Gearing Up for New Donation

I know it's been awhile since there was a new post...but things have been relatively quiet as far as donations go.  Our crafters continue to work their magic producing beautiful items and I've just been waiting for the next opportunity to send out a batch.

Most of our hospitals still had Angel Ensembles on hand so they weren't ready for a new delivery just yet.  And of course, keep in mind that this is the time of year (during the holidays) when crafting groups will typically make their one time, or yearly donation of specific items (blankets or hats usually)...in other words, hospitals are probably receiving multiple donations during this time period.

Grandma's Promise is an on-going ministry and our hope is to keep the NICU's supplied all year round.  I've told each hospital that my intent is to have a stock of Angel Ensembles ready to be delivered at a moments notice.

As I had mentioned in an earlier post, we are working towards adding at least one, possibly two more hospitals to our list of recipients.  I was notified this week that our newest hospital, Wilson NICU in Binghamton, NY is ready.  I'm now just waiting for word on the exact day and time to make this first donation to their hospital (possibly as early as tomorrow).

My sewing room table is slowly stacking up as I'm making sure each Ensemble has everything needed to complete the sets.

I have a container of afghans/quilts, one for hats, one for booties, one for gowns, and one for butterflies (and of course there are a few already complete Ensembles from those of you that are putting them together yourself).

I always think it is so neat to see individual items, made by different crafters, match perfectly to create a complete Angel Ensemble.  As an example.....

The soft peach micro-preemie sized cap, booties and butterfly was in a past donation package from our wonderful crafter Candy V. in NY.  She had actually sent an entire Ensemble using this yarn and that Ensemble was included in an earlier donation.  This hat, booties and butterfly (my guess) was crocheted using the leftover yarn she had from the first Ensemble.  I received another huge box of items this week from our Texas Crafters and as soon as I pulled this lovely afghan made from a varigated yarn in white, pink and PEACH....I instantly remembered the items I had stored from Candy V. just waiting to be matched and used to complete an Angel Ensemble.  The white crocheted gown was one left from a previous box of donations from the Texas Crafters.  Didn't the individual items make a precious set when paired together?

Needless to say, we have an awesome group of crafters (we couldn't do this without them)....but there's always room for more.  I wanted to share that we have added a new quilter to Grandma's Promise.  Please welcome Billie in NY! :)

Billie made three beautiful preemie quilts and I received them last week.  They are lined with a soft baby flannel and it is very evident the love and care she put into making these items.

Thank you Billie in NY!!!

Thank you also to Candy V. in NY, Rena in PA, Annie in NJ, Marianne in NY, Lillian in TN, Tertia in South Africa and the Texas Crafters!!!!!!  (I hope my feeble mind has not accidentally left someone out of the list!)

Blessings everyone!
Grandma (aka Theresa)

150 Hats to Hospital in Savannah, Georgia

Just a quick update to let everyone know that a HUGE box of 150 crocheted hats was shipped last Thursday to the St. Joseph-Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA.  Our contact nurse there let me know that the box arrived on Saturday!

I had mistakenly being saying this was another NICU....actually, this is considered a Special Care Nursery.

We are currently working on a few Angel Ensembles in larger sizes to send their way also.

More updates to come over the next few days...I'm currently putting together a donation of Angel Ensembles for a hospital in Binghamton, NY....details on that later. :)

Thanks again for everyone's support!

No Other Word But AMAZING!

Approximately one month ago, I sent out an e-mail to the current core group of crafters supporting Grandma's Promise.  In that message, I explained that we had a specific need for larger, newborn sized hats for one of our newest donation recipients.  I asked that everyone put aside the projects they were working on for our preemie Angel Ensembles and concentrate on this special need.

I should also say that immediately prior to this request, all of these crafters had sent in other completed items (quilts, Angel Ensembles, etc.)...... and I still have not posted all the photos from those items....another item on my "to-do" list. :)

The handcrafted items have been arriving in my mailbox for the last week or so....with the last expected box arriving last night.

This is what my kitchen table looks like this morning.....

Here is the breakdown....

Rena in Pennsylvania mailed a package with one complete Angel Ensemble and 6 hats...

I MUST take a second to explain this next donation....

Candy in New York has been one of our dedicated crafters from the very start of Grandma's Promise.  She had a bad bicycle accident not too long ago and injured her wrist, elbow and shoulder...to the point that she sent word that she wasn't sure how long it would take before she could crochet and/or sew again.  I included her in the e-mail that was sent out, KNOWING that she would not be able to make anything at this time.  (Prior to her accident, she had contributed TONS of completed Angel Ensembles...that I still haven't posted photos of...one more "to-do" project!)

Imagine my shock when I opened this donation of 33 crocheted hats from our very own injured Candy!

