Newborns in Need, Inc. (NIN) is a 501 (c) 3 non profit non-denominational Christian charity for sick and needy babies. Everyone is welcome regardless of color, creed or faith. Together we can raise the quality of life for many precious babies all across America. One person CAN make a difference, the world will be a better place because of your efforts! This message board is a place to share ideas, fellowship, and stay informed.
God's gift to us is life, what we do with our life is our gift to Him.
Sock Doll
by
I can't find anywere that sells baby tube socks want do you all use for these dolls Please help me so I can get these to the tiny babys who need comfort
Linda
Posted on Mar 22, 2005, 5:04 PM from IP address 152.163.100.130
Hi Linda,
the tube socks are hard to find here too. I have had just as good success using infant socks with a heel. I use the heel as the "face" of the doll, and it actually gives it a little more shape (sticks out farther like a real face does). I use whatever color I find, the pink, blue and yellow socks make darling dolls.
Mine are a little different from the web site pattern. I don't sew arms and legs. I stuff the sock so it's round, then tie string around the "neck" to make a head. Then I tie again at the top of the head to make a hat (the sock cuff) to fold down like a stocking cap and turn the edge back up like a hat brim. I stitch the hat in place. Then I tie a short ribbon around neck to a small bow. I add eyes either with non-toxic permanent marker or embroidery (just black dots for eyes). just be sure to securely tack down any ribbon, trim or string you use, so a baby can't pull it off. (no buttons, either)
for winter, I have also made the white socks look like a snowman and added a felt "scarf" around the neck. they are very cute.
hope this helps,
Carolyn
Posted on Mar 23, 2005, 12:11 PM from IP address 12.218.126.151
Gosh Carolyn, the way you do the sock dolls sounds adorable. I have printed out your email and put it in my pattern binder. I definitely want to try these. Thanks for sharing how you do them.
Mary/Seattle
Posted on Mar 23, 2005, 2:56 PM from IP address 65.117.82.18
Ladies, so glad to help. I actually learned how to do those through the Springfield chapter. just thought I would add that it's a great project for kids (even little ones can stuff the socks). my daughter's girl scout troop made them for NIN, and they loved it. hope you have fun!
Posted on Mar 29, 2005, 12:41 PM from IP address 12.218.126.151
Thanks for asking about the size of blankets that are needed. I make a LOT of these (though mine are sewn) and try to keep them at least 30x30. Another great size is 36x36. While it is true that some of the babies do start life very small, they do grow and can outgrow the tiny blankets very quickly. I figure if I am putting that much work into it I would like to make sure that the baby can use for a longer time.
I am sure it has been mentioned before, but especially on the knit and crochet blankets please make sure and not use an open, loopy type of stitch. We need to make sure that they are safe for the babies and that no fragile little fingers or toes can accidentaly get caught in them.
Your help is certainly appreciated!
Mary/Seattle
Posted on Mar 22, 2005, 6:01 PM from IP address 65.117.82.18
We are now ministering to what is called the 'Child Life' Department of one of our hospitals. They use and appreciate all afghans loopy or not so loopy, tiny or big. They are connected to the pedeatric unit of the hospital and they minister to the entire family of a child that is in crisis or with a life threatening illness. Sometimes a momma or daddy that is sitting by a bed needs an afghan (for warmth or comfort), a sibling that has a wait in the waiting room for a sick brother or sister or the child itself, up to the age of 16 years old. Talk about God opening a door for all those things donated. So if you find yourself with an afghan that is too loopy for a tiny baby, God opened the door for us to use even the loopiest of blankets. Isn't He just awesome!!
Posted on Mar 25, 2005, 10:03 AM from IP address 152.163.100.130
Hi Everyone, It’s now 25 days to the 5th Annual Convention here in Tucson, AZ. THE Southern Arizona chapter is getting excited and very busy at the same time. The convention will be held at the Fountain of Life Lutheran Church 710 S. Kolb Rd. We hope to see all of you April 15th and April 16th. We will be setting up for the convention on April 14th from 1 PM until 9PM?? If you arrive in town on the 14th please come and join us. If you get lost please call Sandy at: (cell) 520-205-2111 or Karen at: (cell) 520-250-4907.
