I was just inspired and want your input please.

[temom]

I think it is a great idea. I know that it is difficult to get things to other countries (I had to arrange people to hand carry all the blankets I made for the orphanage in Nicaragua).
I also think it is a good idea to try to make it a non denominational non/political group.

Anyway, I've been doing charity sewing for as long as I've been sewing. Some worthy causes are the Linus Project, the battered women's groups, and often fire fighters, police, and deputies have items they keep in their trucks/cars for victims of fire or crime.

So count me in, as long as my sewing skills are up for the projects.

[Shellymoon]

My two cents.

Since we are all so scattered--geographically and philospically--it might work if we all chose our own charity and simply logged the work in a common spot.

Seems like it would be simpler and easier on the individuals.

I'm already involved in a few charity sewing projects--a few through my local sewing guild and a few through the ministries of my church. I know there are tons of opportunities in almost every community.

[lendube]

Thought I'd bring this up to the front again. I wholeheartedly agree with the two previous posts. I tend to think that donating locally is probably the best way to do this. I've run it by Kaitlin and she could make a "sticky" post out of it so it shows up at the top of a specific forum, maybe "Ongoing Sewing Projects"?

What do you think? Should we make an ongoing "sew-along"? Make it a challenge? I don't know. Personally I just don't have much time right now for more sewing than I've got going. I might have been a bit premature in suggesting this but all the same just starting is one way to get things done. I've still got so much stash that I'd like to get through and just 1/2 hour of sewing a day (or every few days) can really accomplish a lot toward a goal.

Anymore ideas? I'll think on it and try to come up with a plan but I'd still love your ideas on how to organize this (or not). We can just casually post what we are doing as we do it and have a particular place on the board to post about it. It can be that easy too. We could all decide on one charity for instance (or not). The possibilities for agreement are endless; kids, animals, hunger, homeless, environment etc., etc. That list goes on forever.

[Bama]

Great idea Lennie. I keep checking on this thread to see what you ladies come up with.
I've been meaning for a while to sew up some fleece mats to donate to the animal shelter. And my sister has a friend who's having chemo and in need of some caps that aren't too warm to wear indoors. I want to get a couple of those done soon for her too.

[temom]

Maybe we can just have a thread or place for charity sewing? Then we can inspire each other, and give to a place we personally pick.

[bridesmom]

That's a good idea too Theresa, you know, there are so many great ideas that come from all the people on this forum, we should write a book!

Just a thought with the animal charities, I started picking up old pillowcases from the thrift store and filling them 2/3-3/4 full with my fabric scraps (washable ones) then sewing them closed, they are for animals beds for the animal shelters. They can just be thrown into the washer/dryer to clean. I haven't donated any yet, I have 3 with a 4th going. It's really amazing how quickly you can fill them up! I know very well that when I go to the shelter I will come out in tears, and begging DH to let me bring somebody home with me.

[Mom of Six]

I like Therea's Idea. I haven't posted here yet because I have so much family sewing to do right now that I don't know when I would get to anything else.

[lendube]

Having a "whole" forum for charity sewing was something I brought up with Kaitlin but a "sticky" is her preference. I think it'll work fine either way.

And Laura, it's really sad but having to go to a shelter is something I don't think I could handle. Breaks my heart just thinking of it. (Did anyone ever see the Sarah McLaughlin commercial for ASPCA?? ) That's where my heart lies as far as charities but I think I'd have to get someone else to deliver whatever I make or I too would come home with a new "baby" every time I visited.

[Bama]

So would I Lennie, if it was not for my husband saying no more animals.

Laura, thanks for the idea about the pillowcases. I can use your idea and stuff some fleece pillows (made from scraps) with smaller pieces of left over fabric scraps. I know my cats love to cuddle on fleece.
One day after opening a package that was packed with styrofoam peanuts, one of our cats got in the box and buried himself in them. He liked it so much that I made him a big pillow and filled it with the styrofoam peanuts.

[bridesmom]

That's a good idea too, except that can't be washed can it? I'd think the styrofoam wouldn't wash very well.