A Quarterly Publication for Care Wear Volunteers Please submit newsletter articles, photos, comments and stories to: [email protected]In This Issue: A Letter From Bonnie page 2-3 A Message About Surgical Scrub Caps page 9 Doctors Test New Weapon Against Eye Disease That Strikes Preemies page 15 Kathy Vish’s Stitched With Love page 24 Crochet Column by Sara Greer page 30 Surgical Scrub Caps Are A Big Hit! June 2009
Spring greetings to everyone reading this June 2009 quarterly newsletter for Care Wear Volunteers . I hope that you are well, safe, and enjoying the transition into summer. I, for one, am amazed how quickly this year is flying by.
We have included some wonderful photos and updates on surgical scrub caps in this issue . Many thanks to everyone who adopted this project and mailed caps to Chaplain Vaughn . He was really pleased to receive them and so were the medical staff members who received them! This is a simple sewing project that does not require huge quantities of fabric . I thought it was just perfect as a project for Care Wear Volunteers . Although the focus of this organization is hospitalized children, we have branched out in other directions to lend a hand where it will comfort hospital patients .
Again, a lovely note & photo from the parent of an infant who received a Care Wear Volunteers knit/crochet hat . Everyone wants to see the infants wearing the donated hats, booties, etc… Wonderful to hear that parents appreciate all that you do! SEE PAGE 6 TO SEE A NEWBORN WEARING A CARE WEAR HAT .
If you hear that someone is not receiving the quarterly newsletter, please ask if that person returned the form that was included in the December newsletter . I have extra copies of the March newsletter and am happy to send a copy to anyone who missed that issue . Of course, I will restore names/addresses to the mailing list so that future issues are not missed . Groups may submit names/addresses in one envelope . PLEASE write clearly and do not abbreviate names in the address . You may be familiar with the abbreviation, but I don’t know every town in ID, OH, MI, and TX!!! PLEASE write clearly so that I can enter the correct name, street address, and town . Sincere apologies when I make errors entering the information. When forms were returned there were some corrections to first and last names. Sorry!!!!
Please be sure that you send me change of address notices so that your newsletter is not sent to the Dead Letter Box of the Post Office. Bulk-rate mail is not forwarded or returned.
Last June I shared photos of my niece who volunteered for a half-year work assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan . She returned safely from that assignment, but is again in Kabul for a three-month assignment . At the last moment, her house & cat sitter fell through so I volunteered to assist . Her home is about 15 minutes east of Frederick so it is not an inconvenience for me. At age 64 I am finally entering the 21st century---learning to use the programmable thermostat in her house, learning to use & recharge her cell phone, and learning how to set/unset her house alarm system . All goes well, however, I’ve had a few visits to the vet office for a sick cat! I am now writing chapter five of my best-seller comedy novel, “What the House Sitter Never Knew!” Just joking!!! It did take some time for me to adapt to a differ-ent bed, two different cats, different noises, an alarm system, etc . As I write this I’ve been living in two places for six weeks . I am looking forward to returning full-time to my husband, my own cat, my condo, to one grocery list, etc! My car is a mobile warehouse—with coats, jackets, shoes, and other “stuff” in it!! Karyn returns June 8th .
Care Wear Volunteers received thanks from a number of hospitals . Here is a summary:Frederick Memorial Hospital (FMH) sent sincere thanks to Marva Legel for her knitted ponies and
black and white striped knitted ZEBRA (photo in this newsletter) . The knit pony pattern is an excel-lent way to use 4 ply yarn in “adult” colors . Marva has been producing knit ponies for a number of years---in navy, brown, grey, olive, black, etc… . Bright colored tails, manes, and blankets make them very very cheerful . The black & white pony (Zebra) was an adorable variation and was a great hit at FMH .
Beth Israel Hospital sends thanks to the Ladies of Fanwood Presbyterian Church for large deliveries of quilts, afghans, sweaters, hats, booties, bears, dolls, balls, etc… The monthly lists of items delivered are a tribute to the ladies who participate in this effort . BRAVO to all of them!!! Thanks to Peggy Ficken for keeping me posted .
The New London Family Hospital Medical Center sent thanks to Shirley Marsh for
Website: www .carewear .orgCare Wear Volunteers is a
501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization
sweaters she knit & sent . The hospital was delighted to be able to distribute sweaters to families in need . Cooper University Hospital (Camden, NJ) sent thanks to Diane (no last name included in the letter) for making &
donating beautiful hats and baby blankets . “…Your generosity has really brightened our family’s faces . When we are able to hand them a beautiful gift for their ill infant or their infant has recently passed away, it makes them realize how much so many people care about their stressful times . I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your thoughtfulness .”
Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital (Cleveland, OH) sent thanks for handmade hats, booties, blankets, and layettes for their “…weeniest patients . I thank you very much . You are so caring and thoughtful to continue sending items to Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital’s NICU . Best of health to all and think spring!”
For an interesting article about volunteers who participate in Care Wear Volunteers . The Hermit is the son of a Care Wear Volunteers participant .
http://hermitjim .blogspot .com/2008/10/more-series-moment .htmlAnyone in the Penndel, PA area might wish to join “Stitching Angels” that is meeting at Thursday nights at 7pm in
the Panera Bread meeting room . To begin, this group will focus on blanket & hats to be given to local hospitals and prayer shawls for distribution through a local church . Contact Helen Susko (mygardenhome@hotmail .com ) for more details .
The next newsletter is the September 2009 issue . Enjoy the summer! I thank you for all that you do to warm and comfort those in need .
With best wishes,
Bonnie
Aunt BonnieMy unit (Joint Intelligence Operations Center-Afghanistan, ISAF
[International Security Assistance Force]) has recently started working with Arghandab Hospital, here in Kabul. JIOCA is working specifically with the children’s burn unit and the preemie unit . As you can imagine, they are desperately in need of everything but certainly the same types of things that our US hospitals need -- small caps and booties, blankets, robes, etc .) . Anything that the volunteers of Care Wear could provide would be gratefully received .
Until the end of July, packages can be mailed to Erin McGrew; HQ ISAF JIOCA; APO AE 09356 . Postage is charged only from your individual location to NY. If postage is not possible for those with fixed incomes or limited circumstances, while I am here I will try to help reimburse postage--upon request . Donors requesting assistance with postage should contact me (Karyn .L .Spertzel@afghan .swa .army .mil) or Hagerman@hood .edu before mailing packages to Erin . (Frederick area participants can deliver completed items to Bonnie Hagerman at Hood College, Frederick MD . Donations will be mailed in boxes she sends to Erin .)
Letter from BonnieContinued from page 2
page 4 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
Enclosed is an article that appeared in a local newspaper and a photo of Diane and me .
Since the article, I have made 50 isolette covers for the hospital . In ad-dition, my daughter has graduated as an RN and works in an emergency room department at Jersey City Medical Center .
I will continue to sew items for those in need as time permits .
Thank you for all you do for others .
Ruth�
Volunteer Uses Knitting Skills To Help ChildrenRuth Bielanski of Milestone
Borough was looking for volunteer opportunities when she discovered Care Wear, a nationwide group of volunteers who knit, crochet or sew handmade baby items that are do-nated to hospitals .
Through Care Wear she has creat-ed 12 fitted fabric covers for isolettes in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, located on the grounds of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center .
“The isolette covers are used to protect sick or premature infants from light and sound as they would be protected in the womb,” accord-ing to Diane Marconi, developmental coordinator of the neonatal intensive care unit .
Bielanski makes the quilted covers by hand; each one takes about 1 1/2 hours to sew and uses 4 yards of fabric . She has used fabrics in green, navy and cranberry covers, plus a gingham check in pink and blue . She purchases all the material herself .
She also has made stuffed animals
for hospitals to donate to pediatric patients .
One of the reasons Bielanski was attracted to the project as her younger son Keith was born with hydrocephalus, a condition of water and swelling on the brain .
“We spent a good deal of time in hospitals for occupational and physical therapy over the years,” she said . “Maybe that had something to do with my choice of a volunteer project .”
The other Bielanski children are drawn to caring for others: Elder son Kevin teaches special needs children in Arizona and daughter Karen is scheduled to graduate in May from the Rutgers College of Nursing .
A librarian at the Manville Public Library, Bielanski has made sewing her lifelong hobby as it was passed on to her by her sisters . She enjoys working on projects while she is watching television .
MessengerSeptember 4, 2008
These are very easy samples. Submitted by Meta Van Duzer.BRAVO to this wonderful group!
Please see http://www .crochetcabana .com/
charity/index .htm
For Information On Making Items
For PreemiesPLEASE NOTE: Hospital requests
vary and preferences for color, style, etc . . will vary from one
hospital to another . Always check with the hospital to which you are sending layette items—if you have
questions .
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 5
Letters...Dear Bonnie,In memory of my dear friend
Pilar Barradas who passed away last summer I organized a small group of volunteers to help with one of the most worthy organizations: Care Wear Organization . Its members are recruiting other volunteers among their relatives and friends hoping to maximize our effort to help others . At this point we get together once a month to share in the projects we had worked on and to plan what we need to accomplish . In January with the help of the December newsletter we made twelve surgical caps that were mailed to hospitals overseas . We donated several knitted and cro-chet hats and a crochet baby blanket to the hospital in Dayton, OH . This week we are sent two burial gar-ments, two blankets, two pair of boo-ties, and two hats to the Family Birth Center in Battle Creek, MI .
On behalf of the members of our group we commend you for orga-nizing Care Wear Volunteers Or-ganization and for keeping all of us informed by e-mails and the newslet-ters . We truly appreciate what you do for others .
Sincerely,Lydia Hernandez �
Dear Bonnie,In December, a group of ladies
started a Care Wear Group in Travel World RV Park, Clearwater, Florida . We met every Tuesday for an hour to knit, crochet, sew and socialize . We made booties, hats, bibs, blankets, burial gowns and angel pockets for babies in the neonatal unit of All Children’s Hospital in St . Petersburg, Florida . We also had several lap blankets . In March we donated over 200 handmade items .
Most of us will soon be heading north for the summer . However, we plan to continue our work at home and when we return to Florida in the fall . The ladies who donated items
were Beryl Scott, our leader from Maine; Yvonne Buchanan, New Brunswick, Canada; June Dawson, Ontario, Canada; Joanne Spencer, Ohio; Arlene Priestley, Sue Lawless and Shirley Pincumbe, Michigan . This is such a worthwhile ministry, we thank you for starting it .
Enclosed is a picture of most of the items and three of our workers: Arlene Priestley, Michigan; Beryl Scott, Maine; and Shirley Pincumbe, Michigan . Enclosed also is a check to help defray the cost of postage, printing and whatever else is needed .
Sincerely,Shirley Pincumbe�
Hospital List Revisions Page 1 of 14/28/2009
State Hospital Name Address Phone NeedsMD Vindabona Nursing Home
Attn: Shirley Dayhoff- Activities Dept
6012 Jefferson Blvd.Braddock Heights MD 21714
301-371-7160 Anxious to receive LARGE TERRY CLOTH BIBS. Also, Lap Robes & Shawls. Contact Shirley regarding other needs.
MO Cox Health, Neonatal ICU Attn: Nurse Manager3801 South National AveSpringfield, MO 65807
417-269-6628 KIMONOS-small & medium, hats/booties (all sizes), (Pre) mittens, children's bed socks, blankets, P & ft burial gowns, bibs, bears, diaper shirts, flannel mattress covers, quilts (dark one side), burp cloths, incubator covers. Janice Edgar, RN.
OH Samaritan HospitalAttn: Volunteer Coordinator
1025 Center StreetAshland OH 44805
419-289-0491 Needs blankets and a few hats. Contact Jill Hartson, Volunteer Coordinator.
