New Pattern Coming

I am creating a new dress pattern.  It is coming out well and I should be able to post it soon. 

Have a good one..........Nan.....

Memory Boxes

I know some women know what Memory Boxes are.  I never really did until I started making preemie hats.  The first time I had a request for hats for the boxes I wasn't sure what they needed.  It took quite a bit of communicating to get it right.  Now I get requests and I know exactly what is needed.  Tiny hats and 12 x 12 fleece blankets are the right things for the boxes.  It gives the parents something to hold to remind them of the little one they lost.  As soon as I get some made up, out the door they go.  It really is rewarding to do this. 

I still haven't run out of yarn ~ don't tell them that I buy more weekly.  I can't run out.  Those babies count on me!

                                                   Here is an assortment that goes out.

Have a good one.....Nan...

1,000 Blankets

When I first started this project, I told everyone I wanted to have a goal of 1,000 blankets.  I never thought I could really do it.  My latest stats are hats ~ 933, blankets ~ 1212, cuddle sacs ~ 42, and gowns ~ 53.  Yes, I made my goal, and no, I am not stopping.  Now these totals are only items I have sent to all different states, Canada and England.  I do try to keep my inventory going and it seems as soon as I get my items done, someone has a need.  Really, I am glad.  I still supply the local hospitals, a few in other states, and some ladies are doing boxes for bereaved parents.  They request small hats and 12 x 12 blankets to place in the boxes.  Since I pay for all of my own materials and yarns, I request postage.  If at any time anyone wants to help let me know.  I do have a few ladies that have donated items to send.  So I send a big "Thank You" to all.

Have a good one......Nan...  

Keeping Busy

I am very happy with the progress of this blog.  I can't believe how many requests I get for items.  I am supplying quite a few hospitals with blankets and hats.  Some request things from others and they send me a request and I send them items.  I even got cards to attach to the crocheted items.  I wanted something smaller so I got my tiny doll out and designed a gown for him.  Oh it came out cute.  Attached is a picture of a Preemie and Micro preemie gown.  It still amazes me that there are babies that small. 

So if anyone else out there is thinking of doing the same ~ go ahead, you are needed out there.  Good luck.

Have a good one.....Nan..

New Year

Happy New Year to everyone.  Hope your year has started off well.  I continue my effort to make lots of items for the Preemies.  I have fleece to cut and sew, yarn that needs to go from a skein to an item for the babies and in between make scarves to sell.  I bet if I really tried I could crochet in my sleep.  I have made a few stitches with my eyes closed!  We now have snow and it has turned cold.  I am perfectly content to sit and watch the birds and crochet at the same time.  In the mean time...
Have a good one......Nan.  Thanks for stopping by, come back soon! 

Christmas Eve

Hello everyone.  It is Christmas Eve and all is quiet here.  We have no small children in the house so it really is quiet.  We are also awaiting an inch or two of snow.  I have been working hard making ruffle scarves while my daughter sells them.  All the money has gone to buying more supplies for the preemies.  I have also just sent another box of blankets and hats out.  This one went to Kentucky.  The packages are really getting around.  I do hope to continue this project next year.  Just remember if you want to help with postage or supplies, just hit the donation button. 

For all the repeat viewers, thank you for coming back.  I am glad that this site is helping so many others pursue the same path that I am taking.  It helps so many.  I saw a picture of a tiny preemie that had passed, he had a hat on that was too big, and a crocheted square that had slits in it for his little arms.  After seeing this I continue to make smaller hats because there is a need for them and tiny garments.  So give a hand and make others happy.  In the mean time

                                           Merry Christmas!!!!!

Have a good one.....Nan...

Blueberry Gown for Preemie

Blueberry Gown for Preemie

Bernat Baby Jacquards Florals ~ Bluebell;  Lion Brand Baby Soft ~ White; Size G Hook

Fpdc = front post double crochet;  Bpdc = back post dc

Row 1:Using Bluebell,  Chain 43.  1 hdc in 3rd chain , and in next 5 chs.  1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc in next chain.  1 hdc in next 6 chains.  1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc in next ch.  1 hdc in next 13 ch, 1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc in next ch.  1 hdc in next 6 dc, 1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc in next ch.  1 hdc in next 6 hdc.  Ch 2.

