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.
Project of the Month?
by
Good Morning,
I wanted to check and see if there is any interest in starting a "Project of the Month" to be posted at the beginning of each month? No one would be required to participate, maybe just use it as a suggestion if you get stuck and need some help deciding what to work on next.
Since I am not close to a chapter and cannot attend work meetings I have found it is easy to feel disconnected. This might also be a way for us to stay ahead of the curve on what Home Office might need to keep their shelves filled so they have items available as the need arises.
I'll be the first to raise my hand - anyone want to join me?
Mary/Seattle
Posted on Aug 31, 2004, 2:14 PM from IP address 65.117.82.18
I like this idea. I, too, am not near a chapter and work on my own. It feels lonely, sometimes, and I think starting something like this that can get us all participating together, even from a distance, may help some of us not feel so far away.
Besides, I think it will prompt us to share patterns and ideas and possibly make us more effective as a group. Those of you in chapters have worked directly with the hospitals and have a better idea of exactly what is needed than some of us who are not with a chapter. I would like the opportunity to learn from those of you who are more experienced.
I'm all for it. Consider my hand raised!
Posted on Aug 31, 2004, 11:09 PM from IP address 69.161.10.220
I thought it might be nice to start a thread where we can get some of our crafting tips together and share them with each other. I am sure many of you have plenty of tips I can use and I hope I can list some here that are useful to you.
Here are some of mine:
1. An old CD is an excellent template to use with a rotary cutter for rounding the corners on fleece throws.
2. Use scraps of polar fleece as batting for patched and ragged quilts (the kind of quilts where you quilt each sqare individually before piecing). I use squares of fleece as small as 2".
3. Scraps of polar fleece and other fabrics that are too small for any sort of construction make great packing material.
4. If you are like me and your pieced quilts look clumbsy, try ragged quilts, they are far more forgiving than traditional quilts.
5. I find the best way to square up fleece when cutting a throw is to fold the area I want to cut out in half on the length and again on the width so that you have folded it into quarters. Gently rub the fleece flat and make sure there are no creases in your fold or in any of the layers. Line up your folded edges against the corner on your cutting mat, measure from the folded edges, and cut while folded. This works best if you have a large rotary cutter rather than one of the smaller ones.
6. I'm only starting to make quilts and I'm not sure how you all bind yours, but I've noticed a trick my mother-in-law uses to bind some of her quilts. She folds her binding so that it is a bit longer on the back. She sews it open to the front and folds it over as usual, but instead of slip-stitching the back down, she chooses a thread that blends very well with the boarder fabric of the top of her quilt and straight stitches along the top so that the stitching is just at the base of the binding on the front and catches the slightly longer edge of binding on the back. You have to look very closely at the front to see the stitching at all. When you are in a hurry to get quilts out, I would think this would be a much faster alternative than the slip stitching.
That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure most of you have more experience than I do, so please join in and share!
Posted on Aug 30, 2004, 8:36 PM from IP address 69.161.10.220
First of all please accept my apologies for this message being posted so late in the month. I have been trying to work with a calendar program and am finally just giving up in total frustration. Seems this "time saver" is just more trouble than it is worth.
So with that said, please help me wish a very belated "Happy Birthday!" to the following chapters celebrating birthdays in August.
Indianapolis, IN - President Jo St John
Greater Newark, OH - President Ann Marie Van Guilder
Greater Grand Rapids, MI - President Judy Neiser
Plainfield, New Jersey - President Daphne Boyd
Central Indiana - President Lynda Barker
Northeast Wisconsin - President Sheri Larsen
Congratulations, and a huge thank you, to all of the board members and volunteers who are working so hard to help the babies in their communities.
Mary/Seattle
Posted on Aug 30, 2004, 3:55 PM from IP address 65.117.82.18
I haven't tried either flannel yet, got sort of caught up in cleaning before company came. What a mess that was!
One important thing - make sure you have stitched and are slashing on the diagonal. It needs the bias cut to fluff up properly - and make sure the flannel you use has not been washed.
Please let us know how they turn out.
