fundamental rights

I do not believe that things in this world happen by chance.

craft hope quilt

On Friday, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to meet in person with Caroline Boudreaux, founder of the Miracle Foundation.  Caroline is an incredibly giving individual who has committed her life’s work to helping the orphans in India.  Her personal story is moving, uplifiting and encouraging.

Throughout our conversation, we kept coming back to the orphans needs and what you can do to help.  There are over 600 children in these orphanages.  Of course, they need blankets, booties and beanies but it does not stop there.  As you can imagine, these children have very little.  Certainly not anything handmade.

I wanted to let you know some of the things that we’ll also be accepting for these children if you are up to it.

They play this game in India called Seven Tiles.  It is a game comprised of stacking tiles, the tiles used to build the orphanage, and then trying to knock the stack down with a ball.  Then it turns into a sort of dodge ball.  The problem is that they play this game with tennis balls.  If you’ve ever played dodge ball with a tennis ball, you probably know how it feels to be pelted with one of the balls.

So what they are asking is for soft cotton balls.  Heavy enough to throw, but soft enough to hit someone.  Of course, it would be need to be stitched pretty heavy duty to withstand the game.  I would love to see if any of you could come up with this type of ball.  We’ve got all different types of skill levels participating in Craft Hope and I’m sure someone has a good idea for this type of ball.  If so, stitch a few up and send them on to us so that we can get them to the orphanages in India.

Their next request was for pillowcases.  Simple, pretty, clean pillowcases to use in the newborns beds.  Currently they only sleep on a plastic mattress.  The pillowcase size is the perfect size to use as a sheet to put down onto the mattress.  This project doesn’t involve any sewing whatsoever.  You can find vintage, thrifted pillowcases at the thrift store for next to nothing.  And you are giving a baby a soft place to sleep.

Their final request was for handmade handkerchiefs.  Currently, with the babies, they safety pin a tissue to their shirt so that they don’t lose it and it stays with that baby.  They use this to wipe their nose and mouth throughout the day.  A nice soft handkerchief is high on their list of needs for these babies.  And they are simple to make.  You can just cut out a square of fabric or from a vintage sheet and you have a handkerchief.  When you think about it, you could make several with just one twin size sheet.

Anytime we work with orphans, their needs do not stop at our requests.  The United Nations states that every child has the same fundamental rights no matter where they live in this world.  These are:

  • The right to clean water.
  • The right to adequate nutrition.
  • The right to health care.
  • The right to education.
  • The right to a stable loving environment.
  • The right to conditions of freedom and dignity.

Through our partnership with the Miracle Foundation and other organizations in the past and in the future we hope to uphold these values for all children.  The unloved.  The unwanted.  The hungry.  The sick.  The uneducated.  And the poor.

If you still want to do more, you can sponsor a child, donate a bike, donate school books.  The list goes on.  And if you want to take it to the next level, you can travel with the Miracle Foundation to India.  I encourage you, if you have the means, go.  That is one trip you will not regret.

If you would like to donate any of these items, please leave a comment and have them to us by July 25th.

Spread hope.

55 Comments »

jade on June 28th 2009 in Uncategorized

55 Responses to “fundamental rights”

  1. grace responded on 28 Jun 2009 at 7:40 pm #

    Could you provide dimensions for the hanky? Closer to a true womans hanky or a bandana size?
    Thanks.

  2. jade responded on 28 Jun 2009 at 7:48 pm #

    closer to a true woman’s hanky. since it will be used for babies, lets make them small.

  3. meg responded on 28 Jun 2009 at 9:20 pm #

    I have just the thing for a few soft hankies, and will see what I can find as far as pillowcases. Just thinking about sleeping on a plastic mattress in the heat makes me fussy.

    As for the ball, I started thinking about rag balls (of course — more fabric!), and came across this tutorial: http://pbskids.org/rogers/R_house/object4.htm

    Not very fancy, but maybe it would work for this game?

  4. jade responded on 28 Jun 2009 at 9:25 pm #

    hi meg! thanks so much. great research and link on the ball. i think that’s perfect!

  5. Heather responded on 28 Jun 2009 at 10:46 pm #

    I have some soft Flannelette that would make some great hankies – and I think I could find some Pillowcases as well. Thanks for the updated list.

  6. Jessica responded on 28 Jun 2009 at 11:01 pm #

    I would love to make some hankies, and will keep a lookout for pillowcases!

  7. jill responded on 28 Jun 2009 at 11:58 pm #

    I don’t know if I will have time to make any, but there is a good pattern for a quick fabric ball here:

    http://grandrevivaldesign.typepad.com/ballpattern1000.pdf

    I made one for my boys out of old jeans and cordoroys and they whip it around at each other all the time. If you add a jingle bell and stuff it tightly it has a nice weight for throwing without being too painful to be hit with. Make sure you reinforce the ends where the fabric meets really well — stitch over it a few times.

  8. Elizabeth responded on 29 Jun 2009 at 1:12 am #

    I would love to help out with hankies and balls.

  9. Herbwifemama responded on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:41 am #

    What about felted wool balls? We have one that’s exactly perfect for those requirements.