Row 2: 1 hdc in second stitch, 1 hdc in next 5 sts, 1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc in ch 1 space, 1 hdc in next 8 sts, 1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 hdc in next 15 sts, 1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc in next ch 1 space,  1 hdc in next 8 sts, 1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc in ch 1 space, 1 hdc in last 7 sts.  Ch 2.

Row 3: Repeat as for row 2, increasing each section of bodice.  61 hdc, Ch 2.

Row 4 to 7: Repeat row 2.   93 hdc.

Row 8: 1 hdc in each st to ch 1 space. 1 hdc in ch 1 space, ch 3, 1 hdc in next ch 1 space, 1 hdc in each st to next ch 1 space, 1 hdc in ch 1, ch 3, 1 hdc in ch 1 space, 1 hdc in each st to end.  59 hdc.

Row 9:  Ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 dc in next 2 sts, skip 1 st, dc, ch 1, dc(v-stitch) in next st, skip 1 st.* Work pattern across to last 3 sts, 1 dc in last 3 sts.  Ch 3.  15 v-sts.

Row 10: 1 dc in second st. *1 Bpdc in next dc, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in ch 1 space* across to last 3 dc. 1 Bpdc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 sts.  Ch 3.

Row 11:Repeat row 9.

Row 12: Repeat row 10.  Repeat alternating rows until 23 rows are completed.  Row 24 is a repeat of row 10.  End off.

Trim:  Attach white to last row of bodice.  Ch 1, 1 sc in same spot, continue up bodice with 1 sc evenly spaced up side.  Ch 1, 1 sc in each st around neck to end, ch 1 and sc down other side of bodice.  At the end of bodice, change to Bluebell and continue with sc down side to end, ch 1, working 1 sc in each dc along bottom row, missing each ch 1 space, to end.  Ch 1 and sc up side and join to beginning of white trim.  Hide all end and trim.

Sleeves:

Attach white yarn to middle ch of underarm.  Ch 3, 1 dc in next ch, 1 dc in corner. *Skip 1 st, dc, ch 1, dc in next st, skip 1 st, 1 dc in next st* around, 1 dc in last ch.  (6 v-sts).  Join to top of ch 3.  Ch 3, turn.

Row 2:* 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in ch 1 space, 1 Fpdc in next dc * around. End with Fpdc, skip last dc. Join to top of ch 3.  Ch 3 turn.

Row 3:  *1 dc,ch 1, 1 dc in ch 1 space, Bpdc in next dc* around.  Join to top of Ch 3, ch 3, turn.

Continue same pattern until 6 rows are completed.  Attach Bluebell and work sc in each dc for trim.  End off.  Hide ends and trim.

   Hat

Row 1: Ch 4 and join to form a circle.  Ch 3, (counts as 1 dc) 11 dc to center of circle.  Join to top of ch 3.  Ch 3.  Do not turn.

Row 2: 1 dc in same space as ch 3.  2 dc in each st around. Join to top of ch 3.  Ch 3. (24 dc)

Row 3: *Skip 1 dc, dc, ch 1, dc in next st, skip 1 st, fpdc in next st. * repeat around.  Join to top of ch 3.  Ch 3. (8 v-sts)

Row 4 to 8: *2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in ch 1 space, fpdc around next dc* around.  Join to top of ch 3.  End after 8th row.  Attach Bluebell and ch 1, 1 sc in each st and ch 1 space around hat.  Join and end.  Hide all ends and trim.

I put white ribbon in row 1 and row 8.  Cut a length to give extra room for tying.

Have a good one.....Nan..

Busy

I have really been busy cutting and sewing all the fleece I bought for the babies.  My husband's office looks like the fleece factory but he doesn't mind.  I am also making ruffle scarves to sell.  The profits go towards the fleece.  Plus I am making hats and things in between.  No there isn't 24 hours to a day, there are more. 

I have been working on a new pattern for a gown.  Will post when it is all done. 

Thank you to those who have given me donations.  I do use it to buy more supplies.  Lots of ladies have asked for hats for "Memory Boxes" and I have been sending hats and small blankets for the boxes.  They are for the Moms who have babies born too soon or born sleeping as they say.  I still provide things for NICU'S.  The latest to get a box was St Josephs in Arizona.

Just wanted to update everyone.  I do have a site on Facebook too.  www.crochet Preemie Hats
if anyone is interested.

Have a good one.....Nan..

