Would anyone be prepared to do a bit of sewing for Special Care Baby Units??

[creativeclare]

Help..............!!

This is a big ask but even if one person would help that would make an enormous difference!

A couple of years ago I persuaded a group of local ladies to make premature baby clothes in order to supply a local hospital with enough garments to give each baby in SCBU unit a Christmas present.

Well, the project has grown and people have been so kind. We`re stronger now than ever but we have NO SEWERS ( apart from me and a pal!)

Birmingham Womens` Hospital ( largest spe******t SCBU in the country) are piloting a scheme which involves incubator covers. The covers basically are wadded on top and backed with cream or white. They cut out noise, light and distraction and replicate the conditions in the womb enabling the pre term baby to continue developing after birth. I was asked by BWH to make a few which we did. Happily BWH reckon the covers are very much helping babies to develop after birth and get better but they need another 30 atleast.

I just can`t make 30 covers, I don`t have time but I also feel very guilty that these covers are helping and "I don`t have time" is not a sufficient excuse!!

It would be fab if anyone would make one or two. They`re not complicated and the level of workmanship is not being judged!

Basically, you need a 1.5mtrs ( 110cms wide) of poly cotton type fabric (child friendly pattern or plain) , 1.5 mtrs of backing, 0.5 mtr of wadding.

I have a pattern which I can email. If you can help please pm me!

Thanks very much & fingers crossed! (perhaps toes too!)

Clare


PS.....I posted a while ago that I won a Brother sewing machine from Sewing World Magazine. I`ve decided to use this as a prize. Basically everyone who makes a incubator cover or patchwork cot cover will be given a raffle ticket. The draw will be drawn at the end of June. One ticket per item not just per person.

[incywincy]

I'd be happy to make one Clare. Just send me some more info ;)

[pixiedoodles]

Hi,
My little princess Livi was in the SCBU at the womens in Birmingham in 2006, she wouldnt be here without them. I could never repay them for what they did for her and us.

This is a fantastic idea. thank you to all of you who do this,

Wish I had a sewing machine:(so i could help.

[Minky Magic]

I have just Pm'd you...

M x

[jenn]

if you dont mind help from outside your area would be glad to make what I can, both my girls were born prem one at 29 weeks (now a strapping 22 year old, bigger than me) but if it werent for the jr at oxford neither of them or me either would be here. If you email me the pattern and let me know exactly what kind of mat.

jenn

[pixiedoodles]

Hi,
Have pm'd you with a question Clare,:)

[ethel&edna]

Hi Clare
Have just PMd you.
:0)

[toots]

I will do a couple for you too if you let me have the details....happy to help......I am going on Holiday at the end of next week but will do them when I get back.......if thats ok.

[janetdc]

I so wish I could help but I just really cannot sew. I do hope that you get all the support you need for such a great cause.
:)

[purplemac]

I could do some. I'm in South Wales but I don't mind posting them to you.

[sharon]

I's be happy to make one for You (maybe even more time permitting) - have sent you a pm

Sharon :)

[craftyjan]

what a lovely idea my grandaughter was in special care but not for long we took all her prem baby clothes to the special care unit when she grew out of them they were very grateful and past them on after all she grew so quick and had so many some were not even worn im not a good sewer so i wont volunteer but good luck im sure you will get enough perhaps other hospitals need the same thing

[creativeclare]

Thankyou to everyone who has replied! Today is turning out to be one of "those" days so I wont get to reply to all the PM`s until tomorrow. I just wanted to leave a quick note to say thanks very much. I`ll be intouch tomorrow!


Cx

[pixiedoodles]

Hi,
Have been given a fantastic donation of some wadding, which I am collecting tomorrow- two big bin bads full from a local company.

Any idea the best way to distribute it around? Anyone local to Birmingham making the quilts need some?

[sewtobed]

I'll be happy to make at least one. I've PM'd you my email addy for the pattern

[creativeclare]

Hi,
Have been given a fantastic donation of some wadding, which I am collecting tomorrow- two big bin bads full from a local company.

Any idea the best way to distribute it around? Anyone local to Birmingham making the quilts need some?

That`s very generous of the company! I`m not miles away from you but I don`t drive so getting some from you would be tricky unless I can persuade Husband to give me a lift. I`ll work on that one!

Clare

[creativeclare]

Thankyou to everyone who has offered to sew or given their support in other ways!

I`ve received quite a few pm`s from people asking for the pattern etc so I`ve decided to set up a temporary webpage with all the details on. I`m not going to publish my postal address on there so if anyone needs it once a cover is completed then please pm me and I`ll be glad to pass it on!

Thanks again. The hospital will be so pleased!

Clare :jump:

[Hopej]

Hi Clare,

I would love to help! I dont live near but will be happy to post them up to u. Will have a chat to my mum, as she is a sewer and a keen quilter too!
Sending u a pm now!

Sarah x

[pixiedoodles]

What area are you in clare?

[creativeclare]

What area are you in clare?



Good Old Lichfield!

[pixiedoodles]

Let me know if you cant get across for wadding and i will see if i can arrange to come over to you. Any excuse for a day out!!;)

Could you email me pattern please, got a few waiting now!:mf:

mail@beadstudio.co.uk

[pixiedoodles]

Hi all,

have added pattern to my website for anyone interested!

http://www.beadstudio.co.uk/page13.htm

[creativeclare]

Hello!

