sewing seeds...
As many of you know, my oldest daughter, Danika, is heading to Africa in June to serve at an orphanage for a couple of weeks. I am very excited for her as most of her money is raised, she has her passport, and while she is procrastinating on getting all of her shots that she needs, she is very close to seeing her dream come true. God is so good.
My daughter, Emily, and I have decided to take part in Danika's mission by doing what we love to to: sewing. And here is where we will ask for your help.
Our goal is to provide skirts for each of the girls at the orphanage (25 total), and if that happens, we would like to provide skirts for girls living at two affiliated orphanages (50 more--75 total). The children in the orphanages own almost nothing except for the clothes that they wear (one outfit) and Emily and I thought that sending them skirts would be a wonderful way to let them know that they are loved and cared for, and to add a little bit of beauty to their lives. A drop in the bucket? Yes. But if we all pull together to meet needs, the bucket's contents will rise higher and higher!
So, could we ask you to consider making a skirt (or two) for a little girl? All sizes are needed and can be used. I figure that each skirt will cost approximately $10 to $15 to make and 2-3 hours to put together, depending on your sewing abilities.
One idea is to make a skirt in your own daughter's size and let her pick out the fabric. This makes it a mommy/daughter endeavor!
Here is the link to the pattern that we are using (#4252) and here is a tutorial in a little girl's skirt size and one in a bigger girl's skirt size. We took care to pick something easy, by the way, so don't worry about these being too difficult to make!
If possible, I would like to have the skirts finished and mailed to me by March 31 so that we can start working on something for the boys at the orphanage.
Please pray about this...
Let us know if you are interested.
Thank you so much!
If anyone would like to link to this post, please feel free to download the picture. I would appreciate it if you did!
And speaking of the picture, many thanks to Tanya who made it for us. We just love it!
Blessings to all of you!
"Sow the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you."---Hosea 10:12
***Click here to visit Tanya's Quik-Page!
What a wonderful endeavor! Unfortunately, I sew even worse than I cook... Do you need a cheerleader? *Go team go!*
Posted by: Lisa | February 16, 2007 at 05:53 AM
Randi~~I would love to make a skirt. Simplicity patterns are on sale at Joanns. I will try my best to sew it before March 31st. My daughters wedding is March 3rd, so I should have some free time after that. :)
Posted by: Robin | February 16, 2007 at 06:02 AM
This is one of those times that I really wish I could sew. What a blessing you will be to those girls. My sister just got back from a trip to Africa and left skirts for the church to distribute. Wow, we sure take a lot for granted here in America.
Posted by: Heth | February 16, 2007 at 07:19 AM
Randi!! Beautiful idea. Let me pray about it today...but I love this...
Posted by: tonia | February 16, 2007 at 08:03 AM
What a fabulous, inspired idea Randi.
Posted by: mopsy | February 16, 2007 at 08:36 AM
I would love to make a skirt-I have McCall's Easy stitch 'n save pattern M5159- I hpe the link works
http://tinyurl.com/2hwpn5
I will make a view B, size 7 if that is OK.
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy @ WMF | February 16, 2007 at 09:36 AM
BTW-View B is the skirt without the bows.
Posted by: Wendy @ WMF | February 16, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Okay, I'm interested, but I'm not committing 100% because, well, I've never sewed a skirt successfully, but maybe a little girl's tiered skirt might work. I would hate to send something over that was substandard. I'll print off the tutorial and let you know how it goes!
Posted by: lindiepindie | February 16, 2007 at 11:20 AM
I'm in need of a new project--and what a worthy cause! I'll give it a try.
Posted by: kayla_d | February 16, 2007 at 11:49 AM
This is a fabulous idea!!
I don't sew much myslef, but I did put a post about it on my project blog (www.byhookorbycook.blogspot.com). I hope that gets you a few more skirts.
Posted by: Amy | February 16, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Okay, this is a worthy cause and a great opportunity to start sewing. I will see if I can manage one. Two would be even better. Pray for me and give me some very hard nudges to accomplish this. I need to learn to sew!!!