If you have not registered please do so ASAP. Here is the link to the registration form. http://www.newbornsinneed.org/convention2005/html/registration.html
The Southern Arizona Chapter is recommending the LaQuinta Inn.
Please call 520-747-1414. They are holding a block of rooms at $49.00 + Tax until March 25th. These rooms will be released back into the general inventory and you will pay $79.00 + tax per night.
Hotel Services and Benefits: Complimentary extended continental breakfast; free local calls; passes to Results Fitness Center; Heated outdoor swimming pool and spa and more.
Directions from the air port to the convention site: From Tucson International Airport take Tucson Blvd. .7 miles and turn right onto Valencia Road. Continue on Valencia Rd for 5.6 miles and turn left onto Kolb Rd. On Kolb Rd. go 5.1 miles and turn left into the church parking lot. . follow the signs. The convention is 11.4 miles from the airport.
The Fountain of Life Lutheran Church
710 S. Kolb Rd., Tucson, AZ
If you have someone from your chapter attending the convention and does not get this message please forward the message to them.
Hugs and thanks to all that have registered.
Sandy Marvik
Posted on Mar 20, 2005, 4:35 PM from IP address 24.255.24.30
I just received notification from Sandy on the classes that will be held at convention. Here is a short description of each one hour class:
Proper pattern placements - This class will cover all of the steps you have to do before sewing something. Including: Choosing fabric, pattern care, and placement of patterns, pinning and cutting.
Baby burial gowns from wedding dress - Learn how to use wedding gowns that have donated to you to make beautiful burial gowns.
Recycling t-shirts into gowns: - Learn how to use your t-shirts and gowns to make hats, and beanie snakes (positioning aids, quilts, booties, and toys).
Quilt tying - Learning different ways to tie quilts bring your eyeglasses because you will be sewing.
Embroidered or shadow quilted inserts - Learn how to insert embroidered or shadow quilted inserts in memory cards for bereavement layettes.
Making darling flannel rag quilts and burp cloths - Learn to use your rags to make rag quilts and burp cloths.
Learn to crochet.
Make one piece tote bags; different kinds of appliqués - Learn how to make the tote bag that you received at check in.
Knit preemie baby hats on a round loom - Learn how to use a loom to make baby preemie hats.
I also wanted to let all convention attendees know that I will have conference time available on Friday if you would like to set up an appointment to visit with me. If you are interested, please email me at office@newbornsinneed.org so that I can pencil you in on my schedule. This is a great opportunity for you to pull me aside and ask any questions that you might have or simply to sit for a spell and visit. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone soon!
Hugs,
TeLesa
telesa@newbornsinneed.org
...serving God's tiniest children since 1992 through www.newbornsinneed.org
...serving God's tiniest children since 1992 through www.newbornsinneed.org
I see you have some great classes happening at the convention. I was wondering if some of these classes had written instructions that perhaps those of us who cannot attended the convention can get. I would be interested in at least two of them. The burial gowns from wedding gowns and the embroidery inserts for the memory envelopes. Hope these will be available.
Thanks
Georgia
Posted on Mar 19, 2005, 7:17 AM from IP address 138.89.114.204
I am hoping everyone will have handouts and I am sure TeLesa will get someone to mail the handouts to all of the chapter who are unable to attend the 2005 Convention.
Posted on Mar 20, 2005, 3:44 PM from IP address 24.255.24.30
Will instructions be available for those who don't belong to a chapter but sew for NIN anyway? Recycling tshirts and hats from a round loom sound like things that I could really do a lot of.
Posted on Mar 21, 2005, 7:18 AM from IP address 168.169.147.202
Yes, I will see if I can get a copy of all convention handouts for those who would like to request them but are unable to attend. Please send requests to order@newbornsinneed.org along with your shipping address and we'll get them mailed out after convention is over
Love,
TeLesa
...serving God's tiniest children since 1992 through www.newbornsinneed.org
We have many different reborn artists who support our cause by donating a percentage of the proceeds from their doll sales. We are very grateful for their generosity and dedication to helping us serve God's tiniest children. I am very happy to pass along this link to an eBay auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5565036344 - 10% of the proceeds will be donated to NIN so please do pass this link around to any doll collectors that you might know
Hugs,
TeLesa
...serving God's tiniest children since 1992 through www.newbornsinneed.org
Good Morning all, I hope your weather is as nice as we have been experiencing here in the Northwest. I know we will pay for it later in the year in water shortages but I am sure enjoying the sunshine and unseasonably warm March weather.
