Wednesday, March 23, 2011

New Beginnings kits and some warmth for Japan

I have been sat here reflecting so much on world events that I didn’t know where to begin to write this post. I have written and re-written it several times… because when it comes to matters of the heart, words fail me.


I feel heartbroken for the people affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as all of us do. And so often we feel a very human need to help in any way we can, especially on a practical level.


sleeping bagToday, I read on Superbuzzy’s blog that an American sleeping bag manufacturer is supplying winter weight sleeping bags to those who greatly need them in Japan, for only $6 US dollars, each.


So I purchased sleeping bags… and if you would like to do the same please click here. You can read about the initiative in Superbuzzy’s March newsletter, here.


To anyone reading this post who has been affected by the global natural disasters around the world, I’d like you to know that I am holding you in my prayers. xx


~~~


I had a sort through my sewing patterns recently and had a pile of them sitting on my sideboard ready to go to the Op shop… and then I discovered the perfect place for them – Queensland. I got the details and address from the Among the Gum Trees blog!


This pile of patterns:


QLD patterns


Will be heading here…


QLD Quilters address parcel


Who knows, maybe one of those patterns is one that a fellow sewer has always wanted, or perhaps even lost. I was thinking that if I lost my craft patterns and magazines, I’d be most sad at losing those that were no longer available to purchase. Opportunity shops are a great source for buying old magazines to add to your collection, or to fill any gaps. I never throw magazines out – they always go to the charity shop!


The Gum Tree Designers have done a wonderful job coordinating ‘New Beginnings kits’ (their own initiative) to be sent to quilters and sewers in Queensland, NSW and Victoria townships that have been affected by floods. I read on the blog today that approx. 450 kits have been received from lovely sewers, along with donations for postage and other craft supplies. That sure would have kept those angel co-coordinators busy! Thank you SO much Gum Tree gals!!!


I made two kits, both containing needle cases and scissor keepers that I made from patterns in Lynette Anderson’s book, It’s Quilting Cats and Dogs. Want to see?


QLD sewing kits



The little animals are retractable tape measures – if you look at the pig you can see the tape measure coming out of his ear! (So if you make a mistake with your measuring – you can honestly say – “I made a real pigs ear of that!” Ha!)



LA needlecase



LA needlecase inside


Well guys, I will leave you on a very happy note because this is my 150th blog post! So I will be having a giveaway…. the thinking cap is on and I shall give full details in my next post!


Until next time – hugs!


Vikki :-) x

15 comments:

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Your sewing kits are gorgeous Vikki!!
I am sure they will bring a lot of joy to those affected by the floods - it is always wonderful to know that someone cares.

Thanks for the link to Superbuzzy - such a worthwhile cause.

BubzRugz said...

Vikki - those are beautiful goodies you made for Queensland and the sleeping bags for Japan are wonderful....
Hugz

Maria said...

Beautiful Sewing Kits. They will put a smile on someones face.
Great idea the sleeping bags. Will go check them out.

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

You have a beautiful heart Vikki. I know because I've been on the receiving end many times over the years. Reading your post today made me miss your hugs even more.
I'm sure the lucky recepients of your thoughtful gifts will appreciate them very much.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Sue Niven said...

Thank you Vikki for giving us the info on those lovely sleeping bags, Something i will be donating to for sure! Love your Queensland goodies too, really lovely, the tape measures are so very very cute, goes well with your stitcheries, also very very cute!
love and hugs
Sue

Anonymous said...

You're beautiful... :)
love ya guts,
hugs Penny xxxxx

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

Thanks for the info about the sleeping bags, it surely will be a very useful thing for them. And great idea to send these patterns to Queensland :) Hugs, Silvia

Michelle said...

Beautiful sewing kits! I'm sure they will be loved lot's

Allie said...

What a fabulous idea - they surely do need some warmth over there. Vikki, I love what you're sending to the QLD Quilters, you have such a beautiful heart!

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

hi Vikki,
you have some wonderful goodies there Vikki, what generosity, you have such a lovely big warm heart!
I am off to check out the sleeping bags for Japan, another great & practical idea.

Sue from Cyprus said...

You have such a big heart!!
Hugs, Sue from Cyprus x x x

grandmarockton said...

Wonderful blog, you are always so thoughtful---- May GOD bless you because your always willing to help!

bingo~bonnie said...

how wonderful to search out items "Made in the USA"! I just saw on The View today where they said if every American would buy $60 worth per year of items made in USA it would give a great BOOST to our economy and help with jobs!

What a cute sewing kit! love the accessories you found for yours!

Love from Texas! ~bonnie

Simone de Klerk said...

Wonderful catching up with you again! i love the two kits you made. Great choice of fabric and threads for Lynette's patterns. Makes them very happy!

XUE said...

We have lived in Tokyo & am still getting emails from friends about how this has changed their lives. Like you, we are trying our best to help in whatever way we can. Warm wishes from Dubai !

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