Sewing

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Join us for the Craft Gossip Dolly Donation Challenge!

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I’ve blogged about them several times already, but let me say it again:  I love me some Dolly Donations!!  Their mission is to provide a bit of comfort in the form of handmade cloth dolls to needy children around the world – children in poverty, children who have been orphaned, or children experiencing crisis.  Their current drive is sending dolls to orphans in Haiti.  You can read more about the current drive and the children it benefits here.

Because we believe so much in Dolly Donations, we’re issuing the Craft Gossip Dolly Donation Challenge!  How many dollies can Craft Gossip readers create in just one month?

If you’d like to participate, set a Dolly Donation goal for yourself.  It can be 1 dolly, 3 dollies, 5 dollies, or more.  Don’t worry if you’re still a beginner sewist.  The dolls are simple to make , and there are patterns available over at the Dolly Donations website.  (They also have tutorials showing how to add some fun details.)  The basic doll pattern has “clothes” stitched as part of the dolly body.  If you want to make removable clothing, I’ll be posting a tutorial/pattern for a dress for a girl doll, and a t-shirt and shorts combo for a boy doll.

Personally, I pledge to create at least 5 dollies for the Craft Gossip Dolly Donation Challenge.  How many will you make?

You can mail your completed dollies to me.  (I’m not so keen on posting my home address out here for all the world to see, so just drop me an email at [email protected] and I’ll send you my address.)  I’ll keep them safe and sound until the end of the Dolly Donation Challenge, at which point I’ll take a lovely group photo and send them on from there.

We’ll keep the Craft Gossip Dolly Donation rolling throughout the month of July.  If you have any questions about our challenge, please give me an email at [email protected].  Deadline for mailing the dollies to me is August 7, 2010.  I can’t wait to see how much we can do!!

[photos and buttons from Dolly Donations]

[tags]sewing, charity, dolly donations, doll, dolly, children, challenge, craft gossip[/tags]

Comments

  1. Wow! I’ve never seen this group before (I’m new to craft gossip), but this post just made me cry. Weird, I know, but 14 month old has recently developed a love affair with her own dolly, and having experienced her attachment, and the comfort she gets from hugging that dolly (“dah-dee” in her words) makes me so excited to spread some of that dolly loving to kiddos who really need such a hug. Thanks for posting this! I’m headed to their website now!

  2. Thank you so much Anne! You’re a star!

    Happy Sewing!

    Sarah
    Dolly Donations: Sending Love, 1 Dolly at a Time!

    • Kay, If you want to participate through Craft Gossip, I’ll need the dollies by September 7. However, you can also send them directly to the person who is collecting the dollies for Hope Village, and I believe that deadline is later in the fall. Thank you for your interest in the dolly drive! –Anne

Have you read?

Sewing for Seniors: A Roundup of Practical Patterns for Aged Care and Dementia

As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the years, my sewing projects have shifted from creating cute clothes for my children to sewing things that support my parents through their later years. It’s not always easy, and it can be heartbreaking at times, but crafting these items has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you’re in a similar situation and looking for sewing patterns and tutorials to support your loved one, whether they are in a wheelchair, dealing with dementia, or simply needing adaptive clothing, this roundup is for you. These patterns offer solutions to daily challenges, from sensory stimulation to maintaining dignity and comfort. 

Adult dignity bib 

When caring for someone with dementia, eating can often become a messy experience. An adult dignity bib offers a simple but effective way to help prevent spills and ensure that your loved one remains comfortable and clean during mealtime. This pattern provides a great way to create a stylish and practical solution for dignity and comfort.

How to Turn a Plush into a Weighted Toy  

Weighted toys can be a calming and comforting tool for seniors, especially those experiencing anxiety or agitation. This tutorial shows you how to transform a soft plush toy into a weighted sensory item, offering soothing pressure and comfort to help relax your loved one. It’s a great way to create a personalized, comforting toy that provides sensory input.

Eye Pillow – Weighted 

Tulip Walker Tote Bag 

Special Needs Bib Pattern — CraftBits.com 

Make a Fidget Quilt with Rob! 

Fidget quilts are fantastic tools for dementia patients, offering tactile stimulation and promoting calmness. In this video tutorial, Rob guides you through the process of making a fidget quilt, showing you how to add various textures, buttons, zippers, and other engaging features to keep your loved one’s hands busy and focused

Making Fidget Quilts for Dementia Patients | Madam Sew – MadamSew

How to sew a fidget quilt 

How to Make a DIY Lycra Sensory Bed Sheet | And Next Comes L – Hyperlexia Resources

Lycra sensory bed sheets are an excellent choice for providing calming pressure during sleep. This pattern from And Next Comes L explains how to make a DIY Lycra sensory bed sheet that can help your loved one feel secure and relaxed while they sleep, which is especially useful for those with sensory processing issues.

Wheelchair And Walker Carry Bag Sewing Pattern

Tutorial: No-sew adaptive sweatshirt for wheelchair users 

Tutorial: Adult-sized bib – Sewing

How to Make a Fidget Blanket 

Sewing pattern: How to Make a Fidget Quilt 

How to Make an Adult Pocket Diaper

For individuals who need additional care in maintaining hygiene, adult pocket diapers can be a game-changer. This pattern teaches you how to create a comfortable, functional pocket diaper, ensuring your loved one stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Sew an Adult Front Closure Swim Diaper 

How to Sew a Fitted Adult Cloth Diaper

For those looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, sewing a fitted adult cloth diaper can be a great solution. This pattern offers detailed instructions for creating a well-fitting, reusable cloth diaper for adults who need additional support.

The Linda Pants – Free Adaptive Sewing Pattern

Adapting Creatively: Wheelchair Rain Poncho Tutorial

This wheelchair rain poncho is a practical and thoughtful accessory for wheelchair users. This tutorial shows you how to make a poncho that will keep your loved one dry while they’re out and about, ensuring they stay comfortable in all weather conditions.

Adapting Creatively: Split-back Wheelchair Jacket

 Weighted Blanket

Weighted Lap Pad

For those who need a little extra calming weight throughout the day, a weighted lap pad is an ideal choice. This simple but effective pattern helps you create a lap pad that can be placed on your loved one’s lap for a soothing, calming effect that promotes relaxation and comfort.