Fleece Party

Black Friday is a day I don't like going out to the mall or stores.  That is the rule I lived by until Joann Fabric's flyer came in the mail!  Fleece was on sale for $2.99 a yard and then a coupon for 25% off the final total, yes I will be there as early as I can.  I was up and ready to leave by 8:00.  It's going to be great, hardly any traffic.  Don't see many people either.  When the car was parked, I noticed people coming out of the store with carts piled high with fleece.  Good, I want to get some too for the babies.  I waited for a cart and then off I went.  I headed straight for the fleece aisle.  There were some new patterns that I claimed.  A lot were missing.  I strolled up to the cutting counter to pick a number.  Mine was 71 and they were on 44!  I am in for a wait.  I stood still for a few minutes and they weren't moving customers too fast because everyone had lots of fleece to be measured in their carts. 

I went to another section of the store to get yarn for the scarves I am selling then picked a few other things up and returned to the cutting counter.  Every once in a while one of the workers would go by with a cart of fleece to return to the display and I grabbed some new ones.  It took 2 hours before it was my turn, but that was okay.  I got my pretties cut and off to the register I went.  Good thing I don't have to hide this from anyone ~ there are too many bags!

Lacey Hat

Lion Brand Jamie Yarn # 3.  Blue Varigated. 
I Love This Yarn, Sport Weight, White and Lipstick for trim.
Size H hook


With main color:
Row 1: Chain 4 and join to form a circle.  Chain 3.  11 dc in circle.  Join to top of ch 3.  Do not turn. 

Row 2:  Ch 3. 1 dc in same space as joining.  2 dc in each of next 11 dc. Join to top of ch 3.  (24 dc.)

Row 3:  Chain 3, 1 fpdc in next dc, 1 dc in next st, * Ch 1, 1 dc in next st, 1 fpdc in next st, 1 dc in next st* around. (8 patterns) Join to top of ch 3.

Row 4:  Ch 3. 2 fpdc in next fpdc, 1 dc in next st.* Ch 1, 1 dc in next st, 2 fpdc in next fpdc, 1 dc in next st.* around.  (32 stitches) Join to top of ch 3.

Row 5: Ch 3, 1 fpdc in next two fpdc, 1 dc in next, *Ch 1, 1 dc in next st, 1 fpdc in next 2 fpdc, 1 dc in next st.*  Join to top of ch 3.

Row 6 to 10: Repeat row 5, then end off.   

Trim:  Attach trim color.  Ch 1, 1 sc in same space as ch 1, 1 sc in each st and ch 1 space around.  Join to first sc and end off.  Hide and cut all ends. 

Trim on white hat:  Attach red yarn.  Ch 1 in same space, skip 1 st, *5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, 1 sc in next, skip next st.  Repeat * to * around.  End off and hide ends and cut ends.

Very easy stitch. 

Have a good one.....Nan..

Catching Up

It's been really busy here.  I have been filling orders for hats, blankets, cuddle sacs and gowns.  It got to the point I was falling behind on everything.  I had a few hats left and not much else.  Then I hit the craft stores.  One by one I bought all the pretty fleece I could find and also yarn that I didn't have.  Got some really good deals too.  I had quite a few large bags by the time I got home.  Bob just laughed.  It took a few days, but I finally got all the fleece cut and made into pretty little blankets.  Now I can sit and crochet.  I went into automatic mode.  I made quite a few hats, a few cuddle sacs, and let's not forget the gowns.  Some of the things. like the gowns are already ordered.  I have a few boxes ready to be shipped, one is going to England.  Yes, I am still enjoying what I am doing and will keep it up as long as I can.   So please keep the donations coming.  I really appreciate the help.  Tomorrow if my camera will let me, I will post a new hat pattern I just made yesterday.....

Have a good one.....Nan..

Updating

Well we survived The Halloween Superstorm Sandy.  This storm had many different names.  I am just glad it is gone from here.  Our power and phones went out, so I had a bit of time to clean up some of my projects.  I have a few hats for adults to finish up, scarves are also on the list.  I am selling them to get some funds for the preemie hats. 

This project has really started to get off the ground.  I am getting requests for hats and blankets for Memory bags.  It's so nice to be able to help. 

Have a good one.....Nan..

New Pattern

Stay tuned.  I should be putting a new hat pattern on in the next few days.

