Candy's Creations - More Donations from New York

All of these beautiful items were crafted by Candy in New York....yet another person with a heart of gold and a desire to use her talents to reach out to others.  This is another story of someone I now call friend, but I've never actually met. 

In this second batch of items from Candy, there are FOUR complete sets consisting of afghans, hats, booties and matching butterflies - we will add matching gowns.  There are also several sets of hats, booties and coordinating butterflies that will give us the opportunity to add coordinating quilts and gowns to complete an ensemble ....not to mention there is a handful of individual hats, etc.

Because of Candy's donation, with just a few added items here and there, we will have MANY complete Angel Ensembles ready for distribution to NICU units.

Candy is able to sit and crochet as she watches baseball games.  In fact, I've just realized that she is an author and busy traveler...all for the love of baseball. 

You can check out her website at:  www.adventuresofabaseballfan.com

Candy sounds like a fun person who I'm sure I'll enjoy meeting one of these days!

In the meantime...THANK YOU Candy for all the beautiful crocheted gifts. 

Wishing you many hours of "on the edge of your seat" baseball games, which will result in many more hours of crocheting for Grandma's Promise! :)

Blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma)

Hats and Preemie Wraps Galore from New Jersey

Can you believe it?  Another box of goodies arrived in my mailbox!  These two precious crocheted preemie wraps/capes and a mountain of knitted hats in all sizes and colors!  Amazing!!!!!!!

This box was made and donated by a new friend that I've never met named Annie in New Jersey.  She was introduced to Grandma's Promise by yet another relatively new friend of mine that I've never met named Marie in New Jersey. :)  Yes, you read my words correctly...I've never met these wonderful ladies. 

Marie and I "know" each other only through a Facebook group, but once she heard about Grandma's Promise, she wanted to help.  Then she told Annie about us! 

Just imagine how quickly we could grow and supply more and more NICU units with these needed items if one person told one person, then that person told another, etc., etc., etc. 

Once again I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of others!

Annie telephoned me to let me know that she hasn't stopped and that there will be more to come.  Annie is 71 years young and after our telephone conversation, I'm certain she can run circles around me.  She is full of energy and is excited to continue making these items to donate to precious little ones and their families. 

THANK YOU Annie!

Blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma)

More Beautiful Ensembles from Marianne

Another box of beautiful creations arrived in the mail from Marianne in New York.  This woman is simply amazing!!!!  In this latest box of handcrafted items, she has made FIVE complete Angel Ensembles and a handful of extra hats. 

Each ensemble is unique and has it's own special coordinated colors.

There is blue and yellow, rose and sage green, blue and cream, pink and cream, lavender and pink.....and she not only crocheted the bonnets, booties, afghans, and butterflies...but she sewed tiny gowns from soft flannel to match!!!!!!

In the photo above, everything is neatly folded in sets but I will share more detailed photos of each ensemble once we have the boxes ready to be shipped out to the NICU units....which will be soon! :)

I know I tend to say the same thing often, but I am just so humbled by the hearts of others and their willingness to give of their time and talents to reach out to families, complete strangers, in their moment of grief and to also craft items that are used on a daily basis for infants that are small but do survive!

THANK YOU again Marianne!

Blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma)

Butterfly Abundance

I'm slow getting the photo posted, but another box has arrived from a group of crafters in Texas who wish to remain anonymous.  This is the second box they have sent.

This box was bursting with butterflies galore...all colors.  For those new to Grandma's Promise, we include a crocheted butterfly inside each Angel Ensemble (consisting of an Angel Gown, afghan or quilt, bonnet or hat and a pair of booties).

In addition to 40 or so butterflies, there were a few hats and afghans.

Many thanks go to these wonderful ladies in Texas for their giving hearts and desire to use their talents and hobbies to help us supply NICU units with needed items.

THANK YOU and continued blessings to the Texas group!

Theresa (aka Grandma)

Grandma's Promise in South Africa!!!