OH Akron City Children's HospitalManager, Volunteer Services
PA Abington Memorial Hospital, Volunteer Resources Dept
Attn: Heather Campbell1200 Old York RdAbington PA 19001
215-481-2490 Preemie & Full-term hats & booties, sweaters, blanket/quilts for Pediatrics, hand puppets, stuffed animals, comfort pillows, mastectomy bags & blankets/quilts for adults, walker bags. Heather [email protected] (215-481-2547).
VA Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, NICU
Attn: Patient Care Director3300 Gallows Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042
703-776-6401 Burial gowns for FT infants. Contact Claire Pagano.
page 6 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
Hello Bonnie,I just made my first delivery
yesterday of 17 caps to the Poudre Valley Hospital NICU .
They were glad to see me .Thanks again for the great pat-
terns!Bettina RosbrookPS above is a picture of the
‘goods’ ;-)
Letters I Enjoy Receiving...
Hello,My name is Marcia Linton . I’m
the Enrichment Coordinator (Activ-ity Director) at Pinegate Gracious Retirement Living in Macon, GA . Our resident Mary Kay Huber-Leslie introduced me to the Care Wear program and we love it . Mary Kay informed me that she forwarded you a copy of our local newsleter with
the article I wrote . I wanted to let you also know that our home office in Oregon has picked up the story for a nationwide article in our company wide newsletter . I’ll send you a copy when it comes out .
Above are some pictures of our group working on Care Wear .
Marcia Linton�
Hello . My name is Kimberly Jorgenson . I am e-mailing to thank a very special person for making a beautiful baby hat and burp cloth . I’m not sure how to contact this person, but I do have the name that was in the bag . The name is Jerri Johnston and I received this hat and burp cloth at the Grand Forks Altru NICU in North Dakota . My daughter was born on February 21st, 2009 and was transferred to the NICU that same day . She was born 4 weeks early, weighing 6 pounds 7 ounces, and 19 1/2 inches long, but with many prayers and God’s blessings, she was able to come home after just
4 days . Dur-ing her stay at the NICU a nurse named Michelle gave Coralyssa the hat and burp cloth . Coral-yssa has been wearing this beautiful hat everyday to her doctor’s ap-pointments and even around the house . I would like to thank Jerri for the kind-ness that she has given and just let Jerri know that this will be treasured by us, as I plan to keep the hat for Coralyssa in her little treasure chest . This act of kindness reminds me that we have a very kind God and I feel very blessed .
If you could please pass this mes-sage on to Jerri that would be great! Thanks so much!
Thanks so very much!Kimberly Jorgenson�
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 7
Letters I Enjoy Receiving...
A recent photo of Madison, grand-daughter of Denny Kelly (Australia) .
Madison is a lovely child and a happy one to have Denny as her grandmother!�
Hello! My name is Ellen La Que and I just wanted to take a minute and write to you about CareWear . I found your site through Bernat .com under charities . I think it is awesome . I was doing some research for a class that I teach here in the town where I live with Scotia-Glenville Continu-ing Education in Scotia, New York . I teach beginning/intermediate knit-ting and crochet classes . That is my very part-time income producing gig . I also started making pairs of booties for the City Mission of Schenectady, NY- also local to me . They are a local shelter that assists women, men, and women with children to “start over” with their lives . That is what I do for my own head and heart and to show my 5 year old daughter what it means to care about and give to others . That was an important lesson that my mother taught me . I have two children, Caroline who is 5 and Kevin Jr . who is 18 months . My second child Jeanette was born in 2005 and unfortunately passed away when she was just under a month old . She had a hypoxic episode during my delivery and consequently spent two weeks on life support at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. Jeanie was 7lbs .15oz . and looked so huge next to the preemies in the NICU . After the tests determined that her brain damage was severe we removed her from life support and she passed away after just under 23 hours of breathing on her own . A birth story people think would be un-common today, nonetheless became our story . When I read that the hospi-tals needed Full term sized garments it really struck a cord with me . I also checked out your Patterns page and realized that I have one of the Little Pumpkin Hats that was given to me for her (which I loved, even though it was too small for her to wear) along with a small Halloween quilt . I keep
them both in her memory box . These days I am a busy stay-at-home mom and I’m getting ready to have my third and final C-Section to deliver my last child, Isabelle Ann, at the end of April . I really love to crochet most of all, but I’m also staying busy knitting a blanket for Isabelle - I hope to finish it before she arrives! CareWear seems so wonderful, I love that someone can be a member just by participating - that is so refresh-ing . I will be honored to make some things for a hospital . I have to decide if I would make them for Baystate or for Albany Medical Center (where I will deliver soon) . I can at least plan to eventually make some things for both if I can work in the time along with caring for 3 kids! It’s nice to know that places like CareWear exist in the world .�
Dear Bonnie,Our group of Care Wear vol-
unteers, named “The Ohio Spir-ited Hands” as of March 10, met at Jenny’s house on Tuesday . Our newcomer Mary Ann Lowry was present (Welcome aboard Mary Ann!) . Everyone was ready to share the gifts brought in for the Angels at the Miami Valley Hospital Neonatal Care Unit in Dayton, OH .
Carol Liepold, one of the members, graciously volunteered to deliver the following items to the hospital;
2 blankets1 afghan25 hats4 pair of booties8 pairs of slippers
We will continue to meet every second Tuesday each month .
Keeping you informed,Lydia Hernández�
February 7, 2009Dear Bonnie,Our group (3 of us) continues to
make blankets and caps for two of our local hospitals . Last year’s contribution was 89 blankets and 43 caps .
I am enclosing a picture of Opal Kennedy, who turns 102 today . She is the force behind our continued effort to contribute to this cause . For her birthday celebration, Opal’s granddaughter plans to take her shopping–which is her second love after crocheting . With the aid of a walker, she can outlast most of us .
I have enclosed Opal’s and my name and address to continue receiv-ing the CareWear Newsletter . We look forward to each issue .
Betty�
page 8 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
I received the enclosed letter from Cooper Hospital in NJ . I wanted to share it with you .
I sent approximately 40 hats, 20 pair booties, some sacques, baby afghans and sweaters .
Always glad to help those less fortunate,Diane A�
Bonnie,I have tried to find out how to
contact the person that designed this wrap but have been unable . I have one nearly finished and I plan to make more for Frederick Hospice and some local nursing homes . This works up so quickly if anyone is looking for a pattern that is simple and one that would really stay on the shoulders of a bedridden person or one in a wheelchair .http://needleworkersroom .blogspot .com/2008/12/wheelchair-wrap .html
Jean�
Cozy’s Corner: Crochet
Wheelchair Wrap
Hospital Change of AddressThe Children’s Hospital13123 East 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
Sue Dagg is still program assistant in the Volunteer office, but her new phone number is 720-777-6685 .
UPDATE from JeanI had another email from
Frederick Hospice . They don’t want any of the shawls in the
pattern I linked you to re-cently . (ABOVE) They want plain shawls that can be used for both men and women . I really like that shawl but the plain ones are easier anyway . I’m glad I only sent them one of those shawls, the rest were
all plain .
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 9
A Message About Surgical Scrub Caps...“Wow! You and ladies of the OWC
of Frederick went over and beyond the call of duty! I’ve received several boxes with a large variety of styles and designs . The OR and Dental sec-tions are thrilled . They’re planning to have a “Scrub Cap Party” later today to pass them out and I made them promise to provide photos . I’ll send copies as soon as possible . Also, you should be receiving a thank you directly from those sections . Thank you again for your overwhelming support! You’re amazing!”
Blessings,Chaplain Vaughn
THOMAS B . VAUGHN, JR .CH (MAJ) USA
Task Force 115 MedicalCamp CropperAPO AE 09342�
Chaplain Vaughn said that the scrub caps he had received to date would go to the OR and Dental Clinic at his Combat Support Hospi-tal which is the TF115 in Baghdad . I’m assuming these photos were taken there but will check on it to be sure . (TF = Treatment Facility)
I have a friend and former military associate of my husband’s who still has a few hospital contacts . He lives in San Francisco . He is going to see what he can find out as far as other contacts at military hospitals and if they could use some scrub caps .
Possibly Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii where he was once assigned . Bob is a joker and likes to pull one’s leg . He called last week and said that he was going to call “Michelle” (acted like he is on a first name basis with our new First Lady, LOL) so I thought he was joking with me . He called again a couple of days ago and said though he hadn’t spoken directly with “Michelle”, he did speak with her secretary and gave her the information about our care package project to include the scrub cap project . He warned me I might be receiving a call from Mrs . Obama since she has a project to support military families . ( Wouldn’t that be something if it happened? . . . .Don’t hold your breath! ;-)
I’m still trying to get contacts at Landstuhl Hosp . in Germany . This is where some of the wounded are sent first until they are stable enough and able to make the trip back to the States. They often fly families of the wounded to Landstuhl when the wounded are in critical condition . This hospital is not far from where we lived while in Germany . Maybe I can make a contact with the medical depot where Jim used to be the com-mander and see if they can provide any help with this .
Brook Army Hospital in San An-tonio, Texas is where the burn unit is . This is the hospital where Mike, my first child was born. I’m hoping
they can use the scrub caps . . .they are treating some of the most horribly disfigured burn patients you can pos-sibly imagine . When I was nursing, burn patients were the hardest ones for me to take care of so my heart goes out to all the medical personnel who work with them . They recently treated an American female civilian working for our government who was in Afghanistan to help assess the needs of the country in terms of infrastructure, hospitals, schools, etc . Some insurgents (possibly Taliban) threw acid on her and she was badly burned, med-evac’d to Brook AH, and later died . Perhaps you read about it in the newspaper?
We’ll keep plugging along! As you saw from the photos, the soldiers were delighted to receive the scrub caps!
Joanne�Ma’am,First of all I would like to Thank
you for all that you do for soldiers, and what you have done for us here in Iraq . Through the chaplin, MAJ Vaughn, we received scrub caps . We work in dental and some people don’t think we need them but it is nice to have something to protect our hair . We all have long hair!! Ms . Ruth Bielanski is the name I received for sending these scrub caps but there is
Please make a note of my new email address for JOANNE HUFF (Surgical Scrub Cap Project):jmh1957@comcast .net
I will be discontinuing the earthlink address when I have contacted everyone .I have a box full of scrub caps in my possession . Some made by the OWC members and friends, and some sent by Elaine in PA . She has called me on a couple of occasions and the Seniors she is working with are going to town
making them . She sent some to a plastic surgeon who is going to Ecuador to do some charitable work .I’m still waiting to hear from MEDCOM, (Medical Command, Headquarters) about whether or not we can send
some to the major Army hospitals . You know the military . . .mountains of red tape to climb!
continued on page 10
page 10 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
no email . I would like to Thank her so if I could get an address or email address I would appreciate it!! Again, from the 115th CSH Dental Clinic we thank you very much!!!
Thank you,Erica Thomas
SPC Erica ThomasAKA SPC Awesome
TF 115 Dental Assistant�
A Message About Surgical Scrub
Caps...
A photo of some of the 70 scrub caps we have sent off so far. Photo by John Headley, spouse of one of our Care Wear groups at Falls Senior Center.