Then I received a package with these 15 crocheted hats from Marianne in New York.....

Another contribution of 10 crocheted hats from Terri in New York....

The box delivered last night was from our dedicated Texas Crafters.....

They sent a total of 94 hats, 5 crocheted gowns, 3 quilts and 10 afghans......this blows my mind!

Now I just need to add all of these items to everything else here....I think I'm going to have a busy few days separating and preparing the donations to go out to the appropriate NICU's.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma)

Gearing Up for More Donations

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we are preparing to box up several batches of donations to mail to our current list of NICU's (which includes our newest addition in Georgia).  The next couple of weeks will be VERY BUSY at my house. :)

Also...I'm excited to say that I had the unexpected opportunity to meet a couple of women locally who are in the position to facilitate the addition of local hospital NICU's to our ever growing list of donation sites.  As things develop, I'll share the news with you.

Here are a few photos of past ensembles that I hadn't shared with you yet....

They are wonderful examples of involving many people in the construction of one ensemble....basically, one person may have made the quilts/afghans, another the hat, another the gown, another the booties, and another person making the butterflies....yet everything went together beautifully!

Trust me....there are SO many more photos to share....I will get them posted slowly but surely. :)  Continue crafting ladies....you are truly touching lives with your talents.

Blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma)

Donation Delivery to Holston Valley NICU

Just wanted to share a photo of a HUGE box of Angel Ensembles being delivered to Holston Valley NICU in Kingsport, Tennessee.  The box was so large that this young lady brought out a cart to roll it into the hospital after getting it out of my mom's car. :)

A big "Thank You" goes to my parents who allow me to mail items to their home and then they in turn hand deliver the donations (to the two different hospitals in Tennessee) with a smile.  Whenever possible we prefer to hand deliver our donations.  By doing so, we are putting "real people and faces" behind the name "Grandma's Promise".

We want everyone involved....the hospital administration, the NICU nurses and doctors, and of course the families of the babies who receive these items, to know that the crafters of these items are people who truly put their hearts into this ministry.

We CARE!

Thank you crafters for all you do!

Grandma (aka Theresa)

3rd Hospital To Become Recipient of Our Donations

Just a quick update to let everyone know that Grandma's Promise continues to grow and has officially added a third hospital to become a recipient of our donations of handcrafted Angel Ensembles, hats, etc.

Items will now be heading toward Savannah, Georgia....along with our current two hospitals in Johnson City, Tennessee and Kingsport, Tennessee.

We have received many more finished items over the past couple of weeks from our current dedicated crafters....with more photos to share in upcoming blog posts.  (Candy in NY has been busy, Texas Crafters stay busy....just to name a few.)

I am currently printing the cards and including them in the individual bags of ensembles....as decisions are made as to which items will be shipped to the three waiting hospitals based on each individual hospitals needs at this time. 

More updates and photos will be posted soon.

If you are a crafter who knits, crochets, or sews and would like to jump on board and help us minister to these precious little ones and their families, please e-mail and I will be more than happy to help guide and get you started.

We are always in need of more crafters.

Email:  grandmaspromise@yahoo.com

Continued Blessings,
Grandma (aka Theresa)

Marianne in NY Does It Again

Another donation has been received from Marianne in New York.  Marianne creates the entire ensemble herself....by sewing each gown and crocheting the afghans, bonnets, booties and butterflies. 

Just look at these beautiful Angel Ensembles....

It is very evident that Marianne pours her love into each and every stitch she makes. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

Theresa (aka Grandma)

More Donations from Annie in NJ

What a sweet surprise to receive another package of extra teeny, tiny hats made by Annie in New Jersey.  This is the second batch of items we have received from Annie. 

We are now gearing up to send out our third official box(es) of donated items.  Now that we have two (possibly soon to be three) NICU's to supply, it always seems to be a busy time here in my home as I sort and assemble items to be sent to each hospital.

Grandma's Promise continues to grow and provide more and more items for premature babies.  Our crafters certainly have BIG hearts, working hands and giving spirits.

THANK YOU ANNIE for your part in this ministry!!!  There would be no Grandma's Promise without you and all the other crafters on board!

Blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma)

Niswonger Children's Hospital

Just wanted to take a few moments to share with everyone a couple of photos taken during our second delivery of donated items to the Niswonger Children's in Johnson City, Tennessee.

This hospital was the recipient of our entire first donation.  By the time we had a second donation ready to deliver, we were able to expand and adopt a second hospital (more information later) and share our Angel Ensembles between the two hospitals.

We are in the early stages of adding a possible third hospital.

One Dear Crafter Now in Heaven with Babies She Helped

I felt a need this morning to share some news I learned of yesterday evening.  If you have been following our Grandma's Promise blog, you are aware of the fact that there is a group of ladies in Texas who have been consistently donating handcrafted items.