Meet Tertia in South Africa!!!!  Who would have ever thought that in less than two months time, Grandma's Promise would be at work, and going strong in a place far, far away from Owego, New York..... all the way in South Africa!!!  Once again, another confirmation that God's plans are much bigger than my own!

Tertia contacted me with a desire to help and make items for donations to Grandma's Promise.  She is able to knit some of the most adorable items. 

Rather than her go to the expense of shipping items to the states, it just made more sense for her to make items to donate to her local hospital NICU. 

Tertia is now our very first official representative for Grandma's Promise in South Africa. 

She recently wrote:  I know a paediatric surgeon in the Red Cross Hospital. He takes the articles to the NICU directly! I have sent the first batch ( in die photograph) already. And added the Grandma`s Promise note as well.

Lots of love

Tertia

Thank you Tertia for so beautifully representing Grandma's Promise in your own corner of the world!

Blessings,
Theresa (Grandma)

Assembly Line Sewing

Wow, I sure wish I had thought of this little trick sooner!  Sewing the gowns that are a part of the Angel Ensembles is fairly easy and quick....except for finishing the pesky neck opening.  I had gotten to the point that I dreaded having to do that one little, itty, bitty seam UNTIL I had a "duh moment" at the fabric store. 

Looky, looky what I found in the "notions" section:

Yes, I admit that I SHOULD have thought of this earlier, but to be completely honest, I didn't realize I could purchase such small (1/4") double fold bias tape.  My goodness....this stuff has been a life saver!  I was able to purchase it in several colors (light pink, lavender, yellow, white, beige, navy blue, green).  The only color that I need but couldn't find was light blue. :(

I can't believe how much easier and FASTER it was to finish the neck opening for these tiny gowns.  What had always taken me a good 15 minutes (on a good sewing day), can now be accomplished in a couple of minutes literally!!! 

Just look at how neat everything looks now.  GOODBYE to puckers, ripples and cally-whompus seams.  No more pulling my hair out or beating my head against the sewing machine!!! 

1/4" double fold bias tape is my new best friend!!!! :)

In fact, because of this wonderful find, I actually had the nerve to cut out 12 angel gowns and sew them up "assembly line" method.

Hummm, I wonder what other little time-savers are yet to be discovered?  Remember, I never claimed to be a seamstress....I'm learning as I go!

Blessings,
Theresa (Grandma)

Some Days are Hard!

Do you know how you feel after you've set a goal, worked endlessly to see it accomplished, excitedly experienced the final product.....then the adrenaline subsides and "the blahs" arrive full force?  :)  To some extent, that's how I was feeling after the first box of donations was mailed off to the hospital NICU over a week ago.  I was wondering if I had the energy (emotional and physical) to keep it up, to do it all over again. 

Then, pair this feeling with the fact that I was just having a few hard days when I grieved the loss of Morgan and Meghan more than normal.  Don't get me wrong....a day doesn't go by when I don't think of them and miss their presence in our lives.....but some days are easier to handle....and some days aren't!!!

As that first box of donated preemie items was being prepared to ship off, an unexpected box arrived on my door step.  As I slowly peeled back all the packing papers, a beautiful Silver Willow figurine of a praying angel on her knees emerged....and to make it extra special, there was also a base to set the angel on that had been personalized with the names of my grand-babies...Morgan and Meghan. 

Isn't it funny how God knows exactly when we need a little boost, that extra "something" that lets us know that we haven't been forgotten, that others understand our pain and loss?  I have placed this angel where I see it constantly as I continue to work on preemie items for the next donation.  It is a reminder of my promise to my grandchildren and it gives me strength to continue this ministry created in their honor and memory.

I hope these next few words will come out right....

It's not always easy to make the items needed for Grandma's Promise. 

Let me try to explain myself.  It's "easy on the heart" of crafters to make hats and booties for premature babies that need them on a daily basis to help keep their core body temperatures warm while they grow and thrive.  These types of items are needed and used, and our hearts can smile as we use our talents to create the tiny items.....knowing that what we've made is helping that baby grow healthy enough to leave the hospital and go home with their families.