~Elaine Pendleton
continued from page 9
Bonnie,My mother having suffered a few
strokes leaving her paralyzed on one side, misses being able to knit and crochet . In the past we made baby blankets, hats, and booties . Her roommate at the LTC facil-ity spends her days crocheting and sewing which makes mom miss it all the more. I thought a stuffing project would be a good idea to give her a sense of purpose . I decided we would make the medical dolls in different skin colors, but before we started I contacted The Ronald MacDonald House in Camden NJ
which is behind Cooper Hospital, to see if they could use the dolls . The person I spoke with said that unfor-tunately they were advised no stuffed animals or toys…a sanitary matter…but he referred me to the Child Life Coordinator at Children’s Regional Hospital which is in Cooper Hospi-tal . Cooper Hospital holds a special place in my heart because it is where my stepdaughter worked . She use to deliver the baby items we made to the NICU, unfortunately she passed in 2006 . Killed by a drunk driver . I contacted the Coordinator, Barbara McCarthy and explained what I
wanted to do and would she have a use for these dolls? She said, “Yes, but could they come with clothes?” I said, “Sure, I’ll contact you when we are done .” Well, I started on the dolls doing the sewing and then taking a few at a time with stuffing over to the LTC home where mom helped me stuff them . She was so happy to have something to do . The dolls were easy, we made 75, but what was I go-ing to do about the clothes? Having a surplus of yarn rests, I figured out a crochet dress, shirt, and pants pat-tern and was able to make enough, just using my scraps, to dress all the dolls . I will try to write down the directions for the clothes and email them to you . Try is the operative word . It makes sense that anywhere using the dolls would want clothes too. When I notified Ms. McCarthy the dolls were done she said, “The dolls and clothing will work beauti-fully with the medical play sessions we do with the children .” The dolls are scheduled for drop off on May 11 . The attached is a picture of my mother with a sample of the dolls and clothes .
Barbara�
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 11
I was saddened to learn of the passing of
Ester Elianof Skowhegan, ME on February 26th after a long battle with C .O .P .D . Esther’s husband George wrote that “…This year was extremely hard for her to breathe and to get around . She missed very much not being able to knit and sew for Care Wear…”
Sincere sympathy to George and all of the family . Esther will be missed . Esther designed the pattern for the hospital gown for the Surgical Dolls requested by Johns Hopkins Children’s Center . She made MANY of them—to the delight of young patients at Johns Hopkins!
An Urgent Request From Abington Hospital, Pennsylvania...
Hospital Unveils $2.5 Million
Expanded Infant Care Facility
Facility adds six beds, im-proved respirators and incubators
ValleyCare Health System debuted its $2 .5 million expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to hospital staff Thursday with the goal of treating more patients at the only Tri-Valley hospital equipped to handle new-borns .
In collaboration with UCSF Chil-dren’s Hospital, ValleyCare spent the past four months redesigning and expanding its NICU from four to 10 beds .
“This allows us to not send as many babies to other hospitals,” said Dr . Henry Lee, a neonatologist at ValleyCare . “It is going to allow us to care for more babies that need help .”
Gina Teeples, director of maternal child services, said ValleyCare deliv-ers roughly 1,500 babies per year and admits about 250 to its NICU . ValleyCare provides up to Level 2 care for newborns, on a scale of three .
The unit features improved respira-tors, incubators and lighting control .
Funding for the redesign came from grants and a wine auction Val-leyCare has held the past few years, Teeples said .
The expanded unit is set to begin admitting patients Tuesday . For more information, contact ValleyCare at 925-847-3000 .
Robert JordanFebruary 20, 2009
page 12 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
TLC yarn or any soft pastel yarnSize 7 needles24" of ribbon to sew ties for the necksoft material to line the pattern rows 2 3/4" x 9"a rosette or bow for the front bodiceSKIRTCast on 72 stitches. Knit seven rows in garter stitch (knit every row). Begin pattern. Use markers to identify the beginning and end of the pattern.Row 1: k28 stitches, place marker, p2, k5, p2, k5, p2, place marker, k28Row 2: k4, p24, (at marker) k2, p5, k2, p5, k2, p24, k4Row 3: k28, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2 tog, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2 tog, p2, k28Row 4: repeat row 2
Lace Ribbon GownRepeat these four rows for 8-10"BODICENext Row (Right Side): k19, (k1, k2tog 12 times), k19 (60) stsKnit 5 more rows (3 ridges garter st)Next Row (Right Side): k14, bind off 6 sts, k20 includ-ing the one on the needle, bind off 6 sts, k14 sts Side Back: keep-ing the garter st border, knit these 14 sts in stockinette st for 2"Next Row (Right Side): bind off 2
sts for shoulder, knit to end of row.Purl one row. 12 sts. Put these 12 sts on a holder.Front: 20 st. Knit in stockinette st for 2".Next Row (Right Side): bind off 2 sts for shoulder, knit to end of row.Bind off 2 sts for shoulder, purl to end of row. 16 Cut yarn. Put these sts on a holder.Repeat directions for second side back, reversing the shaping and remembering to keep the 4 edge stitches in knit stitch.NECKPut all (52) sts on needles.Rows 1 and 2: (beginning on right side) knit acrossRow 3: k4, *yo, k2tog, repeat from * across, end k4Row 4: knit across. Bind off.
SLEEVES Make 2
Cast on 24. Knit 4 rows in garter stitch.
Next Row: knit across, increas-ing one stitch in every other stitch (36 stitches). Purl back.
Pattern rows:
Row 1: k10, p2, k5, p2, k5, p2, k10
Row 2: p10, k2, p5, k2, p5, k2, p10
Row 3: decrease 2, k7, p2, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, p2, re-peat from * one more time, pk10
Row 4: decrease 2, p7, k2, p5, k2, p5, k2, p8
Decreasing rows:Row 1: knit
Rows 3, 5 & 7: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8: Purl (26 stitches)
Knit 8 more rows in stockinette stitch.
Knit 2 together across row, purl back. Knit one row, bind off (wrong side).
Sew in shoulder seams, weave in all loose ends.
Sew two ribbons on neck back turning under raw edges. Sew rosette or bow on front center of bodice.
Measure backing material to cover the front panel of stitches plus about 1/2" .Turn under 1/2" of the raw edges of cotton mate-rial and tack along edges of front panel of the gown as backing.
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 13
Hi Bonnie,Having been a former resident of
Maryland, I have had the pleasure of meeting you and attending the fun filled Make a Difference Day. Now may I introduce to you the Stitches Witches of Matthews, N .C . that try in their small, but dedicated way, to continue your idea of “make a differ-ence” .
If you visit our clubhouse on Friday morning, you will meet a group of women who enjoy fellow-ship, laughter and sharing stories as they knit and crochet together . Some come weekly to work, and others come to get yardage and supplies and then do work at home .
In the beginning most of our knit-ting was done on Knifty Knitter frames but gradually we are learning to use circular needles, straight nee-dles and crochet hooks . The items we give to charity usually consist of small projects that don’t have to be a certain size–baby hats, adults hats, blankets, chemo hats, scarves and other small items . All are donated to local organizations such as Pres-byterian Hospital Matthews, Oncol-ogy Specialists of Charlotte, Blessed Assistance Day Care, Charlotte Mens Shelter, Warm Up America and Levine’s Children Center in the name of our community only .
All of our supplies are obtained by donations from the community, such as craft store coupons, money and donations of yarn and supplies . A .C . Moore, Michaels and Care Wear have been most generous in their support and encouragement . We owe our thanks to all and it is their gener-osity that enables the Stitch Witches to continue their work for the benefit of others .
At this point, we are just under 1,000 items and still counting . . .
Mollie Kromer�
Cap & Booties
New Listing For
The Hospital ListVindabona Nursing HomeAttn: Shirley Dayhoff—
Activities Dept6012 Jefferson Blvd
Braddock Heights MD 21714301-371-7160
Requesting LARGE TERRY CLOTH BIBS, Lap robes, &
shawls for their patients .
Contact Shirley to discuss other needs .
New Hospital/
Organization Listing
Living Hope Women’s CentersHope House Maternity Home
Attn: Kimberly Hash, Executive Director100 East Huning
Needs: Infant and toddler clothing up to size 4 Toddler
FYI: Participation in pre & postnatal classes earns points to exchange for donated apparel for
the new baby .
page 14 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
EasyThis crocheted stocking cap and booties can be made for prema-ture, newborn and 3 to 6 month olds. You will need 1/2 ounce Coats & Clark’s “red Heart Softspun” baby yarn in blue and white, sizes E, F, and G crochet hooks.Gauge: Using size F crochet hook, 5 sc equal 1 inch 6 sc rows equal 1 inch.Note: Size E crochet hook is used for premature size.Size F crochet hook is used for newborn size.Size G crochet hook is used for 3-6 month size.All rows are working in the BACK LOOP ONLY (blo) of each st to create ribbing for stretchability.You may alternate colors, working two rows of blue, two rows white. When changing colors, work new color into last two lps of ending sc of previous color. Do not fasten off when changing color; carry across.CAP: With blue yarn, ch 35.Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc in each st across. Ch 1,
Caps and BootiesA variation of a LOVELY crochet pattern for preemie hats.
This style is recommended because of the added stretch that each hat has.
turn - 34 scs.Rows 2-56: Sc in blo of each st across. Ch 1 turn - 34 scs.Using tapestry needle, weave remaining yarn in end st of every other row along the 56 row por-tion, pull thread tightly and whipstitch to firmly secure top of cap crown.Do not fasten off. Hold wrong side of row 1 and
right side of Row 56 tog, sl st with crochet hook, or use tapestry needle and go through the blo of Row 56, matching the 34 cor-responding sts. Fasten off, weave in end. Make a small pompom for crown, or crochet a rosette.ROSETTE: Ch 9, dc in 4th st from hook, 9 dc in same sp. Work 10 dc in each remaining st. Fasten off, pull both strands of yarn to wrong side of cap and knot sever-al times. Rosette may be secured more firmly by stitching edges in several places.BOOTIES: Leg: Ch 15.Row 1: (Wrong side of work) Sc in second ch from hook, sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn - 14 scs.Rows 2-20: Sc in blo of each st across. Ch 1, turn - 14 scs. At end of Row 20, do not fasten off. (WORKING YARN)INSTEP: With edge facing where color is carried across, join (NEW YARN) in end st of 8th row of leg.Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining sc in end st of next 4 rows. Ch 1, turn - 5 scs.Rows 2-7: Sc in blo of each st across. Ch 1, turn - 5 scs. (At end
of Row 7, do not ch 1) Fasten off. Weave ends on wrong side.FOOT: Pick up working yarn. SC in end st of next 8 rows of leg, sc in end as of next 7 rows of instep, sc in blo of next 5 scs. Sc in end st of next 7 rows of instep, sc in end st of next 8 rows of leg. Ch 1 turn - 35 scs.Rows 2-7: Sc in blo of each st across. Ch 1, turn - 35 scs.ROW 8: Sk first st, sc in blo of next 14 sts, (sk one st, sc in blo of next st) 3 times, sc in blo of next 12 sts, sk one st, sl st in last st. Ch 1, turn - 29 scs.ROW 9: Sk first st, sc in blo of next 11 sts, (sk one st, sc in blo of next st) 3 times, sc in blo of next 10 sts. Sk one st, sl st in last st. Ch 1, turn - 24 scs.ROW 10: Sk first st, sc in blo of next 12 sts. With right sides facing, sl st corresponding sts of bottom edges tog. Whipstitch re-maining portion of foot and leg in same manner as cap. Fasten off, weave in ends.
(adapted from a pattern in Workbasket Magazine,
April 1988, pp. 18-19).WITH ALTERATIONS IN
(CAPITAL LETTERS).
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 15
Doctors Test New Weapon Against Eye Disease That Strikes Preemies
Thomas Lee painstakingly scrapes away spider-web-like tentacles deep inside a premature baby’s eye, scar tissue that is pulling apart the infant’s retina .
“It’s like you’re peeling back the layers of an onion,” the surgeon, of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, says in describing a mysterious dis-ease’s damage to the baby’s eye .
Now a few doctors around the country are testing a new tool that enables them, for the first time, to watch how this disease that blinds hundreds of premature babies every year begins its sneak attack behind their tiny eyelids . It is technology that offers hope of one day helping to save more children’s vision .
Already the researchers are aston-ished to learn how much damage this disease -- called retinopathy of prematurity, or RoP -- can do before today’s standard preemie eye exams signal a reason to worry .
“We can see just amazing things in these young children’s eyes that we never suspected,” said Cynthia Toth of the Duke Eye Center .
New understanding of this eye disease is crucial . About 16,000 pre-mature babies a year get some degree of RoP, and the number is rising . The smaller the preemie, the bigger the eye risk, and doctors are saving more and more of the estimated 28,000 babies a year who are born weighing 2 3/4 pounds or less .
