Tiny Stitches Newsletter-April 2006

            Since we have some new volunteers (and we all can use a reminder) take note of the following information.  File this newsletter with your patterns for future reference.

            All items should fit newborns. Watch the size of sweaters, hats and booties- check your personal gauge and adjust the directions as needed. If you need help, there are “pros” among us who will be glad to help you. The yarn must be washable- with NO wool. We have patterns and yarn available.

            All fabrics we furnish should be considered as unwashed. Please wash fabric before you make garments. Fleece blankets and garments can be washed after they are made.

            Afghans should be 36”x 36” or 36”x 45” finished size, any pattern you like as long as there are no large holes for little fingers and toes to get caught in.

            Quilts are 36”x 45” and should be quilted enough to keep the batting from shifting- about 4” apart is fine. We do not use tied quilts.

            Lap pads and burp cloths are different sizes but constructed the same way. When finished lap pads should be 14 to 16 inches square. If both sides are woven fabric, a thin batting is needed between the layers.

             There are two styles of burp cloths and both styles are 22” long and 8” wide. Lap pads and burp cloths should be quilted.

            Check the stretch of knit fabric before cutting out garments. Be sure there is enough stretch for the baby’s head to go thru the opening.  Some newborn heads are as big as 21”around. Use the less stretchable fabric for lap front shirts or sleepers.

            The tote bag outer fabric and lining are cut 26 x 45. The strap is cut 4” wide and folded in half. Then fold the edges inside to the center fold and stitch both edges. The length is about 36 inches long to hang comfortably over your shoulder.

            No Velcro fasteners on any items, please. The sound is harsh on baby ears and Velcro can irritate baby skin.  It is very easy to learn to attach snaps. We have two different types of snap setters.

            Check the patterns you use. Go around the edge with a marker so it is easy to see and avoid cutting into the pattern. Be sure your patterns are up to date- some lap front shirts are too short and too narrow.

            Check the tension on your machines and sergers.  A four thread serger seam is preferred as it makes a tighter seam.

            At the rate requests are growing we need every item we can get made. Items that are not “fit for our own grand babies” have to be given to other charitable groups. We know you would prefer to help “our” babies first.

            If any of the above is not clear, please ask for clarification.

 

Meeting dates for April follow:

                        Business Meeting-(1^st Monday) April 3, 10:00am to 12 noon- Atlanta Sewing Center, Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA.

                        Alpharetta Group-(2^nd Saturday) April 8, 9:30asm to 1:30pm- First United Methodist Church- 69 Main Street, Alpharetta, GA.

                        Gainesville Workshop-(3^rd Saturday) April 15, 10:00am to 2:00pm- Lakewood Baptist Church, 2235 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA.

                        Gwinnett Medical Center Workshop-(3^rd Saturday) April 15, 9:30am to 3:30pm- Gwinnett Medical Center Education Center, Lawrenceville, GA.

                        Snellville Group-(3^rd Thursday) April 20, 11:00am to 3:00pm- Eastside Heritage Center, 2160 Fountain Drive, Snellville, GA.

                        Bunten Road Workshop-(last Tursday) April 25, 9:30am to 3:00pm- Bunten Road Park Activities Building, Duluth, GA.