From the very beginning, this group of ladies has remained anonymous at their request....other than the one contact person for the group who has been a dear friend of mine for over 20 years (we met while our husband's were both in the Air Force and we were stationed at the same base). 

Even now, I do not know individual names of these ladies.....but I do know their hearts because of their faithful support to this mission. 

One of these dear women lost her battle with cancer this past Sunday.  My heart is humbled to realize that this woman, knowing that her time on earth was coming to an end, chose to use what precious time she had left to handcraft items that were needed to assemble our Angel Ensembles/Burial outfits. Items crafted for the tiniest of God's creation in an attempt to bring comfort to those babies' families in their grief.

I do not know her name, but I do know that she had a strong faith in the Lord.  The message I received last night said...

"She had donated some of the items in the first box that we sent. Now she walks the streets of glory with the angel babies. What a blessed hope that we all have."
It brings me comfort today to think that even though this beautiful lady and I never actually met, that when she meets our Morgan and Meghan in Heaven, I just have a feeling she will give them a big hug and let them know that their Grandma loves them.

I will close this post by sharing this photo of the first box of donations received by this lady and all the other wonderful women in this group.

So Texas Crafters....please share our heartfelt condolences with the family and friends of this lovely lady!

Blessings,
Grandma (aka Theresa)

Texas Gals Have Been Busy

My goodness....those Texas Gals must never rest!!!  We received another box of goodies....an array of beautiful afghans and quilts. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Your generous hearts and fast hands never cease to amaze me!!!!!

Blessings,
Grandma (aka Theresa)

New Bootie Crochet Pattern

I found another easy new crochet pattern for booties.  These are made in one piece and do not require any additional "sewing together" to complete.

You can see and print the instructions at the following website:

http://www.lovinghugsfamily.com/bootiepatternpreemie.html

I've already made a few pair of these adorable little booties and plan to make more. :)

Keep up the good work everyone!

Blessings,
Grandma (aka Theresa)

Crocheted Shell Gown

This is a new open backed micro-preemie gown pattern I tried out a week or so ago.  This pattern, like the boy's kimono pattern posted a couple of days ago, is very easy and quick to make. 

I should say that I did add an additional 5 or 7 rows to this one I made.  I felt that the pattern was just too short and didn't look right until I made it longer.

The pattern calls for 2 buttons on the back, but I believe I'm going to add ribbon ties to this one (at the neck and waist).  In the future, I may even crochet the ties (similar to the boys pattern posted prior to this one).

You can see and print this pattern at the following link:

http://www.angels4preemies.com/micropreemiegowncapset.html

New Crocheted Gown/Shirt for Preemie Boy

Recently I've been experiementing with a few new patterns.  Sometimes it is just nice to "switch it up" and try new things. :)

You can see and print out your own set of instructions for this shirt/gown at:

UPDATE MADE JANUARY 19, 2016....
It has been brought to our attention by a reader that the link below for the pattern no longer works.  I do apologize. I do not know where or how to find the pattern any longer.  I'm sure with a little work, you will be able to locate a similar pattern to help your future needs.
http://www.angels4preemies.com/micropreemieboyskimono.html

The crocheted shirt/gown you see above is an extremely simply pattern.  The pattern is originally considered to be an open front boys kimono, but I decided to make it and see if it would be appropriate for an open BACK outfit which is what is needed when dressing angel babies in the NICU. 

With a little "tweeking" of the pattern, I think it turned out great.  The pattern only has you put the ties at the neck....following the example of those ties....I added a second set of ties mid-ways down the back.

To make the micro-preemie size, I used a size F crochet hook.  I'm currently making another one using a size G crochet hook and will compare the differences in sizing.

This pattern is surprising quick to work up.  So if you're in the mood to try something new...go ahead and give this a whirl.

Blessings,
Grandma (aka Theresa)

Quilts from Texas

We received a new box of baby items from our Texas group of crafters.  As you can see in the photo, they have been busy sewing quilts.  Sometimes, it is just too hot to crochet.....during those times true crafters don't put all their creative energy on the backburner...no....they just turn to a different craft....one that is more heat compatible!! :)  :)  :)

I must admit that I'm finding myself doing the same thing.  It's very difficult to crochet with sweaty hands which makes the yarn stick to your fingers.  On the really hot days, you will find me at my sewing machine or cutting our fabrics.  In the evenings, when the temperatures drop a little and I'm comfortably planted in front of the air conditioner....THEN I crochet! :)

Of course....judging from the above photo, someone must have spent a little time in front of an air conditioner since there are a few hats and two afghans included in the bunch.  :)

Lovely work ladies!  Once again we send you a BIG THANK YOU!!!! 