RoP can destroy the retina, the eye’s innermost layer . Mild cases can resolve on their own, but there is no sure way to save vision once aggressive RoP strikes . Laser therapy decreases but does not eliminate the chance of blindness, and many babies who do not go blind still experience severe vision loss .
If the laser therapy fails, scar tissue can cause the retina to detach -- but removing that tissue is risky, because a slightly wrong move can cost vi-sion . Hence the quest to diagnose sooner which babies are getting into trouble, and to determine when and how to intervene .
Step 1 of the preemie research uses a technology called optical coherence tomography, or OCT, which beams light to create a map of the back of the eye, showing the retina’s layers in exquisite detail . In recent years, eye doctors have begun offering this exam to adults, who rest the chin in a big machine that directs the light into their eyes . That is unusable for babies, so Lee and Toth are test-ing a new handheld high-definition version, from North Carolina-based Bioptigen . Doctors just swaddle the preemie and hold the scanner over the eyes for a few minutes .
Step 2: In Los Angeles, Lee uses the OCT images to help decide which preemies need surgery -- and then cuts away the scar tissue using a special endoscope, an ultra-thin probe from New Jersey-based Endo Optiks that lets him see behind the iris, deeper than standard surgical microscopes .
“Trying to look into an eye that has RoP and operate is like driving on a highway right behind a tractor-trailer with only five feet between the two of you at 70 miles per hour . If your view is not good, it’s like driving in the rain with the windshield wipers off with the same truck in front of you,” Lee said .
The question is whether either of the tools helps -- by diagnosing ba-bies in trouble sooner, or by improv-ing the eye surgery’s precision . It is far too soon to know .
But the OCT images are uncover-ing damage that specialists who ex-amine the babies’ eyes using standard magnifying lenses couldn’t see, said Lee, who presented preliminary data at a recent eye meeting .
This scar tissue forms in strands that appear, in Lee’s scans, much like spider silk but pull with remarkable force . Retinas that doctors thought were lifting only on the edge often already have damage in their crucial centers, he said . More surprising is that eyes that passed standard ex-ams can have retinal layers literally stretching apart until they tear . Even if the retina does not detach, vision is lost because those layers lose the ability to properly pass information entering the eye to the brain .
“The doctors, including me, we just don’t see that” damage with standard tools, said Duke’s Toth . “It’s some-thing we hadn’t realized was much more widespread, and [happens] much earlier, than we thought .”
But Toth gives parents a big cau-tion: Discovery of unexpected damage does not necessarily mean it is time to operate . Some types may clear up . That is why the scans are research tools, to learn how RoP behaves .
“Does that mean we go in earlier or wait for a while? It’s still too early to know,” said Mary Elizabeth Hartnett of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a doctor who is not involved in the research but has seen Lee’s data and calls it promising . “The stakes are high when you’re operating on these little infant eyes .”
By Lauran NeergaardAssociated Press
Tuesday, April 14, 2009; Page A05
page 16 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
P.O. Box 40 Listowel ON N4W 3H3
"home style… life style… your style.”
BERNAT BABYBABY AFGHAN TO CROCHET
MEASUREMENTSApprox 36 x 48 ins [91.5 x 122 cm].
MATERIALSBernat Baby (50 g/1.75 oz) 7 balls
Size 3.5 mm (U.S. E or 4) crochethook or size needed to obtaingauge.
GAUGE4 shells and 10 rows = 4 ins [10 cm].
ABBREVIATIONSwww.bernat.com/glossary
INSTRUCTIONSCh 209. Foundation row: 1 dc in 5th chfrom hook. Ch 1. *Miss next 2 ch. 1 dcin next ch. Ch 1. Miss next 2 ch. (1 dc.Ch 1) 3 times in next ch - shell made.Rep from * to last 6 ch. Miss next2 ch. 1 dc in next ch. Ch 1. Missnext 2 ch. (1 dc. Ch 1. 1 dc) in lastch. Ch 4. Turn.
1st row: Work shell in next singledc of previous row. 1 dc in center dcof next shell. Ch 1. Rep from *ending with 1 dc in 3rd ch of ch 4.Ch 4. Turn. 2nd row: 1 dc in first st. Ch 1. *1 dcin center dc of next shell. Ch 1.Work shell in next single dc. Repfrom * ending with (1 dc. Ch 1. 1 dc)in 3rd ch of ch 4. Ch 4. Turn.These 2 rows form pat. Cont in pat until work from begmeasures approx 44 ins [112 cm]ending with a 2nd row of pat. Ch 1.Turn. Do not fasten off.
BorderNext round: *Work 145 sc evenlyacross end of afghan. Work 3 sc incorner. Work 258 sc evenly alongside. Work 3 sc in next corner. Repfrom * once more. Ss to first sc.818 sc. Next round: 1 sc in first st. *Missnext st. 5 dc in next st. Miss next st.1 sc in next st. Rep from * to last 3 sc.Miss next st. 5 dc in next st. Missnext st. Ss to first sc. Fasten off.
If you are a member of Costco, please send an e-mail to: connection@costco .com In the subject line, write “Changing the World .”In the e-mail message,
1 . State that you are a participant in Care Wear Volunteers, and
2 . Write about what you do (knit, crochet, &/or sew) and where you donate your finished items.
I recently submitted information about Care Wear Volunteers and hope that this project will be se-lected to be included in an article in one of the Costco magazines . This would be excellent public-ity that could result in many new “recruits” to our effort . If a good number of current Costco mem-bers indicate that they are also Care Wear Volunteers participants, it may help!
If you don’t have e-mail and are a Costco member, you can mail a postcard to The Costco Connec-tion, PO Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-1088 .
Thanks,Bonnie
Cap & Booties
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 17
CROCHET BABY CARDIGAN Chest measurement6 mos 16 ins [40.5 cm ]12 mos 18 ins [45.5 cm ]18 mos 20 ins [51 cm ]Finished chest6 mos 21½ ins [54.5 cm ]12 mos 24½ ins [62 cm ]18 mos 27¼ ins [69 cm ]MATERIALSBernat Baby Bouclé (100 g/3.5 oz)6 (12-18) mos: 2 (3-3) ballsSize 6.5 mm (U.S. K or 10½) crochethook or size needed to obtaingauge. Zipper.GAUGE11 sc and 12 rows = 4 ins [10 cm].STITCH GLOSSARY Sc2tog = (draw up a loop in next sc)twice. Yoh and draw through 3 loops onhook.ABBREVIATIONSwww.bernat.com/glossary.php
P.O. Box 40 Listowel ON N4W 3H3
“home style… life style… your style.”
INSTRUCTIONS The instructions are written forsmallest size. If changes are necessaryfor larger sizes the instructions will bewritten thus ( ).BODYCh 60 (68-76). Foundation row: 1 sc in 2nd ch fromhook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Ch 1.Turn. 1st row: (RS). 1 sc in each sc to end ofrow. Ch 3. Turn. 2nd row: (eyelet row). Miss first 2 sts.*1 hdc in next st. Ch 1. Miss next st.Rep from * to last st. 1 hdc in last st.Ch 1. Turn. 3rd row: 1 sc in each st or ch to endof row. Ch 1. Turn. 59 (67-75) sc.4th row: 1 sc in each sc to end ofrow. Ch 1. Turn. Rep last row untilwork from beg measures 6 (7½-8) ins[15 (19-20.5) cm], ending with RSfacing for next row.RIGHT FRONTNext row: (RS). Work across 14 (16-18) sts. Ch 1. Turn. Leave rem stsunworked. Cont even until work fromdivide measures 2½ (2½-3) ins [6 (6-7.5) cm], ending with RS facing for nextrow.Neck shaping: 1st row: (RS). Sl st infirst 5 (6-6) sts. Ch 1. 1 sc in same st aslast sl st. 1 sc in each st to end of row.Ch 1. Turn. 10 (11-13) sts. 2nd row: Work to last 2 sts. Sc2togover last 2 sts. 3rd row: Sc2tog over first 2 sts. Workto end of row. Ch 1. Turn. 8 (9-11) sts.Cont even until armhole measures 4½(5-5½) ins [11.5 (12.5-14) cm], endingwith RS facing for next row and omittingturning ch at end of last row. Fasten off.BACKWith RS of work facing, miss next st.Join yarn with sl st to next st. Ch 1. 1sc in same sp. Work across 28 (32-36)sts. Ch 1. Turn. Leave rem stsunworked. Cont even across 29 (33-37) sts of Back until armhole measuressame length as Right Front to shoulder,ending with RS facing for next row andomitting turning ch at end of last row.Fasten off.LEFT FRONTWith RS of work facing, miss next st.Join yarn with sl st to next st. Ch 1. 1 scin same sp. Work to end of row. 14 (16-18) sts.
Cont even until work from dividemeasures 2½ (2½-3) ins [6 (6-7.5) cm],ending with RS facing for next row. Neck shaping: 1st row: (RS). 1 sc ineach st to last 4 (5-5) sts. Ch 1. Turn.Leave rem sts unworked. 2nd row: Sc2tog over first 2 sts. Workto end of row. Ch 1. Turn. 3rd row: Work to last 2 sts. Sc2togover last 2 sts. 8 (9-11) sts. Work tocorrespond to other side.SLEEVECh 18 (20-22).Foundation row: 1 sc in 2nd ch fromhook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Ch 1.Turn.
1st row: 1 sc in each sc to end of row.Ch 1. Turn. 17 (19-21) sc. Rep last row.Next row: (RS). 2 sc in first st. Pat to lastst. 2 sc in last st. Work 3 rows even. Replast 4 rows 3 (3-4) times more. 25 (27-31) sts. Cont even until sleeve from begmeasures 6 (6½-7) ins [15 (16.5-18)cm], ending with RS facing for next rowand omitting turning ch at end of lastrow. Fasten off.FINISHINGSew shoulder seams. Hood: With RS of work facing, join yarnwith sl st to right front neck edge, work11 (11-12) sc up right front neck edge,17 (19-19) sc across back neck edge and11 (11-12) sc down left front neck edge.Ch 1. Turn. 39 (41-43) sts. Cont in scuntil hood from beg measures 6 (6½-7)ins [15 (16.5-18) cm], ending with RSfacing for next row. Next row: (RS). Sl st in first st. Sl st ineach of next 13 (13-14) sts. Ch 1. 1 scin same st as last sl st. 1 sc in each st tolast 13 (13-14) sts. Ch 1. Turn. Leaverem sts unworked. Cont even on rem 13(15-15) sts until hood from beg measures4³⁄₄ (4³⁄₄-5) ins [12 (12-12.5) cm], endingwith RS facing for next row and omittingturning ch at end of last row. Fasten off.Sew hood seams. Front Edging: With RS of workfacing, work 1 row sc evenly up rightfront edge, around hood and down leftfront edge. Fasten off. Drawstring: Make a chain 50 ins[127 cm] long. Fasten off. Sew in sleeves. Sew sleeve seams. Sewin zipper under front edging. Threaddraw-string through eyelets at bottomedge.
page 18 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
BERNAT® BABY JACQUARDS BUNNY TOY (TO KNIT)
MEASUREMENTSApprox 11 ins [28 cm] high,excluding ears.
MATERIALSBernat® Baby Jacquards(100 g /3.5 oz): 2 balls#06230 (Spearmint Candy)
Size 3.5 mm (U.S. 4) knittingneedles or size needed toobtain gauge. Stuffing.
GAUGE26 sts and 33 rows = 4 ins [10 cm]in stocking st.
ABBREVIATIONSwww.bernat.com/glossary
INSTRUCTIONSBody (Front and Back makealike).Cast on 46 sts.Work in stocking st for 4 ins [10 cm], ending with a purl row.
Arms: Cast on 17 sts beg next 2 rows. 80 sts.Work even for 2 ins [5 cm], ending with a purl row.Cast off 23 sts beg next 2 rows. 34 sts.Dec 1 st each end of needle on next and every following alt row to 26 sts.