Posted by: Pam in Colorado | February 16, 2007 at 03:55 PM
Randi,
Can I use your image on my blog? Love to promote this.
Posted by: tonia | February 16, 2007 at 05:27 PM
Count me in! Will you be contacting me with info for where to send it?
Posted by: Karen | February 16, 2007 at 09:41 PM
Count me in! Will you be contacting me with info for where to send it?
Posted by: Karen | February 16, 2007 at 09:42 PM
I love this idea. I'm teaching my daughter to sew and this could be a great activity to do together. Luckily March 31st is a long ways away.
Posted by: Michelle | February 16, 2007 at 11:57 PM
I am not a sewer, and these girls deserve skirts that will last. However,I do think that what you are doing is amazing and it really touched my heart. I am very interested in knowing what you will do for the boys as well.
I will post this on my blog right now, Randi!
Posted by: Trina | February 17, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Count me in Randi! I have made several of these tiered skirts and have fun doing it. It will be enven more fun knowing it is for such a wonderful cause. I'll make as many as time will allow.
Let me know where to send them.
Posted by: autum | February 17, 2007 at 11:46 AM
What a wonderful idea. I've made these tiered skirts before and enjoyed doing it. I know it will be even more fun sewing it for such a great cause. Count me in!! I'll commit to 2 and if time allows I'll do more. I have lots of fabric in my stash that needs to be used and I can't think of a better use for it.
Let me know where to send them.
Posted by: autum | February 17, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Oops! Sorry about the comment duplication, I didn't think the first one went through. Now I've done 3.
I'll go now and be quiet.
Posted by: autum | February 17, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Unfortunately my sewing skills are limited to sewing on buttons...and even that isn't great. I will promise to send up prayers for your daughter, the trip, and for all those girls that your efforts are going to bless!
Posted by: steffany | February 17, 2007 at 07:18 PM
This is a great idea. I'll make 2 skirts for you.
Posted by: Patricia | February 17, 2007 at 07:19 PM
Would it be OK if we used a different pattern? How about dresses? I love the t-shirt dresses with the fabric on the bottom - quick and easy and all in one. I am super interested in helping! Thanks so much for posting this!
Posted by: me | February 17, 2007 at 07:46 PM
Great idea! I'll get busy and round up some friends to get busy also.
What country is your daughter going to? I have a house guest from Ghana right now.
Susan
Posted by: Susan | February 18, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Great idea! I'll get busy and round up some friends to get busy also.
What country is your daughter going to? I have a house guest from Ghana right now.
Susan
Posted by: Susan | February 18, 2007 at 07:38 AM
What a wonderful idea. I posted about it at HomesteadBlogger. Hopefully some of our sewing folks can pitch in to help!
Posted by: Nancy | February 18, 2007 at 05:21 PM
What a wonderful idea. I am definitely interested. I have an abundance of material that I have been praying about how to use and this is perfect. Thank you. My daughter is a junior size 7, so I will be making the larger skirt. I will post in my blog about this tomorrow. Blessings!
Posted by: Patricia of Pollywog Creek | February 18, 2007 at 07:40 PM
What a wonderful idea. I support an AIDS orphenage in Thailand and I will have to get our church craft ladies working away on a similar concept.
I'd love to help. I don't have any children, but I'll make one in the size of my cousin. If you want to contact me with postage information, my email is countingmermaids AT gmail DOT com.
I'll post about this in my blog when I get a chance.
Posted by: Counting Mermaids | February 18, 2007 at 10:13 PM
What a great idea as you know I don't have the talent to sew could I purchase one that looks similar to these.? We will be praying for all of you. Maybe my family could make something easier like book marks or gift boxes please let me know Love, Char
Posted by: char | February 19, 2007 at 08:27 AM
I don't sew at all - just buttons...but I love the idea. And I will be praying for Danika and her mission team.
I think I'll mention this idea to our missions team - they go to Guatemala every year and half. They bring second-hand clothes but I love the idea of a sweet new skirt made by people who care.