Have a good one.....Nan

I need some help Fund Drive

I need a little bit of help.  In order to continue offering my patterns free, I could use some help with donations for the use of the patterns.  I want to continue to help all the Preemies that I send things to so I am having a Fund Drive.  If you would be kind enough to donate, just hit the donate button on the right side of this blog.  I do love seeing how many people come to see this blog.  If everyone donated one dollar I could reach out to many more babies.  I get quite a few requests for hats and blankets but the cost of postage has gone up.  So if you can help I would appreciate it.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Spread the word.

Have a good one.....Nan..

Snuck Out

I watched and waited and when no one was looking I grabbed the keys and ran to the car.  Slowly I backed out of the driveway, not wanting to get anyone's attention.  I am heading to Joann's Fabric.  I wanted to buy more fleece for the babies.  I filled 4 orders today and my finished one are dwindling.  Upon arriving at the store I grab a cart with full intentions of filling it up.  Ah, this is soft, this one too.  Then I spotted two bolts up above and the sales lady got them for me.  Then they were cut, and when all were finished there wasn't much room left in the cart.  Yes, I also threw some other things in there too.  It was all on sale and I had a coupon for 30% off the total order.  I did good but now I have four bags, three of which are fleece.  They will know where I went.  My phone hasn't made a sound.  Maybe they don't know I'm gone.   

All the pretties in the bags!

On arriving home, there they were at the front door waiting to see what pretties I bought for the babies today.  They love what I am doing.

Have a good one.....Nan


Shopping

Went and did a little shopping for yarn and fleece today.  I got all of the fleece cut up so I can start sewing tomorrow.  I haven't touched my hook today at all.  Try to do better tomorrow.

On the brighter side, I did mail out some boxes today.  2 went to NICU's with Halloween hats and Christmas hats, another had blankets and hats and went to a lady that is giving out boxes to Mothers who won't take babies home because the baby was born sleeping.  The last box went to Brighter Days ~ it had onesies, sleepers blankets and sleepers.  This lady is starting a home for pregnant teens.  Good luck to both ladies. 

I have received a donation and want to thank that person for thinking of my project.  I do buy everything myself and pay for all my own postage.  I am retired and don't have an income anymore, so all donations are appreciated.  I am enjoying doing this and don't want to stop.  Please if you can send a donation.  Thank you from all the babies.

Have a good one.....Nan..

Pumpkin or Santa Hats

Pumpkin or Santa Hat

I Love This Yarn ~ Sport Weight ~ Orange & Dark Olive for Pumpkin & Lipstick & White for Santa Hats
Size G hook 

Row 1:  Chain 4 and join to make a circle.  Ch 3, counts as 1 dc.  11 dc in circle, join to top of ch 3.  Do not turn.

Row 2:  Ch 3, 1 dc in same space, 2 dc in each dc from prior row.  24 dc.  Join to top of ch 3.  Do not turn.

Row 3:  Ch 1, 1 sc in same space, * ch 3, skip 1 dc, 1 sc in next space* to last dc, ch 2, 1 hdc in 1st sc to join round.  Ch 1.  Turn each row now. 

Row 4: 1 sc in first ch 3 space, *ch 3, 1 sc in ch 3 space to end.  Join row by ch 2, then put a hdc in ch 1 in beginning of row.

Repeat Row 4  for 4 more rows.  End main color.

Row 9:  Attach trim color.  Ch 2, counts as 1 hdc,* 2 hdc in ch 3, 1 hdc in sc* around.  Join to top of ch 2.  End off.  Hide and cut all tails.  ( You can also use a sc instead of a hdc for trim.)

Add a pom pom in contrasting color to top of hat.  Quick and easy.

Have a good one.....Nan..

New stats!

I am so excited.  Almost a year ago I started with this idea of making hats and blankets for the Preemies.  Then I found out they needed items for those little angels that don't make it.  So I started making "gowns" ~ demise gowns, and let's not forget the cuddle sacs.  I never thought I would get the requests that I get from others that need these items.  I started small with two local hospitals, then it went to another in Philly.  I was getting requests from Nurses.  I did make some things they asked for.  One hospital wants warmer blankets, these are for the warmers that the babies go in as soon as they are born.  I have 15 of those sent. 

I went shopping for yarn.  Must be soft and pretty, oh and certain colors don't look good on the babies.  Make some super small hats that fit a large egg.  Do you realize how small that is.  I do.  I can whip up one of those in 10 minutes.  So much fun.  I wanted to make and donate 1000 hats.  I am getting there.