Head: Inc 1 st each end of needle on next 6 rows. 38 sts.Cont even until work from beg measures 10 ins [25.5 cm], endingwith a purl row.
Dec 1 st each end of needle on next and every following alt row to 34 sts, then on every row to 22 sts. Cast off knitwise.
Gusset: Cast on 12 sts. Work in garter st (knit every row) until workwhen slightly stretched measures length to fit around outer edge ofFront or Back. Cast off.
FINISHINGWith WS of Front and Gusset tog, beg at first st of cast on row, sewGusset to Front. Rep for Back, leaving bottom open. Stuff body lightly.Body should be soft. Sew opening closed.
Ears (make 2).Cast on 70 sts. Work in stocking st for 8 ins [20.5 cm], ending with a purl row.
Shape ears: 1st row: (RS). (K1. Sl1. K1. psso. K29. K2tog. K1)twice. 2nd and alt rows: Purl. 3rd row: (K1. Sl1. K1. psso. K27. K2tog. K1) twice. 4th row: As 2nd row. Cont in same manner, dec 4 sts as before on next and every followingalt row to 22 sts, then on every row to 4 sts. Cast off.
Sew side seam. Sew ears to top of head, pleating cast on edge.
P.O. Box 40, Listowel ON N4W 3H3
“home style… life style… your style.”
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 19
BERNAT® BABY JACQUARDSKNIT BLANKET
MEASUREMENTSApprox 36 x 42 ins [91.5 x 106.5 cm].
MATERIALSBernat® Baby Jacquards (100 g / 3.5 oz) 06230 (Spearmint Candy) 4 ballsSize 4 mm (U.S. 6) knitting needles. Size 4 mm(U.S. 6) circular knitting needle 36 ins [90 cm] longor size needed to obtain gauge.
GAUGE23 sts and 30 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.
ABBREVIATIONSwww.bernat.com/glossary
INSTRUCTIONSPanel A (make 3).**With pair of needles, cast on 2 sts.1st row: (RS). Inc 1 st in first st. K1. 3 sts.2nd and alt rows: Purl.3rd row: Inc 1 st in first st. Inc 1 st in next st. K1.5 sts.5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. K2. Inc 1 st in next st.K1. 7 sts.7th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to last 2 sts. Inc 1 st in next st. K1. 9 sts.8th row: Purl.Rep last 2 rows 14 times more. 37 sts.**
Work even as follows:1st row: K1. K2tog. Knit to last 2 sts. Inc 1 st innext st. K1.2nd row: Purl.Rep last 2 rows until work from beg measures 42 ins[106.5 cm], ending with a purl row.
Panel B (make 3).Work from ** to ** as given for Panel A.
Work even as follows:1st row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to last 3 sts. Sl1.K1. psso. K1.2nd row: Purl.Rep last 2 rows until work from beg measures 42 ins[106.5 cm], ending with a purl row.Rep from *** to *** as given for Panel A.
FINISHINGPin Panels to measurements and cover with a dampcloth leaving cloth to dry. Panels should berectangles approx 5½ ins [14 cm] wide and 42 ins[106.5 cm] long. Sew Panels tog: A, B, A, B, A, B.
Lower edging: With RS facing and circular needle,pick up and knit 175 sts evenly across bottom edgeof Blanket. 1st row: *K1. P1. Rep from * to last st. K1.Rep last row for seed st pat 6 times more. Cast offin pat.
Top edging: Work as for Lower edging across topedge of Blanket.
Side edging: With RS facing and circular needle,pick up and knit 211 sts evenly down side edge ofBlanket. Work 7 rows in seed st pat as given forLower edging. Cast off in pat.Rep on opposite side edge.
P.O. Box 40 Listowel ON N4W 3H3
“home style… life style… your style.”
page 20 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
If you have patterns, photos, e-mail thank you letters or information to share, please send via e-mail if that is pos-sible . The easiest way for me to deliver newsletter material to Margie Hunter is via e-mail . Having the mate-rial in electronic form provides the clearest repro-duction in the newsletter . Clarity is lost when hard copies must be scanned into the computer and time is lost when I have to mail envelopes to Margie . For those who do not have Internet access, OF COURSE, I welcome hard copies in the U .S . mail . But, if there’s a choice, please opt for e-mail to hagerman@hood .edu . Please clearly PRINT names, text, group name, and location for each photo . Remember that I prepare newsletters two months before the distribution month. This September newsletter will be finished and delivered to the printer on August 1. Anything received after Margie & I finish an issue will be saved for the next issue . Another “thank you” to Margie for contributing her expertise to Care Wear Volunteers .
Our pony pattern is very popu-lar because it allows participants to use 4 ply worsted yarn in adult colors (navy, brown, black, grey,
etc…) . A recent delivery to Frederick Memorial Hospital from Marva Legel included a ZEBRA variation—in black and white . ADORABLE!!!! This fiberfill stuffed pony is very huggable and is treasured by the hospitalized children who receive them . If you don’t have a copy of this pony pattern (Knitting), send a s .a .s .e . to me and I will send a photocopy .
HelpfulHint
I found a method to straighten circular needles that are still coiled up from being in those plastic packages that you buy them in!! Bring a pan of water to a boil and turn it off . Put the needle in and let it sit for a short period of time . Take it out and
dry it—holding with pot holders . Your needle is now straight and
ready to use! I did it this morning myself and it works!
Cheryl has been busy making gowns for Care Wear Volunteers . Here are
her beautiful creations .
Note: Marva reduces the pattern for mini-ponies, too.Regular pony (left), mini-pony (center), and zebra (right).
Giggyup!
hagerman@hood .edu www.carewear.org page 21
Bonnie,I just heard from CPT Johnnie
Robbins, Army Nurse, who gave me permission to give out his name and address to supporters . If you still have time to mention this to your CW volunteers, perhaps some of them might like to send some scrub caps, scrub tops, blankets, etc . to him to distribute to the nurses and doctors and patients at his hospital in Talil, Iraq . His address is:
Also, the Nurse Practioner who saw my son Mike for his appoint-ment . yesterday just completed some of her Army Reserve Duty at Walter Reed AH but will have to put in more time or weekly meetings for
awhile . Janet is just one of the nurse practitioners on the Transplant Team at Georgetown . I told her about your Care Wear Project and volunteers, and that we were trying to find a point of contact at Walter Reed to distribute the caps to the medical personnel there, too . She offered to take some I have here at home with her to give to the Walter Reed staff . I plan to give her some next Thursday, Mike’s next scheduled ap-pointment . at Georgetown University Hospital . If you or any of the local CW volunteers have any they would like to include with mine to send to Walter Reed, please let me know . I will be happy to pick them up . (CONTACT: JOANNE HUFF, 301 898-7895 or jmh1957@comcast .net )
Joanne�
Additional Information From Joanne Huff (Frederick)
Sang and June Kim are now the proud parents of twin girls, Katha-rine Soo-Jin and Meagan Soo-Kyung . June and the babies are recovering at the Inova Fairfax Hos-pital . The proud father is learning to change diapers . Unfortunately these new arrivals are not wearing Care Wear Volunteers donated hats . Per-haps the hospital used commercial tube knit hats in order to identify the babies “A” and “B” . I hope that the twins do receive beautiful handmade hats before they go home . Sang Kim is a colleague at Hood College . I know that you join me in sending best wishes to this new family .FAITH HOLCOMBE quickly
responded when she learned that these beautiful twin babies had not received handmade hats at Inova Fairfax Hospital . To help the parents distinguish Meagan from Katharine, Faith knit the first initial into each hat . SINCERE thanks to Faith for her creative and quick response .
Cap & BootiesCare Wear Volunteers received
a check for $73 .45 (payment 6 of 7) from United Way of the Na-tional Capital Area . I have not yet figured out how to determine the name of the donor, but I send sincere thanks for a generous gift!
Thanks very much .Bonnie
page 22 www.carewear.org hagerman@hood .edu
Eco Bunny BlanketCrochet Pattern
Lion Brand® Recycled Cotton Pattern #: 81029ADSKILL LEVEL: EasySIZE: One Size About 17 in. (43 cm).MATERIALS•482-123RecycledCotton:Sand
GAUGE:Exact gauge is not essential to this project.STITCH EXPLANATION:sc2tog (sc dec) Insert hook into st and draw up a loop. Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop. Yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.hdc2tog (hdc dec) Yarn over, insert hook into st and draw up a loop. Yarn over, insert hook into
next st and draw up a loop. Yarn over and draw through all loops on hook. NOTES:Blanket is worked with 2 strands of yarn held tog throughout.BlanketWith 2 strands of yarn held tog, ch 2.HeadNote: Head is worked in continu-ous rnds; do not join or turn.Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook; place a marker to indicate beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around – 12 sc.Rnd 3: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * around – 18 sc.Rnd 4: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc; rep from * around – 24 sc.Rnd 5: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc; rep from * around – 30 sc.Rnds 6–11: Sc in each sc around.Rnd 12: *Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts, rep from * around – 24 sts.Rnd 13: *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, rep from * around – 18 sts.Rnd 14: *Sc2tog, sc in next st, rep from * around – 12 sts.Do not fasten off.BlanketNote: Work now proceeds in rows; turn at beg of each row.Row 1: Ch 2, turn, 2 hdc next 6 sts; leave rem sts unworked – 12 sts.
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, 2 hdc in first st, hdc in each st across to last st, 2 hdc in last st – 14 sts.Rows 3–12: Rep Row 2 – 34 stsRow 13: Ch 10, turn, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each ch and st across – 42 sts.Row 14: Ch 10, turn, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and next 7 ch, hdc in next 34 sts; leave rem sts unworked – 42 sts.Row 15: Ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in next 30 sts, hdc2tog; leave rem sts unworked – 32 sts.Row 16: Ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in each st across to last 2 sts, hdc2tog – 30 sts.Rows 17–29: Rep Row 16 – 4 sts.Row 30: Ch 2, turn, (hdc2tog) twice – 2 sts.Fasten off.EARS (make 2)With 2 strands of yarn held tog, ch 2.Rnd 1: Work 4 sc in 2nd ch from hook; place a marker to indicate beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.Rnd 2: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * around – 6 sc.Rnd 3: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc; rep from * around – 8 sc.Rnd 4: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc; rep from * around – 10 sc.Rnds 5–10: Sc in each sc around.Rnd 11: (Sc2tog) 5 times – 5 sts.Fasten off.FINISHINGStuff head and sew closed. Sew Ears to top of head.
Reprinted with permission Lion Brand Yarn
http://www.lionbrand.comcontinued on page 19
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EdgingWith right side facing and 2 strands of yarn held tog, join yarn with sl st in edge of blanket below head, work sc evenly spaced around blanket edges to opposite side below head, working 2 sc in each corner.
Tie hands in knots. With brown yarn and following diagram, em-broider straight st eyes, nose and mouth.
Weave in ends.