On the other hand, it can be "hard on the hearts" of each crafter who creates the items to be used in an Angel Ensemble.  It takes a special heart to be willing to create these sets, to make them as beautiful as possible, knowing that the family of the infant who will receive our gifts will be crying tears of sorrow rather than tears of joy. 

I'm just so thankful to all the crafters who have already contributed and will continue to do so as their schedules allow.  I'm also very humbled to see new crafters step forward and volunteer to help this ministry grow.

Just a few days ago, a box arrived from a group of crafters in Texas.  Imagine my surprise when the box literally burst open when I removed the packing tape!  I couldn't believe my eyes....all of the items that they had been able to stuff into this one box!  Just look.....

24 pair of booties, 12 hats, 12 bonnets, 1 crocheted gown, 5 afghans, 9 butterflies
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

My energy has been renewed and I'm anxious to sew gowns to pair with these afghans, hats and booties for more Angel Ensembles.  I continue to be humbled by the generosity of others.  The past few days have also brought support from those wishing to fund supplies for those who can continue to do the actual crafting.

If you would like to help, don't be shy! :)  You don't have to know how to do and make EVERYTHING in order to be a part of this ministry.  For example, if you want to make bonnets only (or booties, or afghan, etc.)....please make them and we will pair them with items that others have made to complete a set. 

The happenings of the last few days has only confirmed that Grandma's Promise was meant to be and that it is meant to continue.  This could not be possible without the support and hard work of all the crafters who have "jumped in the boat" with me and the overall generosity of others.

Forever humbled,
Theresa (Grandma)

First Official Donation on it's way to NICU!

With the wonderful help of others, the first box of donations from Grandma's Promise is on it's way to bless premature babies and their families in the Johnson City Medical Center NICU in Johnson City, TN!!!!  My hope and sincere desire is that new items will be delivered on a monthly basis.

Because of your encouragement and support, I humbly announce that this first official donation consists of 90 items!!!!  Yes....90 items!!!! (And I'm not even counting the butterflies in the total!)

Bagged up and ready to go!

This first donation consists of:
     8 Angel Gowns
     8 Angel Afghans/Quilts
     8 Angel Bonnets/Hats
     8 pair of Angel Booties
     58 individual hats for daily use

Yesterday was a very busy day as we prepared everything for shipment.  The last step was to create a card insert that will be given to the parents of the precious little ones that receive any of our Angel Ensembles.  The crocheted butterfly is placed inside the card for the grieving mother.

It's hard to comprehend just how much has been accomplished in a short amount of time.  I am so thankful to all of you!  Almost two months ago, Morgan and Meghan were born and two days later went to Heaven.  Less than one month ago, the decision was made to create this blog in order to allow others to know my heart's desire to begin this ministry in memory of Morgan and Meghan.  In fact, the very first blog post was posted April 9, 2012.

A picture is worth a thousand words....so take a look at everything that is included in this first donation.  Information under each photo shares the name of the crafter or name of someone who donated financially to purchase supplies.

Entire Angel Ensemble handcrafted and donated by Marianne

Entire Angel Ensemble handcrafted and donated by Marianne

Afghan, Hat and Booties crocheted and donated by Candy
Gown supplies funded by Shirley

Afghan, Hat and Booties crocheted and donated by Candy
Gown supplies funded by Shirley

Funds for all supplies donated by Marie

Funds for all supplies donated by Marie

Funds for all supplies donated by Marie

The very first Angel Ensemble I made for Grandma's Promise

Sampling of the 58 individual hats donated
Crafted by Candy, Marianne, Theresa

Crocheted Butterflies are included in each Angel Ensemble
as a small gift to the child's parents

I know that people are helping without any expectation of recognition, but I had to share with you the giving hearts of others.....from actually handcrafting the items to monetary donations to purchase supplies.

I'm also excited to share that others are busy making items to be included in future donations.  Just let me know if you'd like to help!  We can use everyone!

