Cross-Stitching

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Ideas for Charity -- Totes or Bookmarks?
Fri, Aug 22, 2014 8:50 AM
Posted by Jen
Hello. My church is starting a ministry for shut-ins and hospice. I cross-stitched many years ago and thought I could put these talents to good use. Does anyone have ideas for what to make? I was thinking of bookmarks or totes. I am a novice. Any advice would be appreciated!
  • Reply from NANCYE G
    Friday, August 22, 2014 10:00 AM
    I have been stitching squares for WOCS (World of Charity Sewing). We make cross stitch squares into quilts, tote bags, wheelchair bags, etc.

    Re Hospice: I don't think that bookmarks would be a good idea for the patients. They are very sick people and probably unable to read much. However, maybe the families would appreciate them.

    Check out the links on this site to charity organizations and what they would like.

    Nursing homes in your area would probably appreciate totes, walker bags, etc.

    If, by chance, you are in the St Louis area I have some floss and patterns that I am willing to give you Go to top

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    Reply from Pauline
    Sunday, August 24, 2014 2:50 PM
    As a former church Pastor, the ladies group and I stitched prayer shawls. These are not the knitted/crocheted type since the ladies are elderly and lack the dexterity needed. So, here's what we did. We cut squares of fabric (you can decide the size), using solid colors and prints. I was able to find some Christian prints. On the solid squares, we used sharpie markers and hand wrote simple prayers and Scripture verses (those who were able to do this). We used two rows of squares, alternating the solid and print squares and added a strip in the center. We used a simple backing (no batting necessary, stitched the front and back together (wrong sides together). The stitched piece gets turned right side out, open edge gets hand sewn. We used several strands of floss and tied knots between the squares. The church name was written on the back with the sharpie marker. If you want more info, please email me. Go to top
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      Reply from NANCYE G
      Sunday, August 24, 2014 4:14 PM
      I think that is an excellent idea for the hospice patients and one that would not be too difficult. Just be sure that they are not given to non-Christian patients, okay? Go to top
      • Reply from Pauline
        Sunday, August 24, 2014 10:12 PM
        If they are given to non-Christian patients, it is so easy to use words of encouragement instead of Scripture. OK? Go to top
  • Reply from carrie
    Monday, August 25, 2014 12:17 AM
    another nice thing for those individuals that are shut ins or in nursing homes is holiday decorations. you can find all kinds of cute and small pics for all holidays. better homes and gardens has a book with all kinds of small pics from flowers and animals to little holiday motifs just to brighten someones day. if you are making it special for specific homes, try to find out the peoples birth months and try to stitch their specific months. i have found flowers, fairy's, dragons, and all other kinds. Go to top