Mary
Posted on Aug 30, 2004, 5:17 PM from IP address 65.117.82.18
I'm so glad you mentioned that it needs the bias cut! I am going to try using this method as an edging using the leftover 8 inches of flannel on the edge of the fabric after cutting the blanket out. I might have cut an entire bolt straight across and messed it all up! I guess I'll need to use diagonal pieces instead. I hope it works like it does in my head! LOL
Posted on Aug 30, 2004, 8:06 PM from IP address 69.161.10.220
To clarify: If you cut your flannel pieces square on the grain, then sew diagonally Corner to Corner,with the bias, then you get the right effect when you slash ! If you cut on the bias, you end up sewing and slashing WITH the grain , not quite as nice and fluffy after washing. - Gail
Posted on Sep 1, 2004, 8:46 AM from IP address 208.63.56.125
Anybody know anyone in Jacksonville, FL (besides me, that is!) that would like to sew, chat etc. regarding NIN? Maybe even one day start a chapter? (don't think there is one here, but should be....we have a MAYO hospital and a great childrens hospital right up the street from me!)
Email me! I would like to get feedback and meet some Florida folks!
Judy
jagwrfan@sbcglobal.net
Posted on Aug 27, 2004, 9:22 PM from IP address 4.235.111.130
HI! My name is Jenise Freeland, and I am the chapter president of the North Florida Peninsula chapter of NIN. We are over in Live Oak, but I am happy to say that we currently service Wolfson’s Children’s Hosptial in Jax. We would love to have your help and input. We have our monthly meetings on Saturdays if you would like to join us. Our next meeting will be on September 11th. We would love to see you there.
Jenise Freeland, Chapter President
North Florida Peninsula Chapter
Newborns in Need, Inc.
jenifree@newbornsinneed.org
www.newbornsinneed.org/nflorida
Posted on Aug 30, 2004, 10:07 PM from IP address 64.94.14.86
I know fleece can be so expensive but such a great fabric, so I wanted to pass this deal along to you all. The deal is only good through the 27th, so I hope this message gets up on the board in time.
The Northern Lights Fleece (solid colors) at hancockfabrics.com is marked down $2.00 off per yard right now and you can get free shipping. It's a light weight and soft double sided polar fleece. With this sale, it's only $3.99 per yard! I love to use it for booties and blankies. I use this solid color fleece quilted to a patterned flannel top for a great and easy two layer quilt.
Just for your information, it comes on 10 yard bolts, so if you order more than 10 yards but not in 10 yard increments, they will call you to ask how you want it cut.
The promo code for the free shipping is STBSWY and you can use it for any purchase, not just the fleece. Some other fabrics may be on sale, too.
Also, if you are brave enough to order from ebay (they often have fantastic deals on bolts of fabric if you have the time to look around), there is a guy selling a football print fleece by the bolt. I recently purchased one of these bolts and have been cutting down boy blankies. It's a nice double-sided fleece and I like that it is a boy print, since it seems to be so much easier to find girlie prints for just about every fabric. I like this print because if you are cutting simple fleece blankies, you can use the diamond pattern instead of fringing the ends.
Anyway, if you buy a bolt, keep in mind that the very first of the roll and very end of the roll may have some dye and stretch issues. I also ran into a couple of spots where there was 2-4 inches of dye smear on one edge, cutting the width just in those areas down to about 46 inches from 50 inches. This was from the manufacturing process and the print doesn't wash out. It washes very well on warm with minimal bleed in the initial wash. Average roll length is 60 yards for $168.00 + $25.00 ($15.00 per roll shipping for additional rolls). It is item number 4312369146 and here is the link if you want to check this on out:
I think he is also selling the same fleece in 30 yard increments for slightly more per yard, so if you still want this fleece but don't have enough dough for an entire bolt, you might want to "view seller's other items" and see if he still has that deal going.
I hope this is helpful. Happy crafting!
Posted on Aug 26, 2004, 4:23 PM from IP address 69.161.10.220
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all of your hard work to help us serve God’s tiniest children. We would also like to congratulate our top chapters who have donated out many items to our sick and needy babies While we don't have a quota for our chapters to keep up with, we are very proud to recognize the following chapters for the hard work that they have done in the year 2003 to serve the babies in their areas:
1st place goes to the Southwestern Missouri Chapter donated out over 52,800 items to facilities for an estimated 4,400 items per month going to our sick and needy babies!
2nd place goes to the Dallas Texas Chapter donated out over 37,400 items to facilities for an estimated 3,110 items per month going to our sick and needy babies!
3rd place goes to the Madison Angels, MO Chapter donated out over 29,000 items to facilities for an estimated 2,410 items per month going to our sick and needy babies!
4th place goes to the North Carolina Piedmont Triad Chapter donated out over 16,700 items to facilities for an estimated 1,390 items per month going to our sick and needy babies!
5th place goes to the Northern Illinois Chapter donated out over 15,200 items to facilities for an estimated 1,260 items per month going to our sick and needy babies!
6th place goes to the Long Island New York Chapter donated out over 14,500 items to facilities for an estimated 1,200 items per month going to our sick and needy babies!