I had held off posting a project this month until I heard from home office what they needed most. Below is the list from the email I just got.
gowns
quilts (30x30 or larger)
diapers
We also need some items that simply can't be handmade. These items include baby powder, lotion, oil, shampoo and wet wipes
For the rest of March let's concentrate on filling up the shelves with the items they need.
Thanks everyone!
Hugs,
Mary/Seattle
Posted on Mar 15, 2005, 3:32 PM from IP address 65.117.82.18
Thanks for asking, I'll check with home office and let you know what I hear. My instinct is that it really does not matter. Since they donate to a lot of facilities what may not work for one will certainly work for another.
Mary
Posted on Mar 15, 2005, 5:39 PM from IP address 65.117.82.18
Hi everybody, I talked to home office about the size of lotions, etc that they need. Basically the answer was that it did not matter if it was the trial size or the full size, they can use them ALL.
The small sizes are used in parcels that go out to social workers who are responsible for little ones that need to be placed quickly and often have absolutely nothing when the social worker picks them up. It makes it so much easier for these wonderful people to do their job.
The full sizes of the products are used for anyone who needs our help and are often donated out with our other items and are available for anyone with a need who requests it.
That was the long answer, the short version is whatever you have - home office can use.
Thanks so much for your help!
Hugs,
Mary
Posted on Mar 18, 2005, 11:08 PM from IP address 64.12.116.130
I love the soaps and shampoos I get when I travel. It is a fun way for me to sample new products.
The home office really does not have a need for the "adult" versions, only the baby items. Space is pretty limited and the focus is just on the babies. I save up all my extras and donate them to a local women's shelter in my area. Perhaps you have something like that close to you. I know mine always seems to be very happy to get them.
Hugs,
Mary/Seattle
Posted on Mar 22, 2005, 6:06 PM from IP address 65.117.82.18
Good Morning everyone. It's one month until convention here in Tucson. the date are April 15th and April 16th. We will be setting up on April 14th from 1 pm until 9 pm. If you arrive on the 14th and want to help come on over to the church. We would love to meet you and talk with you.
If you have not made your motel reservations please do so by March 25th at the LaQuinta Inn. The rates is $49.00 per night + taxes. This is a bargain for Tucson. Most motels charge at least $80.00 per night at this time of the year. The phone # for the La Quinta Inn is 520-747-1414 and tell them you are attending the NIN convention. The motel has blocked off rooms for us but they will be placed back into regular rates on March 25th. This motel does have a complimentary extended continental breakfast.
What to wear in Tucson at this time of the year. it should be beautiful in April. The temp should be in the 80's but I have seen it in the 90's in April. We usually hit 100 by May 15th. Bring your bathing suit and sun screen. Sometimes in the evenings you will need a sweater or t-shirt. We will have a little speech on how to survive the desert with our opening.
About 4 or 5 years ago we did have snow flurries on Easter morning. When we have snow it's gone by 10 am or when the sun come out. Tucson has the most sunny days in the US. Our days begin a lot earlier than in the east. Sun is up somewhere between 5:30 and 6:00 AM.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at sarizona@newbornsinneed.org
Hugs, Sandy
Posted on Mar 15, 2005, 9:06 AM from IP address 24.255.24.30
Sandy, we are looking forward to attending the convention. There will be 5 coming from the St. Louis area. I would like to know the size of the display tables, that we will be using for the chapter display. We can determine what to bring for the display, how much room, etc. Thanks. Have a good day. We are looking forward to the warm sunshine! Blessings, Ruth Hoover/Arch Chapter.
Posted on Mar 15, 2005, 11:26 AM from IP address 152.163.100.130
This is a reminder that the Greater St Louis MO Arch Chapter has scheduled the next meeting for Saturday, March 19, from 9 am until 12 pm. We meet at First Baptist Church of Ellisville, 137 Clarkson Rd, Ellisville, MO 63011. Please note that the church is physically located in Ellisville on Clarkson Rd. near Manchester Rd., but shows as Ballwin (for those searching for a map on the internet). For directions or additional information contact Ruth Hoover at 636-227-7450. Whether you are a member or not, you are welcome!