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see crafters from all over the world become representatives of Grandma's Promise?  Wouldn't it be great to see the list of NICU units receiving donations grow!  Anything is possible....one day at a time!

Again, I want to thank ALL of you for helping me honor my promise to Morgan and Meghan.  I believe in my heart that they are happy to see the good that is being accomplished in their memory.

Blessings,
Theresa (Grandma)

Boxed up!

Preemie Quilts - A new idea for Angel Ensemble

For a change, (and to give my poor fingers a rest from constant crocheting), I decided to make a couple of Angel Ensembles with coordinating fabric quilts rather than crocheted afghans.

The quilt is a simple 9-Patch design.....

Using the same fabric as was used to make the angel gown, I cut a total of four - 5" blocks.  Then using a coordinating pink solid, another five - 5" blocks were cut.  Since I wanted to pair lavender crocheted booties and bonnet with this gown, I chose a lavender print to make the borders (2 1/2" wide strips).

A very soft pink dot on white flannel was used to back the quilt....

 A very thin batting was used between the top and bottom layers of the quilt.  To keep things simple, I used the "quilt in the ditch" method to outline the blocks and border.

Since my brain tends to think in "pairs"....I then put together another Angel Ensemble appropriate for a baby boy....

Once again....I used the same fabric in both the gown and quilt.

Soft coordinating blue dot on white flannel backing....

Blue crocheted hat and booties were added to complete the ensemble.  (Needless to say, coordinating crocheted butterflies are also included in each set.) :)

Until next time,
Theresa (Grandma)

Butterfly Memories

Having wonderful friends who think of brilliant ideas is a wonderful thing to have in life!  My dear friend Marianne contacted me a few days ago.  She recalled reading a comment my mother had made after we lost our Morgan and Meghan. 

My mom's comment....

"I call them my little butterflies. They flew in just long enough to steal a part of my heart, and then flew away to Heaven."

Marianne suggested that as part of each Angel Baby Ensemble created and donated, we should include a crocheted butterfly as a gift for the mother of these precious tiny ones.  This simple gift will be something she can hold close, or even pin next to her heart....hopefully, something to bring a touch of comfort to her as she grieves the loss of her little one.

Free crochet patterns for butterflies can be found by the hundreds online, simple ones and complex ones.  I took ideas from numerous patterns and came up with this extremely simple one that can be finished in 10 minutes or less.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to pin a butterfly to each card included in the individual Angel Ensemble packages for the NICU nurses to share with the parents.

Directions.....

Round 1:  Chain 6, sl st in 6th ch from hook to form ring.  Chain 3 (counts as first dc).  Inside of ring work 2 dc, chain 2 *3 dc, chain 2.  Repeat from * 6 more times. 
Join with sl st in top of first dc (beginning chain).    Chain 3, turn to work in opposite direction on next round.

Round 2:  (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next chain 2 space. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each remaining chain 2 space.  Join with sl st in top of beginning chain 3. Do not chain or turn.

Round 3:  Sl st in next 2 dc, sl st in next ch 2 sp.  Ch 3, 9 dc in same sp. * SC in next open space, 10 dc in next ch 2 sp.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl st in top of beginning chain 3. 

Fasten off but leave an extra long length of yarn to use when sewing butterfly together and attaching antennae.

Antennae:

Make a chain the length you'd like the antennae (I did 10 chains)...the chain will be folded in half to create the antennae. Fasten off. I tied an extra knot on both ends of my "chain".

Fold motif in half to create butterfly....

Use the long piece of yarn to sew your butterfly together along the center.

With the remaining long piece of yarn, sew your antennae in the center of the beginning circle.

Whenever possible, wouldn't it be nice to make the butterfly in the same yarn used to make the hat and booties?

Do you have ideas to share?  Please do!!!

By the way...if you find any errors in these directions...PLEASE let me know so it can be corrected.  I'm known to make mistakes! :)

Blessings,
Theresa (Grandma)