Bunny Blanket Buddy
Reprinted with permission Lion Brand Yarn
http://www.lionbrand.com
•LionBrandKnittingNeedles-Size 10.5 [6.5 mm] (1)
•LionBrandKnittingNeedles-Size 8 [5 mm] (1)
•Large-EyeBluntNeedles(Setof6) (1)
•AdditionalMaterials Small amount black worsted weight yarn Small amount fiberfill stuffing
GAUGE:Exact gauge is not essential to this project.NOTES:Cuddly toy is worked in one piece. Gauge is not important for this project. The Head should be worked tightly enough to hold the stuffing.BLANKET BUDDYWith larger needles, cast on 1 st.Rows 1-6 Knit into front and back of first st, knit to end of row – 7 sts at end of row 6.Rows 7-39 K 3, yo, knit to end of row – 40 sts at end of row 39.Rows 40-41 Cast on 12 sts for Paws, knit to end of row – 64 sts.Rows 42-47 Knit.Rows 48-49 Bind off 12 sts, knit to end of row – 40 sts.Rows 50-61 K 2, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to end of row – 28 sts.Shape HeadChange to smaller needles.Row 62 K2tog across row – 14 sts.Row 63 Knit into front and back of each st across row – 28 sts.Row 64 *P 1, sl 1, rep from * across row.Rep Row 64 until Head measures 3½ in [9 cm].Shape Ears
Row 1 P3tog, return st to left needle, cast on 17 sts, p3tog, p 15 – 16 sts on right needle, 25 sts on left needle.Row 2 Turn and p 14, p2tog – 40 sts.Row 3 Turn and p 16.Row 4 Turn and p 12.Row 5 Turn and p 14.Row 6 Turn and p 16, p2tog – 39 sts.Row 7 Turn and p 18.Row 8 Turn and p 16, p2tog – 38 sts.Row 9 Turn and bind off 18 sts, p 1, *sl 1, p 1; rep from * across row – 20 sts.Turn and rep Rows 1-9 for 2nd Ear. At end of 2nd Ear, 12 sts remain.FINISHINGCut a 10 inch [25.5 cm] length of yarn. With large-eyed blunt needle, thread yarn through every other st on needle, then back through remaining sts. Remove knitting needle and stuff Head. Pull yarn tightly to close top of Head and secure. Following dia-gram, embroider face using black yarn and straight sts.Weave in ends. Tie a knot in each Paw.
Knitting Pattern
Lion Brand® Velvetspun Pattern #: 50722
SKILL LEVEL: Easy
SIZE: One Size 17 in [43 cm] long, not including ears
MATERIALS •580-156VelvetspunYarn:Pas-
tel Green (2 balls)
Eco Bunny BlanketCrochet Patterncontinued from page 18
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Until now, this column has includ-ed machine sewn projects . I realize that not everyone enjoys sewing with a machine . There are many ways to make or embellish baby items with hand embroidery . Every baby deserves something handmade to welcome them into the world . Here are a few projects to get you started .
Hand embroidery can be relaxing and stress relieving . There is nothing more satisfying than creating some-thing beautiful with your own hands . However, it is time consuming . So if you are one who enjoys the process, hand embroidery may be for you .
If you haven’t done embroidery for awhile, or have never tried it, some tutorials are a good place to start . I recommend trying the stitches on scrap fabric first, until you feel comfortable to start on a project . A stitch tutorial can be found at www .heritageshoppe .com/heritage/stitches/stitchmenu .html . This is a written tutorial with pictures . If you prefer a video tutorial, go to www .wonder-howto .com/how-to-hand-embroi-dery-names/ .
Choosing a DesignAfter you are comfortable with the
stitches, you need to choose a design . Of course you can draw your own design, or purchase designs that iron onto the fabric . But there are many other design sources . For baby lay-ette items, choose line drawings that have simple details . Coloring books are a good source for simple designs . A web site that has designs for kids to color is www .edupics .com . The cat pictured on the receiving blanket came from this site . If you have chil-dren or grandchildren, consider using
designs from their artwork . Greet-ing cards are also a good source for simple designs . You can also use designs on cute kids’ fabrics . Place the fabric on a copier and copy in black and white to get a line draw-ing . Appliqué designs and quilting stencils can also be used. The fish on the receiving blanket is an appliqué design from EQ5 quilt design soft-ware . The software lets you size the design to any size block . This one is sized to fit in a 5 inch block. www.blockcentral .com is a good source for appliqué designs .
Once you have selected a design, use a copier to reduce or enlarge the design to fit your project. For the re-ceiving blanket project, a design that is 4-6 inches in diameter is appropri-ate . Using a black marker, go over the lines that will be stitched .
Embroidered Receiving BlanketThis blanket has a machine fin-ished edge and is decorated with hand embroidery. Receiving blan-kets can be 30-40 inches wide x 36-45 inches long. Choose a good quality 100% cotton flannel in a solid color. The edge can be finished with a serger or with bias binding.
Skill Level: BeginnerFinished size: approximately 36 x 40 inches Supplies:•1yardcottonflannel•1packageSINGLEFOLDbias
binding in a matching or con-trasting color –OR—strips of fabric cut on the bias, cut 1-inch wide and pieced end-to-end to be at least 5 yards long
•Embroiderydesign,sizedtobe4-6 inches in diameter
•Waterorairsolublemarkingpen
•Lightbox–OR-painter’smask-ing tape
•6-strandembroideryflossorperle cotton in colors to coor-dinate with the flannel and the binding
•Handembroideryneedlewithlarge eye and sharp point
•6-inchdiameterembroideryhoop
•Threadtomatchbiasbindingor serger thread (matching the blanket or contrasting)
•Straightpins,fabricscissors,iron
Hand Made Layette Items
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inches in diameter•PencilorpenPreparing the BlanketLay flannel on cutting mat and straighten edges with rotary cutter and ruler. Cut off selvages. Fold flannel in half lengthwise, and fold again in half crosswise. Place plate (or saucer or lid) on the corner with NO folds so that the edge of the plate touches the edge of the flannel. Using any pen or pencil trace around the plate to round off the corner. Cut on the line with scissors, cutting through all 4 lay-ers.If you have a serger, serge around the edge using an overlock stitch. The edge can also be finished with bias binding, purchased or made from bias fabric strips. If using strips, fold the long edges to the
the binding, sewing in the groove of the fold (which will be about ¼” seam allowance), keeping the edge of the binding aligned with the edge of the flannel. When you are about 6 inches from the start of the binding, stop sewing with needle down in the fabric. Trim the binding so that it overlaps the starting tail about 2 inches. Fold under the starting tail about ½ inch and pin. Tuck the ending tail of binding inside the starting tail and pin in place. Continue sew-ing until you reach the start of the seam.Fold the binding to the RIGHT SIDE of the blanket and press in place. Sew the binding in place using a zigzag or decorative stitch.Transferring the DesignMake a photocopy of the fish drawing on page 24 and the cat drawings on page 25.Because flannel shrinks when
washed, you will need to pre-wash the blanket in hot water and dry in a hot dryer, BEFORE embroidering. Press all the wrinkles out of
the blanket.If you have a light box, place the design on it and one corner of the blanket RIGHT SIDE UP on top of the design. You should be able to see the design through the fabric. Center the design in one corner of the blanket, leaving about 1 inch from the binding. Trace all lines you will embroider
using the water or air soluble pen. If you don’t have a light box, a glass top table with a light source underneath will also work. Or tape the design to a window during daylight hours. Position a corner of the blanket on top of the design and tape the blanket in place on the window using the painter’s tape. The tape doesn’t leave residue on the window or the fabric. Trace the design with the water or air soluble pen.Embroidering the DesignPlace the blanket in the embroi-dery hoop, centering the design. Decide what colors and stitches will be used for each part of the design. You can transfer your design onto a practice fabric first and try out the colors and stitches. French knots with 4 strands of floss works well for small eyes. Satin stitch works well for large eyes. Most outlining can be done with 3 strands of floss. I used back-stitch with 2 strands of floss for the cat’s whiskers. For the cat’s and fish stripes, I wanted them to appear thicker, so I used 4 strands and a chain stitch. For the edges of the fish’s fins, I switched from outline stitch to an uneven blanket stitch. Notice that I only traced every other line for the fish’s stripes. I could have traced all the lines and filled in the wider stripes with satin stitch or cross stitch, or some other stitch. Be as creative with the stitches as you like. Don’t worry if you are not covering up all of the marked lines. The look of the stitching is what matters. When the em-broidery is complete, remove the
center and press, being careful not to distort the fabric. Single fold bias binding comes folded in this way.Lay RIGHT SIDE of binding to WRONG SIDE of flannel, starting on one side. Open out the fold on the right-hand side and align the edge of the binding with the edge of the flannel. Start sewing about 3 inches from the start of
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marks according to the directions for the pen. For the water soluble pen, I found dipping the design in cold water and swishing seemed to do a good job. Blot the extra water out with a towel and AL-LOW TO AIR DRY COMPLETE-LY. DO NOT IRON DRY – the marks will be permanently trans-ferred to the fabric! Apply a small dab of seam sealant or fabric glue to all knots on the back of the work and let it dry completely. To press out the wrinkles, lay design RIGHT SIDE DOWN on a soft towel and press with steam. This presses the fabric and doesn’t crush the embroidery.Embroider a Matching BibBib patterns can be found on the
Care Wear web site. Trace the bib pattern on the RIGHT SIDE of the fabric for the bib front, but don’t cut it out yet. Transfer the embroidery design, centering it on the bib front (resize the design if necessary). Place fabric in the embroidery hoop and embroider the design. Remove the markings. Cut out the bib front, bib back, and batting. Sew the bib together with batting in between. To quilt the bib, quilt (by hand or machine) close to the outside of the design with thread that matches the fab-ric, or with monofilament thread.Embroidery on ClothingMake sure to wash and dry the clothing to preshrink it, before adding embroidery. Choose a
small design. When embroidering on knits, like a t-shirt or onesie or sweatshirt, baste a piece of lightweight interfacing to the back of the design. You will probably not be able to use the embroidery hoop. Embroider through the clothing and the interfacing as if it were one piece of fabric. After the embroidery is complete, trim extra interfacing away from the outside of the design, being careful not to cut into the stitches or the cloth-ing. Interfacing will remain under the interior of the design. Apply a small dab of seam sealant or fab-ric glue to all knots on the back of the work and let it dry completely. Counted Cross StitchYes, you can stitch counted cross stitch on fabric that is not even weave. You need to purchase waste canvas. It resembles needle-point canvas in that it is stiffer than fabric and has large holes in it. It comes in several counts (threads per inch). Choosing a higher thread count will make your design smaller, which is good for baby layette items. Choose a cross stitch pattern with only whole crosses – no half or quar-ter stitches. Cut a piece of waste canvas big enough to cover your design plus 5 or so threads extra in each dimension. Center the waste canvas on top of the gar-ment or whatever you wish to embellish, and pin in place. Cut a piece of lightweight interfacing the same size as the waste canvas and pin it to the back under the waste canvas. Baste through all 3 layers to hold them in place. Cross stitch the design using the holes in the
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waste canvas, treating all 3 lay-ers as one fabric. Be careful not to pierce any of the waste canvas threads. You will need to use a sharp pointed needle. Complete any back stitching or other em-broidery stitches as well. Remove the basting stitches. Trim the extra interfacing from the outside of the finished design. Interfac-ing will remain under the interior of the design. Apply a small dab of seam sealant or fabric glue to all thread tails on the back of the work and let it dry completely. To remove the waste canvas, wet it by dipping it in water and squeez-ing out any excess. This should soften the canvas and it should start to separate. Use tweezers to pull out all of the canvas threads.
Blanket Stitched Edge on a Fleece BlanketFinish the edge to a fleece blanket with hand blanket stitch. Skill Level: BeginnerFinished size: approximately
30-36 x 30-45 inches for baby blanket, 36 x 54-59 inches for child size
Supplies:•1yardfleece
•6-strandembroideryfloss(atleast 2 full skeins), perle cotton, or crochet cotton thread, any size, in a color to coordinate with the fleece (multi-color and variegated threads look good)
•Handembroideryneedlewithlarge eye and sharp point
inches in diameter•PencilorpenPreparing the BlanketLay fleece on cutting mat and straighten edges with rotary cutter and ruler. Cut off selvages. The blanket may be left this size for an older child. For a baby blanket, trim to 30-36” wide by 30-45” long. Use the leftover fleece to make a matching stuffed toy. Fold fleece in half lengthwise, and fold again in half crosswise. Place plate (or saucer or lid) on the corner with NO folds so that the edge of the plate touches the edge of the fleece. Using any pen or pencil trace around the plate to round off the corner. Cut on the line with scissors, cutting through all 4 lay-ers.Embroider the EdgeThread the needle with about 20-24 inches of thread at a time. If using floss, use all 6 strands. Tie a knot in one end. Gently tug on the crosswise grain of the fleece. The fleece will curl to the WRONG SIDE. Embroider with the RIGHT SIDE facing you. Refer to the tutorial web sites if needed. Start in the middle of one side, away from the corner. Decide how you want the stitches to look. The sampler shows even
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height and width on the left, alternating long and short height stitches, and other combinations. Be as creative as you like with the stitch pattern. A few tips for going around the edge of the blanket:•Pullstitchessotheylayjuston
the fabric.•Alwayspulltheneedleperpen-
dicular to the edge of the fleece, even around the corners.
