so great. Also, yellow and green don't complement the skin tone well either.<br />
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Here are some links to patterns that I particularly like.<br />
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<a href="http://carissaknits.blogspot.com/2007/07/preemie-hats-for-charity.html">Knit hat patterns</a> (These are my absolute favorite! So cute!)<br />
<a href="http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/micro-preemie-bonnet.html">Crocheted bonnet for little girls</a><br />
<a href="http://niftyknitting.com/basic-charity-hats/">Knit hat and bootie sets</a><br />
<a href="http://niftyknitting.com/cute-as-a-button-preemie-hat/">Knit hat and hand mitt set</a> (This may not be very stretchy, but it's very cute. More muted shades would be desirable, but the embellishment concept is great.)<br />
<a href="http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/tonis-hats.html">Crocheted hat and bonnet patterns</a> (This hat looks like it may not be as stretchy. I would love some feedback if you try this pattern.)<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/some-tiny-hugs-mini-kimono-and-beanie-set">Hat and Kimono set </a>(totally adorable, and I'd love them in sizes as small as fitting around a standard bottle of water)<br />
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Headbands are fantastic for baby girls. Use soft, stretchy banding that's at least 1/2" wide up to 5/8". Flowers and bows should be 1-1 1/2" in diameter. As cute as ginormous big-as-their-head flowers are on healthy newborns, they're a bit much for bereavement use. Pale pinks, purples, creams, whites, and even pale yellow as an accent color are all great.<br />
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I will come back and edit this post to include photos in the next week or so, but in the mean time I just wanted to get some patterns up for those that have requested it.<br />
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Thank you!Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-35306110967306495732011-09-19T16:55:00.002-06:002011-09-25T22:26:53.708-06:00Featured Pattern: Sleeper SacksA friend brought my attention to these two patterns, and I love them. They're essentially the same, just one for crocheters and one for knitters. We have difficulty finding things for the especially small babies, the 18-22 week gestation angels that are well under a pound. Any of you crafty ladies and gentlemen out there that can whip some of these up, I will make sure they get put to good use. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlihHgz0M_xJoj7P7SAF4IGc5N2mBYWrh0pRN5j-4FKND5n9Q2212XaSDuPKui42kN6dY-N3H4iIMvN4WVe6Uk90k6HnKdA-nMtR-kqLNG18heaj5vMn3ReqZQ2yjeF5mGencqFugsd1GY/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+002+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="589" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlihHgz0M_xJoj7P7SAF4IGc5N2mBYWrh0pRN5j-4FKND5n9Q2212XaSDuPKui42kN6dY-N3H4iIMvN4WVe6Uk90k6HnKdA-nMtR-kqLNG18heaj5vMn3ReqZQ2yjeF5mGencqFugsd1GY/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+002+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Pardon the ugly front-seat-of-my-van backdrop. I picked these up from Angela (HUGE THANKS to her for staying up in to the wee hours to complete these in one day for a family in need), and went right to the post office with them. I mailed the blue one along with sewn gowns of each size of my pattern for a little babe with a chromosomal problem that makes extra those angels extra small, so I wanted the parents to be able to have something in each size range to be prepared for any time that he chooses to be born.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym3K5dfkK7ql1EtkdeHuGvt1V7TKZ5K05FUnWqJqcP8xCkQ774EVZ3xmZmRRvos11mcNK8QiJLBhV4aoTt5zGLCZDqrrcckinpU8FwkTKBUjqzkLCuJmDyxZ6oTsin2H0quPL0_uIZAWU/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+005+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym3K5dfkK7ql1EtkdeHuGvt1V7TKZ5K05FUnWqJqcP8xCkQ774EVZ3xmZmRRvos11mcNK8QiJLBhV4aoTt5zGLCZDqrrcckinpU8FwkTKBUjqzkLCuJmDyxZ6oTsin2H0quPL0_uIZAWU/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+005+small.jpg" width="469" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">This size is absolutely perfect and fills an unmet need for babies that are 18-22 weeks gestation, in the 8-12 ounce/8-10 inch size range.