Posted by: Islandsparrow | February 19, 2007 at 09:32 AM
Randi, I'll make two for size 5. Let me know where to send them.
Good luck to your daughter on her trip.
Posted by: Morning Glory | February 19, 2007 at 11:23 AM
Let me know the details. I probably cannot get it started until the middle of March, but I would like to participate. Sizes, kind of material, etc.
Posted by: Cheryl | February 20, 2007 at 11:34 AM
what a sweet thing to do. my time is a little stretched right now. i'm not sure if i can commit at this time. HOWEVER, if you still need help, please email me. i have a fabric stash (just not a lot of spare time, but I can make some time).
Posted by: lera | February 20, 2007 at 03:17 PM
I thought I commented, but I guess I didn't! This is a wonderful idea that I wish I could help with, but alas, Elise doesn't sew.
I will, however, lift this project up in prayer and ask the Lord's blessing upon it - and you - and Danika! :)
Posted by: Elise | February 21, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Count me in! My daughters birthday is coming up so I will make a skirt for your daughter to take and one for my daughter. I think this is a lovely idea. Thanks for the opportunity to share in you ministry time.
Posted by: Margaret | February 23, 2007 at 12:22 PM
I just got back online this week after no internet last week and I'm still getting caught up. We're doing something like this too -- with little dresses. I didn't think to ask my readers (all 3 of them) to participate as well. Maybe I will, along with posting directions for the pillowcase dresses I'm making.
http://mysocalled.homeschooljournal.net/2007/02/23/little-dresses-for-africa/
Posted by: Gem | February 23, 2007 at 10:38 PM
I'm here from Tanya's blog, and definitely interested in using my Christmas-gift sewing machine for such a lovely purpose.
For helping others, here's a link to a tutorial online where you can put in a waist or hip measurement and it will calculate for you the size of fabric strips you need...
http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/peasantskirt_inst.html
Posted by: falwyn | February 26, 2007 at 12:40 AM
I'm in! I have a sewing retreat this weekend and will gladly add this skirt to my list of to-do's. What a wonderful idea - thanks so much for giving us the chance to participate. Let me know the mailing address when you have a chance. I will promote in my blog as well.
Posted by: Anne K. | February 26, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Children in Africa are my passion. I have been wanting to learn how to sew and I think THIS has given me the nudge I need. I am going to see if a friend of mine thinks she could teach me how to do the skirt. I am also going to link to this on my blog.
Thanks!!
Posted by: Erica | February 26, 2007 at 07:15 PM
This is a wonderful idea!
Posted by: Jess | February 26, 2007 at 07:16 PM
How truly sweet and beautiful. I greatly admire your project. May those children be richly blessed with your gifts.
Posted by: Lani | February 27, 2007 at 01:23 PM
I would love to make some skirts..... I will commit for 2 as well. I'm going to mention this to my craft group I'm in... maybe I can get some more people on board. Any idea/s of what you want to do for the boys orphange?
Posted by: marcia- | February 27, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Wow,
I have been looking for a project to do and this hit me. I will try to go out today and pick up some material and the pattern. Are you going to post your address to send the skirt to. Just e-mail me and I will have at least one made by then. I will try making more than one. If you have an idea for the boys just email me so I can start it soon.
Thanks and what a great thing your daughter is doing.
Linda from NY
Posted by: Linda | February 28, 2007 at 06:16 AM
I'm a friend of Tanya's. I would love to help. I teach sewing classes, I will see if I can get my students to participate. I will get working on this now.
Posted by: marlo | February 28, 2007 at 09:37 AM
Hi Randi,
I would love to help with this. Please email me your address to djquigley@sbcglobal.net
Crystal told me about it.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth Quigley | March 01, 2007 at 09:05 PM
I'm throwing my needles in! A friend has been wanting me to make one of these for her daughter, so I'll make it and a few extra.
Thank you so much for letting us share!
