Sewing Ideas for Community Service Projects

The closer I get to my Haiti mission the more obsessed I get. It seems like all I think about. I've been collecting supplies from everywhere I go. It's also hard to stay focused to get other things done. Good thing the hubby likes to cook.
Still, the idea of going on a mission leads me to community service projects. With the approach of the holiday it also helps remind us there are folks who are in need...and a sewing talent can help them a bit. I found a few ideas, things to sew that would be appreciated.

Days For Girls

Ever wonder what happens to girls in places where feminine hygiene (read that as tampons and sanitary pads) aren't readily available?  They can't go to school. They stay home and lose days. Days for Girls provides washable hygiene kits for girls. The organization supplies patterns for the pads and the bags. 

Project Linus

Like Linus in the Peanuts comic strip, Project Linus is about blankets (OK, Linus was into the Great Pumpkin, too, but he had his blanket with him). Crocheted, knitted, sewn, or quilted. Even baby doll blankets. The site has patterns to make a sorts of blankets to warm up a little sweetie. 

Sewing.Org

Live near a nursing home or rehab facility? Some things that are appreciated are adult bibs, walker caddies, and wheelchair totes. How about checking with a chemo clinic about chemo turbans? Or a lap robe for someone in a wheelchair.  Go to Sewing.org for patterns and ideas.   

P.S. All the patterns are free.

The Painted Turtle

Paul Newman was a gifted actor (with gorgeous blue eyes, I might add) who created the Hole in the Wall camps for seriously ill children. One of those camps is called the Painted Turtle. Sew up an adorable turtle pillow to donate to the children of this amazing camp. Click HERE for instructions and pattern.

Ronald McDonald House and Fisher House Charities

Like to make pillowcases? I do, and I love to make them with cutest kid-friendly fabric. Perfect for a Ronald McDonald House donation. Click HERE for a link to ideas to help. The Fisher House is for the families of veterans to stay at VA and military hospitals. Think grown-up and patriotic fabrics for this one. 

OK, that's a few ideas to start with. Join a group or start one. Either way, make a difference in the lives of others and, in doing so, you'll make a difference in yours.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.
   

New Listings at GoofingOff Sewing

 I have so much going on that I almost don't know where to start. The first fundraiser for our medical mission is done and it was a success! Just the right amount of chili, cornbread, and fixings, lots of friends and family, and donations to buy medical supplies for those in need. The venison chili came out great. We had chili to go and that sold out, too. We might hold another fundraiser closer to Christmas featuring our Mission Cookies. 

This week is our yard sale with proceeds going to our mission expenses. We need money for translators, food and lodging, and transportation.  It'll give me a chance to clear some things out that I haven't had a chance to list on Etsy. Folks have donated a few things to help out. I have a number of vintage rolling pins and teapots to set out among other things. Wish us luck.

In the meantime I have new patterns in GoofingOff Sewing.....great holiday dresses for the girls, outfits for the ladies, and a few things for the guys with just enough time to put together a few gifts.

Simplicity 8118 Misses' Jumper Size 10 UNCUT

So retro and easy to wear. 

McCall's 6544 Misses' Sundress Size 8 UNCUT

A casual look with a flattering cut that flows. 

1940's DuBarry 6018 Boys' Playsuit and Jacket in size 1. COMPLETE

So cute in a size 1 from the 1940's. I can hardly believe it survived the years. 

Simplicity 5287 Jiffy Ties....Straight and Bow Ties, 1970's Style 

Ties in a Jiffy pattern....be still my heart. The envelope doesn't look too good but the pattern is a treasure. The only part that was cut was the bow tie and it is still usable. Great look for a wedding party.

Simplicity 8338 Personal0Fit Pattern Pants in Size 8 & 10 COMPLETE

Pants for a personal fit from the 1970's. 

McCall's 3281 Girls' Jumper Dress, Top, and Pants Size 6 COMPLETE

So retro and easy to sew. Cute look for a little girl.

Simplicity 7413 Girl's Dress and Shawl from 1976. UNCUT Size 12 & 14

This dress is a timeless look from the 1970's. 

McCall's 3224 Girls' Dress and Pullover Top in size 8 UNCUT

More retro looks for girls from the 1970's. 

So, there's a taste of the new listings in GoofingOff Sewing. New fabrics, too, like Dora the Explorer, Miami Dolphins, and Spongebob.

Miami Dolphin Fabric 60 inch wide by the half yard

Dora the Explorer by the half yard.

Spongebob and Patrick 44 inch by the half yard.

Lots of great stuff so stop by when you have a chance. I'll keep listing and adding. 

There's always something going on at GoofingOff Sewing.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.