craft hope

There’s a lot going on over here at Craft Hope.  We’ve now got a flickr group so you can check out all of the creations being made.  The group is empty at this moment, but not for long.  I’ve got several pictures myself to upload today.  The group is for those of you participating in Craft Hope to share your pictures of the pillowcase dresses and bandana pants.

Some of you have asked about the bias tape instructions in the pattern.  You can cheat and just buy bias tape instead of making your own.  I cheat.  The above picture is an example of a dress I made using bias tape.

If you are interested in finding out specific sizes that are needed, please let me know.  I should be getting the list in of sizes for the children pretty soon. If you are participating in this first project, I have emailed you the list of sizes.  Please select what child/children you would like and let me know.  I’d like to be able to have something for all of the children so no one is left out.

Again, thanks for all that you are doing to help the children in the shelter.

If you are interested in joining our cause, simply leave a comment.

A huge thank you to those of you who have already signed up to participate in Craft Hope’s first project.  There won’t be a deadline to sign up as there will always be need.  There cannot be enough good done in the world and there are plenty of groups that need our help.  I’ve already had someone else contact me about needing dresses for another location in Mexico.  This is going to be one wonderful ride and I’m so glad you all joined me on this new project.

Remember, if you want to participate simply leave a comment. I’m continuing to work on the site and figure it will grow as the needs and projects grow.  You might notice some under construction mess as I get it all worked out.  There are a couple of tutorials in the sidebar now if you need them.  Many of you crafty mama’s have your own patterns so don’t feel obligated to use the tutorials.

If this is your first time sewing, you are in good company.  Please let me know if I can help you along.  You can also google ‘pillowcase dresses’ and plenty of other tutorials come up. I’ve also started a facebook group, click here to join.

And of course you need some flair to put on your site.  Shout it out to the world, tell them you are participating in this worthy cause.  Even if you aren’t participating in this first project, there will be others.  Go ahead and link to us.  The imbed code is on the right hand side of this page.  Like you’ll hear me say time and time again, there cannot be enough people involved in this project.  We will make a difference.

Thanks for everything you are doing.  I feel so blessed to be working with such an incredible group of women.

Craft Hope is a faith-based, love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate.  It is our hope to combine our love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world.

Craft Hope was born over tea at the kitchen table.  The amazing creations that we watch day after day on your blogs have inspired us to begin this new endeavor.

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The first project that needs your help provides beautiful clothing for children in need.  We are hoping to collect pillowcase dresses that have been lovingly handmade by women around the world.  We’ll also be sending shorts for the boys.

Or as I explained it to my daughter… there are kids around the world that don’t have mommies and daddies to make them pretty clothes.  We need to make some for them.  Her first question was ‘can I make them?’  And my reply to her ‘of course you can!’

The pillowcases do not have to be new, just in good condition.  Our goal is for you to hand craft one pillowcase dress/shorts, or many if you are capable, and mail them to us by the deadline. For the first project, we will be collecting dresses and shorts for the children living at the Pan de Vida Shelter in Mexico and the Davis Lar Orphanage in Brazil.

A little about where your donations will go…

The Davis Lar orphanage exists to provide a home for high-risk children in Brazil. They seek to restore the children to health, provide a quality education and teach them skills to forge a productive future. The Pan de Vida Shelter, in Sandoval, Mexico, provides a safe haven for women and kids with no place to turn. It now consists of more than 30 children whose parents are incarcerated or deceased.

We are also well aware of the needs of children here in the United States and hope to reach out to local organizations as well.  We hope to expand and grow as the needs arise. If you are aware of such an organization, please contact us via email.

The deadline for collecting dresses for this first project is February 26, 2009.

A tutorial for both the pillowcase dresses and shorts will be added this week.  The tutorials are now in the sidebar if you need one.  My rock star nerdy husband, yes that is a term, has been working like a maniac on this site for me.  Without him, this would still be a vision in my head.  Thanks love.

Also, a huge thank you to Stefani and Susan, who are both graciously allowing us to use their tutorials.  Crafty mama’s indeed.  Also, coming soon is a flickr group and a badge for your blog.  The badge is now on the right hand side of this page.  Please help to spread a little Craft Hope. Simply leave a comment in this post if you are interested in participating.

Give hope.