Filed under: Family and Home
VOLUNTEER SEWING FOR PREEMIES
by: JoAnn Edwards, Posted Dec 10th 2007

I usually have several different sewing projects going on at one time. I like changing from one project to the other so as not to get bored. My immediate volunteer, fun project is sewing for preemies. There are a group of ladies in my church who meet regularly to cut, sew and share ideas. We consider this a sewing ministry that provides garments to tiny infants as well as offering support to the parents and families. This ministry is about giving and loving parents at a time when they are unsure about their baby's future or when they lose an infant. Through the act of giving, we become the hands of Christ extended.

Anyone can help even if you can't sew. You may like to do the cutting out of the garments. I never did like the cutting part. I want to get straight to the sewing. Perhaps you would like to make a donation of fabric, ribbon, lace, thread, buttons, etc. We have a class in our church that buys the fabric for our group. Let it be known in your church bulletin that you accept donations. Most people are more than happy to donate to a good cause. I was not aware of this service until it was mentioned in my church. Many church groups, nation wide, are involved in this ministry.

Patterns for the garments can be found on the internet. Google "sewing for preemies" and you will find instructions for knitted and crocheted items as well as patterns for sewing items. You will also find pretty colored pictures of various articles made by others that will inspire you and get your creative juices flowing. Items made from these patterns are not to be sold. I would advise you to call the maternity ward or Children's Hospital to establish a contact person before making any items. You may know a nurse who can get the proper information from the hospital where you want to donate.

The fun part comes when I am deciding how I want to embellish the garments. For the little girl's dresses we have been given the freedom, by the hospital, to use embellishments of our choice. My preference is to use the decorative stitches on my regular sewing machine. I also add some hand emdroidery along with the machine stitches. One of our ladies prefers to use her serger for most of the 

Some groups make day gowns and small quilts to cover isolettes that are contributed to babies in the NICU. Our group makes a three piece batiste set that consist of blanket, bonnet and dress for girls and gown for boys. Most of the outfits our group makes supplies the local Children's Hospital to be used for burial garments for the tiny preemies who don't survive. We make over one hundred sets a year. Mothers keep the bonnet or blanket for a keepsake in memory of their little one.

I read a story about a 94 year old lady who crochets blankets for preemies. Another amazing story, was about a blind lady who also crochets blankets. So you see now, you don't have any excuse. As my Grandmother used to say, "Get to busy.