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

Fleece

A friend found an ad for free fleece.  I have called the Company and spoke with someone in another state.  She has called the local Company to tell them I am interested.  I can even pick it up myself.  I will load my car to the hilt to get as much as I can for the babies.  I told her I will let everyone know where the fleece came from.  She liked that idea.  Then I can send the blankets to more NICU's.  I have an expanded list of places that need blankets and hats and onsies for the preemies and babies.  Some people just can't afford them. I have been buying boxes to ship it in.  Anyone interested in helping with postage?  You don't need a paypal account to donate.  Just hit donate.  Every dollar helps.  Please give if you can.  The babies will love you for it!

Have a good one.....Nan.. 

Preemie Project

Starting today I have offered people who make a $10.00 donation to the Preemies, a choice of things they can donate to the Preemies.  Hat and blanket, gown and hat, dress, cuddle sac and hat or a few hats.  I will put your name on a card that the item has been donated by you.  All money goes to the Preemies for supplies. 

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

Donations!

A very lovely lady contacted me yesterday about a fleece donation.  Yes, I would love a donation.  We met up today and the fleece was in a black garbage bag.  Darn, I couldn't see in it.  Upon arriving at home we opened the bag and started to sort through the fleece.  Two prints and the rest were pastel colors.  How nice!  They are now on the processing table (dining room table, just sounds better)  Cutting will be tomorrow and then the serger gets set up. 

A big thank you goes to Jane.  Any and all donations are appreciated.  Show me you like my patterns.  Every dollar counts.

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

The latest hats!

I have been working on a few larger hats for the Pediatric Patients.  Mckee decided she would help design them.  She suggested the eyes and noses and the buttons for embellishments.  She did a good job so I had to post them to show them off.  If you are interested in patterns for these let me know and I can post them.

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

Thunder

We are having quite the time with storms.  I have two dogs that hate thunder.  We laugh because they shake so bad.  Last night at about 1:30 AM, yes AM, the lab knocked down her gate and ran into the other room.  After checking that all was well, I returned her to her room.  Ten minutes later she did it again.  This time I knew why - Thunder.  Oh well, I won't sleep till it is over so I came out and sat on the couch with the dog shivering at my feet.  I was getting a foot massage!  There was no TV so I picked up my hook and made another Preemie hat while I waited for the storm to pass.  Two hours later I added two more hats to my bounty for the preemies.  Please no rain tonight.  I do need some sleep.......

Thank you to all my readers.  If you would like to make a donation for the Preemies just hit The donation button.  Every little bit helps. 

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

Hospital # 4

A lady on Facebook contacted me to see if I could donate some items to her hospital for the NICU.  Some of the rural hospitals become forgotten.  It takes someone like Megan to bring small hospitals in the limelight.  This particular hospital is in Spokane, Washington.  Since I already had some items made up, yes I try to stay ahead of the game, I told her I could send a box this week.

I had a box made up to give me more room in my tote.  Just a glance at the box gave me the information as to what was in the box.  I added a few more things to it and sealed it up.  So this NICU will have Grandma Nancy's items in it too.  I went to mail it and couldn't believe the price, but it is now on it's way to the preemies.  Now more than ever, I could really use donations to also pay for postage.  If you so choose to donate, I do appreciate it since I am also unemployed.   I do intend to keep looking for new places to donate.  If you have any let me know and I will be glad to help out and make a parent smile because their baby has a new hat or outfit to wear.

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