Posted on Mar 13, 2005, 9:10 PM from IP address 68.184.217.154
Useful little discovery that might greatly benefit NIN
by Alexis
Hi everyone!
I was recently watching the evening news, and an interesting story came up. They were profiling a website: www.freecycle.org . The website was created to match up people who were getting rid of items with people who could use them. It's completely free to use, because the people with the items were otherwise going to give them away somewhere else or pitch them.
So anyway, this could benefit NIN if/when people are offering baby items.
Just thought you all might be interested.
Posted on Mar 11, 2005, 5:42 PM from IP address 12.221.166.208
I recently acquired some fabric from Freecycle, as well as a pre-cut quilt squares, so it's an excellent place for chapters to get some wonderful things.
Posted on Mar 12, 2005, 12:34 PM from IP address 205.188.116.134
I have been getting a ton of stuff from Freecycle for NIN for over a year now. I always tell them who it is for, and provide a link to our website. Most people are eager to give to a reputable charity. Of course I always wash (or soak!) items, and most items I have received have been very nice. I always follow up with a thank you note from our chapter, link to the website, and information about our meetings. I've gotten clothing, bedding, high chairs, strollers, LOTS of stuffed animals, books, diaper bags, etc.
Judy Giovanoni, Secretary
Greater St.Louis MO Arch Chapter
Posted on Mar 13, 2005, 12:50 AM from IP address 68.184.217.154
We are going to convention together, Ruth, Ervell, Grandma Ev and Bernie. Great news for everyone. LaQuinta Inn in Tuson Arizona has a reserved a block of rooms ,just for NIN. Contanential breakfast, including waffles . No I don't have any interest in this motel other than sleeping. only $39.00 per night.
Posted on Mar 10, 2005, 7:11 PM from IP address 206.162.192.39
Hi, thanks for letting everyone know about the rooms here in Tucson. They run $79.00 and up so it's a great deal. Hurry before time runs out. The convention is getting closer and we are planning on having a wonderful time. Preperations are being make at this time. Get your registrations in and enjoy Tucson in April. It was 84 here yesterday and going to cool off by the weekend, down into the 70's. Looking forward to seeing you here in Tucson.
Posted on Mar 11, 2005, 1:36 PM from IP address 24.255.24.30
Hi Everyone, it's now 5 1/2 weeks to convention. The dates are April 15th & 16th here in Tucson, AZ. We would love to see you. Please send in your reservation ASAP.
www.newbornsinneed.org/convention2005/html/registration.html
Today it's about 80 and will be in the high 70's & low 80's all week. This is a beautiful time of the year here in Tucson. The nights are in the high 40's (good sleeping weather).
Hugs, Sandy Marvik
Posted on Mar 9, 2005, 7:20 PM from IP address 24.255.24.30
has anyone heard of, or found a braclet for preemies? like the lance armstrong braclets selling for a dollar? I have quite a few people who would be interested in buying them if they could be found. One is a teacher who bought a couple of bags of the armstrong one to give to students.
Posted on Mar 3, 2005, 12:38 PM from IP address 129.8.213.55
Kim,
I ran accross a site awhile back that has a place to ask for custom ordered styles and prices... http://www.toywiz.com/gesarubrandw.html It sounda like a neat idea... to get others asking questions about our cause...
Posted on Mar 7, 2005, 5:55 PM from IP address 141.153.81.59
Hi everyone, it's 6 1/2 weeks to Convention. Get your registration in now, come and see the Sonoran Desert in the Spring. You will be suprised at how beautiful Tucson is.
I saw Dianne's message about coloring books at Wal-mart. Our Wal-mart is clearing fleece blankets now. They are normally something like $4.88. They are $3.50 now. I think that it is hard to make them for less than that. I get into so much trouble in the baby section clearance area in Wal-mart.
Posted on Mar 2, 2005, 7:36 AM from IP address 168.169.147.202
Our Wal-Mart had some baby quilt panels for $2.00 last week. They had three left. Also had a rack of baby clothes for $1.00. These were mostly tops and pants. Sometimes they have sleepers reduced for $1.00. It's hard to pass them up.