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKnOb-DShWhz45EerF3hFPYzwT2xjpV6VnIsQsF9a_sngB86Oj4348sRV826lbQ_2r9ESmmP70pL9di9ogSHnPMnvXB8pxrILKd3Gee9fXZ3rN9-rz_gSq2dusLzcUaXkqZO8ucoL95OR/s1600/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+008+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKnOb-DShWhz45EerF3hFPYzwT2xjpV6VnIsQsF9a_sngB86Oj4348sRV826lbQ_2r9ESmmP70pL9di9ogSHnPMnvXB8pxrILKd3Gee9fXZ3rN9-rz_gSq2dusLzcUaXkqZO8ucoL95OR/s640/Sept+2011+Sleep+sacks%252C+SLC+PM+008+small.jpg" width="421" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I'm a very visual person when it comes to size comparisons. I slid this little sleeper sack over a standard size water bottle and it fit absolutely perfectly. I adore the matching hat.</td></tr>
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Something that I am going to reiterate over and over again, and I am particularly bringing it to your attention on this first post because of the photo in the crochet pattern, is that rainbow yarn doesn't look very good with babies that have bruising and other skin discoloration. In black and white photos it just comes out looking blotchy. Stick with simple, muted, solid colors like blue, pink, purple, white and cream. I actually like the stripes in the knit pattern photo, and little touches like a nice decorative edging are great. But fuchsia, turquoise, yellow, orange, green, royal blue...just trust me when I say they don't photograph well either next to angel skin.<br />
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Measurement wise, many of the babies I have photographed in this size range are 8-10" total length from head to toe, with roughly a 6- 6 1/2" wingspan. It's better to ere on the side of making the sack a little bit longer, so completed sacks that are 6" wide from sleeve tip to sleeve tip and 10" long, and ones that are a little smaller, 5 1/2" wide and 8" long would be great. Make the sleeves large enough in diameter to comfortably pass your thumb through so that it's not difficult to ease their little arms in. Even short sleeve sacks would be welcome. If you really want to make me faint with happiness, make a matching hat small enough to go over a large plum to small apple size head.<br />
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Click on the following links for patterns:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://debbiespreemiepatterns.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/sleeper-sack-crochet-version/">Sleeper Sack - Crochet Version</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://debbiespreemiepatterns.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/sleeper-sack-knit-version/">Sleeper Sack - Knit Version</a></span>Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98380497655420021.post-59632888180177164122011-09-18T22:37:00.000-06:002013-03-28T16:02:18.151-06:00Welcome!After the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPz0SYdjqB8">KUTV news segment</a> aired on Wednesday, I have been inundated with so many wonderful offers to help. I am thrilled! This little grassroots project of mine that I took on five years ago as a way to honor my daughter is ready to grow into something great. With your help, we can do amazing things and serve far more angel families than I have been able to up to this point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4xzVfJkrhCjl6zfb6qB-SPDagARdJCmGRPYL4bQlJwsTkvHEOkO6KOcaEy4UIGema-f8BuzYleXBorEqMoW3DbhqZ0DRu6munJyYuDvZ07QyRyAxU1C5fAzGQgJ27b0tKa9XzFn7Ng4o/s1600/IMG_3452-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4xzVfJkrhCjl6zfb6qB-SPDagARdJCmGRPYL4bQlJwsTkvHEOkO6KOcaEy4UIGema-f8BuzYleXBorEqMoW3DbhqZ0DRu6munJyYuDvZ07QyRyAxU1C5fAzGQgJ27b0tKa9XzFn7Ng4o/s640/IMG_3452-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Elizabeth Jane is the reason I started all of this. We didn't know whether she was going to be a boy or a girl because the complete lack of fluid made ultrasound imaging very difficult. I finally got up the guts to purchase boy and girl outfits to take to the hospital about a month