Totals sent so far:  Blankets ~  604,
                              Hats ~ 423,
                              Gowns ~ 37 
                              Cuddle Sacs ~ 26
                              Warmer Blankets ~ 15

I am so proud.  If there is anyone out there that has the name of a NICU that needs and will accept items, let me know.  Also if anyone wants to help with a donation of funds for postage or supplies, I could use it as I pay for everything myself.  Wish I was rich.

So thank all of my followers, it really makes me excited to see how many people look at this blog.  I will post a new hat pattern in the next few days.  In the mean time, look around and see if there is anything you like.

Have a good one.....Nan.. 

Next Donation Box

I had another box ready to send but it didn't have a destination until the other day.  It will be sent to Kelly at Bella Bambina Knits to go to a hospital in New York.  I ordered gift tags to go on all the larger things I make. 

My latest articles are Santa Hats for the babies.  Aren't they cute.   Would love to see them on the babies. 

Have a good one.....Nan..

New Hat Design ~ Tie Hats

                                                    Tie Hats

 Lion Brand Jamie Yarn in Sunshine,  Contrasting color, & Size G hook
Fpdc ~ Front post double crochet

Row 1:  Chain 40 with main color and join to form a circle.  Chain 3.  1 dc in each chain around.  40 dc.  Join in top of ch 3.  Do not turn.

Row 2 to 11: Ch 3, *1 dc in next 3 dc, Fpdc around next dc*  Repeat * to *.  End by joining in top of ch 3.  End off. 

Attach contrasting color to top of hat.  Ch 1, 1 sc in each dc around.  Join to ch 1.  End off.  Now attach contrasting color to bottom of hat and repeat ch 1, 1 sc in each stitch around.  Join to ch 1.  End.  Hide all tails.

Chain 80 with contrasting color.  End off.  Weave in row 10 from bottom of hat.  Tie.

Wasn't that one easy?  I even remembered how to put the picture in!

Have a good one.....Nan..

New fleece

Last week I made a raid on Joann's for fleece.  I finally got it all cut and ready for the serger.  We are now into winter prints.  They are so cute and soft.  Then today I went and bought more yarn at AC Moores.  Heaven forbid should I run out (that will never happen).  My family will vouch for that as we sit here looking at the plastic tote of yarn that is so neatly packed to overfull.  Oh that isn't the only one.  So my projects continue.  If anyone has a NICU in need let me know.  In the mean time...

Have a good one.....Nan...

For Sale

I have decided to see if anyone would be interested in purchasing a Preemie gown.  They are in the picture to the right.  $12.99.  It can go through Pay Pal just like the donations.  Anyone interested?

Anyone wishing to send a donation can do so with the donation button.  It is also Pay Pal and very simple.  Postage , yarn and fleece cost.  Any help is appreciated.

Have a good one.....Nan..

Wisconsin NICU

The latest donation box is going to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin NICU.  There is a family there with twins I have been in contact with.  So they are the next recipients of Grandma Nancy's Preemie items.  I must add up my totals.  I know I must be close to 500 hats.  Oh how nice to know how many little ones are warmer because of the items I created.

Have a good one.....Nan..

Donations

I have a small box ready to go to Georgia.  A lady is collecting blankets for the kids in Appalachia that will be given to them at Christmas.  Some children get nothing for Christmas because their parents must decide if they want food or presents.  I do remember those days when I was a child, but of course I didn't realize it at ate time.  It's tough to want things for Christmas and not be able to have anything.  It is just another day for some people.

Then I found another place that needs onesies for thrown away teens who are having babies.  Their parents have thrown them out because they got pregnant and they have nothing for their babies or themselves. 

So, I have one box ready, guess I need to go and start the second box.  If anyone would like to help with postage, either hit donation or you can mail a donation in for the babies to:  Preemies 722 Farnham Road  Nicholson Pa 18446.  Thank you all.

Another Delivery

I filled the box very carefully, handling each item like they would brake.  I know they aren't fragile but they need care.  The touch of love is on each item in the box.  It's destination, once again CHOPS.  They sent me a request for blankets for the warmers.  There are 11 of those in this box for the babies.  There are blankets of all sizes, hats of all designs, Gowns, cuddle sacs, lots of things for the babies to keep them warm and comfy.  

The box will be delivered tomorrow and will bathe each baby in love. 

Have a good one.....Nan