Dianne
Posted on Mar 2, 2005, 9:57 AM from IP address 4.249.225.241
Are toys from McDonald's Happy Meals, Arby's kids meals, Burger King kids meals, etc. acceptable for stocking stuffers for NIN? I know Christmas 2005 is a few months away but it's never too early to start thinking about it.
I quite often get a kids meal when visiting the burger places and there are no small kids in my family so I was wondering if NIN could use them for stocking stuffers.
Also, I went to Wal-Mart today and they have NASCAR coloring books for $1.00. These are the thick coloring books.
Dianne
Posted on Mar 1, 2005, 3:03 PM from IP address 4.249.222.165
Yes, Diane, this is a very good time to pick up things for the Christmas Stockings for next year. The toys from McDonalds make very good stocking stuffers. I am always on the look out for items to send to Home Office for the Stockings. Many times, things are on sale, especially after a holiday,toys, games, stuffed toys, books. I just have a BALL during this time. It is surprising, to allow, say. $10.00 a month for items, and at the end of the year will have 125 items. I always have more than that, as I usually go a little crazy with the Christmas Stockings!! But I love it, love it! Another good time to pick up things is the 'before school starts' sale. Can get crayons, paper, books, markers lots of things so CHEAP!! Hope you are planning on going to convention this Spring. You get so much encouragment there and want to go home and sew and sew!! Have a good day. Love, Ruth/Arch Chapter.
Posted on Mar 7, 2005, 9:44 PM from IP address 152.163.100.130
I'll get a box and start saving my "toys." Wal-Mart had a clearance aisle with some stuffed animals for 50 cents. Perfect size for stockings. I love the Dollar Store, too. You can get a lot of stocking stuffers there. Our local Wal-Mart usually has crayons for 20 cents for 16 right around time for school to open. I bought several boxes last year and the clerk thought I was a school teacher. I told her no; just getting ready for Christmas.
Posted on Mar 9, 2005, 6:23 PM from IP address 4.249.225.181
Okay, another question. I am working on a sweater and I was reading ahead and the for the front you work the decreassing on opp sides depending on if it is for a boy or girl. I am working this sweater in yellow so it could be either. Does it matter that much which side I work the decreasses? I have read somthing about buttons being on the put on the left vs right (can't remember if it is left for girls or the right). Does it make a big difference which side they are on? Hope that makes sense to someone and you can help me out. Thanks Sarah
Posted on Mar 1, 2005, 2:22 PM from IP address 68.102.192.173
Re: Another question, this one about sweater fronts
by Jacki Maltbie
Since Grandma Ev's computer is down, I'll answer this one for her. As she's told me many times, babies don't care about anything but being warm. Don't worry about which side overlaps.
Posted on Mar 1, 2005, 9:12 PM from IP address 216.196.214.249
Hi I am a 21 year old college student. I lost a baby at age 18 before I even got to meet it. No one knew about it at the time, and I knew I was going to be on my own to raise the baby girl I lost at 4 months along. I knit and want to make some stuff to send to you guys. I have been having fun working on some blankets and hats and such, but I was at the store the other day and they had some sleepers on sale, but they would be a little big for a newborn. Do you guys ever take stuff that is a little big or do you stay pretty much with newborn and smaller items? I'm probably not the fastest knitter so it will take me awhile to get enough stuff done to send it. I can't wait to get my first shipment ready. I am hoping to replace my pile of supplies with a pile of finished items soon. Oh, and does it matter if I knit with blue and pinks etc, or do you like neutral colors, or both? I have one blanket done and it is pretty bright but it has both pink and blue in it. Thanks for answering my questions!! - Sarah
Posted on Feb 25, 2005, 3:41 PM from IP address 68.102.192.173
Sarah, I am sorry to hear of your loss. How sweet of you to think of others at this time. Your donations would be most welcome. Babies come in all sizes, so yes, larger sleepers are a wonderful gift. Because we serve so many babies born into poverty, clothing of all sizes is always needed. My daughters are 18 and 21, also college students, and work retail. They often purchase items for the babies. Your colors are fine. There are so many babies, and parents who will appreciate your caring! Sincerely, Judy Giovanoni, Secretary, Greater St. Louis Arch Chapter P.S. I'm not a fast knitter either, but whatever I get done is one more!
