hugsandstitches

Proverbs 31:13, & 20 says: "She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy." NKJ

While surfing the 'net looking for knitting and crochet sites and patterns, I came across many links to sites for charities. It seems there is a need for little knitted or crochet hats for newborns, especially preemies. By keeping their tiny heads nice and cozy, they can use their energy to grow strong instead of using it to keep warm. I love to knit and crochet, so I thought this would be perfect for me to do.

I was originally going to send them off to one of the charities. But after thinking about it, I decided that there must be a hospital right in my area that would welcome some of these darling hats. So I decided to call one that WASN'T on the list. They were all too happy to accept them.

And that's how, in June of 2000, Hugs and Stitches was born. I've expanded on it now, and also make layettes for babies of low income families, or those that are going into foster care. Many of these little darlings only have the hospital t-shirt and diaper to wear home. Don't these beautiful gifts from God derserve something beautiful to wear home?

Would you like to help? You can join my Yahoo Group, Hugs and Stitches. Our own members sponsor a Ministry of the Month that we make donations for. And it's not limited to just crochet. Knitted, quilted and sewn items are needed and welcomed also. Hats of all sizes, sweaters, booties, blankets as small as 15 inch X 15 inch are used. Larger sized blankets are used to cover the isolettes to keep the bright lights out of the babies eyes. Sadly, also needed are burial gowns for those precious angels that go back to Heaven. The last thing new parents want to think about is what to bury their baby in. They have the little blanket they cuddled their child in for the last time as a keepsake. We've also made items for families in Domestic Abuse and Homeless Shelters. The needs are endless.

NEW!! BB's Preemie BBlanket!

Click on photo for FREE pattern!

Preemie Dedication or Baptism Bib

Click on photo for FREE
pattern!!

11 blankets and 35 hats were donated in August 2000 for the NICU at St Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin. This was our first "Ministry of the Month".

In December 2001, St. Joe's was again a Ministry of the Month. This time, over 125 items were donated!

Here are a few links to sites that list charities. Perhaps you can find one in your area to help. Or, if none in your area, you could start one! Many shelters, as well as hospitals would be very grateful for your handmade gifts!

Crochet Guild of America Charity List

Handmade for Charity

Bev's Country Cottage

Sewing For Babies

God's Tiny Angels

Project Angel Kisses

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