We are so proud of all the volunteer efforts that made these donations possible. Keep up the good work! This year instead of designating awards we will allow each of the chapters named above to choose what we will send their way (starting with the 1st place and ending with the 6th) from a list of items that we have available. The supplies that we have to offer include fabric, sewing machine, serger, and/or a Lee Middleton Doll. We hope that the supplies that each chapter chooses will help to serve the sick and needy babies in your area!
Warm hugs,
TeLesa Lack
National President
telesa@newbornsinneed.org
Posted on Aug 24, 2004, 4:22 PM from IP address 69.29.86.222
Way to go Northern Illinois, all of you should be so proud of this achievement!!! Carol how could you have doubted yourself taking over this chapter? You are all doing such a great job. I sure miss all of you there, but every day that I sew here in Arizona I am able to stay connected.
Thank You ALL for continuing what I started.
Posted on Aug 26, 2004, 11:24 PM from IP address 68.98.91.124
Thanks so much for your information. I can always count on someone helping. I appreciate your help. I am keeping a book with patterns and sizes especially for newborns. This will be wonderful. Hugs.
Cindy
Posted on Aug 24, 2004, 9:16 AM from IP address 64.12.116.131
If you do a web search, some others come up, but this one seems to be the best of those I came accross. It includes circumference and height measurements as they relate to the weight of the baby.
Posted on Aug 23, 2004, 12:20 AM from IP address 69.161.10.220
This is a reminder that the Greater St Louis MO Arch Chapter has scheduled the next meeting for Saturday, August 21, from 9 a.m. until approximately 12 p.m. We meet at First Baptist Church of Ellisville, 137 Clarkson Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011. Please note that the church is physically located in Ellisville, but it has a Ballwin mailing address (for those searching for a map on the internet). For directions or additional information feel free to contact Ruth Hoover, President, at 636-227-7450.
The instructions have been posted on the NIN website along with several new patterns from the last convention. You can find the bracelet instructions here:
Hi everyone. Does anyone know where I can find a crochet pattern for a preemie bunting? I'd love to do some to send to home office.
Thanks so much!
Hugs
Robin
Posted on Aug 15, 2004, 11:03 PM from IP address 67.14.219.146
there are several items that I've seen referred to as buntings so I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for.
I would just put 'crochet preemie bunting' into your search engine and look thru the links that come up.
If you can describe more exactle what you're looking for, maybe I can provide you with some links to look at. I suref the 'net a lot for crochet patterns.
Jo
Posted on Aug 16, 2004, 2:41 PM from IP address 205.144.127.200
Ev,
Directly from my mouth to God's ear... consider yourself prayed for and sailing through the surgery and seeing like an eagle... God knows just how much he depends on you to clothe his little ones... God Bless, Debra
Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 2:28 PM from IP address 151.205.57.131
Ev, I met you when you visited the Greater St. Louis Arch Chapter. You are certainly one of God's most loyal volunteers and He knows how much you mean to us. I will pray for you daily and hug you when I see you again!
Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 11:41 PM from IP address 24.107.34.74
Re: Count us ALL in good thoughts and prayers for you!
by Ruth/Arch Chapter
Ev, just know you will be bathed in prayers from our Arch Chapter!! We all love you so very much and know how much you help God's most precious babies and the love you have for them. You are such an inspiration, and a shining light to us. Also, we will be thinking of Bernie, as he will be at your side. Love you, both. Keep us informed. Love you, Ruth/Arch Chapter President.
Posted on Aug 15, 2004, 9:43 PM from IP address 152.163.252.197
Just arrived back from the 450 mile garage sale that started on Saturday in Alabama and goes thru Tenn and Kentucky. I got free stuff for our chapter! Fabric, stuffed animals and brand new bracelets (we can recycle the beads for grief bracelets. People are so generous when you ask. I get bolder each year and it gets the word out about Newborns! I thought the prices were high, but then I want everything for nothing!! Regardless, we had fun. Great 40th wedding anniversary!!!
Posted on Aug 9, 2004, 9:27 PM from IP address 151.213.154.157
Thank you Nancy for your welcome! Just as you made us feel so very welcome at Convention '04 at your church, it sure is nice to hear from you again! We were so very impressed with everyone and the organizaion, that we were led to start a NW Ohio chapter here in Toledo. We're hoping all goes smoothly, and we get LOTS of volunteers! Our board members are great, and have a real heart for this. Wish us God's blessings!
Posted on Aug 10, 2004, 5:54 PM from IP address 204.118.179.70
Ah Tammi!