Posted on Feb 26, 2005, 2:01 PM from IP address 68.184.217.154
Hello to everyone!! Iam new to NIN. You may have read my previous message. I have read on other websites that quits for premature babies should not have batting inside. Also that the quilts must be machine quilted and not tied. They also have that premature babies should not receive knitted or crocheted blankets. Is this correct or just a stipulation of that charity? I didn't know if this pertained to anything I make for NIN. If anyone can please let me know I would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Mary "Getting my feet wet" Calorio
Posted on Feb 25, 2005, 1:13 PM from IP address 69.0.81.133
The types of blankets used so depend on where they're going, in my experience. What one facility likes, another doesn't.
I'd suggest contacting the chapter you plan to donate to or the home office and see what their preferences are.
If you're sending to the home office tho', I'll bet they'd like whatever you send them. Home Office sends donations all around the country - I'm sure they have a place for most any kind of blanket.
My hospitals all love crocheted or knit blankets. We generally don't put batting in quilts for the NICUs because they're too warm but that's NOT a hard and fast rule.
I only have one hospital that does not want hand tied quilts - the concern being fingers and toes may get caught in the ties. So I send hand tied quilts to other facilities.
I find there's a place for most any type of blanket.
Posted on Feb 25, 2005, 11:20 PM from IP address 68.58.149.110
Hey Mary,
Welcome to NIN!!!!
I'm no expert on this but...
The hospitals and organizations that our chapter donates to loves to receive crocheted, knitted and quilted blankets. All will accept machine quilted quilts and one or two that will take the tied ones also. (Thought most of ours are machine quilted.) The strip/crazy quilts we made in January had a thin layer of polyester batting in them. Just enough to give them the quilt look but not thick and fluffy.
It really depends on what the hospital wants. But National will take it ALL and know where they can send everything!
Again Welcome to NIN! God Bless You!!!
Hugs,
Nancy Capps
Sugar Hill GA Chapter
Posted on Feb 27, 2005, 8:45 PM from IP address 66.168.184.169
Hello everyone!! I applaud all of you hard work and efforts to such an honorable cause. My family just recently lost a little one before we ever got to meet him. This tragedy has brought me on a search to find something I can do with my sewing and quilting abilities. I found this website and have read it almost completely. We let me get to my questions.
1. The site states a need for crib sheets. This is one of my favorite baby items to sew. Are they standard size sheets?? Any limitations on fabric use (is flannel okay??)?? How about colors??
2. Were do I send any completed projects? Unfortunately there are no chapters in my area (CT).
Well this should get me started. Once again thank you all for your dedication. Also thank you for helping me get started with NIN.
Sincerely
Mary Calorio
Moosup, CT
Posted on Feb 21, 2005, 4:09 PM from IP address 69.182.123.172
We are happy to hear that you would like to help. Yes, please make standard sized crib sheets. 100% cotton and 100% cotton flannel should be fine. Babies have delicate skin, so the softer, the better. Any color is acceptable. Sew what makes you happy!
You may always send completed projects to the Home Office, as they service hospitals and agencies across the United States where there isn't a chapter at hand. Also, may I suggest that you chose a chapter that is geograpically closest to you? Chapters love having volunteers, even if they can't attend the meetings. In St Louis (Eastern side of MO) we have a volunteer that mails huges packages of donations from Lees Summit MO (our Western side of the state).
There is a huge convention in Phoenix AZ in April. If you have an opportunity to go there, it is a great source of inspiration. You may want to consider starting your very own chapter someday.
Being a part of Newborns In Need is a wonderful, fulfilling experience. We look forward to seeing more postings from you on our message board.
Janet
Vice President Greater St Louis Arch Chapter
Posted on Feb 21, 2005, 7:27 PM from IP address 69.149.226.179
Janet, Thank you for your response. I am eager to make a difference in a little ones life. I do want to start a chapter some day. I figure I will get my feet wet first.
Thanks again,
Mary Calorio
Posted on Feb 22, 2005, 12:53 PM from IP address 69.0.81.133