•Heightsandwidthsoftheblan-ket stitch should be between ¼ and ½ inch, no longer.
•Attheendofthethread,makea knot through the last stitch on the back. Then run the thread under the last 3 stitches and cut the thread.
•Tostartanewthread,comeupfrom back to front at the base of the last stitch, close to the edge, and continue stitching.
•Whenyouhavecompletedblan-ket stitching all the way around, go down (from front to back) at the base of the first stitch and knot thread on the back. Then run the thread under the last 3 stitches and cut the thread.
When stitching is complete, put a dab of seam sealant or fabric glue on all knots and thread tails to secure them. Lay the blanket flat RIGHT SIDE DOWN to dry completely.
Tips for Sewing ToysWhen I make toys, I usually make a lot of them. Here are some tips to speed up the process.
Kathy Vish • 1308 Bayshire Lane, Herndon, VA 20170-3606 • [email protected] continued from page 27
toy(s) of your choice•Ballpointpen•Paperglueandscissors•Waterorairsolublemarking
pen •Lightbox–OR-painter’smask-
ing tape•6-strandembroideryflossor
perle cotton in colors to stand out on the fabric
•Handembroideryneedlewithlarge eye and sharp point
•5or6-inchdiameterembroideryhoop
•Straightpins•Pinkingshearsandfabricscis-
sors•Iron•Ribbon(optional)Preparing the FabricGlue one copy of each toy pattern onto cardboard and cut on the cutting line with paper scissors.Iron wrinkles out of fabric. If us-ing a bigger piece of fabric, fold with RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER along the lengthwise grain if possible. Folding on the cross-wise grain is the second choice. If you have small pieces, choose 2 pieces big enough to fit the toy, and place RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. Place pattern on
WRONG SIDE of the fabric and trace around the toy with a ball-point pen. Trace as many toys as will fit, ensuring at least 1 inch between them. DO NOT CUT THEM OUT YET. Transferring the FaceIf you have a light box, place the other paper design on it and one toy on top RIGHT SIDE UP, aligning the cutting line on the fabric around the head with the cutting line on the pattern. They won’t line up exactly, but close enough to get the face centered on the head. You should be able to see the face through the fabric. Trace all lines for the face using the water or air soluble pen. If you don’t have a light box, a glass top table with a light source under-neath will also work. Or tape the paper pattern to a window during daylight hours. Hold up the toy RIGHT SIDE UP, on top of the pattern and tape in place. Trace the face design using the water or air soluble pen. For dark or thicker fabrics or fleece, you will not be able to see the design to trace it. You can just draw a face freehand in that case. For dark fabrics, they make yellow or white pencils or chalk markers that can be easily removed. If the fabric or fleece has a cute print on it, you don’t even need a face!Embroidering the DesignGiven the concerns about lead paint recently, embroidery is always a safe alternative. Place a face in the embroidery hoop, centering the design. Satin stitch works well for large eyes. Most outlining can be done with 3
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strands of floss. Outlines can be done with back stitch, outline or stem stitch, or chain stitch. When the embroidery is complete, remove the marks according to the directions for the pen. To press out the wrinkles, lay design RIGHT SIDE DOWN on a soft towel and press with steam. This presses the fabric and doesn’t crush the embroidery. Complete embroidery for all the faces.
Sewing the ToysFold the fabric again, the same
way when you traced around the cutting line. Place a few pins inside each of the toy shapes, to hold the 2 layers together. DO NOT CUT OUT YET. Take the fabric to the sewing machine. Set a shorter than average stitch length on your machine. Sew ¼ inch INSIDE the edge of each toy, leaving 2 to 3 inches open for stuffing. Reinforce the inside points with backstitching on each side of the point. Remove the pins as you complete each toy. When all toys are sewn, cut on
the marked cutting lines with the pinking shears. This separates the toys and clips the curves all in one step. You will have to clip the inside points with straight fabric scissors, clipping just to the stitch-ing. Turn toys RIGHT SIDE OUT. Stuff, or send them to one of the groups at the senior residences to stuff. If you want to tie a ribbon around the neck of a toy, make sure you hand sew the ribbon to the back of the neck so it won’t come off and be swallowed.
Beginning this past January, we embarked on a year-long charity knitting campaign at Yarn For Your Soul, a yarn shop in Manchester, VT . Each month, we have selected a dif-ferent charity to knit for by providing free patterns, yarn recommendation, and each charity’s project informa-tion. Care Wear is our first charity and we are proud to send 108 prema-ture/newborn caps to new babies and their parents at Mary Hitchcock Me-
morial Hospital in New Hampshire .We had an unprecedented amount
of people come into the shop to knit for preemies, which touched our hearts as much as it did for our cus-tomers . Despite these harsh econom-ic times, knitters donated their time to make hats for babies who are less fortunate . We have found that knit-ting for charity has been extremely rewarding for knitters and recipients alike .
We selected Mary Hitchcock because it is the largest hospital in our region . We know the hats will be put to good use and we hope it will make a difference in babies’ lives .
Sincerely,Amy Wilson
Yarns For Your Soul605 Depot Street
POB 1574Manchester, VT 05255
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by Sara Greer
Greetings Everyone!Can you believe that summer is
here?!? I hardly can . It seems to me that school just started and now my son is going into the first grade. We also recently found out that we are expecting again! My youngest two will be 21 months apart .
I hope that life has be treating ev-eryone well so far this year and that you are enjoying yourselves .
In this edition I am going to tell you about a little known fact . You CAN block acrylic yarn! It is actu-ally called “killing” but it is the same idea. I will also briefly visit block-
ing of natural fibers. In my recent adventures I learned that you should not “kill” nylon or polyamide as they have a very low melting point . When blocking rayon be very, very careful not to get it too wet or it may fall apart and I fear that bamboo will do the same as they are made by the same process .
Patterns this time around are for a girl from 16 to full term using the chart included and another 16 weeker made of fingering yarn. Remember not to use the chart for that pattern . Through the Tulips is one that has no blanket . The 16 weeker does how-
ever . You can always use a different design for any blanket if you wish .
As I write this, it is the first week-end in April . Here in Colorado we had practically no Winter and it is snowing so hard and so pretty that I have to squint to see the house across the street . When this is printed and out it will be a distant memory .
I welcome comments, questions and suggestions .Phone: 720-429-7550 mountain time
Snail Mail: 504 Toledo Street Aurora, Co 80011
E-Mail: carewearshandmadewithlove@yahoo .com
Killing AcrylicMaterials:TableT-pinsFoam blocksTape measureSheetGarment SteamerMost of my set-up for this was purchased at Wal-Mart. Nothing fancy. The only thing that I didn’t have to buy was a table. Just make sure that the table you will be using is large enough to hold the blocked size of your finished product.I then cover the table in the large foam blocks that many children play on in the floor. They can be found in the toy section. I have used as few as 3 for a scarf and as many as 8 for a shawl.
I than cover the blocks with a clean sheet. If you have eyelets and other “holes” that you want to be seen, use one of a contrast-ing color.
Next get your piece to be killed, your t-pins and tape measure. Pin the piece to the finished measurements. If it is a circle, start in the middle and go out. If it is a square or a rectangle begin at two corners and work you way making sure that the edges are straight.
While doing my pinning I let my steamer warm up. Be sure to fol-low all manufacturer’s instructions for safety and operation.
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When your steamer is ready use it to steam your piece. Hold the steamer about half and inch above your fabric and move along the entire piece. It is ok to touch the piece, just be careful of touching areas that you have just steamed as they can be marred. The fibers will actually melt and when they cool will stay in the new shape. This is why it is called killing, you are changing the make up of the fiber. It will keep its shape after normal washing a drying as well.Now let the piece cool for about an hour. You can then remove the pins and see what you think. If there is an area that you don’t like, repin it what you want and try again.All done and feel how yummy and soft.
Blocking Natural FibersMaterials:Same as for killing acrylic except substitute a spray bottle full of water for the steamer.Set up same as above. After everything is pinned to your liking use the spray bottle to wet the piece. If it is animal it will smell and take quite a while to dry. A friend and I blocked a baby alpaca shawl and it took a full 24 hours to dry and it was a lace piece. So if you are on a deadline, please keep dry time in mind. If you live in a more humid climate than I, as I think many do it will take longer and the opposite if you live in a dryer climate.Unfortunately blocking natural fibers must be done every time
they are washed, because they lose their shape. Also I don’t know that locking them makes them any softer.Through the TulipsIt’s Spring time in the Rockies! I love this time of year. When the birds start singing and the flowers begin to bloom. I ordered the var-iegated in this set months ago, but have been struggling to come up with a design. This week it came to me. Be creative with you color combos; tulips come in many dif-ferent colors. The edges have a lettuce edging that is quite popu-lar right now and the sleeves are flared. You will need a variegated, a green and two tulip colors, I used yellow and purple.
Special Stsv-st-dc ch 1, dc in the st or sp indicatedBonnetCh 3, join to form a ring.Rnd 1: Ch 2, 12 dc in ring, join.Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st and in each st around, join.
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st, dc in the next dc, (2 dc in the next dc, dc in the next dc) around, join. You will now be working in rnds.Row 1: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st, dc in the next 2 dc, (2 dc in the next dc, dc in the next 2 dc) 7 times.Rows 2 and 3: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each st across.Row 4: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each st across to the last 2 dc, dc dec, changing to green.Row 5: Ch 2, turn, 2 dc in the same st, sk the next st, dc in the next st, sk the next st, (v-st in the next st, sk the next st, dc in the next st, sk the next st) across to
last dc, 2 dc in the last dc, chang-ing to purple.Row 6: Ch 2, turn, 2 dc in the same st, ch 2, changing to yellow, 3 dc in the next v-st, ch 2 chang-ing to purple, (3 dc in the next v-st, ch 2 changing to yellow, 3 dc in the next v-st, ch 2 changing to purple) across, 2 dc in the last dc
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changing to variegated.Row 7: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each st across, working 1 dc in each ch-2 sp.Row 8: Ch 2, turn, 2 dc in the same st and in each st across, fin-ish off.EdgingWith right side facing, join green with a sl st in the last dc of row 8. Ch 1, 3 sc in the same st and in each st across; sc evenly around the rest of bonnet and join with a sl st in beg. sc, finish off.DressRow 1: Ch 39, dc in the 3rd ch from hook and in the next 3 chs, 3 dc in the next ch, dc in the next 7 chs, 3 dc in the next ch, dc in the next 11 chs, 3 dc in the next ch, dc in the next 7 chs, 3 dc in the next ch, dc in each rem ch.Rows 2-5: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each st across to middle dc of next 3-dc group, 3 dc in the middle dc of 3-dc group, (dc in each dc across to middle dc of next 3-dc group, 3 dc in the middle dc of 3-dc group) 3 times, dc in each dc across.Row 6: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each dc across to the middle dc of the next 3-dc group, *yo, insert hk into middle dc of 3-dc group, sk all dc be-tween, insert hk into middle dc of next 3-dc group, yo and pull up a lp, (yo and draw through 2 lps on hk) twice*, (dc in the next 3 dc, ch 2 changing to yellow, dc dec the next 3 dc tog., ch 2 changing to variegated) 3 times, dc in the next 3 dc, rep between *s once, dc in each dc across. Row 7: Ch 2, turn, dc in the
same st and in each st across to next ch-2 sp changing to green, dc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in the next ch-2 sp changing to variegated, (dc in the next 3 dc changing to green, dc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in the next ch-2 sp changing to variegated) twice, dc in each st across.Row 8: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each dc across. At the end of row 8 ch 3, join with a sl st to beg. dc. You will now be working in rnds.Rnd 1: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st and in each st around, join. 88 dcRnds 2-12: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in each st around, join.Rnd 13: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in the next 4 dc, ch 2 chang-ing to purple, dc dec over the next 3 dc, ch 2, changing to var-iegated, (dc in the next 3 dc, ch 2 changing to purple, dc dec over the next 3 dc, ch 2, changing to variegated) around to last 2 dc, dc in the last 2 dc, join.Rnd 14: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in the next 4 dc changing to green, dc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in the next ch-2 sp changing to variegated, (dc in the next 3 dc changing to green, dc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in the next ch-2 sp changing to variegated) around to last 2 dc, dc in the last 2 dc, join.Rnd 15: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in each st around, join.Rnd 16: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st and in each st around, join changing to yellow.Rnd 17: Ch 1, 3 sc in the same st and in each st around, join, fin-ish off.