Denise
Posted by: Denise | March 02, 2007 at 12:21 PM
I would love to participate! Can you list the sizes that seem to be the most needed? Also, where do I send completed projects?
Patti
Posted by: Patti | March 02, 2007 at 01:11 PM
I would love to participate! Can you list the sizes that seem to be the most needed? Also, where do I send completed projects?
Patti
Posted by: Patti | March 02, 2007 at 01:11 PM
I would love to help -please send your address. I can't wait to see what we can do for the boys....possibly a shirt -count me in!
-Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette Fields | March 05, 2007 at 11:13 AM
I love to sew, but even more, I love to give. I can hardly wait to get started on this project. Thank You.
Posted by: Anita O'Steen | March 07, 2007 at 08:12 AM
oh yeah! i just found this site today, and although i'm not much of a sewer i woudl love to try to make a skirt. you see, i also went to kenya last summer to work at an orphanage with HIV/AIDS kids.
I was at a different orphanage but I can totally relate to what your daughter is goign to experience.
I will try my best to get a skirt done and mailed off.
Posted by: Ann-Marie MacKay | March 13, 2007 at 02:17 PM
I read about your Daughter going to Africa from Crystal's newsletter. I have made a size 8 skirt and would like to send it to you; can you provide an address? This is an exciting time for your daughter. My daughter is married now but when she went on a mission trip it changed her life. God bless you all for sharing His love with those less fortunate.
Sincerely Linda
Posted by: Linda Scott | March 13, 2007 at 02:25 PM
This is wonderful! I want to help too! I love "coincidences" like this...I was just thinking earlier today how much fun it would be to sew for a little girl again. Then I read a post on Craft Apple blog that directed me here! I can't wait to get started.
Posted by: Sharon | March 14, 2007 at 08:38 PM
I would love to help you with this project! Please send me your address in an e-mail and I will get it out to you no later than Monday. I have a 2-year old daughter so I will make it in her size and use up some of my stash.
Posted by: Stacy | March 15, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Hi Randi,
I learned about your sewing seeds project from Karen and wanted to thank you for the opportunity to sew skirts for these little girls. Lots of love and prayers went into making each one. Thank you.
Posted by: jk | March 17, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Hi Randi, I just emailed you regarding making a couple of skirts. I would love to help out ina any way that I can!! :)
Posted by: Solidia | March 20, 2007 at 08:38 AM
I just learned about this and it sounds like such a wonderful thing to help so many. But I don't think I can get them done in time so I will be watching your blog to find out what you decide to do for the boys.
Keep us posted please.
God's grace to you and your daughter.
Posted by: Rhonda in OK | March 21, 2007 at 02:49 PM
Great idea! I've put a link here on my blog. I don't sew (yet) but am trying to learn... if I can do it, I'll participate.
Do the girls who will be receiving these speak English? If so, have you thought about have each person who submits a skirt attach a verse of their choosing to it? That would personalize it even more...
I love the idea. Kudos to you for thinking of it and following through!
Posted by: Kathy | March 21, 2007 at 04:13 PM
I am making my skirt tonight. But if you are still going to the screening of Inivisble Children, I can give it to you then..or email me with your address and I'll drive it by or mail it depending on where you are.
Posted by: Erica | March 30, 2007 at 05:12 PM
Hi Randi- I am making my skirts now and lost your address! yikes! You still need some?! i hope so1 :)
Posted by: carol | April 17, 2007 at 01:20 PM
Wow. I love this idea. I think we need to make a few. Where do I send them?
http://monkeyporkbun.typepad.com/
Posted by: gena | May 06, 2007 at 07:01 AM
Just discoverd your blog and this post. Do you still need skirts or are you going to start doing something for boys? I'd be happy to do something for either or both. I currently have tons of fabric, mostly girl stuff, but a little bit of boy stuff, I'd love to help out! You can email me from a link on my blog or leave a comment.
I will be adding you to my regular reads and I'll try to get a link to this post up on it this week!
Hugs & Blessings!
Susan
Posted by: Susan | May 14, 2007 at 10:14 AM