  10. Jade responded on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:32 am #

    i’m sure the felted wool balls would work too. great idea!

  11. marjorie responded on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:04 pm #

    jade… I’m planning to help with something for project 3. Do you need to know what it’s going to be ahead of time? thanks! ~m

  12. Ros responded on 30 Jun 2009 at 8:03 am #

    What about a crochet ball? I had one years ago when I was little made from scraps of wool. Sorry don’t have a pattern.
    Ros

  13. Mary Ann responded on 30 Jun 2009 at 12:06 pm #

    I’d like to provide some of these items as well!

  14. Kelly responded on 30 Jun 2009 at 10:46 pm #

    I would absolutely love to help with these ideas too. Can we just stick them in with the blankets when we mail those?

  15. lynne responded on 30 Jun 2009 at 11:16 pm #

    I would love to participate in this project. please email me the info. thank you.

  16. Paula responded on 01 Jul 2009 at 8:39 am #

    I will be sending a couple of hankies and pillowcases along with my blankies and beanies!

  17. Nikki responded on 01 Jul 2009 at 10:51 am #

    I found some left over fabric I had sitting around that would work to make pillow cases out of. Also, I have a silly question: do the hankies need to be white? I have scraps of fabric that I could make some hankies out of but they have girly patterns on them. Would that be okay?

  18. Marie-Lynne responded on 03 Jul 2009 at 7:14 am #

    Hi,

    I’d like to participate. Please send me your mailing address.

    Thanks,
    Marie-Lynne

  19. Annwen responded on 05 Jul 2009 at 11:56 am #

    I had planned to help with project #2 and was so disappointed when I did not get my doll finished in time. I am determined to help with project #3 though. Please send me the address of where I send my items (do I need to have them to you by July 25th or in the mail by then?). Also, just checking I can combine any of the things you mentioned in this post with the beanies, blankets, booties you previously mentioned? Thank you!

  20. Gail responded on 06 Jul 2009 at 11:47 am #

    I would love to participate. Please send me the address. Blessings to all.

  21. Georgiann responded on 06 Jul 2009 at 12:22 pm #

    For knitters, this is a good ball pattern. http://tiajudy.com/yarnball.htm
    I usually make this for babies, but if you stuff it firmly, I think I would be just right for their game.
    I’ll be sending off as many of these items as I can make/wrangle up by the 25th.
    Peace.

  22. korby responded on 06 Jul 2009 at 5:05 pm #

    Thanks for the opportunity. I am hoping this will help instill giving and the love of giving in my children.

    Thanks again.

  23. Tammy Ozuna responded on 06 Jul 2009 at 5:09 pm #

    I’d love to contribute handmade hankies and pillow cases.

    What’s the measurement for a ladies hankie mentioned in one of the posts?

    If anyone is interested in making pillow here is free pillow case pattern: http://karleefuchs.typepad.com/karlee_fuchs/2009/04/free-pillowcase-pattern.html.

    I’ll try to use my stash to make some coordinated hankies and pillow cases.

  24. rachel responded on 07 Jul 2009 at 10:17 am #

    Hi,

    I’d like to contribute to this project.

    Thank you,

    Rachel

  25. Ludid responded on 07 Jul 2009 at 11:06 am #

    i will send a blanket/booties and as many pillowcases that I can gather up.

  26. Raquel responded on 07 Jul 2009 at 12:05 pm #

    What about this pattern from MArtha Stewart:
    http://www.marthastewart.com/article/crochet-baby-blanket-and-ball?lnc=73ab7c10758ee010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&page=2&rsc=articlecontent_crafts

  27. Elizabeth responded on 07 Jul 2009 at 2:40 pm #

    We will be helping!!!

  28. JP responded on 07 Jul 2009 at 4:25 pm #

    I’d love to help out with this. Can you send the mailing info?

    Thanks!

  29. JP responded on 07 Jul 2009 at 4:54 pm #

    Found these and thought they might be helpful:

    Rolled Hem Handkerchief: http://www.purlbee.com/rolled-hem-handkerchiefs/2008/6/3/rolled-hem-handkerchiefs-the-pattern.html

    Simple Baby Blanket: http://tuesdayswithmolly.blogspot.com/2008/11/project-9-boutique-style-baby-blanket.html

  30. jen responded on 07 Jul 2009 at 10:36 pm #

    if i could have the address of where to send items? im a fashion student and this is a nice way to do something helpful with all the remnants i have!

  31. Anna Hernandez responded on 10 Jul 2009 at 10:19 pm #

    Hello Jade,
    I would love to sign up for project #3, and I can have my items shipped out this weekend. Can you please email me the address so that I may do so? Thank you so much for doing this. Project #2 was wonderful, as is this one. Anna

  32. Erin responded on 11 Jul 2009 at 8:23 am #

    I just finished a pillowcase in my sewing class. Where do I send it?

  33. Sue responded on 11 Jul 2009 at 9:57 pm #

    I’d like to contribute with some hankys for sure, and hopefully some pillowcases. Do you have a definite size for the hankys?

