Caring Hearts
I already have a list of projects we can do to help others or brighten a day and I've marked most on my Pinterest Board. But at the moment we are all in quarantine because of the COVID 19 virus. The focus is on making the most of what we have on hand and on supporting the medical staffs and first responders as they fight this fight on the front lines. Many of my friends are making masks and delivering them to the elderly or hospitals. We are now looking to make surgical caps and headbands with buttons so that the masks aren't breaking down the ears. Anyone, even me can sew buttons on a headband and donate it. I'm going to list some great pattern links that I have found for all these things below and if you can help the efforts please do because I see the need daily at my place of employment. You may think so many are already making them but I promise you, the need is tremendous.
This is the most direct instructions I have seen for making pleated masks with elastic or ties.
https://www.madeeveryday.com/fabric-face-mask-free-pattern/
This link has a different type of pattern that you can use a wired bridge in for a close fit.
https://thecraftyquilter.com/2020/03/versatile-face-mask-pattern-and-tutorial/
This one is for children
https://atriumhealth.org/-/media/A255C591E8284D439AD810111EB7A5A0.ashx
This survivalist video shows you how to make 3 no sew masks for yourself. One with a paper towel, one with a tshirt and one with a bandana
For those wearing a mask constantly they are requesting headbands or pieces of ribbon with buttons attached to pull the mask strings around their heads.
Here is a quick one for s scrub hat
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-SurgicalScrub-Hat/
I love the way people are volunteering and pulling together in this pandemic, I just hope it carries over after it is gone.
I believe we are going to have to learn 'new normals' with this virus. So these will be things that will be needed for awhile. Below are some other ideas for other creative ministries to get involved in.
Warm Up America
Since 1991, Warm Up America has been sending knitted and crochet afghans, hats, and more to people in need. Making a contribution to a worthy cause is easy! Check out their Current Needs page to see what causes Warm Up America is helping.
Days for Girls
Days for Girls is committed to supporting girls around the world with feminine hygiene products! Sewists, in particular, are always needed at Days for Girls. Find your local group and join the effort!
Knots of Love
Founded in 2007, Knots of Love has donated hundreds of thousands of knit and crochet hats to people with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Browse their patterns and get to stitching. This amazing charity is a great and simple way to give back.
Color a Smile
Crafting for charity is not just for knitters and crocheters! If you're looking for a way to get your kids or students involved in a charity, consider Color A Smile. They send beautiful drawings from children of all ages to senior citizens, troops overseas, and anyone else who could use a smile.
Knit-A-Square
Calling all knitters! Knit a Square brings together knitters from around the world to collaborate in knitting blankets and afghans for orphaned children around the world. What a great way to give your time to a good cause by simply knitting an 8" x 8" square. Knit a Square also accepts knitted hats and beanies, hand warmers, and more. Check out their full wish list.
Project Linus
Project Linus has been donating handmade blankets to children in need since 1995! Their dedication to the cause has provided crafters, sewists, knitters, quilters, and crocheters a great way to give back. Looking to get involved? Find your local chapter here.
Binky Patrol
Binky Patrol has been knitting, crocheting, quilting, and sewing blankets for children in need for more than 20 years, and they're still going strong! Browse their patterns and get involved today. All ages welcome, even non-crafty people!
Caitlin's Smiles
Through their Creative Arts Care Program, Caitlin's Smiles donates boxes of arts and crafts to children in hospitals, awaiting treatment. Crafters know how much joy it can bring; donate to Caitlin's Smiles to help spread that joy to those in need.
Snuggles Project
If you're an animal lover, the Snuggles Project is the perfect charity for you. The Snuggles Project connects knitters, crocheters, and sewists with shelters in need of a way to make a more welcoming and comforting environment for animals. Many animals who end up in shelters are frightened, which can be a challenge for their caregivers and makes them less likely to be adopted. Snuggles help calm these animals and help them find a loving home.
Looking for patterns to make? Try these Crocheted Hats to Donate
Help Heal Veterans
Founded in 1971, Help Heal Veterans (HEAL VETS) has provided free therapeutic craft kits to hospitalized and homebound veterans for generations. Over that time, we’ve helped traumatized veterans improve their motor skills, while also developing better feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. Our kits help veterans take their minds out of the past and off their pain, letting them live more in the present.
We plan to have a specific thing going on on a regular basis so join our community for more information.