I thought I`d just post to make sure no one needed any help or anything with making the covers, sourcing fabric, adding an extra 3 hours to the day etc??;)

Just today I received a SOS message fromt he hospital asking if I had any covers that I could send...they have a staggering 37 babies in special care at the moment and another 25 in a less dependant ward. I was able to send three covers which will help them.

DO let me know if I can do anything to help anyone who has kindly offered to make a cover !

Thankyou!

Clare

[pixiedoodles]

I have five, hun.

Shall i take them to the hospital, its only a mile away from me?

[creativeclare]

Wow! That`s fantastic!!!

YES PLEASE to the offer of taking them in.

I`ll pm you with the details of who they need to go to!!

Brilliant.

Do you have any contact details of the people who made them so I can thank them on behalf of Togs for Tinies??

Well done you!

C

[pixiedoodles]

Will sort them for you and email details.

Have put another appeal on Birmingham freecycle so hopefully get some more offers.
Will also email all the others who offered and give em a gentle push!

[lauralou1601]

Do they cover the incubator completely? As in you cant see the baby?

[pixiedoodles]

Hi hun, theres a pic on my site http://www.beadstudio.co.uk/page14.htm

[creativeclare]

Yup, they certainly do!

The wadded bit covers the top and then the bits with the slits drape over the side.

Clare.

[Hannah]

Aww what a fantastic idea! I wish I could help but I cant say I am great (or even good!) at sewing.

My first son was 10 weeks premature so I fully support what you guys are doing - well done all of you!

xxHannah

[pixiedoodles]

Hi Clare,
All the quilts are finished, washed and ready to go! :D

Could you please pm me the contact details at the hospital so i can drop them off before the cats decide they are comfy, smell nice and adopt them for beds! ;)

[Moley]

I know that this is way out of date but how did you make contact with the SBCU? I have been collecting preemie patterns and other ideas for ages with a view to doing some sewing but I don't want to spend time on it if the items are not what is required.
Any guidance would be much appreciated.

[creativeclare]

Hi Moely,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I first became involved with preemie baby sewign as I had a prem baby myself. About 2 years ago I met a nurse on the SCBU of a local hospital and organised a group of ladies to make hats, small cardis and blankets to give as Xmas gifts to babes in SCBU that Christmas. As more hospitals becam aware of what we were doing, I received more requests for items and more or less became the co-ordinator of our appeal, Togs for Tinies.

Unless you have an ambition to set up a seperate appeal (which is a massive amount of work but very enjoyable!) I would join one of the many groups who knit and sew for preemies. www.rayofhope.co.uk have an excellent website of patterns and a yahoo group so you can chat to other members. Christine who is the co-ordinator of Ray of Hope is a lovely lady and will give excellent advice on what is needed.

Incubator covers and quilts are very much tailored to the hospital you are sewing for due to sizes for incubators etc Sadly sew items such as tiny cotton burial gowns are needed, and if you don`t find it too upsetting I know Ray of Hope (as do we) appreciate the gowns very much. I make them and always concentrate on the fact the families really, really appreciate them which makes the task a little less upsetting.

I intend to set up a website and forum for Tog for Tinies but I can`t see that happening until later this year when we formally register as a charity.

Beadstudio (don`t you, Em??!) has a copy of the Birmingham Womens Hospital incubator cover pattern on her website. The address is www.beadstudio.co.uk

Hope that helps a bit!

Clare

[jenn]

moley have you any premmie baby kn itting patterns you can pass on to me

thanks

jenn

[Moley]

Thanks for that Claire. Yes, I have a number of such patterns for earlydeath babies and I got hold of a good length of pure cotton lawn when on holiday, pus some pretty lace. I'm in the middle of making some costumes & props for a local production so will have to hold off starting something else just yet.

[Moley]

Jenn,
I have one pattern for a matinee coat, hat, mitts and boottees that was in the Woman's Weekly about 25 years ago if you want a copy. Just pm me.
Alternatively, if you google various sites such as Ray of Hope or jus search for prem baby patterns, you'll find all sorts.

[Critchley]

I am new and have just read your request. Are you still looking for sowers (not sewers) I would be happy o help.Carol

[Lou C]

Hi do you still need help with this.....I am not fantastic...but I have a machine and can make basic things. I am up to my eyes just now with another charity sewing project....but this should be calming down in the next month and would be more than happy to get involved with this.
Lou xx

[Meecrafts]

I have PM'd you also.
Would love to make one of these.

[pixiedoodles]

Hi,
I have taken another three to the unit. :mf: The ladies/nurses are so grateful, its a pleasure to go!

[overmilkwood]

I would be happy to help out

I am not the worlds greatest sewer (understatement) but if they are not being judged on sewing skills and you can give me a pattern I'll give it a go

[creativeclare]

Hi,
I have taken another three to the unit. :mf: The ladies/nurses are so grateful, its a pleasure to go!



Fantastic!!!!!! They are really grateful!! Hence I always feel bad that I don`t do enough for them!!

[creativeclare]

Hi all,

have added pattern to my website for anyone interested!

http://www.beadstudio.co.uk/page13.htm


Hellooooooo!

Thankyou so much to all the people who a have volunteered to help! The link to pattern is on beadstudio`s website.

There is no deadline at all and sewing skill are definately not being judged!


Clare

[Critchley]

I know it took me some time but I have finally made a cover but can't seem to get rid of it. I have PM's a couple of crafters but as yet no response. Do you still require these as I have another one cut out?
Carol