after the initial ultrasound, feeling an urgency to have something on hand. Once she was born, I realized that I wanted to keep the clothes she wore while she was alive, which meant that immediately after we were discharged from the hospital, we had to stop off at Babies R Us to look for a burial outfit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbw52F5u7jyHeYCsJ2CiCGvQpAj3vVUz40TdBGlAEvDjacfULw0JebzejpDZbaN98NP0TWGrQ8RHAgvWlBunJMFVuKXo32cWb82XztyQ55JPhIPqDFFuUWNCBARbVx5warzVZ9q7jaldl/s1600/IMG_3464-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbw52F5u7jyHeYCsJ2CiCGvQpAj3vVUz40TdBGlAEvDjacfULw0JebzejpDZbaN98NP0TWGrQ8RHAgvWlBunJMFVuKXo32cWb82XztyQ55JPhIPqDFFuUWNCBARbVx5warzVZ9q7jaldl/s640/IMG_3464-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
No one should ever have to do that. Period. The closest thing we could find that fit her petite little less than three pound frame was a newborn size sweater that fit her like a dress, and we had to roll the sleeves inside. The pink shirt underneath is a newborn size undershirt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcSLk4RHkrTju6_6X-OwRJ7R3cEQHiRgOPIJTylPJ9PgiksT2Ohi6A9HAl1dwoB7NNwv79knrV-iT6xS2azm9BzDlkkOISqQzFz8KO9iAJgk_c1HaNNP1VZmn-9t3gcHe5ZBmqNPbrq7d/s1600/IMG_3465-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcSLk4RHkrTju6_6X-OwRJ7R3cEQHiRgOPIJTylPJ9PgiksT2Ohi6A9HAl1dwoB7NNwv79knrV-iT6xS2azm9BzDlkkOISqQzFz8KO9iAJgk_c1HaNNP1VZmn-9t3gcHe5ZBmqNPbrq7d/s640/IMG_3465-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Wrapping my beautiful girl up for the last time. My older kids helped me choose the flannel for this blanket, and I made them matching patchwork blankets in the same size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ik0s3hLwRsMqbJ6pqhIoWMFreVJxLfWHL8OajlOu7LztLNQHyx7ltRfFwioxgTQwHX-sz5pvCWEqJ2sNyJPEaavXtX7Er9hC1RoE2IgkuEDEary1s2RBif2i8c_bEE7mV4IctJqEI7-o/s1600/IMG_3468-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ik0s3hLwRsMqbJ6pqhIoWMFreVJxLfWHL8OajlOu7LztLNQHyx7ltRfFwioxgTQwHX-sz5pvCWEqJ2sNyJPEaavXtX7Er9hC1RoE2IgkuEDEary1s2RBif2i8c_bEE7mV4IctJqEI7-o/s640/IMG_3468-01.jpg" width="423" /></a></div>
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I am eternally grateful to <a href="http://www.juliewilliamsphotography.com/">Julie Williams</a>, for taking these photos for us at the funeral home. </div>
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It's going to take me a few days to get things really rolling on this blog, so I hope that you will subscribe or check back in frequently. My intention is to post links to patterns, as well as resources about how to start a sewing group in your own area. I have had dozens of offers for help from people that live outside of my geographical area, and I would love to see you all serve in your community. <br />
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The wonderful thing about this sort of volunteering is that it can be done entirely at your own speed. If you have a lot of energy and time on your hands for a few days, then work your little heart out. If life gets busy and you need to set it aside for a few months, no worries. The need is constant. We'll still be here when you're ready to come back.<br />
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What I can tell you from personal experience both as the mom of an angel and from my service as a <a href="http://www.nilmdts.org/">Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep</a> affiliated photographer is that the items you provide can literally turn the worst day of someone's life around into one of peace and closure. Having something beautiful to dress and wrap their baby in is a gift of immeasurable value. Particularly in the cases of sudden stillbirths and micropreemies, the parents are unprepared with anything appropriately sized.<br />
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What you contribute <i>will</i> make a difference, and my belief is that everyone can be taught to do at least some aspect of the crafting. So round up a bunch of friends, go shopping for supplies, and set to work making clothes for angels. You will be blessed for your efforts.Nurse Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05701919857269926765noreply@blogger.com5