We had lots of fun hosting the convention!!!
I'm glad that you were led to start a chapter! I will be praying that God will bless your chapter! You will see that it is a lot of work but lots of fun and fellowship too!
If there is anything on this end I can do to help out please let me know!!!!
Hugs,
Nancy
Sugar Hill Ga Chapter
Posted on Aug 18, 2004, 1:24 PM from IP address 66.168.184.169
I am so happy to see this posted ! Glad you have a great board and lots of new volunteers, I just know you are all already crocheting and sewing away for 'your' babies !
Have fun with it, and watch the chapter grow !
Hugs, Gail White, Sugar Hill GA
Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 12:40 AM from IP address 4.129.34.60
I've started on some blankies and wanted to sew some matching hats. What is the appropriate circumference and height sizes for preemies as well as full-term newborns?
Posted on Aug 5, 2004, 5:51 PM from IP address 69.161.10.220
you can find all size information here, just type in head-sizes and this site should come up.
Caterina
head-sizes
... compiled by Bev Qualheim. Hat sizes. Baby measurements. Foot Sizes. Blanket sizes. Head Size Chart - knitted or crocheted ... 1/2" smaller than needed head size, as the hat will stretch ...
www.bevscountrycottage.com/head-sizes.html - 13k - Cached - More pages from this site
Posted on Aug 9, 2004, 8:53 AM from IP address 24.128.217.114
Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. We are very excited to get the new chapter started. It is such a huge undertaking, please keep us in your prayers!!! I am sure with the help of everyone here, and TeLesa (who has been a joy to work with) we will be able to serve alot of babies!!
Thanks again!
Leticia
Posted on Jul 30, 2004, 9:03 PM from IP address 67.243.240.245
Yes ma'am, Lee and I have an anniversary coming up on Monday. We have been married for one year but it seems to have gone by really quick! Thank you so much for thinking of us. We feel very blessed to be involved with such wonderful folks in our life
Love,
TeLesa
NIN Office
Posted on Jul 30, 2004, 11:41 AM from IP address 69.29.65.247
I haven't posted in a while I have been taking a sort of break. But when I checked the message board there was a welcome I'm so happy to see NIN represented in PA. I could never get enough people interested for one in my area.
Congratulations and goodluck to the new chapter.
Dottie
Posted on Jul 29, 2004, 12:03 PM from IP address 129.25.18.109
Well thank heavens there is a chapter in PA... Being a neighbor to you we are constantly asked if there is a chapter in PA since alot of our preemies are shipped over the line into your state... God Bless and guide your chapter
Hugs,
West Virginia TYLER chapter
Posted on Aug 8, 2004, 12:03 AM from IP address 151.205.57.131
Hi,I am the proud mother of two beautiful baby girls who were born premies and had to stay in NICU for a few weeks. I am very fortunate to have resources and everything my babies need for them. I would like to donate any clothing and other baby things that are necessary for these NIN's. Please let me know where to send these things. Thank you Laura Pasqualini
Posted on Sep 5, 2004, 10:50 PM from IP address 24.3.105.236
Dear Laura,
I'm trying to find my friend, Laura Pasqualini, from NY. She and I were teachers together, and I'd love to talk to her. If you are she, please phone me at (914) 693-8617. (I don't have an e-mail address right now). Thanks and take care, Suzanne
Posted on Aug 18, 2005, 5:10 PM from IP address 67.87.63.220
I just got a note from Home Office that they are running very low on preemie clothing in the 3-4 pound range. Apparently they have had quite a demand for these items lately and the supply they have left there in Houston is almost totally gone.
So ladies, if you are looking for a summer project or you are trying to decide what to make next, ANY preemie clothing items will be much appreciated. Let's see how quickly we can get some items in the mail and get those shelves filled again.
Thanks!
Mary/Seattle
Posted on Jul 27, 2004, 11:09 AM from IP address 65.117.82.18
Welcome guys! Or should I say ladies? Hang on for the awesome things God will work out for your chapter!It's really a great experience to share this endevor together.Be sure to visit the message board as often as you can.There is wonderful information here as well as a great time with all the others involved that help with encouragemnet and passion for the common goal,those precious babies!
Hugs,
Sharlotte
Springfeild,Mo chapter
Posted on Jul 22, 2004, 10:14 PM from IP address 66.137.180.88
Ev, I will send it to you. It originally came form the web site. I don't have the address of the Newark, Ohio chapter. Hope you had a good and safe trip with alot of good times. Love you, Ruth
Posted on Jul 20, 2004, 9:34 PM from IP address 152.163.252.197