  34. myla responded on 12 Jul 2009 at 5:15 am #

    i’d love to help out… please send me the address! =)

  35. Diane Lord responded on 13 Jul 2009 at 11:12 am #

    I finished up two blankets this weekend to send to you and while I was in a sewing mood I made up two pillow cases and seven handkerchiefs. Should I send all of these items to you in one package or are they going to different addresses?

  36. melissa responded on 13 Jul 2009 at 2:54 pm #

    blankets and hankies on their way…please send us the mailing address…thanks!

  37. alana responded on 13 Jul 2009 at 3:58 pm #

    I just discovered Craft Hope while googling for a place to send the several stocking caps I’d made for Save the Children’s “Knit One Save One” campaign, having missed their deadline. I hope I meet yours! Also, while awaiting the mailing address and completing a few more beanies, I’ll browse thrift shops for pillowcases. Blessings to all.

  38. amy responded on 14 Jul 2009 at 12:25 pm #

    Please send me the address! I’ve got some blankets, and will try to throw in some hankies and pillowcases too.

  39. Gaby responded on 14 Jul 2009 at 8:14 pm #

    We’ll try to go hunting for pillowcases and nice fabric for hankies this weekend. It’s just wonderful that you’re organizing this, thanks for giving us the opportunity to help!

  40. Carissa responded on 14 Jul 2009 at 10:31 pm #

    Hi, I have made a few hats that I would love to send. Please give me the address, and I will have them to you by July 25th. I love the good work you are doing here at Craft Hope!

  41. Lana responded on 15 Jul 2009 at 12:38 am #

    I just found out about this project yesterday and have made some blankets and baby cloths for project #3. Now I just need the address of where to send these to. Thanks for all that you do!!

  42. Elise Braverman-Plotkin responded on 15 Jul 2009 at 11:53 am #

    I would love to contribute to the project with some pillowcases (I don’t really sew). Could you send me the address? Thanks

  43. Rachel Hager responded on 15 Jul 2009 at 3:32 pm #

    Hi,
    I would love to do this! I recently made 27 pillowcases. I wanted to send them to Some orphange, but didn’t know where to look. I think this would be perfect! If you could please tell me where to send them, I get them out right away. :)
    Thanks,
    Rachel

  44. Amy responded on 15 Jul 2009 at 9:40 pm #

    I’d love to help with pillowcases and such…

  45. Ruth responded on 16 Jul 2009 at 8:49 am #

    I would love to participate. I will try to send blankies, hankies and pillowcases. I will get on the hunt very soon and have those to you by July 25.

    This is so wonderful!!!

    Ruth

  46. Stacey Chartres responded on 16 Jul 2009 at 11:43 am #

    I would love to participate in project 3 – could I have the mailing information please.

  47. Lauren Diaz responded on 16 Jul 2009 at 7:19 pm #

    hi!

    i just made 16 hankies and will try and find some pillowcases to add. could i have the address? i would love to continue helping with craft hope, is there a mailing list i can be on to receive info about upcoming projects. thanks for everything you’re doing.

    lauren

  48. Tanya responded on 16 Jul 2009 at 10:57 pm #

    I’d love to get the address, if there is still time! I’ve got baby hats, booties and pillowcases ready to go!!

  49. Tracy responded on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:26 pm #

    Hi I’ve just come across this wonderful site and even though time is short I would love to send a couple of blankets ,if you could send the address to post them too I will get right on to it thanks Tracy.

  50. alana responded on 17 Jul 2009 at 6:51 pm #

    I just mailed the box! Thanks to Salvation Army and a friend, 36 pillowcases are on their way … also a few hankies and blankets. Also, I took the liberty of including some store bought booties, socks, and washcloths – spreading seeds of hope a dime at a time – please accept them. The 28 beanies are handmade. Thank you, Jade, for creating and coordinating this awesome organization!

  51. LeeAnn responded on 20 Jul 2009 at 4:53 am #

    I have found this too late! I live too far away for the things to arrive before the 25th, but I will keep watching for the next project.

    What a lovely thing to be part of xx

  52. Natasha responded on 20 Jul 2009 at 9:28 pm #

    I’m so sad that I didn’t find your site sooner but I would like to try to get something to you if I can, can you please email me your address so I can see how far away you are?

    Thank you, this is so inspiring and really warms my heart to see crafters working together for such a wonderful cause.

    <3 <3 <3

  53. Clair Jordan responded on 20 Jul 2009 at 9:49 pm #

    Not sure if I can get anything to you by the 25th, but I would love to help with future projects.

    Thanks for organizing this!
    Clair

  54. Ruth responded on 21 Jul 2009 at 2:02 pm #

    My package is on its way to you. I was glad to have learned of this in time to participate. I sent some hankies, pillowcases and two blankets.

    Thanks so much for organizing this.

    Ruth

  55. susan the shoppe owner responded on 22 Jul 2009 at 3:12 pm #

    I would like to contribute to this project (and I know I am a little behind but I only just found you last night, but I am so glad that I did!).

    Please send me the info for mailing.

    I’ve added a link to you as well as did a little blog post about you on my site.

    Thank you!

    Susan

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