Cloth Dolls for Children's Hospital

I was recently privileged to become friends with Lindsey from Sew To Grow. She told me about Project Made, in which she is highlighting 28 days of people around the world sharing kindness and goodwill through their creative endeavors. 

Lindsey invited me to share a project, and I immediately thought of a community effort I was a part of through my church. The Relief Society ( the women's charitable organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in my little corner of the world was making cloth dolls to donate to the local children's hospital. 

These dolls are used by medical professionals as a communication tool for explaining procedures to a child or diagnosing a child's discomfort.  The child is then given the doll, and often a little hospital gown for the doll, as their own to hold and keep. 

As you can see, the pattern is extremely simple. The body and gown patterns can be found here: http://hopkinschildrens.org/Cloth-Dolls-Blankets-Pillow-Cases/

Dozens of women sewed the doll bodies from fabric scraps, fat quarters, and extra pillow cases. Then last Saturday we met together to stuff them and sew up the final seam. 

By the door of classrooms throughout the church building, women could pick up unstuffed dolls to stuff or stuffed dolls to sew. As we listened to messages on subjects such as family relationships and charity from wonderful speakers, we worked. 

I especially loved seeing the joy of the women as they worked. Charity is always like that: Efforts to bring joy to others inevitably makes the giver as happy (or happier) than the receiver. 

As the morning went on, it was so exciting to see more and more completed dolls!

The goal was to make 125 dolls.  We were thrilled to discover that this incredible group of women far surpassed our goal, making a total of 288 dolls to donate! 

These sweet, important dolls are used in hospitals all over the world.  This is an excellent way to serve individually, in a small group, or as a larger community to bring joy to children in need. The materials are inexpensive, and the sewing is simple.

Participating in these link-ups.

Easy Head Scarves Sewing Tutorial

While visiting with a dear friend who is going through chemotherapy, I asked her if she would like me to make her a head scarf to wear. She said she really would, especially some that were better for the coming warm weather.  

This reminded me of an excellent story from this podcast: Wigs, Wigouts, and Insurace, in which a woman beautifully and hilariously determines if she is Wig Person or a Scarf Person while going through chemotherapy. It's a great listen.  And between it and my friend's request, I was determined to make some cool, ventilated, and not-too-heavy head scarves for my friend.

My husband came home when I was finishing these up. I had on this one, and he said, "Oooh. Cool head thingy!" He thought it was a fashion head wrap I had made for myself. And it totally could be! Head scarves are for everyone--whatever our health situation. 

I found an excellent tutorial from Daydream Believers, but uses a ribbed knit band and silky scarf. This didn't sound very comfortable or breathable for warm weather. So, I made a tutorial that uses thin jersey knit or stretchy lace fabric. I was so happy with the results!

To make an Easy Head Scarf, you'll need:

• 1/2 yard of thin jersey knit or other fabric that stretches in at least one direction.
• Measuring tape, measuring board and/or ruler.
• Scissors or rotary-cutter
• Sewing machine/serger with corresponding thread

Directions: 

1. Cut the band piece 6 inches x 20.5 inches. The stretch for this piece should be along the length of the cut.

3. Cut the scarf section: 44 inches x 12.5 inches.  Stretch can be in either direction here.

4. Fold the scarf section in half along the width.  Find the mid-point (6.25") of the width  on the open side of the folded fabric. Measure 5 inches straight down each side. Use a ruler or other straight edge to make a straight line from the mid-point to the 5 inch mark on each side.

6. Cut along those lines.  If you are using jersey knit, no finishing is required for the edges of the scarf. I decided to sew a thin rolled hem on my lacey fabric to prevent fraying.  If you are finishing the edges of your scarf, do so now. Then, set this piece aside.

7. Fold the band piece in half along the width, right sides together. Sew the open edges. (This is a good time to try it on your head. It should fit snug enough to not move, but not too tight. If it is too loose, trim 1/4 inch from the sewn edge, re-stitch, and try again, repeating until the fit is right).

8. Fold the band in half along the length, wrong sides together. 

9. Sew that edge up with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

10. Lay out your scarf piece right side up and find the mid-point along one length. Pin the band's front mid-point (directly opposite the seam) to the mid-point on the scarf piece. 

11. Continue to pin the scarf all the way around the base of the band. The right side is inside here, pinned all around the band. 

Make sure to finish pinning each end of the scarf right at the seam of the band, so the sides will be even. 

This head scarf shows the pinning process better because of the contrasting fabrics.

12. Sew along the pinned edge, all the way around  the band. 

And you are done! 

These are such an easy project, and a great item to make as a community service project and donate to cancer centers in your area. I did a simple internet search for "Where to donate to cancer centers" and had several options. 

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions as you are making these scarves. I'm happy to help!

Participating in these link-ups.