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)