SleevesRnd 1: Join variegated in armpit with a sl st, ch 2, dc in the same sp, working in unworked sts of row 5, dc in each st around, join.Rnds 2-5: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in each st around, join.Rnd 6: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st and in each st around, join.Rnd 7: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st, dc in the next st, (2 dc in the next st, dc in the next st) around, join, changing to purple.Rnd 8: Ch 1, 3 sc in the same st and in each st around, join, finish off.Button RowsRow 1: With right side facing, join variegated with a sl st in top right back of dress. Ch 1, work 2 sc in the end of each row, sl st in the free lps of next 2 chs on row 8. 16 scRow 2: Turn, sk the 2 sl sts, sc in each sc across.Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st and in each sc across, sl st in last ch on row 8 and in the bottom of next st.Row 4: 2 sc in the end of each row. 16 scRow 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st and in the next sc, ch 1, sk the next sc, sc in the next 6 sc, ch 1, sk the next sc, sc in the next 6 sc. 2 button holes.Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st and in each st and ch sp across, changing to green. Neck EdgingWorking in the ends of sc rows just made, sc in the end of row, ch 3, (sc in the end of the next row,
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ch 3) twice, working in the free lps of beg. ch (sc in the next lp, ch 3) across to last lp of beg. ch, sc in last lp, finish off.
Diaper CoverRow 1: With variegated, ch 4, sc in the 2nd ch from hk and in each ch across. 3 scWork the following rows in the BLO until indicated otherwise.Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st, ch 1, sk the next sc, sc in the last sc.Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st, sc in the next ch-1 sp, sc in the last st.Rows 4-40: Rep rows 2 and 3, 18 times then rep row 2 once more.Ch 1, turn, working in the BLO of row 38 and in the free lps of row 1, sl st the 2 ends tog., ch 1, and turn right side out, you will now be working in rnds.Rnd 1: Working in the ends of rows work 38 sc evenly around, join in both lps. 38 scAll rnds are worked in both lps.Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in the same st, 2 sc in the next sc, (sc in the next sc, 2 sc in the next sc) around, join. 57 scRnds 3 and 4: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in each st around, join in both lps.Rnd 5: Ch 2, (dc dec, dc) around,
join in both lps. 38 dcRnd 6: Rep rnd 3. You will now be working in rows.Row 1: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in the next 6 dc. 7 dcRow 2: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each dc across.Rows 3 and 4: Rep rows 1 and 2, finish off.Row 1: With right side facing, sk the next 12 dc, join yarn with a sl st in the next dc, ch 2, dc in the same st and in the next 6 dc. 7 dcRows 2-4: Work rows 2-4 above, do NOT finish off.Turn inside out. Holding right sides tog., working through all 4 lps, sl st the 2 pieces tog., do NOT finish off.EdgingRnd 1: Ch 1, working in the ends of rows and in the sk sts on rnd 6, work 30 sc evenly around, join. 30 scRnd 2: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in each st around, join.Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in the same st, ch 3, (sc in the next st, ch 3) around, join, finish off.Rep for 2nd leg.
BootiesRnd 1: With variegated, ch 8, 4 dc in the 3rd ch from hook, dc in the next 4 chs, 7 dc in the last ch,
working in opposite side of chs, dc in the next 4 chs, 3 dc in the same ch as beg. 4 dc, join.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st and in the next 3 dc, dc in the next 4 dc, 2 dc in the next 7 dc, dc in the next 4 dc, 2 dc in the next 3 dc, join .
Rnd 3: Ch 2, using the same st and next dc, dc dec, dc dec 3 times more, sc in the next 10 dc, sc dec, sc in the next 10 dc, dc dec three times, join.
Rnd 4: Sl st in the next 2 sts, ch 2, using the same st and next st dc dec, sc in the next 8 sc, sc dec, sc in the next sc, sc dec, sc in the next 8 sc, dc dec, double dc dec, join.
Rnd 5: Sl st in the next st, ch 1, sc in each sc around, double dc dec, join, finish off.
Rnd 6: Join green with a sl st in the first st to left of joining. Ch 2, v-st in the same st, sk the next st, dc in the next st, sk the next st (v-st in the next st, sk the next st, dc in the next st, sk the next st) around, join, finish off.
Rnd 7: Join yellow with a sl st in first v-st, ch 2, 3 dc in the same sp, ch 1, changing to purple, 3 dc in the next v-st, ch 1, changing to yellow, 3 dc in the next v-st, ch 1, changing to purple, 3 dc in the next v-st, ch 1 changing to yellow, 3 dc in the next v-st, ch 1, join with a sl st to beg. dc changing to variegated.
Rnd 8: Ch 1, sc in the same st, ch 3, (sc in the next st, ch 3) around, join with a sl st to beg. sc, finish off.
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For-Get-Me-KnotsI originally made the 16 weeker For-Get-Me-Knot out of thread. I have since figured out how to make 16 week gowns from yarn, so I decided to up date the For-Get-Me-Knot. You will need white for the bonnet, gown and blanket, blue and yellow for the flowers and green for the leaves.
FlowerMake 7 with blueRnd 1: Ch 3, join to form a ring. Ch 1, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc, ch 1) 5 times, join, finish off. 5 petals made.CentersMake 7 with yellowWith yellow, leaving a long tail, ch 2, work 4 hdc in the 2nd ch from hk, remove hk from last st, insert hk from front to back into first st, catch lp and pull through, ch 1, finish off leaving a long tail.AssemblyPut both ends of the center into a needle and pull through the middle of flower. Pull each end tight and weave in separately.LeavesMake 7 with green
With green, ch 3, 2 sc in the 2nd ch from hk, (hdc, 3 dc, hdc) all in the last ch, sc in the same st as beg. sc, join, finish off.BonnetRnd 1: With white, ch 3, 12 dc in the 3rd ch from hk, join. 12 dcRnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st and in each dc around, join. You will now be working in rows. 24 dcRow 1: Ch 2, 2 dc in the same st, dc in the next dc, (2 dc in the next dc, dc in the next dc) 7 times, dc in the dc next dc. Leave rem sts unworked. 25 dcRows 2-5: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each dc across.Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st, ch 3, (sc in the next st, ch 3) across, finish off.GownRow 1: Ch 17, dc in the 3rd ch from hk, 3 dc in the next ch, (dc in the next 3 chs, 3 dc in the next ch) across to last ch, dc in the last ch. 23 dcRow 2: Ch 2, turn, 2 dc in the same st and in the next dc, 3 dc in the next dc, [2 dc in the next dc, (dc in the next dc, 2 dc in the next dc) twice, 3 dc in the next dc] across to last 2 dc, 2 dc in each of the last 2 dc. 44 dcRow 3: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each st across to middle dc of next 3-dc group, 3 dc in the middle dc of 3-dc group, (dc in each dc across to middle dc of next 3-dc group, 3 dc in the middle dc of 3-dc group) 3 times, dc in each dc across.Row 4: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each dc across to the middle dc of the next 3-dc
group, *yo, insert hk into middle dc of 3-dc group, sk all dc be-tween, insert hk into middle dc of next 3-dc group, yo and pull up a lp, (yo and draw through 2 lps on hk) twice, dc in each dc across * to the middle dc of next 3-dc group, rep between *s across to last dc, dc in the last dc, join. You will now be working in rnds. 26 dcRow 5: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each dc across, join. You will now be working in rows.Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in the same st, ch 2, sk the next sc, (sc in the next sc, ch 2, sk the next sc) around, join.Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in each st and ch around, join. 39 dcRnds 3-16: Ch 2, dc in the same st and in each dc around, join.Rnd 17: Ch 1, sc in the same st, ch 3, (sc in the next st, ch 3) around, join, finish off.SleevesJoin white with a sl st in armpit, ch 1, sc in the same st, ch 3, (sc in the next st, ch 3) around, join, finish off.Button RowJoin white with a sl st in the top of right back. Ch 1, work 2 sc in the end of each row. Sl st in the joining of row 5. Work 2 sc in the end of the next row, ch 1, 1 sc in the next row, 2 sc in the next row, 1 sc in the next row, ch 1, 2 sc in the last row finish off.BlanketRow 1: Ch 74, dc in the 3rd ch
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from hk and in each ch across. 72 dcRows 2-36: Ch 2, turn, dc in the same st and in each dc across.EdgingWorking in sides of rows, free lps
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Size in weeks, Fiber Weight, and Hook size16 Size 10 thread and hook size 7 (1.5mm)24 Baby Fingering Yarn and hook size “D”28 Baby Sport Yarn and hook size “E”32 Baby Sport Yarn and hook size “G”36 Sport Yarn and hook size “G”40 Sport Yarn and hook size “I”
of beg. ch and in tops of sts, work sc, ch 3, evenly around, join, fin-ish off.FinishingWeave in all ends.Sew flower to back of bonnet.
Glue ribbon to front insides of bonnet.Sew flowers to gown.Weave ribbon through rnds 1 and 13 of gown and tie in a bow in the front.Sew buttons to back of gown and close.Sew flowers to the blanket.
Requests for Pre-Sewn Toys
GROUP #1:The Wednesday afternoon Craft
Group of Homewood Senior Resi-dence continues to request your as-sistance with pre-sewn toys for them to stuff with fiberfill. Few group members sew, but they are willing and able fiberfill stuffers! Home-wood’s Julie provides fiberfill for their projects . If you are willing to cut, sew, clip, & turn fabric bunnies and/or bears, please send them to:JULIE NORRIS, Activities Director
7401 Willow RoadFrederick, MD 21702
GROUP #2:Mary Kay Huber-Leslie, for-
merly a resident of Homewood, has moved to Macon, GA in order to be closer to her family . As expected, Mary Kay has established a Care Wear group at her new retirement residence community and she also welcomes help providing pre-sewn bunnie and/or bears (as well as other animal shapes!) for her new group . The Activities Director will provide the fiberfill.
MARY KAY HUBER-LESLIEApt # 303
300 Charter BlvdMacon, GA 31210
Area hospitals welcome fabric/fiberfill toys and Julie and Mary Kay send thanks for your assistance for their efforts .
THANKS!
Cap & Booties
From:Care Wear
Volunteers, Inc.Bonnie Hagermanc/o Hood College
401 Rosemont AvenueFrederick, MD 21701-8575
Non-profit org.U .S . Postage
PAIDFrederick, MDPermit No . 775
Wishing everyone a healthy and happy summer!
Thanks for all that you do.The next newsletter will be the September
2009 issue. Please be sure to send me address
changes so that you receive the newsletter.
Also, note that bulk-rate mail has a high loss rate.
Contact me if you don’t receive an issue.I have extras!
With best wishes, Bonnie
Care Wear Volunteers is now listed on GoodSearch .com, which is a new
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Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Care Wear
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