By the way, I've been experimenting with a few new patterns myself....some crocheted gowns and kimonos to go with these quilts to complete an Angel Ensemble.  I'll share all of this new information with everyone in a future post.

Until next time...many blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma)

Our Newest Crafter - Rena!

We're so happy to welcome Rena to our ever growing list of crafters.  Her participation in Grandma's Promise is extra special due to the fact that she is Morgan and Meghan's paternal great-grandmother  which means she is also my mother-in-law. :)

Rena is very gifted in crocheting, knitting, sewing and pretty much any and all other crafts!

She crocheted this beautiful Angel Ensemble....

She also sent several individual hats and pairs of booties....

The loss of our precious Morgan and Meghan is still very fresh in each family member's hearts but I believe that while our hands are making these items, the "therapy" of giving to others is a soothing balm to our heart's pain.

So, THANK YOU Great-Grandma Rena for helping Grandma Theresa keep her promise to Morgan and Meghan.

Many Blessings,
Theresa

Gift from a Very Special Little Girl

Grandma's Promise received a gift from a very special little girl. 

Rhiannon recently participated in her first Holy Communion.  She wanted to share a portion of her communion gifts to help purchase supplies to make items for "the babies" (as written in the accompanying card).

 

(For her privacy and safety, we are purposely not providing any additional identifying information.)

It is such a blessing to see a child this young want to use her gifts to help others.

Rhiannon, THANK YOU for having such a thoughtful, loving and giving heart.  We will do our best to make beautiful items for "the babies" with your special gift.

Many blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma's Promise)

2nd Official Donation Ready to Ship!

It's hard to believe how much has been accomplished by all of you in the last six weeks or so!  This post is full of photos of the donations ready to be delivered.  We have a total of 22 Angel Ensembles and 34 individual hats included in this batch of items.  This equals 122 individual items handcrafted (not even counting the 22 crocheted butterflies included in each Angel Ensemble!)

The contributors for each item will be listed under each photo.  THANK YOU Annie, Candy, Lillian, Marianne, Shannon, and the Texas Crafters for using your talents to help make Grandma's Promise a success!

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
All crocheted items made by Candy
Gown - anonymous

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
Entire ensemble made by Marianne

To fit 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 pounds
Afghan, booties and butterfly made by Texas Crafters
Hat, gown - anonymous

To fit 1 - 3 pounds
Angel Cape/Wrap made by Annie
Hat made by Marianne
Booties, butterfly made by Texas Crafters

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
Afghan, bonnet, booties made by Shannon
Gown made by Lillian
Butterfly (not in photo) made by Texas Crafters

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
Entire ensemble made by Marianne

To fit 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 pounds
Afghan, hat, booties, butterfly made by Texas Crafters
Gown - anonymous

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
All crocheted items made by Candy
Gown - anonymous

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
Quilt, gown made by Lillian
Hat, booties (not in photo) made by Shannon
Butterfly (not in photo) made by Texas Crafters

To fit 1 - 3 pounds
Angel Cape/Wrap made by Annie
Hat, booties, butterfly made by Candy

To fit 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 pounds
Afghan, booties, butterfly made by Texas Crafters
Hat made by Marianne
Gown - anonymous

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
All crocheted items made by Candy
Gown - anonymous

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
Entire ensemble made by Marianne

To fit 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 pounds

Afghan, hat, booties, butterfly made by Texas Crafters

Gown - anonymous

To fit 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 pounds

Hat, booties, butterfly made by Texas Crafters

Afghan, gown - anonymous

To fit 1 - 2 pounds

Entire ensemble made by Marianne

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
Entire ensemble made by Lillian
Butterfly (not in photo) made by Texas Crafters

To fit 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 pounds

Afghan, booties, butterfly made by Texas Crafters

Hat, gown - anonymous

To fit 1 -2 pounds
All crocheted items made by Candy
Gown - anonymous

To fit 1 -2 pounds
Entire ensemble made by Marianne

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
Hat, booties, butterfly made by Candy
Afghan, gown - anonymous

To fit 1 - 2 pounds
Hat, booties, butterfly made by Candy
Afghan, gown - anonymous

Assorted hats crocheted and knitted by:
Annie, Candy, Marianne and Texas Crafters

Let's not forget all the beautiful items that have been knitted by Tertia in South Africa and distributed there for Grandma's Promise this month!!!!  Photos of those items were featured in a previous post.

Can you believe the talent of these wonderful people!  Again, I offer my heartfelt THANK YOU to each and everyone!

I hope I didn't forget anyone.  If I've incorrectly labeled any of the items, please forgive me!  My mind isn't what it used to be! :)

Blessings,
Theresa (aka Grandma)